Re-building the Interior Of The '71 Chevelle

(JOE)>> TODAY WE'RE IN THE HORSEPOWER TV RECOVERY ROOM. YOU SEE WE'RE GONNA ATTACK THE INTERIOR ON PROJECT BLUE THUNDER.

(JOE OFF CAMERA)>> TODAY ON HORSEPOWER TV WE'LL GO INSIDE THE COCKPIT OF OUR PROJECT BLUE THUNDER AND SHOW YOU HOW TO COVER SEATS, INSTALL A HEADLINER, AND OF COURSE, CARPET. WE'LL HAVE A TIP ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT RODS AND ROD MODS FOR YOUR STREET MACHINE. AND, GO BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE QUICKEST CAR ON TWO WHEELS, DANNY O'DAY'S SUPERWINCH. SO HANG ON FOR HORSEPOWER TV! [ MUSIC ]

(JOE)>> HI, WELCOME TO THE HORSEPOWER SHOP. HEY, IT'D SURE BE HARD TO MISS THIS '48 CHEVY COMING DOWN THE ROAD. WHY THE PAINT ON THIS PICKUP ALONE IS ENOUGH TO GRAB YOUR ATTENTION. AND THE OWNER, GREG DUNN, HAS PAID ATTENTION TO SOME SPECIAL DETAILS. JUST CHECK OUT THE WAY HE'S HIDDEN THE FUEL FILLER. [ MECHANICAL HUMMING ]

(CHUCK)>> YEAH, AND HE'S FILLED THE INSIDE WITH PLENTY OF TRICKS, TOO. JUST CHECK OUT HIS POWER WINDOWS. PRETTY COOL, HUH? NOW, THE REST OF THE INTERIOR'S COLOR COORDINATED AS WELL FROM THE GAUGES TO THE CARPETS TO THE SEATS. AND, CRAFTING A CUSTOM INTERIOR CAN BE EVERY BIT AS CHALLENGING AS MASSAGING RUSTY OLD SHEET METAL BACK INTO SHAPE. BUT, WHEN YOU PULL IT ALL TOGETHER, THE EFFECT IS UNQUESTIONABLY COOL.

(JOE)>> WELL, TODAY WE'RE GONNA GIVE YOU THE INSIDE STORY ON HOW TO GET YOUR OLD INTERIOR BACK INTO SHAPE. NOW WE'RE USING OUR '71 CHEVELLE AS AN EXAMPLE, BUT THE TECHNIQUES AND TIPS WE'LL SHARE WITH YOU APPLY TO JUST ABOUT ANY PROJECT. NOW WE GOT A HEADSTART BY GETTING SOME OF THE OLD STUFF OUT OF HERE AND ALL I CAN SAY IS WHAT A MESS!

(CHUCK)>> YEAH, WHEN WE FIRST BOUGHT THIS THING, THE INTERIOR LOOKED LIKE A PACK OF MAD DOBERMANS HAD BEEN LIVING INSIDE OF IT. THE DOOR PANELS WERE GONE, THE CARPET WAS TRASHED AND THIS STUFF BACK HERE, HEY, I DON'T EVEN WANT TO TOUCH THAT WITH MY BARE HANDS. NOW, ONCE WE GET THE INSIDE ALL CLEANED UP, WE CAN START BY RECOVERING THAT FRONT SEAT.

(JOE)>> NOW, STRIPPING THE OLD SEAT COVERS IS THE FIRST STEP OF THIS JOB. AND, ALL YOU NEED FOR THIS IS A RAZOR KNIFE LIKE THIS ONE TO CUT AWAY THE OLD MATERIAL AND A PAIR OF PLIERS TO TWIST OFF THE OLD HOG RINGS.

(CHUCK)>> AND, HERE'S WHAT WE'RE GONNA REPLACE 'EM WITH. NOW, WE WENT AHEAD AND ORDERED NEW FRONT AND REAR SEAT COVERS, HEADREST COVERS, AND SEAT FOAM FROM YEAR ONE 'CAUSE IT COMES IN THE RIGHT MATERIAL, COLOR, AND EVEN STYLE THAT WE NEED. AND THEN WHILE WE'RE AT IT, WE ORDERED THESE PREASSEMBLED DOOR PANELS AND NEW CARPETS FOR OUR CHEVELLE.

