Explore every episode of the podcast Tales of a Gearhead

Stacey sits down with Scooter Williams to talk about his creation: the South's biggest, baddest hot rod, custom car, rat rod show, AND swap meet – THE REDNECK RUMBLE. This year's show takes place on Sept. 20 -21, 2024 in Lebanon TN.

"Oh, I think you need all that bass." - ancient Buck's Super Stereo World saying.

John Myers from KICKER Audio is in the shop to talk all things car audio. From amps to speaker placement, to DSR technology and beyond. So, dust off that TK-421 modification and get ready to have this episode get an extra three or four quads per channel, but that's just technical talk.

Turn it up!

Stacey ZOOMs into the magic of the internet to chat with Tony Muckleroy from JEEPTALKSHOW.com to deep dive about all things JEEP and more!

On this episode, Stacey answers listener Matt's question about how to get a "good" paint job without paying for more than you bargained for and he offers listener Sherry advise on her dilemma over her '67 C-10 project.

After that, we get Stacey's reaction to the first promo for the New Ford Bronco Family.

On this episode, Stacey sits down engineer & hot rod legend Gale Banks and talks about what it was really like driving & building hot rods in the 1950's.

Then they talk about drag racing, rock & roll and land speed competition.

After that, Stacey remembers Music Legend Charlie Daniels.

Stacey sits down with Pinstriping legend von Hotrod and talks about their influences and how things are different today compared to when they were young.  Then they talk about things that transcend a lot of the boundaries that are making headlines today especially in car culture.

After that, Stacey has some advice for listener Terry on welding replacement body panels.

Stacey dives into the fun topic of popular toys, noting how, more often than not, most modern toys are electronics oriented, however a recent poll turns up a surprise number one popular toy!  Then he has news about a toy from the past that is making a comeback which leads him into a personal story about his encounter with a childhood hero.

After that, Stacey has some advice for listener Steve on ways to tame "Death Wobble".

Listener, James, asks for some chilling advise for his S 10 project.

Finally, Stacey offers up some thoughts for Mike and his Classic Chrysler New Yorker project.

On this episode, Stacey gives you the skinny on the 2 main kinds of "Wheelers & Dealers". He relates some of his own experiences in deals gone, good and bad. 

After that, Stacey has some advice regarding new re-popped body panels vs OEM.  Time was OEM was like Gold but the current crop of aftermarket parts are more plentiful and the quality can be just as good as OEM, sometimes better!

Then finally, Stacey pays tribute to one of the founding fathers of Rock & Roll, Little Richard. HE was a true original and his influence is still felt today.

Stacey dives into the age old hot topic - "Clones vs. Replicas". Going back to how they started, to how they've affected perceptions of the industry over the years and the very passionate opinions that people have about them to this day.  

After that, Stacey has some beginner welder advice for listener Tex from New Mexico. Then he offers up some kitchen hacks to a frustrated listener who can't find an auto cleaner strong to help with the nasty interior on his new project.

Then, Stacey offers up various DIY & low cost alternatives to buying an expensive alarm system for Robert who has just picked up a classic car and doesn't want it stolen.

Car people are problem solvers by nature. On this episode, Stacey proves that by sharing how his buddies at Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio didn't let the current COVID-19 pandemic stop them from raising funds for the Tennessee tornado relief efforts.  

Stacey also goes into why it's so important that today's adults are making sure that they're fulfilling their responsibility to teach today's youth the skills and knowledge required to be problem solvers themselves.

Then finally out of the mailbag, Stacey has some tough advice for poor Pete and his  many particular problems with a '87 Jeep Wrangler with a "grenaded" Dana '35.

Stacey goes into the hidden costs that come with buying a crate engine for your project. Also how he learned the hard way when he bought some Edelbrock headers for his first project.  

Stacey also digs into your questions and offers suspension advice for a '75 Chevy Laguna, wiring recommendations for a '70 Chevelle and how that old pack of gum in your glove box can save the day.

Stacey interviews his long time buddy Malcolm Pritchett from West KY Collision in Hopkinsville Ky. Malcolm uses his 30 years of experience in the collision & repair game to share his thoughts on the state of industry, staying on top of new technology & techniques, misconceptions the public tends to have about body men and how today's used car market is allowing people to look into project vehicles that would've been impossible just 5 - 10 years ago.  

