Tales of a Gearhead
116 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago - ★★★★★ - 172 ratingsCovering everything from current industry issues and trends, to answering questions and offering advice to gearheads across the nation, Stacey brings a lifetime of automotive knowledge and expertise to the Podcast listener. With Stacey’s unique life experience, and deep pool of friends, the program is fun, informative, inspiring and like nothing else on the air.
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Episodes
Andrew Collins - Executive Editor at The Drive
April 18, 2024 16:05 - 35 minutes - 40.3 MBAndrew Collins, executive editor of THEDRIVE.COM calls in to talk with Stacey about what THE DRIVE is all about, his early days getting into all things automotive - including his time as an off-road guide in Australia, his thoughts on the new Ford Ranger Raptor, renewable energy and dream projects.
Tony Muckleroy From Jeep Talk Show
March 27, 2024 19:52 - 29 minutes - 33.7 MBStacey ZOOMs into the magic of the internet to chat with Tony Muckleroy from JEEPTALKSHOW.com to deep dive about all things JEEP and more!
IDIDIT Steering Interview
March 12, 2024 22:00 - 27 minutes - 31.3 MBStacey 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.
Garage to Gallery - Photographer Curt Lerner
February 26, 2024 12:00 - 25 minutes - 28.6 MBAce 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.
The Heat is On! Interview with Chris Schwartz from Heatshield Products
February 12, 2024 12:00 - 24 minutes - 27.9 MBLike 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.
Intriguing Vehicles
January 29, 2024 12:00 - 24 minutes - 27.6 MBFavorite 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.
Listener Question Lightning Round
January 22, 2024 12:00 - 26 minutes - 30.4 MBIt’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!
Christmas Memories & The Year Ahead
December 20, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 28.4 MBThe 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.
Chris Picconi of Classic 4x4
December 06, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 33.4 MBStacey 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!
Strange Days - Tim Strange Interview Part 2
November 22, 2023 12:00 - 23 minutes - 27.3 MBPart 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.
Strange Days - Tim Strange Interview Part 1
November 15, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 27.5 MBIn 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?”
ARCAs, Pigs, 4-Doors, and 4x4s
November 01, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 24.6 MBDon 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.
Pro-Mod Diesel Corvette
October 18, 2023 18:33 - 18 minutes - 21.7 MBKyle 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.
MouseBlocker and Project Tips
September 20, 2023 18:19 - 26 minutes - 29.9 MBMatt 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.
Dixie Chopper
September 14, 2023 16:06 - 22 minutes - 26 MBEli 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.
Original vs Aftermarket Parts
August 23, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 24.2 MBStacey 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.
Aston Martin DB5 + First Car Recommendations + Q&A
August 09, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 26 MBLarry 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 - American Powertrain
July 26, 2023 11:00 - 20 minutes - 23 MBMatt 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
Fatman Fabrication
July 12, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 25.6 MBTim 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.
Real Hours in a Project
June 28, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 26.9 MBStacey 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.
Collectible Cars
June 14, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 28.2 MBStacey 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”.
Cornwell Tool Rally LIVE
May 31, 2023 11:00 - 26 minutes - 29.9 MBOn 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?
Car Flipping
May 17, 2023 11:00 - 18 minutes - 21.7 MBStacey 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.
The Jeepster Show!
May 03, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 28.5 MBLike 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!
Garret's Rod Shop 1933 Ford P-33 Roadster
April 19, 2023 11:00 - 23 minutes - 27 MBStacey 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.
When to Walk Away
April 05, 2023 16:14 - 21 minutes - 25.1 MBLike 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 restoratio...
Grand National Roadster Show
March 07, 2023 12:30 - 19 minutes - 22.2 MBFresh 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.
Ken Block Tribute & Riley's Rebuilds Interview
February 21, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 24.5 MBStacey 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's Earliest Influences & Sgt. Rock vs. Disney
February 07, 2023 14:00 - 22 minutes - 26.2 MBStacey 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...
Podcast Guest Requests and Stacey's Friends in the Industry
January 24, 2023 16:10 - 20 minutes - 23.8 MBStacey 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.
Shop Safety and Listener Questions
January 10, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 22.3 MBStacey 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.
Bullitt Remake?
December 22, 2022 14:00 - 17 minutes - 20.3 MBStacey digs into the announcement of the new BULLITT film starring Bradley Cooper, directed by Steven Spielberg. Specifically what made the original film’s chase scene so iconic and why it is important to movie car history. Then it's into the mailbag with a listener question about the COPPERHEAD nitrous gauges.
Engines vs. Motors
December 21, 2022 12:00 - 20 minutes - 23.2 MBIt’s an engine jambaroo on this episode. Stacey digs in to explain agnostic engines, the difference between an engine & motor and finally an update of the Evel Knievel incident from Stacey's youth.
Dune Buggies, Boogie Vans, and Bumper Mods
December 18, 2022 12:00 - 20 minutes - 23.1 MBToday’s show opens up with a tale about Stacey and his brother venturing into the wilds of Idaho in a search for a $100 dune buggy. Then it’s off to the mailbag to answer some van questions about engine and bumper swaps.
SEMA & Copperhead Updates
December 14, 2022 12:00 - 18 minutes - 21.3 MBStacey breaks down his recent trip to the 2022 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, how it's bouncing back post COVID, and their plans for a possible SEMA Fest in 2023. COPPERHEAD is back! With its return to the GEARZ shop, Stacey goes over its inclusion in the upcoming 2023 Grand National Roadster Show’s Top 10 Influential Trucks, and on an upcoming GEARZ, how to tell a original from a replica.
