Blog Posts About Restorations

Valve Cover Buyers Guide

Valve covers are an often misunderstood but important part of your engine. Highly visible, many people see them as a “dress-up” part to serve as a way to enhance an engine’s appearance. However, they serve an important function, protecting the valves and valvetrain assembly. In this blog post, we’ll uncover the real job of the…

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One Cool Caddy: 1947 Series 62 Convertible

The 1947 Cadillac Series 62 was the last of the second-generation passenger cars that brought us two new models: the Coupe Deville and the Eldorado. It was a complementary series to the entry-level 61 Series and became larger and more stylish as the series progressed. By 1947, the cars were available in a 2-door coupe,…

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1969 Dodge Charger: The General Lee

What do you do when a car you’ve dreamed of owning for over 15 years shows up on the auction block at Mecum? You bid to win. That’s what Brandon Corrigan of Johnston, Iowa did as soon as his son pointed out a 1969 Dodge Charger up for auction in Texas. Anyone with a television…

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Classic Royalty: The 1978 Ford King Cobra

In 1978, Ford took on the Pontiac Trans Am by introducing the Mustang II King Cobra complete with a deep air dam and a striking cobra emblazoned on the hood – Trans Am style. This Mustang was equipped with a V8 and was offered with an optional Fashion Accessory Package that included Southwest-style Fresno cloth…

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Kustom Upholstery Highlight: 1956 Bel Air Wagon

A 1956 Chevy Bel Air Wagon is an awesome American classic. Its timeless design just seems to get better with age. Our client loves his and asked us to design a custom interior for his pristine example. As Zach Watertor one of our talented upholsterers at Karl Kustoms put it: “We went a little overboard.”…

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Classic VanLife: A Cool Custom 1967 Chevy Fan

1976 was a year of change. There was a new president; the country celebrated its bicentennial; and the 1976 Chevy van had new powertrain options. After replacing the 307 with a 350 V8 in the half-ton vans in 1974, GM expanded the powertrain options to include the following for 1976: This unibody van was offered…

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Wires And Gauges: A 1967 Chevy II Nova Makeover

Classic cars are awesome when they’re working right. But intermittent issues can turn a weekend drive into a nightmare. This 1967 Chevy Nova II looked pristine when it arrived at our workshop, but it wasn’t cranking over. One look at the wiring revealed why this was the case. Kyle Kolke gives us a rundown in…

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Sounds Of Summer Nights Favorites: A Wantable Wagon

The Sounds Of Summer Nights at Karl Kustoms features some of the coolest cars around. Whether you like modern high-performance cars, classic cruisers, or something in between, you’ll find it at one of our shows. Each car has a story to tell, and this sweet 1966 Chevy Caprice Wagon is no different. The 1966 Chevrolet…

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Should I Replace The Distributor – Or Just The Cap And Rotor?

Modern vehicles use electronic ignition systems, often with individual coils for each cylinder. However, if you prefer a big old classic V8 – and who doesn’t? – then it is more likely to have a mechanical distributor. These components wear out over time, and when they do, you may wonder whether you should just replace…

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What Causes A Wiring Harness To Fail?

Wiring harnesses are critical components in modern vehicles, serving as the nervous system that connects various electrical components and systems. While these harnesses are designed to be durable, they can still go bad or fail over time. Why Wiring Harnesses Go Bad There are several reasons why wiring harnesses in vehicles can deteriorate and fail –…

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