The Ultimate Car Guy's Survival Guide
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2025
- There's a lot more to the car game than buying parts and turning wrenches. Here's a look at some of the philosophies and methods that have served us well.
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This isn't just car advice, it's life advice...Pay attention kids :)
Priceless info from a brilliant mind.
G.D right
David Macauley Great to see that there's a Lot of New ,Young Enthusiasm for Old Cars . Someone will have to Love & take care of my Charger one day ...
You use words like "holistically" and "homogeneous" yet you got kicked out of school at 16. You sir speak more eloquently and are more reflective and thoughtful than most people I come across every day. A lifelong learner indeed! Great video!
Absolutely
NYC used to have good publoc schools. Today? The admins practically have an oath for parents to adhere to a host of crazy theories [crt or whatever]. Some, I've heard, even make the parents write papers on the latest garbage.
"We aren't whoring for minutes like some of these other channels."
This guy gets it, you shouldn't have to artificially extend your video to get more ad revenue. If the content is there, people will watch for the entire length of the video.
This video should be REQUIRED viewing for anyone contemplating a build. The advice provided - well. it's worth it's weight in gold. Some might call it "common sense," but all to often such "common sense" isn't taught in schools or homes. Thank you for putting this one together. The 29 minutes absolute FLEW by...
Yeah, and that's the thing with us car guys. A lot of times common sense goes out the window, the minute we start dreaming about car stuff. Sometimes even the more experienced ones can get in over their head. It sure is a disease, but I can think of many that are worse.
I agree. I'm working on my first build. I've owned it for 5 years and because I haven't been focused on it, it's been sitting and rotting for most of that time. I started focusing on it a couple of months ago and already it's able to be driven on the road, though it still needs a lot of work yet. Cutting out distractions is REQUIRED for this.
I agree with some of your comment, but I just need to say that common sense, is a sense. There is no teaching it. You either have it, or you don't. It's more of an IQ thing.
Couldn't agree more.. this bloke is a walking car encyclopedia and I'm addicted to the knowledge being thrown at me!!!
@@vanillathunder9106 he sure is! And sadly his kind are dying off! Well at least not as many around, like even 10 years ago.
"I dream about cars. I eat and breathe cars. My wife is a car."
From the Kitchen: "I HEARD THAT!"
"Crap."
What kind of car tho ?
Obviously a Mopar!!
Uncle Tony's wife is a car, she's a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham....classy, elegant, the very top of the line.....thanks for your great vids, Uncle Tony....always fun to watch and informative
I'm a MOPAR guy with a few #'s matching restos under my belt. My advice to anyone thinking of buying 70 muscle is take (and pay) an expert to view. You can find them in local car clubs. I liked your inspection of the 1970 through 73 red Duster.....I had to laugh at the seller. You saved her many tears & $$$$'s.
As an automotive engineer and mechanic, this guy knows what he's talking about. Hey Tony, you can be my neighbor anytime. New subscriber!
You were actually my first subscription. I'm 21 and feel like I'm surrounded by guys that are in a constant pissing contest over who has the cleanest car. There is almost no direction in the community, except for a hand full of people that (just so happen to) work on old cars and seem to get what's up. I have a 77 Nova that I'm about $11k into. You couldn't tell that from the outside, but I've changed every powertrain and drivetrain component out for something better. I want a respectable car to run at the track that I can also drive on the weekends to meet my friends for wings. That's it, and that's how I'm building it. Keep up the awesome work, my Dad and I love your videos.
Motley Rodder having the cleanest car is overrated. Having a decent looking car that you’re not afraid to drive is a lot more fun than one that’s only good for looking at. I enjoy looking at clean cars, but I could never own one
The only reason these kids have the spotless cars is because that's the extent of their abilities. Guess they want to have a connection with their car and show off what they did.
A lot of young guys are into the flathead scene now.
One of the biggest flathead builders in the country isn't even 30.
One of the hottest street rod builders in the country isn't even 30.
Young guys are carrying on the tradition.
The next generation is absolutely coming on strong. I see them as potentially taking things to that level of art Japanese car and bike builders seem to have mastered
Young fellows are getting into the old F100's rough & as is , they are good fun trucks
@@benwinter2420 I'm a 50 yr old Chevy fan....and I see a lot of young guys doing fords I think its great
As a 29 yr old in Australia i sincerely hope we can keep this tradition going my project is a 60 ranchwagon and my daily runabout is a 78 f100.
but it's getting harder to get the good information like tony often shows.
I'm very appreciative of his channel.
Also swapmeets are my most valuable asset. more for information than parts.
But there dwindling out here in qld.
Cheers from aus.
@@benwinter2420 I'm 26 and I got a 72 F100 and a 67 F250, so you're not wrong 😂
I was a big Mopar guy. When I was 14 I finally saved up enough money to buy a 72 satellite sebring plus with a 383. This was back in 2009. I worked hard I put a brand new white vinyl interior with buckets and the councle shift cin it I did the body work I got wheels and tires for it I went to do a break job and put the new wheels on and when I went to jack it up the uni body crumbled along with my heart and love for mopars. Your realy starting to re light my Mopar flame. Thank you.
Like my Grandpoa used to say"Courtesy is the grease that keeps the wheel of civilization turning!"
God rest Grandpa!.
