In the Garage - Project FreE30

As I had mentioned earlier, Steve is moving to a sailboat and getting rid of everything. As a result, I've happened upon this '91 or so E30 318is that was given to me as an early wedding gift. I've been told that it's not so much of a present as a curse, but I'm a sucker for freebies.

The goal here, since it is technically a wedding present given to both parties, is to make it in to something that my girlfriend can beat on daily and something that I can throw around the track every now and then.

Beat on the Street - '73 Ford XB Landau

If Mad Max preferred corduroy to leather and felt more like sitting down to talk about problems with fellow road warriors instead of jury rigging explosives to blow them up, he would have likely driven the somewhat classier XB Landau in place of the Falcon Interceptor.

Beaterblog Product Review - Harbor Freight 3000lb. Lightweight 'Racing' Jack

Aluminum jacks have been coming down in price for the past few years. When I saw a flier at Harbor Freight advertising one at $69.99, I decided to stop waiting.

Beat on the Street in Finland, Wales, and Amsterdam

It's always nice to see beaters from around the world. Thanks to long time car buddy and friend of beaterblog, Jordan, here are some unusual sightings sent in from overseas with his commentary on each.

Free with Purchase - Items Found in Cars That Find You

The other day, I was given an E30 by my friend 'sailboat' Steve, who has sworn off land living and is trying to get rid of all possessions that keep him anchored. But what did he leave in his car?

Here's the short list:

Ax
Latex gloves
Ski mask
Duck tape
Rosemont Riesling
Snap-on ratchet
Rugby shirt
Cot
Jacket with his name on it
Spherical bearings x2
Mismatched 'O.J.' gloves
Boogie board
~450 Forint (Hungarian currency)

Latch-Key Kids Tweet 24 Hours of LeMons American Irony

The Latch-Key Kids are hauling the Chia Neon out to Gingerman for our sixth attempt at the 24 Hours of LeMons. Gingerman raceway hosts the sixty car mayhem and you can follow your favorite grass covered car through all the action. The last five tweets are shown on the right tool bar and all them are here.

SBC Powered Chrysler Concorde, Most Unrewarding Project

The Small Block Chevrolet V8 is an institution of American motoring bringing ubiquitous torque and reliability to the masses in a light and inexpensive package. That's why SBC's can be found in nearly any vehicle with enough room under the hood. However, of all the vehicles I'd love to through a 305 at a Chrysler LH is at the end of the line.

Beater to 24 Hours of LeMons Racer in 10 Steps

Success at the 24 Hours of LeMons is difficult and arguably the most difficult part is turning your beater into a competent endurance racer. The Latch-Key Kids team has managed to keep our Chia Neon in the top five in as many events. Here's how we did it.

3 Balls Gingerman Open Track Day

April flowers bring the start of track season in Michigan. The gear-heads at 3 Balls Racing hosted one of the seasons first events at Gingerman this past Saturday which was a perfect opportunity to test the Chia Neon before next weekends 24 Hours of LeMons event at the same track. More pics inside.

Dear John Letter from Chrysler

Dear 1971 Simca Owner,

This is really hard for us. Things just haven't worked out as we'd hoped. It's not you, it's us. I hope you aren't upset. At any rate, here's $125 for your troubles and your car. Please don't call us again...unless you want a real Chrysler.

Sorry,
Chrysler

Ten Reasons To Move To Canada

Beaterblog isn't getting political - this is just a listing of ten cars that you can get in Canada that you can't get in the US. And every one is for sale right now, just click on the title! Maybe these vehicles aren't enough reason to move to Canada alone but if you're already fond of hockey, Tim Horton's, and poutine, maybe one of these slightly oddball automobiles will tip the balance.

In the Garage - Barnyard Falcon Repairs

During a track day at Sandown Raceway in Springvale, Victoria, I had a bit of an encounter with some curbing on turn four. After that, the car never really tracked the same, especially over 80mph. The rear end would shift directions rapidly like you were tailgating a semi at speed. This sensation was amplified with weight in the back. Midway through a cross country journey with my friend Steve, it needed to be fixed.

PCPS April Open House

Warm weather brought out some incredible cars to the Points Condensers Preservation Society April open house. Where else can you find a forward control Jeep, a pre-war BWM 328, a rally inspired Volvo Amazon and a blown doo-doo brown old school 911 in the same garage?