Stacey also shares his thoughts on automotive auction reality TV shows and how they can give people an inflated idea of their projects worth.

Finally, Stacey answers a listener question about ladder traction bars vs bolt ons for a '65 Chevy II. Which ties into a tale about how quick thinking and even quicker repairs to project that was done on the cheap, saved a shoot with Mario Andretti from certain disaster.

The dive into Stacey's new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series" continues! Focusing in on the highest & most difficult level - "Level 5 - The Custom Build"

Also, Stacey shares a story of a how a friend's Daytona coupe dream project turned into a nightmare money pit.

Finally Stacey answers a listener question about converting a '04 RAM 2400 4x4 from a HEMI to Diesel.

Stacey talks with Trevor Cornwell from IDIDIT to discuss one of the most underrated BUT also one of the most important parts of any build: the steering column. They also dive into the history of IDIDIT, where they see the future of the aftermarket steering column industry heading and Trevor's current projects, dream projects, and what makes a hot rod.

Stacey continues to dive into his new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series". With the focus being "Level 4 - The frame off restoration and build"

Then, a brief look into the MAHINDRA ROXOR copyright ruling.

Stacey also answers a listener question about attempting a frame swap on a '53 Chevy long bed truck and all the potential problems that come with it.

Finally, Stacey shares a tale about how an easy-peasy 30 minute job devolved into a multi-hour nightmare.

On this episode, Stacey continues to dive into his new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series". With the focus being "Level 3 - The Restomod - Just like the name implies. it's part restoration and part modification."

Stacey also answers listener questions on aftermarket vs. OEM parts, switching to a smaller steering wheel on a 2002 Mustang GT and dealing with vapor lock on an '85 F150

Finally, Stacey shares a tale about one of his first cars ('30 Model-A Coupe) and all the wrong things that the previous owner did to the frame.

On this episode, Stacey continues to dive into his new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series". With the focus being "Level 2 - Mechanical & Cosmetic Restoration - fixing or restoring a vehicle back to original condition with upgrades."

Stacey also answers listener questions on doing a transmission swap on a '90 Chevy Suburban, '52 Chevy pickup column shift issues and how to not let a project get away from you. Stacey shares a story about his high school Mustang as an example of learning the hard way.

Finally, Stacey discusses Steve McQueen's Bullitt Mustang selling for 3 million dollars and the recent passing of legendary RUSH drummer Neil Peart.

Stacey dives into his new Amazon Prime exclusive show "Stacey David's Restoration Series" (https://www.amazon.com/Laying-out-and-planning/dp/B082PBLQBS/) and explains what it means to take on a level one "get it running and drive it project".

Also, Stacey shares his thoughts on the film "Ford vs Ferrari", the findings of the Jessi Combs crash investigation and Elon Musk's Cybertruck debut.

Finally, Stacey answers a listener question about a '73 Trans-Am and shares a tale about why mentoring young people is important and how it just might save your sandwich.

This episode is sponsored by LMC Truck and Cornwell Tools.

Stacey sits down and chats with The American Tri-Five Association's Jerry Dixey about all things tri-five Chevy and more. https://www.americantrifive.com/tri-five-week.html

Stacey also answers a listener question about rewiring a '72 Scout. Which leads to a tale about when Stacey was in high school and attempted his first wiring harness replacement on his 1930 Model-A Coupe.

The premiere episode of "Tales of a Gearhead," host, Stacey David, discusses the new mid-engine C8 Corvette and why he thinks it may not be as controversial as some think.

Then, Stacey dives into some listener questions, gives his mechanical advice and shares some stories that every gearhead can relate to and are sure to give you a chuckle.

Ace photographer Curt Lerner, from GET LIT CREATIVE IMAGING, swings by the shop to chat with Stacey about his lifelong love of automobiles and photography, an upcoming project involving SGT ROCK, and everything that goes into his specialized highly detailed automotive photography. Then it's a quick grab out of the mail bag. Stacey offers some suggestions on how to get more power out of a '02 S-10, with a V6 that has over 100K miles.

Like Glenn Frey once sang "The heat is on…" and with the summer months fast approaching. Stacey has in depth conversation with Chris Schwartz from Heatshield Products about all things heat related to a one's project.