There aren't enough people like your grandpa - nowadays it's all people who want to be the "squeaky wheel" hoping someone else greases them :p
Honest mechanics are a true blessing for real you guys are the MVP's
Yea, the shops, because they pay based on the work they can sell the customer, it's rife with shady dealings. When I was running my shop I didn't sell someone on a job that they didn't need to have done. I remember one example where a woman had a really crappy suv that wasn't worth fixing but she wanted the squeaky lower control arms done to stop the squeak. I told her, "look, given the condition of the vehicle otherwise, I wouldn't recommend doing this repair. It's just a squeak. If I thought the car would last 50, to a 100k miles...sure I'd see doing it. But the car's a heap that is likely going to have a major breakdown fairly soon." She insisted and I did the job. But, of course the car had a major failure that wasn't worth fixing and she never came back to me, probably because I was right and she was embarrassed. But, I was honest with her even to my own detriment. My reputation as a mechanic was impeccable. Nobody that had ever dealt with me EVER had any question about whether or not I was being straight with them. Occasionally someone would have a complaint that didn't have anything to do with what I did. And here's the thing, people watch videos and think they know what I know or more! I had to point out to one guy, after I made him play the vid for me, where they cut away real quick and then "magically" the component was apart when they came back. It WAS NOT the easy little 10 minute fix the customer was certain it was. Another issue, along the same vain, is where someone did all the research, watched the vids, bought the parts and even knew what I should charge. They'll bring the car over and ask, how much to put this on. I'll say..."x bux, IF that's what's wrong with the car." I was assured it was what was wrong because of this that and the other thing so I said, Ok...fine. I replaced the part because, in my defense, it was a very plausible argument in favor of that being the bad part. Well, it wasn't and of course THEN it was, "well you're the mechanic, you should have known". People will watch the vids and think they know more than the mechanic but when they're wrong, they're not willing to accept the responsibility. So, I started telling them if I haven't diagnosed it, which I mostly do for free anyway, I'm not just throwing parts on. Take it up to Muffler Man. See what they tell you.
I am a mechanic and got screwed over by a private shop and the dealership to the tune of over $3,000! I will not have anyone work on my car's again unless it's something I absolutely cannot do!
Alot of truth to what you say Tony. A couple of things I'll add for the young ones watching:
1. Do as much as you can before a spouse and kids come along
2. Keep the car, don't give it up, money comes and goes much easier than your dream car
3. Cars can be your everything, but they won't love you back like a family can. The trick is to find the right spouse and get them infected with the car disease also.
I'm what I would call a late bloomer. I've been dreaming of a muscle car since I was 16, got my 1969 chevelle at 19 and it's been on the back burner off and on for over 20 years. I'm a Proffessional Mechanic now and given enough time, I can rebuild and modify a whole car. Through those couple of decades I married and brought wonderful children into this world,...but kept the car. Now, I'm getting back to my chevelle, and through my TH-cam channel I am keeping myself and some of my friends motivated. It was nice to find your channel Tony, I'll keep watching.
Truth
Nice! 👍🏼
Wish I knew this when I sold my 1986 monte carlo. Original 40k mile car. Spotless. Literally. Like it rolled off the showroom floor. AND I bought it for 1500 bucks!
Hey , An old school Buick guy here. Got my first 1971 GS in 1979, I am 62 now, retired (my daughter owns it now, with the promise never to sell, still in my garage, with points ,condenser ...all old school stuff) had 2 GS's at one time but work, wife, kids ...the old story. Never comment on computer but today is different. Good stuff ..we seem like the last of the cruising generation ... not a Mopar fan but respect the 70's RR and Chargers... would love to run you sometime..see you out there brother
If you like to just cruise 🚗. You might like to join Uber. It's like getting paid while you cruise. ( If your car is a 4 door)
Tony, you are "Old School Cool". I grew up in the same era as you on Long Island. These cars were our life, ahead of girlfriends and school. All our money, what little we had was spent keeping our hotrods running harder and harder. Love your channel and hope you make it to the next level. You da man!
Frank M muscle cars😁🏌🍻
to bad u switched to a a ghetto style car😨😨😨😨😨🤔😨🤔😨😨🤔🤔😨🤔😨😨😨😨😨are u from the hood😨😁✌jk
@@johnbeer5242 Yea, you're right, changed photo to the 355 in my 70 Z 28. Better?
I think Uncle Tony is from Long Island or somewhere in NY. I see alot of Long Islanders commenting on his videos. I myself live in Sayville on LogIsland. Such a nice area :)
@@Frankiebonez337 I grew up in Oakdale and had friends in Sayville. It is and was a beautiful town. Almost bought a house there, but wound up in Bayport, this was in 1985. In 1990 I moved to Idle Hour and in 96 moved to Florida. My heyday was the mid 70's when everyone had "muscle cars". We didn't use that phrase back then, I called my 70 RS Z-28 a hotrod.
I've been doing old cars for 10-12 years now, and I'm 40. I still hadn't figured out how to "pick" a car til I watched this video. I don't have an all time favorite car, I literally thought there was something broken with my mindset on the hobby til I watched this. I didn't even realize that my mind was trying to do what Uncle Tony advises...picking an ERA, or time frame. My mind literally had everything fall into place in regards to my love of the hobby after watching this video. THANK YOU!!! Now, if only he can answer my other 1,000 questions, LOL.
25 year red seal motorcycle mechanic here. My issue is that I love too many cars and too many bikes and can't decide on any of it :) My daily is a 84 ford ranger with a 331 and a 5 speed.