(JOE)>> OKAY, I GOT THE OLD SEAT COVERS OFF. AND, THERE'S STILL PLENTY OF WORK TO DO BEFORE WE PUT THE NEW ONES ON. SPEAKING OF WHICH, HERE'S A LITTLE TIP FOR YA'. IT'S A LOT EASIER TO WORK WITH THESE IF THE VINYL IS FLEXIBLE, SO I'M GONNA TAKE OURS AND PUT 'EM UNDER A HEAT LAMP. IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE, YOU CAN LAY 'EM OUT IN THE SUN OR EVEN STICK 'EM IN THE CLOTHES DRYER AS LONG AS YOU PUT 'EM IN A PILLOW CASE FIRST SO YOU DON'T MELT THE VINYL.

(CHUCK)>> MAN, THAT'S A GREAT TIP, JOE. NOW WE'RE READY TO ROLL BACK OUR FOAM AND BURLAP AND IT LOOKS LIKE MOST OF OUR BURLAP'S ABOUT GONE, HERE. THEN WE CAN CHECK OUR SPRINGS TO MAKE SURE NONE OF'EM ARE BROKEN. NOW, THESE ALL LOOK LIKE THEY'RE IN REALLY GOOD SHAPE, SO WE'RE GONNA GO AHEAD AND RECOVER 'EM WITH SOME BURLAP THAT WE GOT AT A LOCAL FABRIC SHOP. BUT, BEFORE WE DO EVEN THAT WE'RE GONNA GO AHEAD AND PREP AND PAINT THIS OLD SEAT FRAME SO IT LOOKS AS GOOD AS THE REST OF THE SEAT ONCE WE'RE DONE.

(JOE)>> WHILE OUR SEATS ARE HEATING UP AND CHUCK'S LAYING DOWN PAINT DOWN, NOW'S A GOOD TIME TO START ANOTHER PHASE OF OUR PROJECT, LAYING DOWN THE CARPET. NOW, WE START BY PUTTING DOWN SOME OF THIS UNDERLAYMENT WHICH NOT ONLY ACTS AS AN INSULATOR AND EXTRA CUSHIONING, BUT ALSO IS A SOUND DEADENER. NOW, EACH PIECE IS DYE CUT SO IT FITS JUST LIKE THE ORIGINAL.

(CHUCK)>> HEY, WHILE THAT PAINT'S DRYING, I THOUGHT I'D COME OVER AND GIVE YOU A HAND WITH THE CARPET.

(JOE)>> HEY, IT'S ALL YOURS.

(CHUCK)>> ALL RIGHT. NOW, THIS IS MOLDED CARPET SO IT'S GONNA FIT THE FLOOR PAN OF OUR CHEVELLE PERFECTLY. BUT, BEFORE YOU LAY IT IN PLACE, HERE'S A LITTLE TRICK YOU MIGHT WANNA TRY. GO AHEAD AND REINSTALL ALL THE SEAT BELT BOLTS. THAT WAY, YOU CAN PUT A SLIT OVER THE TOP 'EM AND PUSH THE CARPET DOWN AROUND 'EM. NOW, THIS IS A TRICK THAT WORKS ON SHIFTERS, CONSOLES, AND EVEN BUCKET SEATS, IF YOU'VE GOT 'EM.

(JOE)>> THE FRONT CARPET COMES WITH THIS OE STYLE HEEL PAD AND GROMMET FOR YOUR DIMMER SWITCH. NOW, YOU'LL NOTICE THE CARPET COMES A LITTLE OVERSIZED, SO YOU'LL HAVE TO TRIM IT HERE AROUND THE DOOR. THE FINAL STEP IS TO INSTALL OUR NEW SILL PLATES.

(CHUCK)>> NOW'S A GOOD TIME TO INSTALL THAT PACKAGE TRAY BEHIND THE REAR SEAT, BUT BEFORE WE DO, WE'RE GONNA GO AHEAD AND SPRAY A LITTLE ADHESIVE RIGHT ALONG HERE. THAT'S GONNA LET US GO AHEAD AND ROLL THAT FOAM AND UPHOLSTERY BACK SO WE CAN FINISH OUT THE TRIM. ONCE THE TRIM IS DRY, THE NEW SHELF PANEL JUST SLIDES INTO PLACE AND YOU'LL WANNA MAKE SURE THAT IT'S FLUSH ALL THE WAY OUT HERE TO THE EDGES. THIS AREA RIGHT UP IN HERE'S GONNA BE COVERED BY THE SIDE PANELS ONCE OUR HEADLINER'S DONE.