Favorite intriguing vehicles? Stacey has a few. He also has some answers to listeners trying to find a tilt steering column for a '70 CJ-5, what synthetic oil would be best for a '64 GTO, and is there a build sheet for Stacey's old Wicked Willys project.

It's a new year and Stacey hits the ground running with another listener question lightning round. Touching on everything from '80s Chevy speedometers, project regrets, the best engine for a '40s/'50s Model A, how to hold onto a project, high mileage vehicles and of course… guitars!

The chimneys are getting swept, the house fuses popping from one too many plugs in the living room outlet, and that special lamp is displayed for the whole street to see. Stacey celebrates the podcast's 100th episode and shares some of his favorite gearhead Christmas memories. Then he looks ahead to all the great projects he has in store for 2024.

Stacey sits down with Chris Picconi from Classic4x4.com and the host of the "Classic 4x4 Podcast". They dig into Chris' background in finance and how that led him to follow his passion of classic 4x4s, as well as the current trends in the auction world and how to properly navigate getting your vehicle ready to go up on the block!

Part 2 of Stacey's interview with STRANGE MOTION ROD & CUSTOM's Tim Strange. Stacey and Tim continue their talk about the state of custom auto business, share war stories about doing work on trade, the importance of shop safety, and how a freak accident nearly cost Tim his life.

In the first of a two part interview, custom builder Tim Strange from Strange Motion Rod & Custom sits down with Stacey to talk about his early days growing up on a farm, getting his love of all things automotive working on Harleys with his Dad, his first builds, BMX racing, to his time on television, having his own shop with his wife and the eternal question "what makes a hotrod?"

In this second part of Stacey's interview with the guys from LOKAR Performance Products, Skip Walls hops on the mic with Stacey, and they discuss Skip's early days in California, building up LOKAR, moving the company to East Tennessee, the current state of the industry & where they see it going, and what Skip thinks makes up a hot rod. Then it's into the mailbag, where Stacey offers some advice to a listener wondering how to get younger people into cars and trucks.

Don Russell returns to the shop to discuss Cornwell's new line of ARCA tool boxes. Then, it's into the mailbag where Stacey offers advice on shop towels, the desirability of 4-doors & long beds, and an engine combo suggestion for a 90's 4x4 project.

Kyle Fischer from Hot Shot's Secret and Johnny Gilbert from Stainless Diesel are in the shop to talk about Johnny's '63 Corvette Cummins Diesel dragster, guitars, rock & roll, and hot rods. Then, Stacey helps out a listener with a header issue and shares another listener's story about his father's P-40 Flying Tiger.

Matt Swift from MouseBlocker is in the shop to talk about how to keep rodents, varmints, and all other kinds of critters out of your shop, and most importantly out of your project. Then Stacey answers some listener questions about what not to do on a project, touch up paints, the cost of building a project and an update on the HAIRY HAULER.

Eli Kean from Dixie Chopper stops by the studio to talk with Stacey about the world's fastest lawn mower, Stacey's Cornwell Tools mower box project, setting the Guinness World Record for the most grass cut in 24hrs and mower… er… more! Then it's back into the mailbag to answer questions about when to use the original frame for a project, should someone keep their vintage corvette or sell it, and what to do about soft floors.

Stacey answers listener questions dealing with when to use original or aftermarket parts, how to stay motivated toward your project, thoughts on Dodge ditching the HEMI, and cat back exhaust upgrades.

Larry Collins swings by the shop to show Stacey his '65 Aston Martin DB5. Then it's off to the mail bag to answer some listener questions about rust preventive paints, helping your daughter pick out her first car, and what to do with the dreaded Ford 6.8L V-10 engine.

Matt Graves swings by the shop to chat with Stacey about the new products American Powertrain has coming in 2023, his Cadillac "Chicken Coupe", what is a "hot rod", making it through the pandemic, and the future of the industry.

*Picture of the Chicken Coupe from MotorTrend; dually from American Powertrain

Tim Tullo from Fatman Fabrication swings by the shop and sits down with Stacey for a conversation that covers everything from their shared love of WW2 & Civil War history, the state of the aftermarket and what sets Fatman Fabrication apart from other companies.

Stacey discusses why it's so important to really think about time when starting a project, making sure you properly understand how many hours it could take to complete, so you don't get frustrated and end up walking away from it.

