What's next for the Catalog Camaro?
About this episode
Stacey David discusses the future of his Catalog Camaro project, which he is passing on to Miller and Sons Collision, a restoration-focused shop in New York. Guests Jim and Jimmy Miller share their backgrounds in collision repair and restoration, emphasizing hands-on learning and passion for craftsmanship. They also talk about their unique custom projects, including a radical Infiniti G37 transformation showcased at SEMA. The conversation highlights the challenges of rust in northern climates, the importance of finding good donor cars, and the value of practical experience over formal training in automotive restoration and painting.
On this episode, Stacey discusses what happens to the projects that he doesn't have the time to finish. So, he invited Jim & Jimmy Miller of MILLER & SON COLLISION out of Lancaster, NY onto the podcast since they are now the new owners of the CATALOG CAMARO project and will oversee its completion.
Then, it's mailbag time! Stacey answers "should I get into 30s hot rods?", "How many miles is too many when buying a used car?", "What do I do with this project I inherited?" And "Have you ever regretted selling a project?"
SEMA
"...that go out to shows like SEMA and stuff, like we just finished up the fall guide truck..."
SEMA is a big car show where people show off cool custom cars and new car parts. It's a place where car fans and businesses meet.
SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts one of the largest automotive trade shows in the world, showcasing aftermarket parts, custom builds, and industry innovations.
Chevrolet Camaro
"And one of them that we're going to talk about today is the catalog Camaro that I started a few years ago and hasn't been seen for a while."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a type of car that is fast and sporty. Many people like it because it looks cool and drives well.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and sporty design. It has been produced in various generations since 1966 and remains a popular choice for car enthusiasts.
collision work
"So do you just do collision work? Because obviously this is way different than collision."
Collision work means fixing cars that got damaged in crashes, like fixing dents and broken parts so the car looks and works like before.
Collision work refers to repairing vehicles that have been damaged in accidents, focusing on restoring the body and structural integrity.
restoration
"I'll tell you, when we started the business, it was 90% collision and 10% restoration. Now it's almost flopped."
Restoration means fixing up a car to make it like new again, especially older or classic cars, so they look and work like they did when they were first made.
Restoration is the process of returning a vehicle to its original condition, often involving extensive repairs and refurbishing to preserve or enhance its historical and aesthetic value.
rust
""And I would think that up there in that part of the country, you're dealing with a lot of rust. You do.""
Rust happens when a car's metal parts get wet and start to break down, making holes and weak spots. Cars from places with lots of rain or snow often have more rust.
Rust is the corrosion of metal caused by exposure to moisture and oxygen, which can severely damage a car's body and structural integrity. It is a common issue in cars from regions with harsh winters or high humidity.
southern cars
""That's why you try to find southern cars to start with. Yeah, you're going to like this car.""
Cars from southern areas usually don't get as rusty because the weather is warmer and drier, so they often last longer without damage.
Southern cars refer to vehicles originating from southern regions of the country, which typically have less exposure to road salt and moisture, resulting in less rust and corrosion.
California car
""It's a California car, right? Oh yeah. I see you walking around.""
A California car is one that lived in California, where the weather is dry and cars usually don't get rusty. These cars often have good records and are well taken care of.
A California car is a vehicle that has spent most or all of its life in California, a state known for its dry climate and strict emissions regulations, often resulting in less rust and better maintenance records.
donor car
"So it's like you just got to buy a beautiful donor. Yeah."
A donor car is like a spare car you take parts from to fix another car. People use it when they want to replace broken or rusty parts on their car.
A donor car is a vehicle used to provide parts or body panels for repairing or restoring another car. It is often chosen for its condition and compatibility with the target vehicle.
collision shop
"10 years for your collision shop."
A collision shop is a place where cars that got hurt in crashes are fixed. They make the car look and work like new again.
A collision shop is a specialized automotive repair facility that focuses on fixing vehicles damaged in accidents. They handle bodywork, frame straightening, painting, and restoring the vehicle's structural integrity.
wet sanding
"and he's wet sand in the car. It's final paint, right? So he's wet sand and I grab a piece of paper off the ground."
Wet sanding is when you use wet sandpaper to make the car's paint very smooth and shiny. It helps fix little bumps or scratches in the paint.
