Gearz

The M6GT replica is back in the shop, and this time, it gets serious as Stacey stuffs a 600+ HP Kaase engine into the aluminum monocoque and layers it with an exquisite bundle of snakes exhaust system from GP Headers. Then, he finally reveals that legendary McLaren body shape that is going to cover it all up. If you've ever dreamed of owning a modern mid-engine car with the look of a classic McLaren, this kit is for you.

This time on GEARZ Stacey takes a look at one of the most iconic and rare super-cars ever built, the legendary McLaren M6GT. With only a handful made, the originals are multi-million dollar collectors' items. But how cool would it be to build a replica of your own? Well, that is exactly what Stacey is doing, as he reveals the new M6GT component car from Retroformance. You've got to see this chassis and suspension to believe it.

This time on GEARZ we dig into the unique story of Painless Performance, and how they went from making wiring harnesses in a garage to one of the most prominent and influential companies in the automotive aftermarket. Then, Stacey walks through the importance of choosing the right harness for your project and how to do it. After that, he shows off a bunch of cool new products that would be great on YOUR project. Only on GEARZ.

The Thiokol Swamp Spryte is back in the shop for some much-needed restoration as Stacey takes a look at what sixty years of off-road abuse can do to a tracked vehicle. We're talking bent grousers, cracked tires, broken wheel guides, and sagging axles, and that's just the undercarriage. Then it's on to removing a zillion rivets so we can patch the holes with new skin so the Spryte will float again. After that, the Little Red Wagon is back, and Stacey's got 50 years of Skyjacker history to go through as he unpacks a new suspension for his number one shop truck. You've got to check this one out.

If you've watched Gearz in the past, you're probably familiar with our little Thiokol IMP Snowcat project. Well, today you get to meet the legendary big brother - the Thiokol Swamp Spryte. What? Never heard of it? That's because they are extremely hard to find, very few photographs exist of them, and they leave a very distinct footprint. Yeah, we're talking the off-road version of Sasquatch. That all changes today, because Stacey has actually captured one of these mythical vehicles and rolls it into the shop to give you an up-close look at what makes the Swamp Spryte so unique. With a limited number made, this amphibious, all terrain, tracked vehicle is still a force to be reckoned with, and will be even more so once Stacey does some restoration and upgrades on this old beast.

No, this isn't about the movie with crazy Jack chasing his family around, this is about paint. With the cost of a new paint job, a lot of people are trying to make their current paint last as long as possible. But is it possible to bring the shine back to old, faded paint? And even more importantly, how do you know if your old paint will handle the rigors of a buffer? This week on GEARZ, Stacey shows how to assess the condition of the paint and body on your project and lays out some of the factors involved in deciding between restoring your old paint, or completely re-painting the vehicle. There's more to consider here than most people think. After that, he fires up the buffer and lays into the faded paint on the 67 Jeepster. It's messy, it's dirty, and it's labor intensive, but can save you thousands of dollars and you won't believe the results Stacey gets.

Last season Stacey rolled in a barn find, 1967 Jeepster convertible, and demonstrated how to do a Level 1 restoration on it by getting it running and driving again. This time, he's kicking it up a notch and moving on to a Level 2 restoration on the old Jeepster - the mechanical and cosmetic restoration. Stacey dives into the interior and goes through how to get a convertible top working, how to determine what to keep and what to replace, and how to get rid of the biggest mouse house you'll see this side of Disneyland. It's floors; it's carpet; it's seats, and even some tips on how to bring the color back into old carpet without replacing it.

The Hot Rod Coupe is back in the shop as Stacey continues to fit the old '40 Chevy body down on the new, replacement frame. Once that is done, it's on to fitting the front clip and laying out the radiator and inner fenders so we can finally get our first look at the stance of this classic hot rod. After that, he rolls in the amazing Mighty Mite for some simple fuel system upgrades. This aluminum bodied, 4x4 vehicle was designed specifically for the Marine Corps to do anything a jeep could do, only better and faster. Did it succeed? Well, you'll have to watch GEARZ to find out.

When it comes to working on a vehicle, nothing quite prepares you for the first time you pull a body off a frame. Even though it sounds easy, there is MUCH more involved than meets the eye. This week on GEARZ, Stacey walks thru the challenges of taking a new frame and components, and fitting it to an old, vintage body, and all the things to think about while doing it. Headers, exhaust, engine, transmission, accessories, rear-end and these are just SOME of the things to consider when you take on a level 4, frame off build. However, if you take your time and plan accordingly, Stacey shows that this is something that most people will be able to do. So grab a hoist and lets' start crankin'.