(JOE)>> NOW, HERE'S SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE NEGLECT IN A PROJECT LIKE THIS, BUT WE'RE NOT. IT'S A SEAT SEPARATOR THAT ACTUALLY ISOLATES THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FROM THE TRUNK, KEEPING OUT DUST AND NOISE. IT JUST HANGS UP HERE ON A COUPLE OF THESE HOOKS.

(CHUCK)>> WELL, THAT SEAT FRAME SURE CAME OUT NICE, AND I'VE GOT EVERYTHING ELSE TO COMPLETE THE JOB. BUT, HEY, YOU KEEP YOUR SEAT AND WE'LL SHOW YOU AND WE'LL SHOW YOU HOW WE'LL RECOVER OURS RIGHT AFTER THIS. (JOE OFF CAMERA)>> LATER ON, THE INSIDE SCOOP ON HOW THE FASTEST CAR ON TWO WHEELS RIDES SO HIGH.

[ MUSIC ]

(CHUCK)>> HEY, WELCOME BACK TO THE SHOP AND OUR INTERIOR RESTORATION PROJECT. NOW, I'M JUST FINISHING UP HOG RINGING THE BURLAP TO THE SEAT FRAME, HERE. THERE WE GO. NOW ONCE WE GET THAT DONE, WE'RE READY FOR THE SEAT FOAM. IT GETS HOG RINGED INTO PLACE, TOO.

(JOE)>> 'COURSE WE'RE PUTTING NEW FOAM ON OUR SEAT BACKS, TOO. WELL, HERE'S HOW IT ALL GOES TOGETHER. WE REMOVED THE OLD CARDBOARD BACKING AND GLUED IT TO THE FOAM HERE TO KEEP IT FROM CHAFFING ON THIS MEDAL. AND, AS YOU CAN SEE, WE REATTACHED THIS OLD PADDING, TOO. NOW IT HOLDS TOGETHER WITH HOG RINGS AROUND THE EDGES, HERE.

(CHUCK)>> WELL, OUR SEAT COVERS ARE NICE AND WARM NOW, SO THEY'RE GOOD AND PLIABLE. AND, WE WENT AHEAD AND TURNED 'EM INSIDE OUT. NOW, HERE'S A LITTLE TRICK THAT'S GONNA MAKE YOUR LIFE REAL EASY. GO ON AHEAD AND SLIP AN OLD TRASH BAG OVER THIS FOAM 'CAUSE IT'S GOT A REAL STICKY SURFACE. THEN, WHEN WE INSTALL THE SEAT COVERS. .. CAN YOU HAND ME THAT, JOE? ALRIGHT. AND WE GET 'EM PULLED ALL THE WAY DOWN, YOU CAN JUST REACH INSIDE AND PULL THAT OLD BAG OUT. NOW YOU'RE READY TO START SMOOTHING MATERIAL BY STRETCHING IT INTO PLACE. A HEAT GUN OR A HAIR DRYER WILL KEEP THE VINYL PLIABLE WHILE YOU WORK. ONCE YOU'VE GOT EVERYTHING WHERE YOU WANT IT, JUST GO AHEAD AND HOG RING IT ALL TOGETHER. NOW, EVEN THOUGH WE'VE SHOWN YOU ALL THESE STEPS ON A SEAT BACK, WELL THE SAME TECHNIQUES APPLY TO BOTH THE SEAT BOTTOM AND EVEN THE BACK SEAT.

(JOE)>> OUR NEW SEAT COVERS DESERVE NEW HARDWARE TOO, SO WE ORDERED THINGS LIKE SEAT RELEASE AND ADJUSTMENT KNOBS, AS WELL. NOW LET ME SHOW YOU SOMETHING. LOCATING SCREW HOLES ONCE THE UPHOLSTERY'S INSTALLED IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. SO, LIKE WITH THE CARPET, WE LEFT THE SCREWS IN PLACE. WE JUST MAKE A SLIT OVER THE SCREW HEAD TO EXPOSE IT AND THIS SURE BEATS PROBING WITH AN ICE PICK TO FIND THE HOLE. THE FINAL OF OUR PHASE OF OUR BENCH SEAT REBUILD IS THE HEADREST, AND YOU JUST FOLLOW THE SAME BASIC PROCEDURE AS YOU DID FOR THE SEATS. NOW, WE'RE GONNA LEAVE THESE OUT FOR THE TIME BEING 'CAUSE WE NEED PLENTY OF ROOM TO MOVE AROUND IN THAT CAR TO INSTALL THE HEADLINER AND DOOR PANELS.