Wet sanding is a finishing process in automotive painting where sandpaper is used with water to smooth the surface of the paint. This technique helps achieve a glossy and even finish by removing imperfections.
Sawzall
""But even when we cut the front clip off with a Sawzall just to trim it off because we put a whole new fiberglass front clip on it,""
A Sawzall is a power tool like a saw that moves back and forth to cut things. People use it to cut parts of cars or other stuff when fixing or changing them.
A Sawzall is a brand name for a reciprocating saw, a handheld power tool used for cutting through various materials including metal and plastic, often used in automotive repair and demolition.
lift kit
"He actually cut his sister's Barbie Jeep up to put a lift kit on it with 2x4s and it was an epic failure."
A lift kit is something you add to a car or truck to make it sit higher off the ground. This helps the vehicle go over rocks or bumps without getting stuck or damaged.
A lift kit is an aftermarket modification that raises a vehicle's suspension, increasing ground clearance and allowing for larger tires. It's commonly used on off-road vehicles to improve their ability to navigate rough terrain.
body kit
"And then the customer brought us a body kit, came out of Beirut."
A body kit is extra pieces added to the outside of a car to make it look cooler or different. These parts can change the shape of the car's front, sides, and back.
A body kit is a set of exterior modifications added to a car to change its appearance and sometimes improve aerodynamics. It typically includes parts like bumpers, side skirts, and spoilers.
Lexus Lc500
"I believe out of like a 2022. Lexus LC500 headlights, tail lights, grafted all that stuff in and, you know,"
The Lexus LC500 is a fancy two-door car that looks cool and has a strong engine. The 2022 version has some new design parts and features.
The Lexus LC500 is a luxury grand tourer coupe known for its striking design and powerful V8 engine. The 2022 model features updated styling and modern technology.
paint gun
""So you guys know your way around a paint gun a little bit. A little bit, yes, sir. So what kind of gun are you using?""
A paint gun is like a spray tool that helps put paint on cars smoothly and evenly.
A paint gun is a tool used to spray paint evenly onto a vehicle's surface, often used in automotive refinishing and custom paint jobs.
tune an engine
""You can read a thousand times on how to tune an engine or how to weld in this. And you can't weld until you pick it up and figure it out.""
Tuning an engine means making changes so the car runs better or uses less fuel. It’s like adjusting settings to make the engine work just right.
Tuning an engine involves adjusting various parameters like fuel mixture, ignition timing, and air intake to optimize performance, efficiency, or emissions.
weld
""You can read a thousand times on how to tune an engine or how to weld in this. And you can't weld until you pick it up and figure it out.""
Welding is a way to stick pieces of metal together by melting them so they become one solid piece.
Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals, by melting and fusing them together to create a strong bond.
Nissan Cima
"like with this last, you know, Cima car that we brought, there were points in the build where I felt like I was running on a steam,"
The Nissan Cima is a fancy car made in Japan that people sometimes change or fix up to make it special. It's like a nice, comfortable car that can be customized.
The Nissan Cima is a luxury sedan primarily sold in Japan, known for its high-end features and comfort. It is often used as a base for custom builds and modifications due to its robust platform.
vintage air unit
"...if you're working on an interior, that can be overwhelming. But if you focus on putting in your vintage air unit, and you get that installed, you can step back and go, victory!"
A vintage air unit is a special air conditioner made to work in old cars. It helps keep the car cool but looks like it belongs in the older car.
A vintage air unit is an aftermarket air conditioning system designed to fit classic cars, providing modern cooling performance while maintaining a period-correct look.
TKX
""Have you driven the TKX, the little five-speed? Not the TKX, no. It shifts like the T56 six-speed.""
The TKX is a type of manual gearbox with five gears that helps you change speeds smoothly in some cars.
The TKX is a five-speed manual transmission known for its smooth shifting and compact size, often used in performance cars as a lighter alternative to larger transmissions.
T56 six-speed
""It shifts like the T56 six-speed. Okay. It's just five, so you're a little smaller.""
The T56 is a manual gearbox with six gears that lets you change speeds smoothly and is used in many powerful cars.
The T56 is a six-speed manual transmission widely used in muscle cars and sports cars, known for its durability and precise shifting.
Subaru Crosstek
"...get her for college. He said, well, we got her a Subaru Crosstek and she loves it. And she loves playing with the..."