I'll bet that is a boatload of fun! Wow!
That last statement, I felt that on a mental level. “You’re taking apart and rearranging it to fit what you want.” My rat rod project fits that bill to a tee. It used to be a 1949 Crosley station wagon, but I cut it up, then got my hands on a 1991 Dodge D350 chassis that I shortened three feet and threw away all of the factory suspension components, building my own airbag suspension setup. After that I sank my teeth into a 1974 Cadillac 472, gave it a bit of a facelift, rebuilt an ST400 trans out of a ‘67 Buick, mated them, and then stuck everything together. It’s all a matter of taking what they made decades ago and modifying it to work for you. Cheers Uncle T.
I started a project 3 years ago and everything you said is true. I did not follow any of the advice you gave and it has been a nightmare. The only thing that keeps me going is if I start something I like to finish it. People don’t realize what a huge undertaking building a car is. I think that’s why most big car projects never finish.
That's the genera; point we try to get across with the general theme of this channel
Attention younger viewers: This advice is the result of a LIFETIME of dedication to a craft. UT spent years learning his subject, learning from failures, spending hours pouring thru manuals, swap meets, and LISTENING to his elders and other car people. His curioys nature and devotion to the car religion is wonderful.
There are NO shortcuts to achieving this man's depth of knowledge. He is truly doing what he was put on this earth to do. Find your path-it may change, but attack and jump in with both feet.
I learned by making mistakes, just don't repeat them, and APPLY your knowledge from other areas.
I understand Tony just from his voice, the era in which he grew up, and his calm, no BS manner.
Take lots of notes!
I’m 17 and this video inspired me more than anything ever has in my whole life to do my dream job which is a mechanic and starting my own shop,drag racing and being an actual car guy LOVE YOUR VIDEOS PLZ KEEP SPREADING THE WISDOM much appreciation ❤️❤️❤️
I fucking love it. Every scene, guy has a fresh dart. Legend
Callum Blosse in this situation it’s almost hard to tell if you’re referring to his smokes or the number of Dodge Darts that he has owned.
Where else ya going hear it said, I can smell a problem as it goes down the street, classic Tony
I've watched a dozen of Uncle Tony's videos in the last couple of days and each one is a gem! I don't understand a lot of the technical stuff but I marvel at Tony's knowledge and sage advise. This video says, in a nutshell: know thyself and don't try to be something you're not. Sound advise. This is one of my favorite channels!
I'm about 20, and this video speaks to me. I would never work on cars for a living, but I do like a lot of the points you have made about being a "car guy." I am glad you realize that it's not just old school guys that get into old school cars, young guys like this stuff as well. Great advice great video 👍
Many thanks for this! You have really encouraged me! I am a carburetion specialist based in "sunny" England. I started off fixing one holley carb at a time and selling it on from my dining room table. Some years later I have sold carbs worldwide from shed on the back of my garden, and now also do the European ones weber dcnf and dcoe and dellorto DRLA and dhla. Not big enough to live on but you have encouraged me to carry on! Thanks!
Tony - This is the most on-point video I've watched on youtube in years. Thank you both!
Thanks!
I was born and raised on mid 60's GM muscle cars. Esp. Buick GS 400's Could yank and reinstall a 400-455 blindfolded, literally. About 12 hours ago I ended up with my first ever Ford. A 55 F-100. Built it with a 460, C6, 9", mustang II, the whole hot rod deal. Was a learning curve but very doable. Thing is, I'm you're age and been at this just about all my life. For the young beginner, your advice is spot on. I never see anybody saying these things to the younger crowd.
Preach it brother!!! I have a 67 F100 with a big block 460 out of a Lincoln, found some DOVE heads, tunnel ram intake and nice cam. It is what I know, Fords. I do know Chevy and Mopar, don’t get me wrong, love all 3. But being raised on Ford, and owning Ford for so long; you’re exactly right... Stick to what speaks to you. Awesome video man. Keep em coming and keep kicking that cops ass with the Charger!! Lmao
I know Mr. Dove.
Johnny Hot Rod Sweet!!!!
Mr. Dove's business is only 20 minutes away from me and he lives two doors down from a friend of mine.
23YO car nut with a pair of Camaros here... AWESOME video. Much of this is broken down in the same way that my old man did for me, and it's conversations like this I had with him that helped me when I was taking my first steps toward being a full-fledged gearhead. Always great to see content from someone who truly shares the passion, and this is a video that desperately needed to be made. A lot of those my age who show interest in cars aren't fortunate enough to have these sort of influences close by to help them from being overwhelmed and get their minds in the right place. To that end I think this will be a tremendous help!
I find these UTG videos so inspiring! Tony is awesome. I love how he breaks everything down to simple philosophies. Keep up the good work!
Uncle Tony reminds me of my late Uncle Rick. Long hair, backwards ballcap, cigarette in hand, mechanical genius and cool dude. Everybody needs and Uncle Tony in their family.
Exactly what one of my auto tech teachers told us. He was a Chrysler guy, too.
Dude, the thing that hit me strongest here is that you got kicked out of school at 16 and didn't go back. Your videos are some of the best I have found. You have inherent intellect that cannot be taught. That's why I love your videos! Please keep 'em commin'!
Wisdom that transcends not just cars, but careers and hobbies of all sorts. Thank you.