(CHUCK)>> YEAH, I'VE GOT EM RIGHT HERE. NOW, WE ORDERED PREASSEMBLED DOOR PANELS TO MAKE OUR JOB JUST A LITTLE BIT EASIER. I'LL TELL YA' WHAT ELSE IS EASY. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT ONLY TOOK ONE CALL TO GET ALL THIS STUFF FROM YEAR ONE.

(JOE)>> PLUS, WE'RE REFINISHING THE CHEVELLE'S INTERIOR WITH NOS AND REPRO PIECES FOR WELL UNDER A GRAND.

(CHUCK)>> NOW, WHEN WE GET DONE WITH THIS THING, IT'S GONNA LOOK, SIT, AND EVEN SMELL LIKE NEW.

(JOE)>> YOU GOT THAT RIGHT. TELL YOU WHAT, WHILE YOU'RE PUTTING ON THE DOOR PANELS, I'LL GO LAY OUT THE HEADLINER TO GET RID OF THE WRINKLES.

(CHUCK)>> THAT'S A GOOD IDEA. HEY, DON'T FORGET THE SUN VISORS AND THOSE SIDE PANELS. TO KEEP OUR DOOR PANELS FROM WARPING, WE'LL NEED THESE WATER SHIELDS. NOW, THEY'RE JUST TAPED TO THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR. NOW WE'RE READY FOR THE DOOR PANEL THAT JUST SNAPS INTO PLACE ON THE TOP. AT THE BOTTOM THEY'RE HELD IN WITH TRIM SCREWS. THE DOOR HANDLE AND WINDOW CRANK ARE NEXT. NOW HERE'S SOMETHING THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE FORGET. THIS GRAY WASHER WILL KEEP THE WINDOW CRANK FROM CHAFING ON THAT DOOR PANEL. FINALLY, WE SCREW THE LOCK KNOB ON.

(JOE)>> WHILE CHUCK'S FINISHING THE OTHER DOOR PANEL, I'VE GOT A JOB TO DYE FOR, LITERALLY. YOU SEE, THESE NEW ARM RESTS ONLY COME IN BLACK, AND OF COURSE WE WANT OURS TO BE SANDALWOOD TO GO WITH THE REST OF THE INTERIOR. SO, WE ALSO ORDERED SOME OF THIS SPRAYON DYE TO HELP US MAKE THAT MATCH. THE FIRST STEP THOUGH IS TO APPLY SOME OF THIS PLASTIC PRIMER TO HELP THE DYE STICK. AND WHILE IT'S STILL WET WE PUT ON OUR FIRST COAT OF SANDALWOOD. WE'LL LET THIS ONE DRY BEFORE APPLYING A SECOND COAT, AND SINCE WE'RE COVERING BLACK, WE'LL PROBABLY NEED A THIRD AND FOURTH COAT, AS WELL. WELL, I GUESS YOU'RE READY FOR THESE NOW.

(CHUCK)>> OH YEAH. HEY, THOSE THINGS TURNED OUT GREAT!

(JOE)>> YEAH. WELL I CAN GET A HEADSTART NOW TAKING OUT THE HEADLINER. WHILE THERE'S NO ROCKET SCIENCE INVOLVED IN THIS, THERE IS ONE THING VERY IMPORTANT. SEE THIS METAL SUPPORT ROD, HERE? WELL, THE CHEVELLE'S GOT FIVE OF 'EM, AND WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE KEEP 'EM IN EXACT ORDER.

(CHUCK)>> WELL, THE WRINKLES CAME OUT OF OUR HEADLINER NICELY, AND TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR ORIENTATION, IT'S MARKED RIGHT HERE TO SHOW YOU THE FRONT. NOW THE SUPPORT RODS WILL GO RIGHT IN THESE PLEATS HERE, AND AGAIN, YOU WANNA MAKE SURE THAT YOU KEEP 'EM IN ORDER.