So what happens when you park your old daily driver or shop truck for an extended period of time? Well, the truck gets EVEN!...., because the years of neglect can add up quickly, and pretty soon it's on a downward spiral of deterioration. Well today on GEARZ Stacey shows how to stop that deterioration cycle before it's too late. Using his old "Lil' Red Wagon" Dodge as an example, Stacey shows you how to look past the faded paint and flat tires and focus on the things that matter, like the well worn interior with the typical messes, spills and mouse droppings. After all, if you don't want to SIT in it, you're not going to want to DRIVE it. Resurrecting a neglected driver requires a different approach than a typical "restoration" project, and GEARZ is the only place you're gonna see it. It could be your next project is already sitting behind your house.

Today we race down memory lane with a visit to the Lions Automobilia Museum. The reason? To tell the story of the iconic Lions Drag Strip that gave Southern California hot-rodders and drag racers a home from 1955-1972. You can almost smell the scorched rubber and Nitro as Stacey turns back the clock to a time when a guy in his garage could swap a cam and a carb, and then show up for a Saturday race ready to go. From Hot Rods to Gassers...Funny Cars to Top Fuel, you're gonna see it all, and get a front row look at the history of the track that helped create the crazy car culture that defined the 1960's, and the golden era of drag racing. So put on your Rat Fink T-shirt, strap in, and hold on...because we're going back to a time when Lions Roared.

Today on GEARZ, the '67 Jeepster is back on the block as Stacey goes underneath and deals with the saggy suspension, faded brakes and oh so many leaks. It's all part of a continuing level 1 restoration, and well within the scope of what most people can do in their own garage if they take their time and plan it out. The purpose? To show that once all the dust settles and the parts are replaced, a level 1 Restoration will give you a reliable driver that you can enjoy now, and not spend two years building. If you're just getting into working on cars, this is the kind of project you need...and you're only gonna see it on GEARZ.

There's no doubt the Jeep is one of the most popular vehicles out there to modify and customize. Wagoneers, CJ's, YJ's, TJ's JK's, are just a few of the popular models that everybody knows and loves to modify. But what if you buy a project with a specific plan in mind, only to find all is not what it seems? Do you sell it? Restore it? Modify it? Well, today on GEARZ, Stacey answers those questions as he rolls in rare 1967 Jeepster convertible and shows you how to successfully change the direction of a project when it throws you a major curve-ball. Follow along as Stacey strips down this Jeepster and goes Commando...and starts a level 1 restoration instead of the level 3 he originally had planned. After that, we take a minute to check out the Keep On Truckin' event at this year's Grand National Roadster Show. So many trucks, so little time.

Today on GEARZ the Cheetah is back in the shop after a trip to Cheetah Evolution for some major frame modifications, to make this 630HP cat plant it's booty firmly to the ground. Follow along as Stacey shows the benefits of getting rid of the old C4 Corvette rear end, and going with something leaner and stronger from Winters Performance, and some matching Wilwood brakes to bring it all to a stop. If you have a Corvette you're gonna want to see this. The front end also gets some upgrades with a new steering rack and column, to help the cat carve corners with the best of 'em. After that, Stacey takes you on a walk around of an amazing Roadster.. the P-33. The level of craftsmanship on this build is simply amazing. It's all here, on GearZ.

In the fast-paced world of auto auctions, sellers are trying get top dollar and buyers are looking for a good deal....and with clones and replicas everywhere, sometimes it's hard to know what you are really looking at. So, how do you tell an original from a clone, and avoid buying a replica by mistake? Well, Stacey shows you how...literally... by rolling in the real Copperhead truck, and a replica that sold at a recent auction, and walks through how to find the differences in clones, replicas and tribute vehicles. After that, we'll introduce you to a young lady and her all-girl crew, who are making waves in the carburetor rebuilding world. Finally, we head out to Pomona for the 2023 Grand National Roadster Show and check out some of the finest vehicles in the world as they compete for the America's Most Beautiful Roadster, and the Al Slonaker Award. So, buckle up... there's a lot to see this week on GearZ!!.