Top 10 Car Movie Poll
December 11, 2022 12:00 - 23 minutes - 27.3 MBOn this episode we're off to the movies as Stacey goes over a recent poll ranking its top 10 car movies. Some make sense but others don’t; either way grab five bags of popcorn because it’s MOVIE TIME! Stacey also shares some of his favorite rock music growing up. Finally, he says goodbye to “The Killer” - the one and only Jerry Lee Lewis.
Super Bee and the Man in Black
October 30, 2022 16:00 - 19 minutes - 22.1 MBStacey answers a listener question about possibly changing his 2011 RAM 1500 into a Super Bee. After that, it’s firsts time. From Stacey’s first guitar, his first paying gigs, and the first time meeting Johnny Cash.
The Right Project for You
October 23, 2022 16:00 - 19 minutes - 22.4 MBStacey opens this episode with a question from Brandon, a listener who is trying to figure out where to start on his first project: a ’73 Olds Omega. This opens up the larger topic of making sure something is the right project for you. Even though that classic muscle car you saw out in the field may look tempting, you might be better off starting with something from the '90s - '00s.
Buyer Beware of Speculations
September 20, 2022 13:00 - 18 minutes - 21 MBStacey explains why it’s up you to do your research on a potential purchase and not just listen to a seller’s “speculations” on who may have owned the vehicle in the past. Then it's a quick dive into the mailbag to answer listener questions about x-pipes and door VIN tags.
Test Drives and Auto Industry Opportunities
September 06, 2022 13:00 - 20 minutes - 23.2 MB“Be prepared...” It’s not just the Scout’s motto; it applies to the car person too! On this episode, Stacey helps you do just that when dealing with test drives. Whether you’re taking the keys or handing them over, there is a lot you need to know and consider to protect yourself and your project. After that, Stacey goes through the automotive opportunities for someone who is just starting out.
Right Tools, Right Project!
August 23, 2022 13:00 - 19 minutes - 22.1 MBOn this episode of Tales of a Gearhead, Stacey walks through the question “What types of tools do you really need?” Then he has some advice to a younger listener about the best ways to look into apprenticeships. And finally, a question that’s probably unanswerable, “What is the BEST V8 engine of all time?”
Avoiding SCAMS Online
August 09, 2022 13:00 - 20 minutes - 23.5 MBOn this episode, Stacey discusses online automotive scamming and the things you need to look out for so you don’t lose any of your hard earned cash. Then, it’s into the mailbag for some advice on fixing a control arm that doesn’t involve using EPOXY and swapping a HEMI Magnum with a HELLEPHANT crate engine.
Auto Clone Legal Issues
July 26, 2022 13:00 - 20 minutes - 23.6 MBStacey digs into the legal issues of auto clones, tributes, replicas and how a Copperhead that made it into the MECUM auction wasn’t THE Copperhead. Then it’s mailbag time with a simple starter question and the safety criteria you need to consider if you’re thinking about installing a vehicle lift in your shop. Tales of a Gearhead is presented by Cornwell Tools.
Car Auction Categories and Motorized Toolboxes
June 02, 2022 21:00 - 21 minutes - 25 MBA listener question about a ’64 GTO leads to Stacey to go into detail about the various car classifications and their meanings used in auto auctions. Then, there's a little tease about a really cool motorized Cornwell toolbox project Stacey that can be seen on upcoming episodes of GearZ.
Hybrid Electric Corvette, Splicing Vehicles, and E-15 Fuel
May 26, 2022 21:00 - 17 minutes - 20.3 MBStacey digs into General Motors' announcement about the new upcoming hybrid and electric corvettes, should you splice two vehicles together and the pros and cons of the Biden administration’s plan to allow the use of E-15 gas year round.
How it Started Part 2
May 19, 2022 15:00 - 19 minutes - 22.5 MBStacey’s tales of his early days in Nashville continue. Things kick off with him being selected to play on the Grand Ole Opry with Roy Acuff, his first time meeting Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsy’s bass player Billy Cox, his VERY BRIEF stint as an Elvis impersonator, and finally his battle with a fly while finishing the paint on one of his first award winning builds. Listener questions tackled are replacing the wiring harness on a ’73 Cuda, battery 4-1-1, and putting 3/4 ton axles into a 1/2 ton...
Dream Garages and Duke Boys
May 12, 2022 15:00 - 20 minutes - 24 MBIn this episode, Stacey talks about the obstacles you might face while building your dream garage, then dives into a story about the discovery and restoration of the Dodge Charger from the opening credits of The Dukes of Hazzard. Along the way, he answers a great question about welding for beginners!
How it Started
May 05, 2022 18:08 - 20 minutes - 23.7 MBToday Stacey goes back to where it began, sharing tales about how he always loved mechanical things (which wasn’t always good news for his mother’s appliances), how discovering rock and roll lead to his lifetime love of playing music, his early days as a musician in Nashville, and how he first got into television. Then it’s a quick dip into the mail bag where Stacey shares some advice on restoring a bed on a ’56 GMC 2 1/2-ton truck.
Spouse vs. Project
April 25, 2022 15:08 - 20 minutes - 22.9 MBCars can become a big issue in marriages and family relationships. Stacey helps you navigate this potentially touchy subject, then tackles a variety of listener questions!
Be Prepared When Picking Up a Project!
March 31, 2022 15:45 - 18 minutes - 21.4 MBStacey goes into detail about what you need to bring with you when you pick up a new project. If it's been sitting in the woods for a decade, you probably need more than just a couple ratchet straps!