Learning How-To Gap Spark Plugs

I’ve known for awhile that I needed to change the spark plugs in my Studebaker. But I’d heard things. Things like you could break the plug inside your motor if you did it wrong and to be sure to tighten the plugs to the correct tension. So although I knew they should be changed, I was scared to do it on my own, and my spark plugs in there were working…right???

As I’m learning, I’m seeing that spark plugs (although they don’t cost much and are small little things) are a major, MAJOR component of your engine. Without ‘em, your engine wouldn’t run. Without ‘em working at their best, your engine won’t run at its best.

So as part of last weekend’s wrenching adventure up at Gene Winfield’s in Mojave, I changed my spark plugs…for the very first time! Gasp! The fellow at the local parts store recommended Autolite over ACDelco plugs which I had been running. Then, when he informed me the gap for my application was .052 I was surprised, and a little confused. Gap…what?!?

While perhaps some people just throw a set of spark plugs in their engine – if you want your engine to run at its best, you’ve got to adjust the spark plug gap prior to putting them in.

Exhaust 101: How-To Choose A New Exhaust System

The best way I can explain what an exhaust system is to your car is its like how your car breathes. When I started driving my Studebaker three years ago, I knew the exhaust system would only be temporary. It was transplanted from a different model Studebaker and had been cut and pieced together to pseudo-fit into mine. But I just figured a pipe was a pipe and couldn’t make too much difference.

Grease Girl Diary: March Madness!

I know, I know…you’re all awaiting the promised Car Interior How-To articles! And they are coming!

Even thought I’ve been slacking on the homepage, I’ve definitely not just been kicking back over here at Grease Girl! I’ll let ya into a few of the things I’ve been up to…

Today Stude’s running better that she has in a long while….yeehaw!! That’s thanks to Art Carr and his fellas over at California Performance Transmission. It turns out that the TV cable wasn’t functioning correctly on my 700R4 transmission. Thank goodness no permanent damage was done in my year of driving it that way! With a couple of newly fitted brackets aligning everything properly, ol’ Stude’s got some of her power back!

Also happening in the garage, I’ve been tinkering away at the newest car in my care, my brother’s 1960 Falcon! I’ll be posting some pictures of this cutie up soon. She’s had a few little issues to be corrected but is now back on the road – and my weekly gas budget is taking a sigh of relief…a straight-6 engine has far more fuel economy than a 383!

Then of course there’s the social calander. My friend Becky Sue and I are gearing up to gather some SoCal grease-lovin’ ladies to form a new all-girls car club! We’re really excited about this and looking forward to having a crew of ladies that like to work together! If you know of anyone that might be interested, just send an email to greasegirlscarclub@gmail.com.

Lastly, this following story was too good to pass up! I’d heard some progress updates for Zachary Norman’s 1932 Ford Roadster, Platinum Bomb, and was looking forward to seeing it debut at the Grand National Roadster Show. I was expecting it to be cool – what with Troy Ladd of Hollywood Hot Rods with his hands in the project as well as Matt and Tom doing the paint over at Department of Customz. But I wasn’t prepared for all the details and obvious skill that went into making this roadster!

So while you’re waiting for me to get my butt into gear and publish more Car Interior How-To’s, get your imaginations goin’ by reading up on the Platinum Bomb!

Car Interior :101

Happy 2010!! Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get down to business! And for Grease Girl that means giving you more of what I originally set out for…to help the beginning car person get involved in the garage! While I hope my wish list will provide the topics for some great how-to articles over the coming months, I’ve got a few tech how-to’s up my sleeve already.

Next to mechanics, paint is priority for most.  However its my opinion that interior is more important, particularly if its a daily driver. Far more hours are spent sitting on the inside than viewing the paint outside, right!?! So what better place to start this year off than with the very first job I tackled on my Studebaker – the interior!

Get ready for a whole series of articles this month on redoing your classic car’s interior. Before jumping in, I thought I’d start with a few tips from a pro. Luis Loyola was kind enough to have me over to his shop, Loyola Auto Interiors, and share with us some terrific expert advice.

So sit down, relax, and get ready to get to work!

What’s On Your Wish List?

I’ve found that everybody has their own unique approach to building and working-on their car projects. You’ve got factors like money, who’s doing the work, skill level, space to work in, time, end-result, and of course personal organizational style (or lack thereof!)

My 1955 Studebaker Champion is a work-in-progress. Since she’s my daily driver my top goal is to keep her on the road so I’ve got regular maintenance to keep done and of course unexpected events come up too! But that doesn’t rule out my desire to get her into better shape as time goes by.

So with it being the holiday season, I figured this would be a good time to step back and identify what I’d like to get done and what my priorities are for Stude. So I’m not sure whether this is a Christmas wish list or my 2010 New Year’s Resolutions… maybe you’d like to make your own for your project car(or even to work towards getting your very first classic!)