Category Archives: Tech

Auto Math 101


  CUBIC INCH DISPLACEMENT BORE X BORE X STROKE X .7854 X # CYLINDERS 4.030 x 4.030 x 3.750 x .7854 x 8 = 382.6 ( 383 Chevy ) PISTON TO DECK CLEARANCE VOLUME BORE X BORE X 12.87 X PISTON TO DECK CLEARANCE [ PLUS OR MINUS ] EXAMPLE:   4.030 X 4.030 X 12.87Continue reading “Auto Math 101”

Ford 9 inch Tech


Ford used the 9 inch rear from around the 1957 model year right up until the early 1980’s in cars and trucks. It was not the only axle used, but was by far one of the best. Variations by Ford exist in the size of the outer axle bearings in the housings and carriers both,Continue reading “Ford 9 inch Tech”

1954 Mercury Digital Instrument System


Dakota Digital Series III instrument systems offer the latest technologies and features for your custom vehicle. High brightness vacuum fluorescent displays provide a lifetime of trouble free use while offering increased accuracy and features! Full 6 Gauge Instrument System fits into OEM bezel for 1954 Mercury. Fits directly into existing bezel. (not included)    Continue reading “1954 Mercury Digital Instrument System”

Hidden Tunes Via An Ipod


A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was itching to get some tunes into my daily driven ’39 Ford Sedan. Installing a simple stereo in an old car is easy as pie, but this car presented a challenge of sorts. See, the ’39 still has the original interior and wood grained dash and comeContinue reading “Hidden Tunes Via An Ipod”

Sheet Metal Gauge Chart


Gauge (ga) Standard Steel Thickness (inches) Galvanized Steel Thickness (inches) Aluminum Thickness (inches) 3 0.2391   0.2294 4 0.2242   0.2043 5 0.2092   0.1819 6 0.1943   0.1620 7 0.1793   0.1443 8 0.1644   0.1285 9 0.1495 0.1532 0.1144 10 0.1345 0.1382 0.1019 11 0.1196 0.1233 0.0907 12 0.1046 0.1084 0.0808 13 0.0897Continue reading “Sheet Metal Gauge Chart”

Stroker Motors Explained


More displacement and greater leverage means more torque. This concept is obvious when you compare the torque ratings between factory small block motors and factory big block motors. However, nowadays it is not necessary to suffer the time and switching costs of leaping to a larger block if you are only after more displacement. DisplacementContinue reading “Stroker Motors Explained”

HOW TO DO PIN-UP MAKEUP


Love the look of classic pin-ups from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s? Ever wondered what makeup tricks they use to get that perfectly flawless finish, those sultry bedroom eyes and those ruby red lips? Learn to do it yourself in this quick video tutorial, and you can look like a retro pin-up model, too!

Steel & Aluminum Characteristics


Aluminum  characteristics: The 3003-H14 has superior strength characteristics over pure aluminum and is easily welded with either TIG (tungsten-inert-gas) or oxygen-acetylene gas welders, yet remains malleable for shaping and bending. By comparison, a 6061-T6 aluminum alloy would yield even more strength than the 3003-H14, but the 6061-T6 is also more brittle and if welded, may develop stress cracksContinue reading “Steel & Aluminum Characteristics”

How to Build a Voltage Regulator for $3


Here’s a straightforward way to build your own “Runtz” type voltage reducers so that you can use your 6 volt gauges on your 12 volt system. The regulator is based on the LM7806 integrated circuit, which is able to reduce voltage while maintaining a constant current. Use one regulator for each gauge; this allows youContinue reading “How to Build a Voltage Regulator for $3”