(JOE)>> WE WENT AHEAD AND INSTALLED THE BACK SEAT TO MAKE LIFE EASIER ON US WHILE WE INSTALL THE HEADLINER. OH, AND SPEAKING OF WHICH, REMEMBER THAT TRICK WE SHOWED YOU EARLIER ABOUT REINSTALLING THE SCREWS SO YOU COULD FIND THE HOLES LATER? WORKS HERE, TOO.

(CHUCK)>> SPEAKING OF WORK, YOU GONNA HELP ME HANG THIS THING?

(JOE)>> I GUESS SO, I'M TRAPPED.

(CHUCK)>> ONCE THE HEADLINER'S HUNG BY THE RODS, APPLY ADHESIVE TO THE RETAINING STRIP BY THE BACK WINDOW. THEN, BEGIN TIGHTENING IT UP HERE IN THE BACK, AND WORK YOUR WAY FORWARD. NOW, DON'T FORGET TO APPLY ADHESIVE TO THE FRONT RETAINING STRIP, AS WELL. ONCE THE HEADLINER'S STRETCHED, REAR TO FRONT, TRIM OFF THE EXCESS MATERIAL.

(JOE)>> AND START THE SAME PROCESS, SIDE TO SIDE. YOU MAY NEED TO USE SOME HEAT TO HELP STRETCH THE HEADLINER INTO PLACE. AFTER YOU TRIM IT, PUT IN THE NEW SIDE PANELS, REINSTALL THE MOLDING, AND INSTALL THE NEW SUN VISORS, AND DOME LIGHT. OKAY, HERE WE GO.

(CHUCK)>> YEAH, THE LAST PIECE. WATCH THE DOOR! CAN YOU OPEN 'ER UP A LITTLE BIT?

(JOE)>> SO I GET TO CRAWL IN, HUH?

(CHUCK)>> I'M THINKING ABOUT YOU ALL THE TIME.

(JOE)>> I CAN TELL. AND FINALLY, A TEST SITTING. I THINK WE'RE GONNA BE SITTING PRETTY.

(CHUCK)>> WELL, AFTER THIS PROJECT, I BET WE COULD GET A GOVERNMENT JOB.

(JOE)>> GOVERNMENT JOB?

(CHUCK)>> YEAH, WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. IT'D BE A REAL INSIDE JOB.

(JOE)>> JUST LIKE THESE SEATS, I NEED TO RECOVER AFTER THAT ONE. STAY WITH US. WE GOT MORE SHOW TO GO.

(DANNY)>> YOU GOTTA BE A LITTLE BIT CRAZY TO DRIVE ONE OF THESE THINGS. (JOE OFF CAMERA)>> COMING UP, THE WILD AND CRAZY WORLD OF AMERICA'S TOP WHEEL STANDER, AFTER THIS.

[ MUSIC ]

(JOE)>> HI, WELCOME BACK. WANNA SEE SOME CREATIVE HOTRODDING? WHEN THE BUILDER OF THIS STREET ROD, STEVE LEGENDS, SHAVED THE HOOD, HE FOUND A NEW HOME FOR THE ORNAMENT ON TOP OF THE AIR CLEANER. PRETTY COOL, HUH? WELL FOR A MORE OUTRAGEOUS EXAMPLE OF CREATIVE HOTRODDING, WE'RE GONNA LEAVE THE SHOP NOW AND HEAD TO THE STRIP. IF YOU'VE EVER SEEN ONE OF THOSE WILD WHEEL STANDERS IN ACTION, YOU'VE PROBABLY ASKED YOURSELF, "HOW IN THE WORLD DO THEY DO THAT?" WE DID, TOO, UNTIL WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE FASTEST CAR ON TWO WHEELS. [ ENGINE REVVING ]

(DANNY)>> YOU GOTTA BE A BIT CRAZY TO DRIVE ONE OF THESE THINGS. (JOE OFF CAMERA)>> WELL, MEET CRAZY DANNY O'DAY. HE THRILLS CROWDS AROUND THE COUNTRY IN THIS FASTEST CAR ON TWO WHEELS, THE SUPERWINCH.

(DANNY)>> IT BEATS PUNCHING A CLOCK. (JOE OFF CAMERA)>> YEAH, WHAT A WAY TO MAKE A LIVING. RUNNING 146 MPH IN THE HIGH EIGHTS WITH YOUR REAR MEATS. BUT, DANNY DIDN'T ALWAYS DRIVE A TRICK FUNNY CAR. HE DROVE A WHEEL STANDING TRUCK UNTIL HE GOT BORED.

