The SwissMiniGun

Yeah, yeah, I know it's not car related, but I collect miniature guns and rifles and I want one of these! So here ar the details.

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The SwissMiniGun is a 2.16-inch replica of a Colt Python, and it's a real gun that shoots tiny bullets that are just .35 inches long. This miniature Swiss-made revolver and its 2.34 mm caliber ammunition are manufactured using watch-making technology. The revolver is no bigger than a key ring and can be hidden anywhere. In its holster, it looks like a toy or key ring but can be deadly if fired. (Source: Baden-Württemberg State Police).

PS, You can own one of these beauties for only $6,500 Swiss Francs or $5,181.24 USD
Check it out at http://www.swissminigun.com

AIRLESS TIRES

A radical new tire design by Michelin. The next generation of tires. These tires are airless and are scheduled to be out on the market very soon.
The bad news for law enforcement is that spike strips will not work on these tires. But neither will road hazards!

This is what great R&D will do, and just think of the impact on existing technology:

a. no more air valves
b. no more air compressors at gas stations
c. no more repair kits

The cost that I have been hearing for this special wheel and tire has been in $2500 per wheel and tire combo or about $10k per car? Hopefully the price will come down with more production?

Possibly The Biggest Knife In The World?

The Most Incredible KnifeDennis Pireta, Wenger’s marketing director put it succinctly when he noted, “This is not exactly going to win any awards for lightest, smallest or most efficient tools…” The knife is a brute, weighing 2 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 8.75 inches. But don’t worry, it has a key ring so you can carry it on a belt loop.
Wenger set the price at $1,200. Each knife must be ordered individually through the company.
The Most Incredible KnifeWenger wants you to do one thing: throw out your old knives. Actually, it wants you to do several things: throw out your bike tools, your toiletries, your laser pointer and so on, because you can find all of these instruments in a huge Swiss Army knife, which includes every tool the company makes. Wenger is calling the contraption “Giant Knife Version 1.0.” It debuted with all 85 features and can perform hundreds of functions.
Who doesn’t need a cigar cutter next to a bicycle chain rivet setter next to a golf divot repair tool? Wenger is on to something with this everyman’s gadget. It wouldn’t be a knife, though, without a blade, so Wenger put seven in the line-up. And it wouldn’t be Swiss Army unless it came with tweezers and a toothpick. (They’re included, too.)
The Most Incredible KnifeHere are all 85 tools included in Giant Knife, Version 1.0:
1. 2.5” 60% Serrated locking blade
2. Nail file, nail cleaner
3. Corkscrew
4. Adjustable pliers with wire crimper and cutter
5. Removable screwdriver bit adapter
6. 2.5” Blade for Official World Scout Knife
7. Spring-loaded, locking needle-nose pliers with wire cutter
8. Removable screwdriver bit holder
9. Phillips head screwdriver bit
10. Phillips head screwdriver bit
11. Phillips head screwdriver bit
12. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.5 mm x 3.5 mm
13. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.6 mm x 4.0 mm

