Eckler's Camaro World

Time is fast approaching for the upcoming Camarofest scheduled for October 14th at Old Town in Kissimmee Florida. This years show is promising to be bigger than the previous years thanks to the support of Camaro Clubs like River City F-Bodies. They promised to come out in full force with more than 17 Camaros and Classic Camaros of Central Florida members also plan to attend. There are numerous car shows throughout Central Florida as well as the entire state, but it's nice to have a show where F-Body owners can attend and display the true passion they have for these cars. The month of October is full of events, such as The Super Chevy Show, World Street Finals, Eckler's Corvette Reunion and others so we were able to squeeze our show into this fun filled month. If you're able to attend I promise you will not be disappointed, and if you miss this show, oh well there's always next year! Please visit our web site www.ecklerscamaro.com for show information.

My weekend started Friday evening at the drag strip, where I was ask by a friend to help him with the testing of his 67 RS/SS Camaro. This Camaro is a small block 406 with a small nitrous kit and was recently tubbed and a ladder bar kit was installed.We decided that it would be best to make a motor pass first just to make sure that the car was leaving the line straight and it did not have any ill handling problems. The first pass was an easy 11.87 run and from my observation point the car left the line straight and it made a good run. We decided that it was time to hit the nitrous on the second pass, and a hit of the botton and the car bolted sideways and he straighten the car for a 10:86, 124 mph pass. After adjusting the air pressure, on the next pass the car left the line hard and headed for the center line and the run was aborted. This would have been a great pass since the 60 foot time was a 1.47 but bad runs are not worth tearing up a car for. Adjustments to the ladder bar suspension will be made and it's back for more testing. This week I will be testing the 94 502Z, and I'll report back to you next week.

Now for the remainder of my weekend, I helped another friend of my install his 383 stroker motor in a 1967 Nova. After getting the motor started, we noticed a bad vibration in the motor, and turned off the motor immediately. After several people making what they thought were problem solving tips, it was determined that the flywheel was the problem since it was bolted in the wrong position on the crank shaft. Since 383's are externally balanced motors, it was important to install the flywheel in the correct position, however, there wasn't a dowl pin to ensure that the flywheel installation was correct. After moving the flywheel, and rebolting it, the motor was fired up, and the vibration was gone. It's always the simple things!

I get a laugh when customers call and ask me if I ever work on motors. If they only knew that I'm around race cars, fast street cars, and even machine shops weekly they would be amazed. I'm a very hands on guy, and I'm sure that I even dream about how to make cars go fast.

EBay motors announced that they recently sold its 2 millionth passenger vehicle in the U.S. "Only six years ago, the thought of going online and buying a car you've never seen from a seller you've never met was an unfamiliar concept to most people, said Rob Chesney, senior director of eBay Motors. Frank and Gina Fuzy, the owners of Century Motors, said they have made selling cars online a significant part of their business. In business 25 years, the owners said they were originally skeptical about people actually buying a car sight-unseen on ebay Motors. They went on to say that Century Motors listed its first car only after a friend convinced them to try. The owners said they were amazed when bidding quickly excalated. Today, Century Motors has grown its business and now sells exclusively on eBay Motors, currently selling about two cars a day.

That's right, hydrogen will replace the requirements we current have for gasoline!
I hope I'm around to see the day that we no longer have to depend on foreign oil producers to ship oil to the United States. I often wondered what it would be like when those countries rich in oil, no longer are rewarded for the high cost they charge for a natural resource. Foreign counties that spend money on gold facets, expensive cars, private planes, fast boats and expensive trips around the world may soon come to the realization that the party may be coming to a close. I for one can only hope that the big three that will produce these hydrogen vehicles do so quickly because the United States can no longer afford to be held hostage by high oil prices. Exciting Times Are Coming!

Each year I look forward to the month of October for several reasons. The first reason is Eckler's is at the downside of the show season and we don't have to travel as much. The second reason is the month of October is full of car shows and racing events. As an example; October 14th is Ecklers Camarofest and this year's event is expected to be more exciting than the previous years because it's going to be held at Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida. Old Town is a man made facility that has shops brick streets, and is set up to look like a "Old Town. October 21-23 is Eckler's Corvette Reunion held in Titusville Florida and there's going to be more than a 1,000 Corvettes in attendance. On this same weekend Super Chevy will hold their show in Gainsville Florida. On October 26-29 is the World Street Finals, and if you're a drag racing fan of "door cars" only, this is the race to attend. As an example of the speed, last year's #1 qualifier for the Drag Radial class ran in the high 7 second zone on a Drag Radial Tire. Folks that flying! This event starts on Thursday at Race Rock Cafe on International Drive, and some of the baddest street cars in the world are escorted down the street by motorcycle police officers to the parking area. What an awesome sound and beautiful sight to see cars capable of running more than 200 miles per hour rumbling down Internation Drive in Orlando.
So if you like cars shows and drag racing, you need to come to Central Florida for these events you won't be disappointed.

