New TV Show for Classic Car Enthusiasts to Debut on the Discovery Channel

Recently I found out about a new TV show that will debut on the Discovery Channel geared toward the Classic Car Restoration business.  Desert Car Kings, is about a family based in Arizona who restore classic cars for a living. 

The McClure family is passionately restoring American glory, one classic car at a time. Their family business, Desert Valley Auto Parts, houses over 10,000 rust-free vehicles over 100 sun-baked Arizona acres. Not content with merely providing original parts for thousands of car collectors and restoration junkies each year, the McClures and their rag-tag crew are constantly on the hunt for cars to restore -- seeking them out in backyards, barns and even on their own massive lot. Their goal? To restore these classic American cars to their original glory and get them back on the road, while discovering the unique and historically significant qualities of each car -- and of course, to make a fair profit at auction.

Desert Car Kings will begin on January 26

Christmas Gifts for the Classic Car Restorer

This year I would like to suggest some great gifts to buy that are useful and significantly more fun than some of the typical holiday gifts auto enthusiasts are given.

Here is a list of gifts that you can use to spice up the holiday season of your Classic Car enthusiast.

Hot Rod T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - $15-$28
For Sale on OldRide.com

You are sure to be pleased with this custom graphic t-shirt, including the OldRide.com logo on the front with a larger logo and  larger Hot Rod on the back.  This shirt or sweatshirt is made comfortable using 100% cotton and comes pre-shrunk.  A perfect gift for any classic car enthusiast.  OldRide is a leader in the classic car industry and marketplace for classic cars for sale.

And guess what?  They offer FREE shipping!

Classic Car Restoration Book - $27
For Sale on Amazon.com

The Classic Car Restoration Guide:  The Complete Illustrated Step-by-Step Manual is the perfect guide to help you through the entire process, from engine repair to bodywork. Restore all types of bodywork, including weld-on and bolt-on panels, lead loading, painting and more. Give new life to most types of mechanical and electrical equipment. Know what to look for when buying a car for restoration. Don't begin that restoration project without Porter's professional techniques.

Easy-To-Use Rust Converter - $50
For Sale at Griot's Garage

This wonderful product will make many of your painting projects easier.  It's the perfect solution when removing rust that is too difficult or not absolutely necessary before painting.  Great for projects like the underside of the vehicle, farm implements, construction equipment, wrought iron railings and more.  This product is specially formulated to simply be painted on over rust.  Just knock off any loose rust, apply with a brush, roller or sprayer and you're done.  The barrier blocks oxygen and water from re-attacking the surface, so the rust is stabilized and stopped.  IT can then be top coated with latex, epoxy, enamel, polyurethane and acrylic paints.  You may apply it horizontally, vertically or upside down.  This one quart can cover 50 to 90 square feet.

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!

Finding Parts for your Hot Rod Project

Parts for your Classic Car or Hot Rod can be hard to find. One of the best ways to find your classic car parts is by looking online at classic car parts websites such as OldRide.com. There you have access to parts listings 24 hours a day and you can find that long lost part you have always been looking for to finish your restoration or hot rod project. At OldRide.com, you can find hot rod parts such as a 1930-31 Model A cowl section with visor, a Roadster pick-up Body Rat Rod, 1951 Plymouth front body clip , chrome and stainless steel trim, project cars and more.


Not only is OldRide a place where you can buy hot rod parts, you can also learn and share information about what you are passionate about…hot rods! You can find tips and information for your repair project and important vehicle information in their online library.

Start browsing classic car parts for sale by visiting www.oldride.com, which offers a great interactive experience in addition to classic cars and hot rod parts for sale.

Locating a Restoration Professional for Your Classic Car

Restoration shops come and go and for some it may seem that there aren't many restoration shops left out there, so many classic car owners have been forced to either take it upon themselves to endure the daunting task of a restoration or give up the hobby altogether. Hopefully most of you enthusiasts think of the former rather than the latter, because there are still many mechanics and restoration professionals out there.

If you are searching for a restoration professional to help with your project vehicle don't become discouraged. Even if you located a specialist to help you but they are too far away, contact them anyway. They might be able to offer some good resources on where to take your vehicle in your area. Just let them know you are looking for someone they could recommend that does quality work similar to them but closer to you.

Another great way to find a restoration professional is to contact a local classic car club in your area or even become a member of one. Classic car clubs can be an extremely valuable resource for locating parts, services and other important information to collector car enthusiasts. Most members of car clubs are willing to go above and beyond to help you get your project complete and take great pride in their vehicles as well as yours. Best of all, depending on the club, they might be able to offer other resources such as newsletters, online forums and so on. They can also give you help on what important questions to ask a restoration professional and what to look out for.

If you aren't interested on joining a Classic Car Club in your area or if you aren't able to locate one, there are many resources available online as well. For instance, oldride.com has a great resource directory where you can locate professionals in your area or those geared towards your specific make or part that you need. The Oldride Resource Directory also govers the gammet of classic car needs from financing, repair, junkyards, manuals and apparel.

So if you feel that it has become harder to locate a restoration shop, don't become discouraged. There is still help out there and by using some of the tips above you should be able to get that project done in no time...or the time your budget allows.