All great advice! The parts about being a good neighbor are so spot on. I see other channels with videos entitled "Jerk neighbor getting me shut down" then you watch and see the persons place looks like a junkyard. They have burnout marks all over the street in front of the driveway. Don't shit in your own nest is some of the best wisdom ever imparted to me. I keep my front yard neat and mowed, the one un registered project that has to be in front gets moved regularly (under its own power) and washed. Everything else is in back, behind the privacy fence. I don't run my loud air compressor etc after 9. 23 years there and never an issue!
Thanks for your videos. The stuff you say is real life info for everyday guys. It's easy to see these phony television shows and others with seemingly unlimited resources and try to keep up with it. For most of us it's not realistic. It takes the fun out of it and runs the hobby into unmanageable territory. Anything a guy put his heart into has my respect.
The roots of car crafting weren't based on big budgets and fancy shops. They were regular guys doing what they could. Thanks for keeping that philosophy alive in the 21st century.
I've watched youtube for over 10 years and have never felt compelled to write a comment, but I feel this man. The wisdom he has gained from his path can be applied to many different areas of life, and I think is important lessons for the younger generations. Certainly not the important shit they're telling ya at school! Thanks Tony! Love your stuff, keep doing your thing!!
"If your building on a budget, narrow your focus" is the resonating idea for sure. Awesome vid
Tony I have to tell you that you remind of my Dad so much man. Don’t know if the beard and hair or just the fact the he would turn on to something and have to learn every detail of it. Now with that said he was no mopar man, his Dad had so old Plymouth and that car soured him and a good friend of his crashed and burned in a roadrunner senior year. His trip was 60s to 80s gym cars and trucks and British motorcycles. I think it’s so cool find there are still guys out there how drive old cars and don’t mind sharing their knowledge to folks who appreciate it. Thank you sir
i work at a dealership (mopar). and i totally agree , i love building classics (finishing up my 63' avanti r1 right now) and i wish i could make a living off of rebuilds. beautiful cars. respect the work! just got yerself a new subscriber.
You sir have a dream car of mine. A word of advise. You may want to hang onto that Avanti awhile because i have a feeling the will be making a move in valuation before long.
His comments about the neighbors and living in a subdivision are awesome. This dude is a really solid individual.
Its good to see the young guys getting into the hot rod/muscle car seen. I was worried it might die off. Thanks for helping them out. I too have a bad case of old car fever.
Young dad that is bulding/restoring my truck with my teenage son. Can't explain how awesome your channel is. I have a '74 J10 with a Gen 1 SBC 350 and helped us get over the hill. Thank you!
Great video Tony! I'm 24 here and have loved cars my whole life. I love them all, but I am undoubtedly a dedicated Ford guy. And much like you, I specialize in 70's Fords in particular. Even among all the different engines, transmissions, and chassis, many interchangeable parts. At the moment I proudly own a '70 Maverick drag car with a high revving Boss 302 and a Doug Nash 5-speed, and for a street cruiser and toy in the sand, I have a '79 F-150 4x4 with a 460, 6" lift and 40" tires. Radically different, yet a surprising amount of parts actually interchange. Keep up the awesome channel Tony! Would much rather watch your TH-cam videos than any of the "reality" car-building TV shows!
I gave up my muscle cars because I just couldn't afford to keep them when I started having kids. Now I'm heading towards retiring in about 10 years my wife's idea of retiring is moving down south and buying a 5000 square foot home. My idea of retirement is buying 10 acres with a 700 square foot house and a 5000 square foot utility building.
Honesty is a good policy! Especially now! The world around us is changing and straying! Which makes it that much more important to be honest and not dragged down with it!👍🏻
"People connect to the universe in all different ways and all different practices, mine is through cars. I wake up in the morning, the first thought in my head is cars. While I'm eating, I'm thinking about cars. I'm taking a shower, I'm thinking about cars. The last though on my mind as I'm going to sleep is...cars."
-Uncle Tony's garage
I love this quote because I feel the exact same way.
Man, you really hit the nail on the head.
Take me for example, I dig 80's 90's BMW's and I've learned you can Lego these things together, I started in Christmas of 2007, and today I've owned 25+ BMW's of that era, and nothing beats finding a beater and throwing your horde pile at it and having a decent car at the end of the weekend. I'm almost scared to try out a different brand. I have 2 bucket list cars outside of BMW, and thats it.
Also the purpose of vehicle is spot on, I have 4 cars that are not going to leave my garage and they have specific duties, 1 90' 318 is going to be my weekend street build with a M5 v8, turbos, and all the hot rod stuff I dreamed about. My 89' 318is slicktop coupe is my lightweight fun car, high rev's and nimble handling. My 88' 320 is my dedicated drift car, reliability and seat time is the name of the game. Then there is my 82' 528, that just cruises down the street.
I say all this to prove Tony's point, I can't expect my drift car to make a road trip, or my 318is to win a drag race. They wont be asked to.
Tony, you're awesome, keep up the good work.
Subscribed
Starting my new build and had to re-watch this one again.
10:50 "Purity of Purpose" no better advise in the world then that right there, and the reason I've rewatched this video so many times.
Thanks a million for this one UTG.
Man, Informative and very insightful video. I just found out about you guys last week and really glad I did. In a world that has become kinda negative at times it is great to get these positive motivational bits not only from a master of auto mechanics but someone that seems to have mastered the way to live life and love. :-) thanks Uncle Tony and the Gang.