14. Flat head screwdriver bit 1.0 mm x 6.5 mm

15. Magnetized recessed bit holder

16. Double-cut wood saw with ruler (inch & cm)

17. Bike chain rivet setter, removable 5m allen wrench, screwdriver for slotted and Phillips head screws

18. Removable tool for adjusting bike spokes, 10m hexagonal key for nuts

19. Removable 4mm curved allen wrench with Phillips head screwdriver

20. Removable 10mm hexagonal key

21. Patented locking Phillips head screwdriver

22. Universal wrench

23. Laser pointer with 300 ft. range

24. 1.65” Clip point utility blade

25. Metal saw, metal file

26. 4 mm allen wrench

27. 2.5” blade28. Fine metal file with precision screwdriver

29. Double-cut wood saw

30. Cupped cigar cutter with double-honed edges

31. 12/20-Gauge choke tube tool

32. Watch caseback opening tool

33. Snap shackle

34. Telescopic pointer

35. Compass, straight edge, ruler (in./cm)

36. Mineral crystal magnifier with precision screwdriver

37. 2.4” Springless scissors with serrated, self-sharpening design

38. Shortix key

39. Flashlight

40. Fish scaler, hook disgorger, line guide

41. Micro tool holder

42. Micro tool adapter

43. Micro scraper-straight

44. Reamer

45. Fine fork for watch spring bars

46. Pin punch 1.2 mm

47. Pin punch .8 mm

48. Round needle file

49. Removable tool holder with expandable receptacle

50. Removable tool holder

51. Multi-purpose screwdriver

52. Flat Phillips head screwdriver

53. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.5 mm x 3.5 mm

54. Spring loaded, locking flat nose nose-pliers with wire cutter

55. Phillips head screwdriver bit 0

56. Phillips head screwdriver bit

57. Phillips head screwdriver bit

58. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.5 mm x 3.5 mm

59. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.6 mm x 4.0 mm

60. Flat head screwdriver bit 1.0 mm x 6.5 mm

61. Can opener

62. Phillips head screwdriver

63. 2.5” Clip point blade

64. Golf club face cleaner

65. 2.4” Round tip blade

66. Patented locking screwdriver, cap lifter, can opener

67. Golf shoe spike wrench

68. Golf divot repair tool

69. Micro straight-curved

70. Special tool holder

71. Phillips head screwdriver 1.5mm

72. Screwdriver 1.2 mm

73. Screwdriver .8 mm

74. Mineral crystal magnifier, fork for watch spring bars, small ruler

75. Removable screwdriver bit holder

76. Magnetized recessed bit holder

77. Tire tread gauge

78. Reamer/awl

79. Patented locking screwdriver, cap lifter, wire stripper

80. Special Key

81. Toothpick

82. Tweezers

83. Adapter

84. Key ring

85. Second key ring

The Most Incredible KnifeIf you’re interested in being the coolest Boy Scout on the block, call Wenger at 800-431-2996 to order your own Giant Knife, Version 1.0.

Dick Landy, inventor of the Funny Car Dead at 69

Dick Landy, Mr. MOPAR, the man synonymous with Dodge's wildly-successful factory drag racing program in the 1960s and '70s, has died from kidney failure. He was 69 years old. Landy made a name for himself and his factory sponsor by combining the legendary Hemi with an altered wheelbase to create the first "funny car". At the recent SEMA SHOW in Las Vegas, there was a fantastic rebuild of one of Landy's race cars at the entrance to the show, and we video'd an entire segment on the car and the man for 'CAR NUT TV'. We hope to get that up on this BLOG soon. I interviewed Landy about 20 years ago at his chassis dyno-equipped shop in the San Fernando Valley. He was smart, funny, experienced and enjoyed sharing his past exploits with a "kid" like me. I learned a lot from Landy and will cherish the short amount of time we spent together. He really was one of the Dodge "Good Guys", though Chrysler/Dodge/MOPAR might not always have been so happy with him!

More of this story at Steve Parker, The Car Nut & Car Nut TV

1970 Plymouth Barracuda Grand Coupe

FOR SALE
1970 Plymouth Barracuda Grand Coupe
At Auction on eBay till Jan-20-07 15:30:00 PST


Plymouth : Barracuda Grand Coupe
Beautiful 1970 Cuda- # Matching 383 4-BRL-38,000 Miles
Miles: 38525 - Body Type: Coupe - Transmission: Automatic
Engine: 8 - Cyl. - Warranty: No Interior: Black - Title: Other - Year: 1970
Condition: Used - VIN Number: BP23N0B146507 - Fuel Type: Gasoline - Exterior: Orange