Last season Stacey started some crazy builds using junk yard parts and Cornwell toolboxes. The purpose of these projects was to take us back to those early gearhead experiences with go-karts, motorcycles, or lawn mowers, and encourage people to get out and build something cool with stuff you had laying around, or parts and materials you could get at a swap meet or find on marketplace. The first box is called the "MowerBox" and it involved the marrying of a zero-turn mower with a Cornwell toolbox to create the worlds first zero-turn tool box. Well, hang on to your hats, cause Stacey's not only gonna take this monster out for a test drive, but he's also gonna show you all the steps it took to build it.

If you have a classic car or truck, there's no doubt you want to drive it and enjoy it. But how do you maintain it and not ruin it's value? Good question. Using Copperhead as an example, as he gets it ready for the Grand National Roaster show, Stacey guides you through maintenance and upgrades the can be done to a classic vehicle to keep and increase the value, as well as what you should leave alone to ensure the value of the original build is maintained. From brake lines, bumpers, carbs and leaky gaskets, this will show you what you need to address on your classic, and what you need to leave alone.

About 20 years ago, Stacey built a 67 C10 truck on TV called "COPPERHEAD". From the humble beginnings of just a frame and cab, to the rumbling monster it became, nobody dreamed that the truck would go on to become one of the most influential trucks of all time. The influence was so strong it helped start the custom truck craze that continues to this day. But what made it so iconic and different? Well, today on GEARZ Stacey answers those questions as he walks you through the build and showcases the unique features and parts that went into building it, and the thought process behind it. It's a rare look at the story behind the build, and It's only on GEARZ.

The crazy yellow van is getting a face-lift. Last time Stacey showed off a few different grille options that could work with these older vans. It's good riddance to that clunky plastic face, and hello to some real steel. But with every modification, there are bound to be a couple of roadblocks. But this is a rocking van, and just like the A-Team, roadblocks are something vans were meant to break through. Hang on tight, cause Stacey's gonna show you what it takes build your own brackets to relocate the headlights, and keep them fully adjustable, and serviceable with OEM parts. What's more, taking care of these mods is just the beginning. The van craze is Back. And just like Mr. T. used to say, "we pity the fool that don't watch this vantastic episode."

There was a time when vans ruled the custom scene. They had slick paint jobs (sometimes with wizards), crazy interiors, and even crazier engines. Then, like the lightning from a wizard's wand, they disappeared, and the world of vans returned to boring service vehicles. Well, like it or not -- Vans are back. That's right. Vans are emerging as the new custom vehicles on the car show scene. But where do you find cool parts to turn that dumpy old phone service or laundry van into a sweet street machine? Hang on to your sliding doors, cause Stacey has a few tricks up his sleeve to take some common parts and use them to breathe some new life into the faded glory of van culture. The Great Van Redo starts now on GearZ.

With summer just around the corner, the main focus for any car enthusiast is driving their vehicle and having FUN with it. In this episode of GEARZ, Stacey rolls in what could be the ultimate open-air, fun machine...an original Meyers Manx dune buggy. These, crazy, colorful, fiberglass bodied buggies were not only beyond cool, but they also started a revolution of affordable, do it yourself projects that opened the doors to what would eventually become the Kit Car world. If you've ever wanted a dune buggy, or wondered where they came from, you'll love this show. After that, Stacey dives into some tech pieces that will definitely make your life easier in the shop. So, dust off that surfboard dude and let's go.

We've had a blast beefing up the suspension on our old Bird. This car is going to handle like a pro. But with suspension upgrades and the type of driving we're going to be doing, there are a few other things we need to take care of. We've got to make sure this bird is going to stop. Tag along as Stacey outfits this ride with some massive Baer brakes. Then it's on to wheels and tires because you need some serious rubber on the road if you're going to stick to the curves. This bird is almost ready to fly. This week on GearZ.

Some of the best gear-head memories come from a time when as a kid or a teenager, we started tinkering and building by using our imaginations. We didn't have instructions or have a budget to buy all kinds of parts. Maybe it was painting your bike, engine swapping a go-cart, or making a booger-weld frame out of some spare metal you found in the scrap pile. The point is, we created something from a pile of parts. And that's where the Toolboxer project comes from. Follow along as Stacey takes three Cornwell Toolboxes and turns them into drive-able vehicles by pulling parts from junk yards, Craigslist, and Facebook marketplace. Time to get back to using your imagination and making things happen. This week on GearZ.