Thanks, Cal
Back in 1977, I bought a 68 Roadrunner for 100 dollars. The stuff I had to do to fix it would fill a book. The bottom line is that I fixed it up and drove it till 1983. I beat on the thing going back and forth on the Cross Bronx Expressway for three years between Long Island and Hackensack New Jersey. I sold it for 800 dollars to some kid in New Jersey who showed up and peeled rubber out of the parking lot with it running on 7 cylinders with no license plates or insurance on it.
It did look good though because I painted it with enamel in 1978 after taking it down to the bare metal.
Back in the day I had a 65 Mustang convertible 4-spd, 4-barrel, bought for 700 bucks in 1970. Learned to replace just about everything there is on that thing.
I was lucky to have lived in this day and age. I am 66 yrs old.
Yeah...i miss the days of solid, complete 68 Chargers for $100...
Had 5 total, never paid more than $300!!! Now you cant get a fender for that 😞😱😕
As the owner of an 80 corolla wagon and a 68 chrysler newport, this guys advice rings true! Double everything, Metric ,SAE , metric taps, SAE taps,13 inch tires, 15 inch tires and on and on.... keep it simple, keep it Mopar!
Yeah, but without metric tools you'd never have a 5/16 _and a half_ (8mm) for crusty bolts. Same goes the other way, of course.
...and I hear you on the 13" tires. I had to buy a set last year and I couldn't even get premium tires in that size anymore. Best I could do was Hancook... :/
I liked that mentality of building a car for a specific purpose and the comment on daily drivers ; "It goes out everyday of it's life and does battle on the streets". I'm 23 years old and I have a 1950 Chevy 4-door sedan that I daily. My mentality is to make a daily driver that is just as reliable as a modern car while maintaining the look, feel, and mindset of the period. It has a 235 straight 6 with a Borg-Warner 3-speed overdrive that I reworked to adapt it to the torque tube driveshaft and 3:55 gears in the back, it really transforms the driving experience and lets it keep up with freeway traffic without sounding like its going to throw a rod. Even major additions such as air conditioning and it's associated duct work and vents, or the third brake light are styled to match the rest of the car so to someone who isn't familiar to the era might mistake those as factory parts.
This is right growning up I use to know what is in everyone's back yard and what was in every junk yard in a 500 mile area of my house . After 5 years in the army and came back everything changed and moved every moved and I'm lost . Live it love it be it that's the way to enjoy it . Thank you sir for this video
UT, the very moment I heard you say the word "Physics" I was taken aback. You get it and you KNOW it. An automobile (HVAC, mining, carpentry...) is a 'system'. It isn't just a random bunch of parts. You, dear sir, are one of a very few that get the big picture. All the best! --Fink
Just found your channel looking for posts for my 16 year old son, getting into the hobby. I work on a 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk (I've had since college) I work on it myself as well as a few other cars I have. I live in the suburbs of Seattle and my neighbours absolutely hate me.
My house and my yard are beautiful... but it is the other moms in the neighbourhood that pretend I don't exist and if their husbands come over to see what I'm working on they get hell the next day. If you don't work in Tech here you are treated like dirt.
My husband and I are soon putting our house up for sale and moving to Eugene OR. (he works for a hardware company) We both have good money but don't show it off.
BTW, in 1984 I had a 1960 Dodge Phoenix 318 also in college. It was yellow, I painted it myself in 1987 coral, after 8 years had to sell it after first divorce. My son isn't into MOPAR... I bought him a 73 Volvo P1800ES (B2.0) very rough car, but very easy engine to work on.
I'm looking forward to more posts from you.♥️♥️♥️
I appreciate reading your comment. Thanks for sharing.
You sound like interesting folks. Love the P1800 and a PV544 was my first car. Love Studebakers too and had an awesome Lark Daytona convert. I live on the Washington side of the Columbia River just east of Portland and love the fact that the PNW is as easy on cars as it is for how wet it can be at times.
Tony, I just stumbled upon your channel. As a 52 year old car nut, I love your style and philosophy on cars. From the time I was 12, I had a love for cars, especially the 60s and 70s models, muscle or not. I've worked on all types of cars, Chevy, Ford, MOPARs, etc., but am definitely not at your level, just a hobby for me. From an early age, I could call out models of cars day or even at night by the way their lights were configured. Now, people find me to help them on their cars and I enjoy that aspect too. You have a gift and it's awesome to see you sharing your knowledge and experiences. As for the neighbors, I'd love to have you as mine. Keep up the great work.
Thank you!
Damn right you are a real car guy. Lol.
Takin a shower. Cars. Lmao. It’s a sickness. Tony. I’m new here. Glad the algorithm delivered your channel. Thx fkr your passion And thx for being intelligent, articulate and just an all round good Shit no gimmick.
"good shit no gimmick" - I like that. :)
My friend after watching this I felt like I stepped inside my brain and understood what was in there. You just summed up a lifetime of knowledge in a 30 min video! I to am 56......7 years old and have worked on cars before I had a license to drive any of them. I currently have a 1970 Chevy Impala sedan that my grandfather bought new. To be honest I never had any interest in it because it was a 4 door. Today however nothing brings a bigger smile to my face then driving it. Of course I’ve made it more of what I would have done back as a teenager because it was just too grandpa looking stock. And let’s face it, it’s been in the family since new. I’m never gonna sell it and already have a grandson that loves to ride in it so he’ll probably get it one day. You have a new sub now and hopefully I’ll get the hang of making my own videos to share my passion. Thanks for sharing yours!
