Classic Car Blog

Are New Cars Ruining Old Car Shows?

October 22, 2019 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Blog.

The warmth of the sun felt good on the back of my neck as I joined several old friends who had gathered in the grassy area next to the parking lot where our classic cars were on display. A warm weekend in Minnesota in late September tends to bring everyone out, as the knowledge there…

Preparing Your Classic Car for Upholstery

September 28, 2016 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Blog, Classic Car Tech Articles.

For most classic car enthusiasts, a trip to the upholstery shop is about as welcome as a trip to the dentist. Yet with a little planning and preparation, the experience can certainly run smoothly, and can actually be rewarding. “It’s going to cost how much?” “You can’t take my car in for how long?” Those…

Brand Loyalty

April 27, 2016 By Editor & filed under Classic Car Blog.

“Come on, there must be a Ford guy out there somewhere,” the auctioneer announced sharply as bidding stalled at $3,500 for a beautifully restored Model T. Years ago we traveled nearly 250 miles to attend an auction of two private collectors who, before their deaths, amassed a collection of DeSoto automobiles that included at least…

Good Neighbors

March 30, 2016 By Editor & filed under Classic Car Blog.

Opening the tattered manila folder, I carefully laid out the plans for my new garage addition across the counter for review by the City Planner. I’d gone through these same processes years before when I built my home shop, although now the rules had changed. Twenty years of progress had brought about restrictions in the…

Plan for Success

February 26, 2016 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Blog.

A loud groan from the car trailer’s suspension broke the silence as we winched the old Ford truck aboard. The old pickup was once Ralph’s dream, as thoughts of driving his family around the neighborhood or in the local Fourth of July parade fueled his passion. But, like so many other unfinished projects I’ve bought…

A Tale of Two Seasons

February 2, 2016 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Blog.

There’s something about those late winter days in Minnesota when the thermometer finally breaks the freezing mark (on the way up) that ignites something deep in your soul. Perhaps it’s the thought of spring and summer, and confidence the driving season will soon be upon us. Not that the car season ends up here in…

My Job Sucks… Sometimes

January 7, 2016 By Editor & filed under Classic Car Blog.

Midnight was quickly approaching. My office was quiet. Only the tapping on my keyboard broke the silence. It’s no secret I complete the lion’s share of my writing well after hours. It’s a time when I can become lost in my thoughts, and am free of distraction. Phone calls, meetings, and e-mails all have a…

Hidden Treasures

July 24, 2015 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Blog.

Entering the main gate at a local swap meet, the early morning sun was already beginning to feel warm. I was quickly reminded of all the similar meets I’d attended over the years. There is nothing quite like the smells of “Fair” food and old car parts mixing to trigger a wealth of memories. Beginning…

Junkyard Tech

July 10, 2015 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Blog.

Clack… Clack… Clack… The windshield wipers’ melodic tone made our two-hour trip seem much longer. The allure of a seldom-visited yard packed with vintage cars and parts beckoned us. The light mist in the air was certainly not enough to dampen our enthusiasm. Just a couple of miles from our destination, the mist that followed…

UnCommon Sense

June 30, 2015 By Mark Simpson & filed under Classic Car Blog.

As I wrote my blog post a few weeks ago memories of past engine startups can rushing back, and the trials and tribulations involved with each were nearly as vivid today as they were years ago. One such instance has stuck with me and remains etched in my memories. The whine of the starter was…