(DANNY)>> I WAS A RACER BEFORE I WAS A SHOWOFF. AND I WANTED TO GO FASTER AND I FIGURED THE FUNNY CAR WAS THE OBVIOUS CHOICE. IF YOU'RE GONNA HAVE A FAST CAR, THE FUNNY CAR MAKES A NEAT DEAL. (JOE OFF CAMERA)>> OF COURSE MAKING IT FLY ON TWO WHEELS TOOK SOME CREATIVE ENGINEERING, SUCH AS RUNNING THE BLOWER BACKWARDS AND TURNING THE TRANY 180 DEGREES.

(DANNY)>> BY HAVING THE MOTOR OPERATING IN ONE DIRECTION AND THE TRANSMISSION TURNING THE OTHER, IT CANCELS OUT THE TORQUE THAT YOU NORMALLY GET THAT TWISTS THE CAR AND MAKES ILL- HANDLING OFF THE STARTING LINE. AND NO MATTER HOW HARD I HIT THIS THING, EVEN IF IT SPINS THE TIRE, IT GOES STRAIGHT. BEING A ONE OF A KIND LIKE THIS, YOU BUILD A LOT OF STUFF AND THROW IT AWAY. THAT'S THE PART PEOPLE DON'T NOTICE. THEY SEE THE CAR, "OH MAN, THAT'S NEAT, THAT WORKED OUT GREAT." THEY OUGHTA SEE THE JUNK I GOT AT HOME. (JOE OFF CAMERA)>> WELL, NEXT WE TALKED DANNY INTO GETTING INTO HIS SUPERWINCH FOR A CRASH COURSE, WELL HOPEFULLY NOT, ON HOW YOU DRIVE THIS WHEEL STANDER.

(DANNY)>> YOU STEER IT WITH THE BRAKES, AND THAT WOULD BE THIS HANDLE RIGHT HERE. IF YOU PUSH FORWARD, YOU PUT A LEFT BRAKE ON. YOU PULL IT BACK YOU PUT RIGHT BRAKE ON AND IT GUIDES THE THING LIKE A TRACTOR. IT MAKES ABOUT 1500 HORSEPOWER AND WITH ABOUT TWO THIRDS OF THE WEIGHT ON THE REAR WHEELS, WHEN YOU WHACK IT, IT'S GONNA WHEEL STAND. GOES UP AGAINST THE STOPS ON THE WHEELIE BARS AND THEN YOU'RE AT THE MERCY OF THE TRACK AND YOUR ABILITY TO GUIDE IT WITH THE BRAKES. I SHIFT THIS WITH MY LEFT HAND. I DON'T NEED IT ON THE STEERING WHEEL ANYWAY BECAUSE THAT'S USELESS WITH THE FRONT WHEELS SIX FEET IN THE AIR. AND, PROBABLY THE HARDEST THING ABOUT IT IS LANDING IT. (JOE OFF CAMERA)>> OH YES, LANDING. DANNY MAKES IT LOOK EASY, BUT THINK ABOUT IT. DROPPING THE FRONT END AFTER 140 MILE PER HOUR RUN COULD DO SOME SERIOUS DAMAGE. ONCE AGAIN, CREATIVE ENGINEERING TO THE RESCUE.

(DANNY)>> WELL, WE GOT A LITTLE TRICK HERE. THESE COIL OVERS ARE ACTUALLY MOUNTED ON ROCKER ARMS. WHEN I LAND THE THING AT THE OTHER END, THIS LITTLE MICRO SWITCH HAS PUT CO2 IN THIS CYLINDER. WHEN THE SUSPENSION HANGS DOWN AND ACTIVATES THIS, PUTS CO2 IN THE CYLINDER, ROTATES THE ROCKER ARMS DOWN, AND ACTUALLY GIVES ME THIS MUCH SUSPENSION TRAVEL WHEN I LAND THE CAR AT THE OTHER END. THE BODY DOESN'T HIT THE GROUND, AND THE CAR LOOKS LEGITIMATE WHEN IT'S STAGED. (JOE OFF CAMERA)>> SO THAT'S HIS SECRET. THE WAY DANNY O'DAY GETS THE FASTEST CAR ON TWO WHEELS DOWN THE TRACK AND BACK IN ONE PIECE. BUT WHILE HE'S RIDING HIGH AND THRILLING THE CROWDS, DON'T THINK FOR A MINUTE HE'S RESTING ON HIS LAURELS.