N-50-15's,cragar ss, slot's,hush thrush, cherry bombs, quarter window decals, gabriel hijackers, accel super coil, traction bars,shackles, yeah I miss the 70's/80's.
Last line is gold: It took hundreds of people and an assembly line to put the car together. This needs to be on a poster in every garage when the chips are down. ALSO: I loved the bit about being a good neighbor. My bag is older Volvos.... and we have seven in a suburb. Two are parts cars. One is still a project undergoing restoration. We work hard to keep up appearances.
I'm 59 ben around the blick too... I understand your ideals... I subscribed after the red duster video... Thanks Tony.
I did as well.
Same.
Fifty something going on twenty something
Great video, old man...I'm 70 and have been playing with cars my entire life..all kinds of cars...every time I watch your videos, I always learn something that I had forgotten about, or something I never knew about...keep these videos coming...I owe you a big head butt, and maybe a beer or two.
Thanks, man
This is great advice. I also really appreciate that you are an honest guy who helps his neighbors. You have a Jay Leno love for cars but in a regular guy's budget
Well Tony is a 100% right. For example late 80s Camaro is my thing. Know it in and out. Wiring, how to disassemble panels, where to find parts, what there worth etc. From time I wake up to sleep its cars. Bought a mid 90s Mustang. Paid a shop to work on it. Didnt want to get over whelmed with to much info. Whatever car your into. Get the factory repair manual and learn how to read diagrams. I think that point is the most important. Pick one generation car and live it. Dont be frustrated by the bigger TH-cam channels. Their builds have many hands behind the scenes you dont see that make you think your doing something wrong. Tony's the real deal one man band. That's the norm. Truth.
9:00. Love it. Been stripping Mopar’s for years. Have 13 thermoquads. Shed is full of parts for the same reasons
lol same here with quadrajunks, hol-leaks , and GM starters and alternators
Back in the 70's my brother owned the following cars from the age of 15 to 20; 65 Impala, 68 Chevy van, 65 Chevy Malibu, 72 Dodge Challenger, 69 Chevelle, 67 Chevelle. I ended up with the 68 Chevy Van. It was a true hot rodded 68; V8 w headers, cragars, two crank handled sunroofs, chevy emblem windows in the back top side panels, a big wooden bumper on the rear and a paneled and carpeted interior. The rockers were rusted out but she was a real head turner.
I live over the pond, in Romania, and I can definetly resonate with what you said. I've been building an old Dacia for the past 2 years, I've got a shed full of parts and learnt absolutely everything about them in the last 4-ish years, and all that you said is completly true, it takes a special kind of batshit crazy to do this type of stuff! Greetings from middle of buttfuck nowhere, Eastern Europe. :)
Greetings from the middle of nowhere in the Bronx.
A Dacia is very cool!
My goodness me, schools in kids. Uncle Tonys advice can be used in ANY hobby or interest we persue, not just cars. This advice applies to anything we do! You can't buy advice like this. Great job Tony!
I'm about the same age and though I'm more of a later model car guy, you make a lot of since.
Lately Ive been into LS based Chevys. Parts availability and interchangeability is good. There is less thinking involved in specializing in one engine style.
New to this channel. I Like Uncle Tony. No BS. Not an armchair racer. Specializing in one line. KNOWS his loves. Doesn't claim to know Every vehicle.
I love how this guy always has a cig between his fingers! Lol
The only thing better would be to have a pack of camels rolled up in his shirt sleeve.
True! But never see him take a drag of it? A sign of someone trying to quit. And uses this technic to stop. As long as the nicotine isn't inhaled his cravings will subside after time. But I'm new to the channel. So not 100% sure.
@@thequietonesometimes6415 Drag of cig @ 4:12
thats not a cig at the start
He was born smoking a cigarette!
27 here. I've heard 1,000s of stories from my dad and his freinds. He had a 69 torino cobra 428 scj 3:90 gears. I have a 93 lx mustang 5.0. Love the channel. My dad graduated in 77
Everything Said.. is Gospel.. thanks Uncle Tony
"honesty kept my business going", that is why you rock Tony. I live by the creed: My word is all I have. I can relate! So much wisdom in this video.
Words of wisdom my friend... Thank you for this awesome video... Cheers from southern Oregon!
The notion of purity of purpose is prevalent in your videos too, Uncle Tony. It's really refreshing to have found a channel that is straight to the point and truly about the cars, and geared towards the regular enthusiast. And your wisdom really shines through with great delivery.
I'm glad I've been able to watch your channel really start growing over the recent months.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Greg...I really appreciate that
Totally agree, I've fallen in love with toyota 4Runners especially the 4th generation
static clutch they are a cool well built vehicle. I don’t have one and regret selling my 01 Tacoma but Toyota manufacturing quality is consistently amazing.
Same! Except im passionate about 3rd gens 😎
I love 4Runners but have yet to have one. Maybe one day! I had the money for a 3rd gen a few months ago but spent it all on my Nova...not the first time I've done that!
Motley Rodder nice 4th gen nova man I have one too ! Not too many of them around I’ve only seen one other one in person my entire life
Tony, you are the best, man! I grew up a little ahead of you (60’s), but we lived by the look, feel, smell, and sound, staring out into the H.S. parking lot, “how can I make this thing go faster, look badder, etc. Nothing being taught in all those wasted hours in the classroom compares to what you are now putting out there for others to (hopefully) learn, you are a true gift to humanity, keep up the great work and God bless!