Tommy Ivo's Wagonmaster Dragster story

Red Bird rear suspension from BMR Suspension

Stacey updates a 1998 Trans Am.

GearZ Visits a young truck restorer.

So you think you want some custom bumpers for your big ol' truck? Well today, Stacey shows you how to not only find what you're looking for in the aftermarket, but also how to fabricate and build your own custom mounts to make 'em sit exactly where you want them. After that he digs into the history of the Sgt. Rock truck and how it is permanently connected to "the greatest generation".

Today on GEARZ, Stacey shows you how to tackle the one restoration project that everybody dreams of doing one day...the frame off restoration. You'll be surprised how simple a job like this can be if you follow his simple tips and tricks and plan the project out properly. In the world of high dollar builds, a simple frame off restoration can get you back on the road enjoying your car or truck and at a fraction of the price. But to get a grasp on how to do it, you have to see this show. After that, Stacey swaps some licks with recording artist Casey James who just happens to be a gear head at heart...all here...all Gearz.

Today on GEARZ, Stacey hits the road to visit one of the members of GEARZ Nation to see if he can lend a hand on his project. The owner is a 16 year old kid and the subject is his daily driver, '96 Dodge pickup that's looking a little rough from years of use and abuse. But that quickly changes as Stacey jumps in and helps give the truck a new face, and at the same time offers plenty of tips and tricks to help breathe a vital breath of fresh air into a project that had become stagnate. If you don't think a project vehicle is for you, your mind will change once you see what a difference some time, expertise, and a few parts can make to a beat up old truck.

Today on GEARZ, Stacey rolls in the big green fire truck, with every intention of changing the color and look. But he's not using paint...he's using a vinyl wrap. If you've ever wondered what the deal is with vinyl wraps and if it is a good thing to do to your project, you need to see this show.

Today on GEARZ, Stacey makes a house call...to Pennsylvania. Why? To pick up an old fire truck to use as a project truck to make even more house calls with. If this sounds confusing, then you NEED to see this show, because Stacey shows you how to take a vehicle that nobody really has a use for anymore, and convert it into something you can use for your home or business.

Stacey adds some key tools and equipment to a new truck; installing leather interiors from a kit; packing twin turbos on an LS7 small block engine.

Stacey adds 3 1/2" to country artist Jason Sturgeon's Escalade; Predator, one of the most successful Monster Trucks of all time

Stacey shows how much fun a wagon can be when it has an LS engine under the hood, and two four-barrel carburetors sitting on it.

Stacey transforms a stock Chevy dually pickup into a state-of-the-art Brush truck for a local volunteer fire department.

Stacey and an engine rebuilder show it is possible to breathe new life into an old engine without spending a fortune; final assemby for Ted Nugent's old zebra B.

Stacey boosts both performance and fuel economy on a 6-cylinder Ford F150; rejuvenating a classic Mustang's black paint job.

Stacey builds an LS7 engine utilizing a new GM plan.

Stacey builds a supercar from a kit, one that will rival the best European exotics.

Stacey discusses a kit car that can run with the Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Today on GEARZ, Stacey brings back the Drag'N'Wagon to see if he can get the beast to breathe some fire! The first thing he puts on is an ATI supercharger system to get some air sucking in.

Stacey rolls back Ted Nugents big 80's Bronco fresh out of the paint shop. In keeping with the natural theme, the Zebra is back with modern, earth tone stripes on its flanks in an environmentally friendly water-based paint.

Stacey gives you an up-close and personal look at the legendary, “Speedy” Bill Smith and the incredible world of Speedway Motors.

In 1968, Plymouth stood the muscle car world on its ear with the incredible RoadRunner; in 2011 Mopar has done it again with the Ram 1500 Express.

Setting up a simple trailer hitch.

Stacey walks through the massive Boss 9, 520ci engine in the '67 Cougar.

Stacey visits the home of Bob Chandler, the mad genius behind the Bigfoot monster truck.

Stacey restores a a vintage biplane, the Stearman PT-17; clearing hazing headlight lenses.

Stacey uses Ted Nugent's old broken down and discarded Bronco as an example of how to re-kindle the passion in a project others have given up on.

Stacey walks through the finishing touches needed for a project can truly be called "done".

Stacey rolls the Rat Roaster back into the shop to dig into the final assembly of this wild roadster.