Vehicle Description
Up for bid is a beautiful 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Grand Coupe accented to look like an AAR/Cuda. The BP series cars, also known as Gran Coupes that were built with the 383 big block in 1970, used the 2 barrel (L-code) and high performance 4 barrel (N-code) car version. There were a total of 1073 BP cars built in 1970 with the 383 big block high performance (N-code) car version. 341 of these were stick shift versions and 732 used the Heavy Duty 727 Torque-flight transmission.
This car comes with the original numbers matching 383 hi-performance 4 barrel motor, HD 727 auto transmission, 8 3/4 rear end, rally gauge package (Tic-Tac Dash), dual exhaust, quick ratio steering, Am-Radio, upgraded interior, wood trim, factory tinted glass, dual chrome sport mirrors, power steering, power disc brakes, and more. There is a copy of the original title showing 38,000 miles. The engine block rail number (VIN number), the fender tag, the partial broadcast sheet (build sheet) that will verify the last 12 digits of the VIN, the VIN number on the dash, door sticker and factory stamped body panels on the cowl & radiator support all match. The motor runs strong, and sounds nice, however, the exhaust isn’t hooked up to the polished ceramic coated headers and will need to be put on the car before it can be driven daily as it is to loud for street use. There are a set of new AAR exhaust mufflers that come in a box with the car.
The car retains the original factory EV2 paint color (Hemi Orange/Tor-Red Irid) and was painted about 4-5 years ago when the AAR hood and decals were added, however, the hood should be readjusted to give it a nice fit. Although the car looks sharp, it could use a wet sand as this was never done. A new grill, headlight bezels and Go-Wing were just put on the car. It will still need the parking lamps & chrome trim surround to be complete. I think the Go-Wing makes the car look more aggressive. The car comes with a new tinted windshield as the original had some cracks and a new vinyl top was put on because the original was faded. The car also comes with the side body moldings (fish gills) and will have to be installed since I couldn't locate the correct clips as this was a one year only item. The body is in great shape, very clean and the body lines are straight. The undercarriage and trunk area are clean (see pictures).
I had a local trim shop replace the original interior seats, package tray and add a dash cap since the original dash had a small crack near the speaker. The door panels & carpet are in nice condition. The headliner has some sag in the area above the driver seat, however I don't think it needs replacement. The overhead console is in good condition and works well. The car has brand new beautiful deep dish Crager SS rims with new matching Kelly Charger tires that give it a nice stance. I have a new trunk divider that goes with the vehicle along with the original spare tire.
Fender Tag Decodes as:
E63 - 383 4-barrel
D32 - Heavy Duty A-727 Torque-flight Trans
B - Plymouth Barracuda
P - Premium
23 - 2 door hardtop
N - 383 (330HP or 335 HP) 1-4 BBL 8 CYL
0 - 1970
B - Dodge Main, Hamtramck, MI, USA
146507 - Sequence Number: 146507
EV2 - Paint Code: Hemi Orange / Tor-Red Irid
PRX9 - Trim Grade/Style/Color
P - Premium
R - Vinyl and Leather Bucket Seats
X9 - Black
000 - Upper Door Frame: Full Door Panel
A06 - Date Built: 10 / 06 / 1969
005959 - Order Number: 005959
V1X - Roof Type OR Color: Full Vinyl Top - Black
A01 - Light Package
A04 - Basic (Radio) Group
A62 - Rally Instrument Cluster
B51 - Power Assist Disc Brakes
C26 - Over Head Roof Console
C55 - Bucket Seats
G31 - Right Hand Outside Mirror - Manual / Chrome
G33 - Left Hand Outside Mirror - Remote/ Chrome
L31 - Hood/Fender Mounted Turn Signal
M21 - Roof Drip Rail Moldings
M25 - Wide Sill Molding (Fish Gills)
M31 - Belt Molding 69-70
N41 - Duel Exhaust w/o Tips
N35 - Unknown At This Time
R11 - Music Master Radio AM
Y05 - Built to U.S. Specifications
EN1 - End of Codes Assembly Line 1

1970 Plymouth Barracuda Grand Coupe

1971 Buick LeSabre Convertible

FOR SALE
1971 Buick LeSabre Convertible
On Auction on eBay till Jan-20-07 16:00:00 PST