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small car that can drive well on all kinds of roads, including dirt or snowy ones. Many people like it because it's easy to drive and good for everyday use. It's a good car for students or anyone who wants something reliable and safe.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a compact crossover SUV known for its all-wheel drive capability, practicality, and reliability. It's a popular choice for younger drivers and those needing a versatile vehicle for both city and light off-road use. Its reputation for safety and ease of driving makes it a common recommendation for college students and first-time car buyers.
paddle shifters
"My daughter had a Mini Cooper and had the paddle shifters on it, but she didn't know what they were. ... She starts tapping on the steering wheel and she's hitting that paddle shifter."
Paddle shifters are buttons behind the steering wheel that let you change gears yourself, like in a manual car, but without needing to press a clutch pedal.
Paddle shifters are controls located behind the steering wheel that allow the driver to manually shift gears in an automatic or semi-automatic transmission without using a clutch. They provide a sportier driving experience and more control over gear selection.
all wheel drive
""He says, now what I'm looking for is a truck that's either a 4x4 or all wheel drive.""
All wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels when needed, helping it drive safely on slippery or uneven roads.
All wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that automatically distributes power to all four wheels of a vehicle to improve traction and stability, especially in adverse conditions like rain or snow.
4x4
""He says, now what I'm looking for is a truck that's either a 4x4 or all wheel drive.""
4x4 means the vehicle can send power to all four wheels at the same time, which helps it drive better on rough or slippery roads.
4x4 refers to a vehicle drivetrain that powers all four wheels simultaneously, typically used in trucks and off-road vehicles to improve traction and handling in difficult terrain.
Honda Ridgeline
""He says, we're looking at all options, including the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Maverick.""
The Honda Ridgeline is a type of pickup truck that drives more like a car and is good for everyday use and carrying stuff.
The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup truck known for its unibody construction, comfortable ride, and versatile features, blending car-like handling with truck utility.
Ford Maverick
""He says, we're looking at all options, including the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Maverick.""
The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that's good for city driving and everyday tasks, and it can save gas because it has a hybrid engine option.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck introduced recently, featuring a unibody design and available hybrid powertrain, aimed at urban and light-duty truck buyers.
LS swap
"but can the 4.3 be built enough to do anything special or would an LS swap be better?"
An LS swap means putting a different, more powerful engine called an LS V8 into a car or truck to make it faster and stronger.
An LS swap refers to replacing a vehicle's original engine with a General Motors LS-series V8 engine. This is a popular modification due to the LS engine's high power potential, availability, and aftermarket support.
project car
"getting ready to do this 240Z project. I used to buy 240Zs for $500, $300, you know, now forget it."
A project car is a car that someone buys to fix up or change. People do this for fun or to make the car better or more valuable.
A project car is a vehicle that someone buys with the intention of restoring, modifying, or repairing it over time. These cars are often purchased at lower prices and can be a hobby or investment.
Datsun 240Z
"you know, getting ready to do this 240Z project. I used to buy 240Zs for $500, $300, you know, now forget it."
The 240Z is an old Japanese sports car that people really like. It's a cool car to fix up and drive because it looks nice and goes fast for its age.
The Datsun 240Z is a classic Japanese sports car produced in the early 1970s known for its sleek design and strong enthusiast following. It is often sought after for restoration and project car builds due to its iconic status and performance potential.
Chevrolet Camaro Z28
"he had an 86 Camaro Z28 that he sold, and now the price has gone up."
The Camaro Z28 is a fast and sporty car made by Chevrolet. The 1986 model is popular with car fans who like muscle cars from the 1980s.
The 1986 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is a performance-oriented version of the Camaro from the third generation, known for its V8 engine and sporty handling. It has become a collectible muscle car with rising values in recent years.
Ford Mustang
"...Rot Camaro. Unfortunately, those and the Foxbody Mustangs of that era are pretty hot right now. So those a..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular sports car that many people like because it looks cool and goes fast. The older models from the 1980s and early 1990s are especially popular right now, so a lot of people want to buy them. Because of this, they can be more expensive and harder to find.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and sporty design. The Foxbody Mustangs, produced from 1979 to 1993, have become highly sought after by enthusiasts due to their lightweight chassis and tunability. This popularity has driven up prices, making them a hot commodity in the collector and tuner markets.
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