After Stacey gets rid of the stock shock towers and changes the front suspension on a solid '67 Cougar, he turns this little old lady's car into a corner-carving, road-gripping beast.

After a visit to the Hot Rod Institute in South Dakota, the Rat Roaster '32 Ford roadster rolls back into the GEARZ shop wearing a new coat of green paint and sporting a custom interior.

Representing the Navy's Blue Angels precision flying team, Stacey's next project involves that old International Cabover truck.

Stacey recounts the history of the US Navy's precision flying team, the Blue Angels, then steps into the cockpit for a fly-along.

Stacey rolls in a '59 Ford Stepside truck that is being built by the Herobox organization to help raise awareness for their goal of sending Heroboxes to all of our men and women serving in the military.

Stacey preps a classic '67 Mercury Cougar for some wild modifications; a look at the world of die cast models.

Stacey answers questions from viewers, comparing original equipment manufacturer parts to their aftermarket replacements.

Stacey discusses the recent "Cash for Clunkers" program; aftermarket steps address fuel mileage with simple upgrades.

Stacey digs into the history of the cartoon, and its cultural impact on generations of fans; Stacey manages to "borrow" the real Mach 5 and put it thru the paces against Racer X and other challengers.

Stacey pulls a derelict semi truck out of a junkyard and slowly coaxes the old truck back to life.

Designed for military use, this articulating, six-wheel-drive, amphibious monster is street legal; Stacey discusses welding safety.

Stacey looks at products that really give you better economy and performance.

Stacey compares a new Challenger to a vintage 1970 440 six-pack.

Stacey adds some cool details to lock a wild little '32 roadster into the Hot Rod and Rock and Roll culture of 1969.

Stacey walks through the ins and outs of hunting for elusive parts in a salvage yard.

Stacey fashions a nostalgic car with leaf springs hook up like a modern drag car without losing its vintage look.

Stacey shows viewers the last real outlaw race in the country, run over 90 miles of wide open, two-lane Nevada highway; back in the shop Stacey addresses one of the most versatile tools.

Stacey shows how to dig into a car's wornout interior and bring it back to life without spending a fortune.

In the "KnuckleBuster" project, Stacey deals with a sick engine and transmission.

Stacey brings a weel worn 1973 Chevy pickup back to life; "Iron Man" Ivan Stewart chats with Stacey.

Stacey takes a late model diesel pickup and toughens it up in the span of a single weekend.

Stacey examines a well known performance exhaust system.

Body parts fly as a Mazda Miata gets a major facelift as Stacey transforms into the Banshee.

Stacey David starts the Banshee down the final stretch, installing a new suspension and brake system.

Stacey David celebrates the 75th anniversary of Ford's classic roadster.

Stacey David restores vintage manifolds and steering wheels.

Stacey takes one of the world's largest 4-wheeled vehicles for a spin.

Stacey stuffs a 400 HP V8 into a Mazda Miata.

Stacey blows apart an innocent Miata, converting it into a V8 powered screaming machine, nicknamed "Banshee."

Stacey stuffs a junkyard engine in a derelict 70's ATV, adds some ingenuity, and comes away with a pretty cool rig.

Stacey repairs the rusting quarter panels on rocker Ted Nugent's Bronco.

Stacey looks at one of the first aftermarket parts available to the public, the performance air filter.

Stacey rolls the "Banshee" into the shop and brings a tired interior back to life; painting the dash and door panels.

Stacey takes the new supercar out on the road.

Stacey builds a 180+ MPH supercar for a fraction of the cost, using a brand-new 'Vette and some aftermarket parts.

Stacey pulls out the tools and shows how to create solid metal floors from nothing.

The "Banshee" has been painted, and brings the question, does it still resemble a '95 Miata?

Stacey builds a tri-power out of old parts, then pulls out the big Mopar parts to assemble a power-pounding six-pack.

Part go-cart, part garden tractor and part insanity, Stacey creates a V8 powered barstool and dives right into some muffler tech.

Stacey reworks the exhaust system for the "Rat Roadster", hiding its custom frame modifications from the casual onlooker.

A 1932 Ford Roaster is due for a new power plant - a 600-horsepower monster with duel carbs and a 5-speed manual.

See if the Burt Reynolds' Bandit Edition black TransAm has been able to stand the test of time as one of the most awesome muscle cars in history.