This is the most stunning low mileage 1971 buick le sabre convertibles you might find in the entire country.this classic convertible just having two owners in its life with just 11000 miles. That’s right this car was built in wilmington ,del plant.bought new in the town of new castle .pa from morrison buick inc.we have all paper work original window sticker, protecto plate, warranty pamplets, build sheeet, this car comes equiped with stunning code 24 e cascade blue with sandlewood interior.std.comp.350 cu.in.v8 w/4 bbl.carb, reg fuel, turbo hydra-matic transmission, sonomatic radio, car does have new white wall tires,and new battery, speed alert@ trip odometer, soft ray tinted windshield, remote control outside rear veiw mirror, accessory group-trunk light, electric clock, protective body side moldings and front fender moldings,power disc brakes,power steering,foam padded seats and chrome deluxe buick wheels,power top.perfect off white boot in trunk along with all original jack and spare tire never put on ground. Trunk looks like it has never been opened truly amazing.this is one of the finest examples of a classic convertible i have ever owned .this car is amazing in every aspect of the word fly in and drive home. You will be the talk of the town with this classic buick convertible in your collection,this classic convertible is the best place to put your money these cars in this condtion will do nothing but go up in value. I really don’t think you could find another classic convertible in this original outstanding condtion.
1971 Buick LeSabre Convertible

421 Pontiac GTO 64 65 66 67 HO HP Musclecar Tri-Power

FOR SALE
421 Pontiac GTO 64 65 66 67 HO HP Musclecar Tri-Power
This engine is on an eBay auction till Jan-14-07 17:50:18 PST

421 Pontiac GTO 1965 1966 421HO High Performance - Big Center Carb Tri-Power
376HP Engine Motor Late 65 Early 66 Musclecar Bonneville SD Super Duty
Catalina GP Grand Prix 2+2 Ventura Firebird Trans Am

FOR SALE: The Legendary Pontiac 421 HO Tri-Power four bolt main Engine / Motor
A “great running 421 2+2 376HP 421HO motor”. The motor ran very solid and strong backed by a TH400 and a 342? POSI rear-end in a full size 60’s Pontiac. I bought it from the West coast owner who said it had been recently completely gone through and everything replaced or checked by a well known engine shop in California, and they installed fresh (1200 miles earlier) high flowing “670” big 2.11 / 1.77 valve heads. I drove it a total of 2200 miles myself mostly cruising on Sundays. Although it ran perfect and I think the gentleman I bought it from had recently had it completely rebuilt, I always planned to tear it down and check everything myself. I never got around to doing that, in fact never did anything but fog the cylinders and turn it over by hand once a month. Compression is very good.

The numbers on the block are as follows: back of block date code is early model 1966 built Nov 65: K245. Rear block also shows 978 2611. It does have the mountain transfer lug Pete McCarthy’s book shows indicates the big block and special castings for high performance 4 bolt main block, indicating the 376HP basis. I have heard three stories about the block code “X”, but McCarthy’s book says it means Kansas City I have been told, not experimental or service replacement. Numbered on the front passenger side as 218020 and underneath XWJ. The WJ is the 421 High Performance 376HP four speed code. Intake is the big center carb 8782898 but the date code must be on the underside as I do not see it, but pictures from 66 match it perfectly, so I believe it is the original 367HP HO setup also. Heads are 670’s cast in the center exhaust section. I know these heads are not original, but was told when I bought it that they “flow much better than the originals with the much larger intake and exhaust valves”… And another engine builder agreed with that as a good pro shop upgrade.

So now I have what I believe to be this awesome running 421 which needs to be in the hands of someone wanting to build themselves a 64, 65, 66, 67, 68 Pontiac GTO, Lemans, T37, Catalina, SD Super Duty Clone, Firebird, Bonneville, Ventura, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 Star Chief, Trans Am, TransAm, GP, Grand Prix, 61, 62, 63 Tempest Pro Street, Prostreet, Pro Mod, ProMod or Hot Rod, HotRod, Rat Rod, RatRod, 31, 32, 33, 34 Ford, T-bucket, coupe, sedan or roadster. I hate to sell it, but with no plans for it for at least the next decade, its better to go ahead and make some room in my small garage and I hate to just have an engine sitting around for another decade or so.