(DANNY)>> I'M BUILDING ONE MUCH FASTER. WE GOT A NEW ONE COMING OUT IN THE YEAR 2000 THAT'S GONNA BE TOTALLY OUTRAGEOUS. MY FINAL STATEMENT, I GUESS. [ ENGINE REVVING ] [ MUSIC ]

(JOE)>> NEXT A QUICK TIP ON HOW TO GET CONNECTED WITH THE RIGHT RODS FOR YOUR MACHINE.

[ MUSIC ]

(CHUCK)>> HEY, HERE'S A HORSEPOWER FACT FOR YOU TO PONDER. AT 6000 RPM YOUR RODS ARE CHANGING DIRECTIONS SIX THOUSAND TIMES PER MINUTE. NOT IMPRESSED? WELL, THINK OF THIS WAY. IT'S A HUNDRED TIMES PER SECOND! NOW, WHETHER YOU'RE BUILDING A RACE ENGINE OR REBUILDING YOUR WIFE'S DAILY DRIVER, WELL IT KINDA STANDS TO GOOD REASON THAT YOU WANNA GET THE RIGHT RODS FOR YOUR APPLICATION. WE'VE COLLECTED AN ASSORTMENT OF RODS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT LUNATI TO SHOW YOU SOME OF YOUR OPTIONS. NOW, WE'RE USING SMALL BLOCK CHEVY RODS FOR THIS DEMONSTRATION, BUT SIMILAR ONES ARE AVAILABLE FOR MOST POPULAR ENGINES. NOW, HERE'S A STOCK ROD, AND IT'S NOT A BAD PIECE. IT'LL HANDLE OVER 350 HORSEPOWER PRETTY EASILY, BUT YOU CAN HELP IT OUT BY POLISHING THIS SIDE BEAM TO ELIMINATE THIS CASTING FLASH, THEN STRESS RELIEVING IT WITH SHOT PEENING. NOW, EVEN IF DECIDE TO STICK WITH STOCK RODS, AT LEAST UPGRADE THEM WITH PERFORMANCE BOLTS LIKE THESE ARP'S. NOW, THE NEXT STEP UP IS AN AFFORDABLE STEEL ROD WITH UPGRADES, LIKE THEIR STREET RACE VERSION. NOW, THIS ONE'S GOT CAP SCREWS FOR IMPROVED CLAMPING. IT'S MADE FROM PREMIUM STEEL ALLOY AND HAS A BRONZE, BUSHED SMALL END FOR FLOATING WRIST PINS. THIS ONE'S GOOD FOR ABOUT 450 HORSEPOWER. FROM THERE, WE CAN MOVE UP TO A FULLYPREPPED ROD THAT'S MADE FROM AIRCRAFT QUALITY STEEL WITH A LOT MORE MATERIAL ON THE BIG END AND ALSO FEATURES LARGER CAP SCREWS. NOW, THE SIDE BEAMS ARE FULLY POLISHED, AND IT TOO HAS A BRONZE BUSHED SMALL END. LUNATI CALLS THIS THEIR PRO MOD ROD, AND IT'S GOOD FOR WELL OVER 500 HORSEPOWER. OF COURSE, IF YOU'RE BUILDING OVER 600 HORSEPOWER, WELL, THE ULTIMATE STEEL RACE ROD IS CARVED FROM AIRCRAFT QUALITY BILLET TO GIVE YOU RELIABILITY IN THE MOST DEMANDING SITUATIONS. NOW, RODS IN THIS CATEGORY ARE MACHINED WITH CNC EQUIPMENT AND HAVE AN EVEN BEEFIER BIG END FOR IMPROVED CLAMPING LOADS. NOW, THIS IS A TRUE RACE ROD. AND SPEAKING OF RACE RODS, WELL THERE'S NO DOUBT ABOUT THE DISPOSITION OF THIS ALUMINUM PIECE FROM BTE. WEIGHTSAVINGS ARE THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGE, SO YOU CAN SPIN YOUR ENGINE TIGHTER AND FASTER. THE DOWNSIDE THOUGH IS THAT ROD STRETCH OCCURS OVER TIME, ESPECIALLY IF YOU OVERREV YOUR ENGINE. NOW, WE'VE HEARD OF GUYS THAT RUN THESE THINGS ON THE STREET, BUT WE DON'T RECOMMEND IT. WHAT WE RECOMMEND IS THAT YOU DON'T CUT CORNERS WHEN IT'S TIME TO GET CONNECTED, 'CAUSE YOU DON'T WANNA SPARE THE ROD AND SPOIL THE ENGINE. STAY TUNED, HOT PARTS IS NEXT.

