Beaterblog Product Review - Harbor Freight Bead Roller

Bead rollers can be used to form channels in otherwise flat pieces of sheet metal to give the panel rigidity. This is commonly used to form floors, joggle panels, or make decorative patterns.

Generally I approach Harbor Freight tools as I would approach a strange dog - with a large degree of caution and with a small degree of blind optimism. If you buy something that you've never tried using - like said bead roller - and your work turns out awful, you never know what percentage of man vs. machine produced the failure. Am I a natural born bead roller with terrible tools? I may never know.

Local Media Discovers Waterford Hills Road Racing and Yours Truely

In preparation for this weekends activities at WHRRI, The Oakland Press has published coverage of last month's race. I did have a great weekend winning both class races which I hope helped me get a picture of myself and my abused Neon in print. After running countless laps around that place for the last five years it feels good to realize someone noticed me, a lowly Neon driver. In my first recorded post race interview (see video at The OakPress) I did neglect to thank my Momma and Baby Jesus. If I can just figure out what to do with my hands next time, I won't be awkward.

link: The Oakland Press News

BeaterBlog Safety Tip: Convertible Roof Loading

The joys of open air motoring usually have a few strings attached like wind noise or rain leaks. Most owners accept these limitations while others strap folding ping-pong tables (I'm guessing) to the thin tubular structure separating scalp from sky. This proud fox body owner has one strap looped over the table and inside the car to allow him to adjust tension with his right hand. Next time buck up for a six pack of PBR for your friend with a pick up truck.

Bonus safety tip: While towing your race car in an overloaded Jeep XJ, do not attempt to take pictures with your camera phone.

How Reclaim a Lost Title (in Michigan)

Ever buy a project car and promptly lose the title before registering it? That's my SOP. Unlike most states where your new purchase would otherwise be destined to Lemons or the demo derby, Michigan has a loophole for those who have lost a title after the sale the vehicle but before transferring the title officially. I've done it twice and it's awesome. Here's how it works.

Beat on the Street: Traffic Cone Edition

Each time I visit Northern Michigan it seems like every early '90s GM A-body has gone up there to slowly rust and die. The woods are filled with the diesel like rattle of the Iron Duke. This example sports an attractive rattle-can finish in safety orange and a wooden header panel.