What I can tell you about it is: about five years ago this motor ran perfect in a full size 1962 Pontiac right up to the day I pulled it out and hung it on the engine mount. No lifter ticks, slightly lopey but still smooth idling and fast revving (It may have a special cam, but I don’t know that for sure), no smoke out my dual exhausts, I never raced it and the only “abuse” I gave it was about five strong stoplight launches which were impressive to me as to how strong this muscle motor torqued-up and rev’d. It does have the big center carburetor setup and when the other two open up it roars! I bought Ames air cleaners for it, new fuel line setup, new fuel pump, rebuilt starter, NAPA carburetor kits, a long neck water inlet in addition to the shorter style one that was on it, added mad-dog (supposed to fit early Tempest and GTO) headers which have the collector connectors also and I have a large box of items that go with it like new motor mounts, brackets, pulleys, bolts, nuts, hoses, belts, old fuel pump, original exhaust manifolds, etc. Buyer gets an engine stand also if picked up here in Knoxville TN near the crossover section of I 75 and I 40. See requirements below.

Footnote: I have described and included everything I know about this engine as accurately as is known and in the condition as stated but engine is being sold AS-IS. As with any engine this age it is suggested that a competent mechanic check all assemblies prior to use.
FYI: I am a long time member of the Pontiac Oakland Club International (POCI), President of a POCI Specialty Chapter and a POCI Director with excellent long term reputation for honesty

421 Pontiac GTO 64 65 66 67 HO HP Musclecar Tri-Power

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

By Mark C Bach

Well folks if it is January in Arizona it means only one thing – the Barrett-Jackson Car Auction is coming! This marks the 36th annual event for Craig Jackson and many folks will be glued to Speed for hours on end and banging their head, asking why they sold that 67 Camaro years ago.

Probably one of smartest moves at the Barrett-Jackson auction was partnering with Speed. They got extensive free publicity and attention and the cable channel received hours of video tape, both live and on tape, to show their viewers. Traditionally these live telecasts are among Speed’s best ratings. Speed will carry forty hours of live coverage over six days and as they say, check your local listings.

The next smartest move was making this a no reserve auction. In a typical car auction some cars are offered at reserve, which means the car is ONLY going to be hammered sold if the bidding reaches a pre-determined, secret sales price. This leads to disappointed buyers, who wouldn’t bid high enough and disappointed sellers, who set their expectations to high. Plus the general public likes to know that cars are sold. So Barrett-Jackson raised the bar and requires all sellers to offer for sale at no reserve. Now as you can expect there are some behind the scene manipulations, but the cars end up rolling off the runway with a sold price.

The Barrett Jackson auction is held in Scottsdale, AZ at a converted polo field and houses a tent that originally came from Disney World. It is reported to be the largest tent west of the Mississippi and mainly is used to for the auction area, a few high end cars and rows of vendors are also here to sell everything from car insurance to real estate to cigars. Barrett Jackson has had some highly public disputes with the City of Scottsdale over the field conditions and parking spaces but they seem to have kissed and made up for now. It is hard to argue with a citizen, when his customers paying a substantial sales tax.

The event starts on Saturday January 13, 2007 with a charity viewing and continues through Sunday January 21, 2007. The 15th is devoted to selling rock and roll memorabilia and no cars. Usually the first hour of each auction is devoted to selling automobilia.

Prices to attend this event will be steep. The gate price on Saturday tops out at $55 a person. Over 250,000 people are expected to attend at this week long + event. A bidder’s pass will cost $500, but you get to bring a guest and have access to a free bar with that pass.

Last year 1,104 cars sold for over $100 million. This year we get to see if the Hemi’s stall, drop or soar on the market. Because Barrett-Jackson sets the bar for the rest of 2007. Orange County Cruisers, Jack Rousch and Carroll Shelby will be selling their cars at the auction but here are some of my personal picks.

#1290 An awesome custom Plymouth ‘Cuda made by Alan Johnson. It was seen at SEMA for the past two years and won Goodguy’s Street Machine of the Year in 2006. It was well built and is a unique design.

#1295 Grumpy Jenkin’s ‘74 Vega that was raced on the NHRA circuit. Probably won’t bring an obscene amount of funds, but I am a sucker for history.

#1285 is the super hyped 1967 “Last Corvette” which Speed featured in a series. It’ll be interesting to see if this one rises above the hype.

Way too many “muscle cars” are being offered with automatics including #1279 a Yenko 1969 Chevelle.

