SPARKS, NV (Dec.24) — Despite the cold morning several cars showed up at the Sunday meet hosted by Sparks Cars & Coffee. As usual there was quite a mix of of cars plus a van.
One interesting combination was a McLaren parked next to a Back To The Future Delorean. Was a great example of two different eras. Other exotics were a Lamborghini and a very rare Bricklin.
Not too far away was an immaculate black Buick Grand National. Great example of what was available years ago.
Many times a car or truck will be shown that illustrates how an owner breathes new life into an older vehicle. One example was a 1965 Ford Falcon Ranchero displayed by owner Jerry Olofson and his 10-year-old son Dean.
“This is the base model, straight six, three-on-the-tree.,” he said. “When I got it a little over a year ago the transmission was broken in half. I had to drive to Lancaster California to pick up another shell and built the three-on-the-tree myself with no experience what so ever and get it up and running again.
“Managed to do it and Dean helped as much as he possibly could, handing me tools and holding the flashlight. And I rebuilt the shifter linkage from the steering column, with no pictures on You Tube.”
One problem he ran into was the clutch and again he had to figure out how to replace and install a working one. In fact he just recently got it working correctly but it was quite a project.
“I had to replace all bushings and linkages on the clutch pedal. It’s got several new clutches in it, as the one they sold me was wrong. Had to do it three or four times because the spacing was off.
“There’s two transmissions for the three-on-the-tree for the six cylinder and they have a different length of the output shaft. So one the clutch would not touch the flywheel, so it would just sit there and spin and spin. The transmission has been out seven times. Three clutches and two fly wheels later we finally have a combination that works.”
While the Ranchero is pretty much stock he bought the wheels because they came with tires on them. Evidentially this was cheaper than buying a set of tires.
“I made a center consul for it and made an exhaust system cause they don’t have one. But luckily I went to welding school last year so I learned how to weld. So I welded all the way back and put it out the side so it would work,” he said.
Then Olofson added that his father-in-law has been associated with Hot August and built a ’58 Corvette that he’s raced. In the back of the Ranchero there are tools in case they are needed.
He added his son Dean has cleaned a motor they were working on. He also has a Go Kart and might try racing it with the Northern Nevada Kart Club this next season.
Another immaculate car on display was a blue late model Camaro. This was just one of the several Chevy products at the meet.
AnotherChevy product was a red 1990 Corvette owned by Dustin Lopez.
“It’s the regular crazy Class 7, no modifications just exhaust and a little bit of a smog pump delete. That’s about it, nothing crazy and drives good,” he said.
How he bought it in 2020 is an interesting story. Apparently a friend’s grandfather had sitting in a garage.
“I asked him, ‘what are you going to do with that?’ And he’s like, ‘you know, I don’t know.’
As the conversation continued Lopez asked if he might want to sell it.
Lopez said, “he’s like, ‘not a bad idea,” and threw out a price for it, 5 grand. That’s a steal as when I bought it only had 100,300 miles on it and is in great condition.”
He did change out the transmission for another Corvette unit as the original was known to give out. The exhaust was worked on the he got a smog pump delete and installed better brakes.
Asked about the top, which comes out, Lopez said, “It’s glass and you can look through it. It’s actually surprisingly nice and I love it. It’s really cool as during the night time get to see all the stars. And if it’s a really hot night just pop off the roof and go for a cruise. Air works pretty great, heat works amazing.”
Variety is part of any Cars & Coffee meet. One line had Japanese, German cars and ended with a vintage Dodge van. One is never sure of what will show up so every meet has some surprises in it.
Next week is the fifth weekend in the month. Usually there aren’t any Cars and Coffee meets then. Have to see what develops over the next days.
Finally we here at nvracingnews want to wish all our readers and their families a very Merry Christmas and a racy New Year.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• If you want to get New Year’s weekend started early then show up at 7:30 a.m. Thursday by Kim’s Donuts in Gardnerville. That’s when the Iron Mafia will host their weekly meet.
• Out in Fernley, starting at 4:30 p.m. is the next Friday Night Meet. Meeting place is at the 76th station.
• For those that motocross 2024 Membership sign ups for BBMX are now open. Soon it will be time to be on the starting gates. For further information please go to, www.battlebornmx.com.
• For those that raced in the MRANN series the awards banquet is only two weeks from now. Time to get your tickets and join everyone. One can buy tickets at www.racemrann.com.
• Daveys American Racing is found on Face Book. His focus is on western oval tracks as well as national series.
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• Concours Body Shop, located at 250 Telegraph Street in Reno, is another sponsor. The shop does quality collision repair for cars and trucks.
Owner Brian Saul is a car enthusiast himself and is committed to continuing the shop’s reputation of quality work. Phone number is 775-329-4557 and the website is, www.concoursbodyshop.net.
• Hungry, want a great place to eat, then try PJ&CO for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and it’s a great place to watch your favorite sports. Wednesday evenings, starting around 5 p.m. is Bike Night, good time to meet fellow riders and have a great dinner.
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