Thanks man i also have a 1967 Plymouth thanks so much its my first build
As a young guy into cars, 21 with no prior experience besides an oil change, I decided to do an engine swap on my 91 Toyota Cressida. The inline 6 was a fantastic design besides wrong torque specs for head gasket which caused those motors to prematurely die. Mine was on it's deathbed and I swapped it with another Inline 6 Twin Turbo which came from the japanese market only version of my car.
Like I said above, I didnt know anything about cars besides an oil change, spark plugs, the basics. I learned a lot from just doing that swap and here's my advice:
Become an expert/narrow your focus: understand, research everything about the vehicle/motor/application. When you understand your car, you can have an idea on how much something would cost, how to fix it, what's wrong, and how realistically you can do something about it. Read/join forums, look up what you're doing and google it, get wiring diagrams and mechanical diagrams and become familiar with schematics, or at least how the car works in person.
Build it how you want it: this is your car. If you don't look back at it when you walk away after parking it, get another car. When you lose passion, there's no purpose to keep and work on it. You should never place value on others validation because it's shallow. Be confident in what your vision is. When people see that, they respect you because you have a spine. Doing things for trends wastes time, money, experiences, friends, etc.
Get the right tools: Can't tell you how many times I worked on something with the wrong tools and spent countless hours to only spend money on the right tool and get the job done in 30 minutes.
Don't know something, ask: More often than not, whatever you're into, there's people with knowledge who can help. In the age of information, I would advise looking it up yourself first and get an understanding before asking for help. This helps you build connections with your community and community is good for the sake of humanity lol and people won't bother you for working on cars. Don't be "that guy".
Be patient: cars take time. Taking shortcuts leads to a car prematurely breaking down. Take the time to triple check your build for safety.
Budget: know how much the car would cost to maintain. If you're not willing to save some pennies for the right part, registration, insurance (if state permits), etc then its not worth the money for you.
Great comment/post
You were put on my recommended videos list... so glad you were. Great video man... I like your style and way of describing things. Easy to understand, very descriptive. Subscribed and liked... can't wait to look through more of your vids
This guy gets it. I am a Datsun 240z guy these days, but I'll always have a soft spot for Aussie Chryslers from the early 1970's. I Rebuilt my 265 Hemi twice when I was 17, after I ballsed it up the first time. I understand that focus he talks about. I know what it's like to lose it, and to get it back after 20 years. The last two years I've been in the zone... hundreds and hundreds of hours in the garage, all work done myself on an absolute shoestring budget with limited equipment. It's hard... the work takes a lot longer than fully equipped professionals take. Stuff goes wrong... or you spend hours doing something the hard way and suddenly discover a short cut. But that's all part of it. You improvise, you borrow, you innovate. I have a 9-5 job that's utterly unrelated to cars... but aside from that... my leisure time and my thoughts revolve around finishing my resto.
Loving this channel, keep up the good work.👍
@Uncle Tony,you are spot on!!! Very truthful,candid and frank advice.I was born and raised with Chevys (especially tri-fives)but my main love is Studebakers.Just like you,I love all kinds of cool old cars but most of them are out of my price range.When I was in high school (Class of '76)my daily driver was a Western Flyer 10-speed with a fork extension and hi-rise handlebars.Shit,I couldn't afford to buy brake shoes for that POS! My current project is a '60 Studebaker Lark and my goal is to make it look like something that would be on my school parking lot in 1976.Thanks for the videos and keep ,em coming!!
I LOVE those old Stude's
I wish youtube was around when I was young. Much wisdom here.
I feel ya. I'm 19 now and grew up with youtube and the internet, and I couldn't imagine whatsoever what it was like before. on here I see so many tricks, and effectively even learned carburetors somewhat well thanks to videos on here
@@cpufreak101 the internet wasn't what it is now when I grew up and it's made things a lot easier. But it wasn't that hard either. You just had to read books and magazines for most of the information. Guys used to keep stacks and stacks of them for the how to articles and it drove my girl nuts.
Well said. I am 22 years old in Australia repairing an old Holden car- parents aren't into cars, don't really have anyone else to guide me other than what I can find on the internet. Your videos are absolute gems which have probably saved me quite a few embarrasing mistakes.
This is an awesome channel. The advice you give about focusing on one area of cars is spot on (unless you have Jay Leno money). I love muscle cars but I have a sick obsession with Triumph Cars right now LOL
I am the same age as you Tony,and also have been building cars since the age of 15. I have made my living as a auto and truck tech most of my life. I own and race a historic AA/A altered 1930 Ford couple. Love your channel and all that you do. Thank you from one real car guy to another.
Nice explanation Tony (won't call you uncle as we are from the same era!!). I feel the same and live, die and bleed MOPAR as well. I've had the Mopar bug since I was around 13 and credit to my Dad who had faith in me to tear down and rebuild the carb, etc. in his 1965 Dodge with the slant six. You have a great collection of classics there. New sub from central Canada. Keep rockin.