So enjoy the show and the TV coverage and we’ll recap the auction next time with lots of photos.

See the complete B-J 2007 auction list here.

See ya on the road.

The Old Round Barn

By BS Brash
Originally built in 1898 by William H Odor, the Old Round barn has been a landmark for thousands of Old Route 66 travelers. It is right on Old Route 66 by Arcadia, Oklahoma. Although for most of the time Route 66 was commissioned it wasn’t in use because it was deteriorating and finally in 1988 the immense 60’ diameter roof collapsed. The repair bill was estimated at $165,000.00. It was through the timely intervention of Luther Robison, a carpenter since 1940 who had long admired the building - the only one of its kind in Oklahoma – who knew he could save the barn and bypass the exorbitant price tag. By recruiting volunteers, selling inscribed round barn bricks, setting up a roadside donation box and seeking donated labor and equipment, Luther Robison restored the round barn over the course of over four years for $65,000. The restoration was completed with the help of the Over The Hill Gang so called because almost all of the volunteers were over 65. For this reason, they were given the 1992 National Preservation Honor Award for outstanding craftsmanship and perseverance in the restoration of the historic 1898 Arcadia Round Barn.
There is no cost for admission to the Old Round Barn and the loft in the Barn is available for parties, weddings, meetings, dances and more; make your reservations well in advance. They are now open 6 days per week. Hours are 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Daily Tuesday thru Sunday
For more information see the website at http://www.theroadwanderer.net/66Oklahoma/arcadia.htm

The Old Round Barn - P.O. Box 134 - Arcadia, Okla. 73007 - Ph. 405-396-2761 bill_campbell71@yahoo.com

THE HAMBURGER STAND

BS Brash

In my youth, my family would frequently go to a small building across from Sears on 15th St in KC, MO, it was fondly called “The Stand” or occasionally “The Hamburger Stand”. My Uncle owned it along with his father-in-law. We kids just loved it, it meant a special treat, the equivelant of a trip to McDonald's today, but without the play equipment.

“The Stand” was a magical place, surrounded by smells that were so appetizing that your mouth started watering at least 3 blocks away. There was very little air conditioning in those days and the big fan that circulated the air out of the back of “The Stand” worked in more ways than one, not only did it help make "The Stand" more comfortable by pulling the heat of the grill outside and moving in cooler air, but it also served to circulate the amazing aroma of hamburgers being fried on the grill right on the onions for blocks around and, reduced to almost zero, any need for advertising. A taste that McDonalds has completely overlooked by putting the onions on raw after the hamburger has already been cooked. That beautiful smell also permeated the inside of the “The Stand” and some how mingled with the music being played on the Jukebox. Songs like “Take an old cold tater and wait”, “Don’t fence me in” and “Shoo Fly & Apple Pan Dowdy”. The music mixed with the taste of a cold Coke that burned your nose and throat, a hamburger fried on onions and fresh french fries. One of the glorious memories from my childhood. This from a time when the McDonald Brothers were just thinking about opening their second restaurant and the only famous Kings were not Burger, but The Little King from the comics and the King of England.

Why am I reminiscing about a hamburger stand, you ask?

Because I was in Carthage Missouri recently and when I am any where near Carthage I like to time it so that I can eat lunch at Whislers, a true Hamburger Stand! Whislers is one of those rare places that not only exceeds your expectations but doesn’t put a hole in your wallet at the same time. Hamburgers are 5 for $3.20 and cheeseburgers are 5 for $3.70. They only sell canned pop and bags of potato chips along with a small assortment of candy bars for dessert. If there are more than 5 people waiting you can expect to wait for your order about 10-15 minutes. The call-in orders get in line status and if it is a large order you can expect to salivate all over yourself while the counter people fry and pack all the orders that are ahead of you. But it is worth the wait! My recommendation is the double cheeseburger with all the fixin’s, add to that, chips and pop and you will have lunch for less that a Fin and well worth it! A meal fit for a king!

So the next time you are anywhere near Carthage Missouri, it will be well worth your time to stop and build yourself some memories!


Copyright 2007 BS Brash