(NARRATOR)>> NOW HORSEPOWER'S HOT PARTS. BROUGHT TO YOU BY SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT. YOUR SOURCE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE PARTS FOR 30 YEARS.

(JOE)>> TO ERR IS HUMAN. TO GET MORE AIR TO YOUR ENGINE IS DIVINE. THAT'S WHAT THIS NEW FLOW CONTROL AIR FILTER SYSTEM FROM K&N IS DESIGNED TO DO. THE LID AND BASE ARE MADE TO REDUCE TURBULENCE INSIDE THE AIR CLEANER AND TO DIRECT MORE AIR INTO THE CARBURETOR. THE RESULT IS MORE CYLINDER FILLING FOR IMPROVED HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE. OF COURSE, IT FEATURES THEIR FAMOUS FILTER/CHARGER ELEMENT AND PRICES STARTING AT ABOUT A HUNDRED BUCKS.

(CHUCK)>> OF COURSE, YOU'VE GOTTA FEED YOUR ENGINE PLENTY OF FUEL TO MAKE LOTS OF HORSEPOWER, AND HOLLEY'S GOT A NEW ELECTRIC PUMP THAT FLOWS AN AMAZING 500 GALLONS PER HOUR. NOW, IT'S CONSTRUCTED FROM BILLET ALUMINUM AND FEATURES A BUILTIN ADJUSTABLE BYPASS VALVE. YOU CAN POWER IT WITH EITHER 12 OR 16 VOLTS, AND IT'S FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH ALL ALCOHOL FUELS. NOW, YOU CAN STOP YOUR FUEL STARVATION PROBLEMS AND START WINNING RACES FOR UNDER FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS.

(JOE)>> WELL, NOW THAT WE'VE GOT THE AIR AND FUEL COMING IN, WE NEED A PLACE TO PUT 'EM. HOW 'BOUT THIS NEW AIR GAP PERFORMER INTAKE FROM EDELBROCK? IT'S GOT THE SAME POWER- PRODUCING FEATURES AS THEIR STANDARD PERFORMER, BUT THIS OPEN AREA UNDER THE PLENUM ELIMINATES HEAT CROSSOVER FOR A COOLER, DENSER FUEL MIX, AND AN APPRECIABLE BUMP IN YOUR HORSEPOWER AND TORQUE. 'COURSE, IT'LL ONLY BUMP YOUR BUDGET A COUPLE CNOTES.

(CHUCK)>> WELL ON THAT NOTE WHAT DO YOU SAY WE TAKE A LOOK AT NEXT WEEK'S SHOW? [ MUSIC ]

(JOE)>> SPORT COMPACTS ARE HOT NOW. SO WE'RE GONNA BUILD UP A HOT ROD HONDA INCLUDING HEADER, HIGH PERFORMANCE EXHAUST, AND NEW SET OF POWER PULLEYS. PLUS AN IGNITION UPGRADE AND EVEN A SPECIAL NITROUS KIT. THEN IT'S ON TO THE CHASSIS DYNO WHERE WE'LL SEE HOW MUCH POWER WE PLANT ON THOSE FRONT WHEELS. ALSO A QUICK TIP ON HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT ROCKER FROM MILD TO WILD.

(CHUCK)>> AND REMEMBER, HIGH PERFORMANCE FUN IS WHAT THIS SHOW'S ALL ABOUT.

(JOE)>> HEY MAN I'VE GOT TO TRY OUT THIS INTERIOR ONE MORE TIME.

(CHUCK)>> WELL THAT'S GORGEOUS IN THERE.

(JOE)>> OH MAN I LOVE IT.

(CHUCK)>> IS THAT REAL LEATHER?

(JOE)>> OH THIS IS THE REAL DEAL BUDDY.

(NARRATOR)>> HORSEPOWER TV IS AN RTM PRODUCTION.