Kevin Oeste and Mike "Q-Ball" Clarke are back behind the microphones for another garage-ready episode of the V8 Radio Podcast In this episode, the guys dive deep into the evolving world of classic car restoration, modern fabrication technology, and what’s rolling through the shop, plus an action-packed preview of the upcoming SEMA Show.

• The Modern Golden Age of Car Building: How 3D scanning, laser welding, CNC panel shaping, and mail-order custom parts are opening doors that builders could only dream of a decade ago.
• Stock vs. Modified & Built to Drive: Upgrading classic cruisers for real-world drivability—from Paul Huber’s road-tripping ’62 Buick to finding the sweet spot between factory originality and modern comfort.
• Rare Rides & Resurrection: The story behind restoring a one-owner 1980 Dodge Mirada, reuniting lost factory engines with rare muscle cars, and why sheet metal never truly dies.
• Show Stoppers: Recapping the big public debut of the 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon at the Triple Crown of Rodding, its display at ARP, and what’s next for MCACN.
• SEMA Show Preview: Kevin gears up for his 30th SEMA Show with a packed emcee schedule, the legendary SEMA Cruise, and upcoming V8TV video coverage.
• The Ford Galaxie Mystery Solved: Kevin finally tracks down the real culprit behind his car's drop in fuel economy.
• Shop Updates: Engine shop dyno milestones and the pace of builds underway at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop.

As always, the show kicks off and wraps up with rapid-fire Automotive Trivia brought to you by Corvette Central, your go-to source for Corvette parts, restoration, and performance upgrades. Tune in to see if you can answer the production record challenge or pinpoint the landmark engine tech debut!

Catch more episodes, subscribe, grab show merch, and keep up with latest build features at V8Radio.com.

#V8Radio #ClassicCarRestoration #Restomod #HotRodding #SEMA2026 #SEMAShow #TripleCrownOfRodding #CustomCars #AutomotiveTrivia #CorvetteCentral #CarPodcast #Fabrication #V8SpeedAndRestoShop

It's a multi-anniversary celebration on this special episode of the V8 Radio Podcast! We're marking 10 years of the V8 Radio Podcast while also honoring the 30th Anniversary of the legendary 1996 Hot Rod Power Tour.

Our special guest is Paul Wieshuber, the guy who held Kevin Oeste's feet to the fire to make sure he kept his promise to hit the road on the Tour. The '96 Power Tour wasn't just an incredibly fun car event—it became a life-changing moment for Kevin, serving as the on-ramp to his career with Hot Rod Magazine and TV.

Of course, Mike "Q-Ball" Clarke is along for the ride to help celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the V8 Radio Podcast. We also give a big welcome to Corvette Central for stepping up to support the Automotive Trivia Contest—now proudly presented by Corvette Central! How cool is that?

Bonus: Click the link for rare video footage from the '96 Tour!

Bonus Hot Rod Power Tour Video: https://youtu.be/7YvOXvIA0P0

Links:

V8 Radio Podcast: https://www.v8radio.com

Hot Rod Magazine: https://www.hotrod.com

Corvette Central: https://www.corvettecentral.com

We're throwing you another psychagogic V8 Radio Podcast with your hosts Kevin Oeste and Mike "Q-Ball" Clarke! This time, the guys dive deep into the chaotic, unscripted realities of owning and building classic cars. From Kevin’s hilarious (and soaked) misadventure driving his top-down ’62 Ford Galaxie convertible through a torrential downpour without working windshield wipers, to Mike’s update on his ongoing ’67 GTO project, the garage banter is in full gear.

Kevin also shares a detailed recap of his recent trip to Washington, D.C. with SEMA, advocating for the "Right to Modify" and explaining how advanced safety tech impacts the future of hot rodding. Plus, the V8 Speed and Resto Shop Engine Shop is absolutely humming with engine builds, including Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, Cadillacs, and a very stubborn Buick 350.

• The Anatomy of a Rainout: Kevin recounts getting trapped on the highway in his '62 Ford Galaxie convertible during a sudden storm with an inoperable hydraulic top and missing wiper arms.
• Engine Shop Chronicles: A look inside the booming V8 Speed and Resto Engine Shop, highlighting the trials of a finicky Buick 350 timing cover, numbers-matching Chevelles, and a rare Palisade Green '70 GTO.
• SEMA Takes D.C.: Kevin breaks down his recent trip to Washington, D.C., educating lawmakers on the ADAS Integrity Act and preserving our freedom to modify vehicles without government intervention.
• Tuning and Fuel Economy Woes: Kevin tries to solve the mystery of why his fuel-injected, overdrive Galaxy is suddenly getting worse mileage after a complete 20-year tune-up.

• What does the "SC" stand for in the classic American Motors Corporation (AMC) SC/Rambler produced from 1958 to 1969?
• How many total Pontiac Firebird convertibles were built across all generations?

Tune in and subscribe for all the latest from the V8 Radio Podcast!

https://www.v8radio.com

https://www.v8engineshop.com

#V8RadioPodcast #ClassicCars #MuscleCars #HotRodRestoration #RightToModify #SEMA #PontiacGTO #FordGalaxie #EngineBuilding #AutomotiveTrivia