Then it's back into the mailbag for listener questions about what to do when you get an aftermarket part that doesn't quite fit.

Stacey dives into how the 80's cult classic "Better Off Dead" got him thinking about how some things turn into collectibles and others do not. Then, he answers a listener question about what skills are need when starting out in the garage. Finally, he talks about his upcoming Henry J project and an update on the fan favorite project "Heavy Metal".

In this first part of Stacey's two-part interview with Skip Walls and Brian Downard from LOKAR Performance Products. Stacey sits down with his longtime friend and raconteur, Brian. Where all manner of gearhead tales get told. Including Brian's legendary Christmas ham incident. Might not be for the faint of heart, but it is definitely hilarious and one you won't soon forget.

On this episode, Stacey hits the road and travels to Las Vegas for the Cornwell rally. Recorded live, Stacey interviews various members of the Cornwell team. Topics range from favorite car, weirdest food eaten, favorite tunes to jam while driving and most importantly the age old Texas vs. California battle… Which is better: IN-N-OUT or WHATABURGER?

Stacey breaks down the ins and outs of car flipping and the difference between the enthusiast mindset and the flipper mindset.

Then, Stacey shares a Jeepster tale about when he was out with his Dad and brothers and how they showed a bunch of lifted 4x4 trucks that size DOES matter.

Like the old Pimp My Ride meme says… "Yo dawg, we heard you like Jeepsters. So we did an interview with the Jeepster man about Jeepsters …"

Stacey sits down with Mark Vilbert from Jeepster Man and you guessed it, digs into all things Jeepster. From Mark's early days starting the company with his son, to merging with Just Jeepers, to favorite builds and beyond. It's the ultimate Jeepster deep dive!

Stacey sits down with Karl Schulman from Garret's Rod Shop to discuss the history of the shop, the changes in industry trends and most importantly, their most recent project, the out of sight 1933 P-33 roadster which will be featured on an upcoming episode of GEARZ.

Then it's into the mailbag for listener questions about wiring harnesses and upgrading your suspension for proper towing.

Like Kenny Rogers sang in "The Gambler"… You got to know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold em. Know when to walk away and know when to run. 

The same goes for projects. Stacey gets into how if that dream project keeps getting away, and when it might be time to start looking for something else.

Then we hop on the GEARZ bus for a visit to the LIONS museum in Long Beach, California. 

And finally, Stacey wraps everything up with the differences between Concourse & Thoroughbred restorations and a quick update on the CHEETAH project!

Fresh off a trip to Pomona, CA, Stacey shares his experience at the Grand National Roadster Show that featured COPPERHEAD in it's Keep On Truckin' exhibit. Then he cracks open the mailbag to answer a listener question from Chet about whether he should add twin turbos to his '93 GMC Sierra, or go all out and do a V8 LS swap. After that, it's tale time about longtime friend of the show, Von Hot Rod.

Stacey pays tribute to the recently passed Ken Block. Then he sits down for a conversation with a very entrepreneurial 17 year old, who has started her own carburetor rebuild company with four of her friends - RILEY'S REBUILDS. After that, Stacey wraps things up with a couple of listener questions about a '73 Cougar suspension kit and the status of those pesky little COPPERHEAD die-casts.

*Ken Block photo from his Facebook page

Stacey shares some of his earliest vehicle influences and how a Boy's Life ad for the DUNE-BUG led him to building his first GO-KART, replacing the 5hp Briggs & Stratton with a 350 Kawasaki motorcycle engine and finally a 440 Ski-Do Bombardier engine.

After that, Stacey answers a listener question about aftermarket vs OEM panels for a '75 Camaro. 

Finally, a tale about how Sgt. Rock's trip to the House of Mouse didn't go quite as planned when the Disney suits got an eyeful of Sgt. Rock's big .50 cal replicas.

Stacey discusses the status of potential guests for GEARZ and the podcast. He also has some advice for listener Kurt who wrote in inquiring about a disc brake kit for the 14-inch rims he has on his '64 Sunliner. Then finally its a tale about the time Stacey was almost in the Romeo video featuring Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Stacey sends out his well wishes to Jay Leno and explains the importance of shop safety, especially while working alone. Then after shaking out out the mailbag, Stacey answers listener questions about header paint, selling a Dodge Dart Swinger, and an Air Ride system for a '22 F-350.