Exactly why I love the LS motor so much! Because damn near EVERYTHING is interchangeable between all the variations of engines in the LS series. Over the years I’ve narrowed my focus to GM trucks specifically the S-10 (S-series) I love them. There’s so much wisdom in this video lol
I have a sickness and the only cure is more cars!! Mopars that is :)
I’m 18 and im just glad i found a classic Mopar guy on youtube that is entertaining AND full of useful knowledge!
There is nothing like the sound of a Mopar starter, I'm a GM guy!
That's probably the one thing that put me off owning a Mopar. I couldn't imagine bumping the motor like a Chevy trying to find TDC. You could be at it for a while waiting for that starter to wind down. But hey, to each their own. You build what you love, not what everyone else is doing. There all cars with their own special quirks. Just like their owners.
Tate-tate-tate-tate-take zzzziiiiing kkhhhhaaaa
Tony I'm old enough to be your father, but you display a lot of wisdom. One thing you didn't mention to the kids is when you completely tear a vehicle apart it takes up a lot of room. I like you have always loved cars. My first was a 49 Jeepster when I was 13. It was a training experiance for sure. I've built a couple of old Dodge trucks and taken them to shows. Not a big investment except or the blood sweat, and tears .I used to love going to cruise nights and car shows, 1 just a bunch of nice people. Well that was before the guys with the big wallets came into the game. You know the type they got a beautiful car and have no idea what it has for an engine or any other part. But they can tell you they spent over 70 grand paying somebody to build it for them. Anyway keep up the good video's.
Cars are my religion too. I'm more of a Ford guy but I like mopars too, I love this channel keep up the good work.
Hopefully your religion can teach you to love a better make
just kidding dude. just for laughs lol
@@MiguelGarcia-nl3ci Ford is the best. If it wasn't your brand wouldn't steel their shit. No matter what cars you like, they stole designs from Ford.
@@429supercj absolutely no they did not. That is why you see more classic Chevys on the road than you see classic forda. not all of them survived
@@MiguelGarcia-nl3ci maybe at your lowrider meets not not in reality
Hey uncle Tony thanx for the heart. Let me take you back in time. I grew up in flushing queens and in the early 80s people did alot of business out of their garage. Something the city has clamped down on these days. My neighbor was a patrolman who fixed cars for extra cash. He had a high wooden fence and would park customer cars in backyard. As long as you didn't rob shoot or steal, nobody cared what you did in your garage.My father did all his repairs. Radiator, starter, belt, brakes, tune ups. He didn't make alot, and back then most families were single income households. Even bathroom fixtures, drywalls, tiles, boiler , heater thermostats ,burner units replacement, he did it himself cause he was too cheap.
I like the 70/ 80s model cars because I grew up seeing long slab style or boxy cars. I remember seeing alot of old people driving Plymouth duster, oldsmobile 88 delta, 98 Regency, Buick elecktras to a&p grocery store or post office.
Man those cars and those people are long gone.
I rode in these cars as a toddler
1975 & 1976 AMC pacer, yeah we had 2 of em. 1978 AMC gremlin. 1976 International traveler (the first suv) which was traded for 1979 Cadillac Fleetwood brougham black with velvet leather interior. 1978 caprice and 1981 impala. 1975 Ltd country squire wagon (the great American truckster), 1983 dodge diplomat and 1987 Plymouth grand fury ( according to wikipedia, These are essentially 1970s dodge aspen/Plymouth volaris). 1981 Buick regal. 1985 Lincoln town car. Dodge caravan. When Ford and GM went all aerodynamic and plastic bumpers, we moved onto SUVs.
We were not rich and these were all second or possibly third hand cars, definitly not certified preowned. My father would get em if he found s good deal
I parted away with 89 caprice since it got wrecked while parked on the street. I still got my 82 caprice, A relic of the past. And my daily drives 2000 and 2008 grand marquis.
Us underground mechanics were all over the city back then. It really was an amazing time and place to do that sort of business in. Unlike the cleche "shadetree" or "backyard" mechanics, we were known for being the go-to guys. Trusted, honest and sharp. Some of us did more volume than the local "legit" places.
@@UncleTonysGarage
Tony, there's a few of them left, but they're time is limited. A guy in hollis/jamaica does exclusively German benzes has a Two car garage and long driveway. Very busy.
Where I lived, a retired guy, worked on cars, GM B bodies, A/G bodies and Ford Panthers and full size fords of 1970s. I had some work done from him, vacuum leak, but he's spending more time down Virginia and less time up here.
Now it's more mobile repair craigslist I noticed, oh but what a scam. They charge twice than repair shop.
Ive been. using a formula you mentioned in one of your vids, get to know you're car. I stick with one particular model or platform. So for the past 18 years, it's been crown vics, grand marquis. I know what to expect to break just on mileage and age. And knock on wood. So far been very lucky.
Had an 88 grand marquis, struggled to get the mileage up but finally gave up. I think it's the pushrod 302, shouldn't expect more than 13 mpg In city.
im an old guy! old guys rule!
Kids are weak that's why tiger woods and tom Brady still dominate into there mid 40s that used to be unheard of
Shit, I was a young guy once. Doesn't seem that long ago. Until my kids tell me that I'm older than dirt.
56's not old.
I’m fifty and I can get away with it.
Sadly I’m not thirty anymore.
Yes I am a young kid at a whopping age of 18, but I've been playing with old 60s and 70s Dodge and Chrysler vehicles since I was about 6. And that's what fills my driveway (backyard, side yard, and garage)
Hence the reasoning I enjoy and watch your content.
Off to a good start!