Many years ago I said that I would not waste time on computers searching for information that I could find in a magazine. I'm sure that I've read over 10,000 car magazines in the span of 40 years, and to this day I continue reading car magazines to keep abreast of new parts, and the latest trick of the month. Well times have changed and I find myself spending countless hours each day on the computer and like the saying goes, "this is an information age". I'm an old drag racer, and I continue to drag race my Camaro during the cooler months here in Florida and I throughly love the sport of drag racing. I'm glad that Terry Cole is the editor of the new Drag Racing On Line web sit, because he's a true drag racing enthusiast. If you love the sport of drag racing, I invite your attention to this new web sit that full of information, such as; a 762-inch Rat Motor making 1100 horsepower on 89 octane pump gas, a complete drag race monthly calender, and surveys such as the fifth-generation Camaro "retro-styled or modern styling. Check out the site I'm sure that you will enjoy it as much as I do.

From all indications the upcoming Camarofest to be held October 14th, will be much bigger than last years event. We've received calls from several neighboring states informing us that Camaro owners intend to make a weekend attending the show and tourist attractions. At Eckler's we are busy making preparations for this show trying to make this event better than the two previous shows. Although it's a one day event, the early bird drag racing event on Friday followed by an evening meal and car wash should be fun. Saturday morning is really going to fun because we will have the entire Old Town to ourselves, and the attendees can take two parking spaces to ensure that they can open their doors for final cleaning. During the event prizes will be given away every 30 minutes, and of course there will be 10% discounts and free shipping for shoppers. Everyone is encouraged to bring your family and simply have an enjoyable and relaxing day at Old Town. Don't Forget this event is open to ALL F-BODIES! SEE YOU THERE.

I can't tell you the number of shows that I've attended where there were some of the prettiest Camaros ever built in attendance. The thing that always impressed me was the care taken for vehicles that were nearly 40 years old. Camaros ownership is the dream most car guys have, and the 1969 Camaro is the most sought after car in the generations of Camaros. Although I happen to like the late body styles, simply because I always like the newer look of cars (Can't wait for the 5th Gen Camaro)some 4th generation Camaro owners should simply give their 4th Gens to those of us with a passion for these cars. As an example; while traveling to work this morning I saw a very nice 4th Gen Silver SS Camaro and it had a set of spinner wheels on it! Spinner Wheels, I had to look again to see if my eyes were deceiving me. Now I know that everyone has the right to do what they want with their Camaro, but we as Camaro owners; either race, show, or simply enjoy our cars without making them look like an after thought, with "what can I try next from the JC Whitney Catalog". Maybe I'm simply getting out of touch with the new age, and I'm "too old schoolish" but I'm ok with how I feel, and I still believe that some Camaro owners Just Don't Get It!

Eckler's is like a big family and when you have a family member leave for the military you're both sadden and excited. Sid Hartsell was accepted into the U.S. Army Helecopter Flight program and will begin training next month. Sid is a Chevy man through and through and he currently owns two Corvettes. During our conversation this morning he informed me that he can't wait to purchase a new Camaro when they arrive at the dealerships. We are often consumed with our daily activities and we forget about the hardships faced by many members of our Armed Forces. Some of the simple things that we take for granted such as going to a movie and having a nice evening dinner, are only dreams to those members in combat zones. I told Sid that when he's sent into harms way, we at Eckler's will send him books, and magazines to help keep his spirits up, and I encourage others to do the same for members of their family that serve in our Armed Forces.

While I was reading a magazine I read an article about various places to search for parts for Chevy and other vehicles. What really disappointed me was the lack of information about our companies, Eckler's Corvette, Classic Chevy, Late Great Chevy and of course Eckler's Camaro. Eckler's Industries has combines companies that have been in the restoration car business some for more than 30 years, under one roof. The omition of our companies from the list of restoration companies cannot simply be a mere over sight since we have a combined sales of more than 40 million dollars. Anyone that has ever owned a Corvette knows the names of Eckler's, and during previous years some of our hundreds of tech articles have appeared in this same magazine. I certain understand that the restoration business is highly competitive but people who are trying to make a decision as to where they can find quality parts at a competitive price must be given complete and factual information. Thank goodness our customers are informed, and they don't rely on one source for factual information. Those of you that have purchase parts from Eckler's Industries know that we stand behind our products, provide technical information where available, and offer price matching on like for like products.
Although my comments indicate that I am displeased I am more interested in our customers and our Worldwide Camaro club members and subscribers. It's easy to provide disinformation in the world today but thankful the companies that we do business with know how important our business is to their overall success. Thanks for letting me blow some steam!