Merry Christmas Everyone!

Posted on December 23, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

23 Dec

I want to take this festive time of year to thank all MY customers for ALL their support this year, been a fast 12 months that’s for sure and am looking forward to see what 2017 brings to my doors.

I am looking at making more parts for more models, from exhausts, to seats, to lights and some clothing too, so keep checking back with me for all the cool Motorcycle and Hot Rod parts for 2017.

Also I shall be adding more Blogs and hopefully more video to, and it will be quite an epic year I think and look forward to sharing it with you too.

Remember to check often on my blogs and New parts pages as I will be adding quite a bit as I get the New year rolling.

You can also follow me on instagram @59club or on Twitter @750racer also on face book under @carpyscaferacers @steverichardcarpenter or @carpyscafe

A Very Merry Christmas to you ALL and many thanks from the bottom of my heart to each and everyone one of you for using my business to supply you with the parts you needed.

A new motorcycle brand springs from a computer

Posted on December 22, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

22 Dec

WHEN the covers come off the Vanguard Roadster at the New York Motorcycle show on December 9th the moment will mark the launch not only of a brawny new bike but also of a new brand with big ambitions. Vanguard is an audacious startup that reckons it can use the increasing digitisation of manufacturing to ride with the pack of long-established bike companies, such as Honda, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, BMW and others, who are together set to sell some 500,000 motorcycles and scooters in America this year.

That might sound laughable. So far, Vanguard has built a grand total of one machine. At around $30,000, complete with a thumping 1.9 litre V-twin engine, it is priced at the premium end of the market (though well below the price of some superbikes, which can cost three times as much). But if Vanguard has its way, within a few years it will be selling several thousand motorcycles annually from a range of several different models.

What enables a startup to aim so high is the way digital technologies are lowering the cost of entry to manufacturing businesses that were once seen as the preserve of giants. That is especially so in the costly and long-drawn-out process of product development. From sketches, to clay models, component engineering and testing, it used to take a carmaker five years or more to bring a new vehicle to market. It is similarly slow going for bike manufacturers.

Some car makers can now do the job in just two, with the help of three-dimensional computer-aided design, engineering and simulation systems. In effect, the product—a car, motorcycle or even an aircraft—exists in a digital form where it can be sculpted and tested long before anything physical is built. It is also possible to simulate production methods.

This is the approach taken by Vanguard, which was set up in 2013 by Francois-Xavier Terny, a former management consultant, and Edward Jacobs, a motorcycle designer. Despite lacking the resources of the big producers—for now, the firm has just a handful of employees—it used software- in this case Solidworks from Dassault Systèmes.

A French company) to design a digital motorcycle before turning it into a real one. Such systems are benefiting from the falling price and increasing performance of computing power. “We now have the same level of design and engineering tools as the big boys, which would have been impossible ten years ago,” says Mr Terny.

The digital designs also make it easier for the company to gain access to global suppliers who will quote the best prices for parts they need. Design files can simply be e-mailed to a vast network of engineering firms that offer their services online.

Once road-testing and further development is complete, production of the Roadster is scheduled to begin at some point in 2018 at a refurbished industrial unit in the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York, which is now home to a number of manufacturing companies. That is another feature of the way factories are quickly changing: with digital engineering, cheaper automation and new production techniques such as 3D printing, it may be possible to rev up inner-city manufacturing.

This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Digital rider”

ASTON MARTIN ANNOUNCES 25 OLD-BUT-NEW DB4 GT RACERS

Posted on December 21, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

21 Dec

ASTON MARTIN ANNOUNCES 25 OLD-BUT-NEW DB4 GT RACERS

Blame Jaguar. Or praise Jaguar. Either way, it’s probably Jaguar’s fault that Aston Martin has just announced it’s building 25 ‘continuation’ versions of the rather pretty and quite potent DB4 GT.

db4b

Why? Well back in 2014 Jaguar realized it could capitalize on the booming market for rare race classics by building the six ‘missing’ vehicles from its Lightweight E-type project. The plan, back in 1963, was to build 18 ‘Special GT E-type Cars’, but only 12 were ever made, and the remaining six designated chassis numbers were never used, apparently laying dormant until some bright spark (probably from finance or marketing) hit upon the idea to dust them down and make millions.

db4c

Don’t get us wrong though, the Es in question are million-quid masterpieces, each hand-built by Jaguar’s finest craftsmen, constructed to the exact specifications of their original 1960s forebears – and Jaguar prioritized those who promised to rag them around race tracks as often as possible.

db4e

It’s mushroomed too: there’s now a Jaguar Heritage workshop that offers servicing and restoration of classic models; a Jaguar Classic Challenge race series has just completed its second season; and earlier this year Jag announced it was going to build nine new XKSS models. The road-going version of the Le Mans-winning D-type, the new cars are being built to the exact specification as they appeared in 1957, replacing the cars lost due to a factory fire at Browns Lane.

db4f

How tenuous is Aston Martin’s reason for building 25 old-but-new DB4 GTs? Did Sir David Brown once declare he’d ‘still love to be building these things in 60 years’? Does his ghost haunt the halls of Gaydon, calling out for a limited-run of DB4 GTs? Not a bit of it – Aston knows there’s the demand, so is going to build the cars, plain and simple. Hurrah. DB4 GTs for all of us!

db4g

Well not quite. Only 25 are going to be made, and with each one being hand-built by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell, such labours of love won’t be cheap. Especially when you’re not just buying a car, but a two-year international track driving programme too – these continuation cars are track-only models and Aston rather wants you to use them there. Not up to scratch? You can have training from the likes of Aston Martin Racing’s multiple Le Mans class winner Darren Turner. Arrive (probably by charter, if not, then definitely first class), drive, go away again feeling like a boss.

db4h

As for the car itself… Well beauty is guaranteed as Aston isn’t messing around with the basic, beautiful shape. The GT version of the DB4 was launched back in 1959, with a shorter wheelbase (taking it down from four to two seats) and a more powerful version of the 3.7-litre straight-six engine, with 340bhp punted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual ‘box and limited-slip diff. Stirling Moss (he wasn’t a ‘Sir’ back then) scored a debut race victory at Silverstone, and a total of 75 GTs were built by ’63. Eight of those were ‘lightweight’ specials (now worth over £3m each) and it’s those cars’ specs Aston is now copying.

With one or two modern tweaks. Aston promises ‘improvements in engine performance, handling, braking and safety, with great care taken to ensure these enhancements build upon the original’s exceptional qualities while retaining its feel and character.’ The aluminium panels, for instance, will use modern digital tech to ensure accuracy, before they’re hand finished and fitted over the tubular frame. And the VIN numbers will carry on from the last original DB4 GT ordered (chassis 0202R, if you’re interested) for what Aston declares is ‘an unbroken bloodline’. Leaving aside the intervening 58 years…

Not 57? No, because the first prototype won’t be ready until the spring, and the first car reaches a customer in autumn 2017. (The car in our pictures is an original, because we’d thought you’d like to gawp at it). Each DB4 GT will be constructed at Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, Aston’s spiritual home, and it’ll be the first car built there since the Vanquish S in 2007.

You might not like the idea of a classic built to modern-day standards, but the originals really are now too valuable to drive in anger, or at all. Yup, Aston will make some easy money out of these, but if giving the world 25 DB4 GTs is the result – and would you bet against other continuation cars in the future? – then we’re all for it. In short, we’d have one, to sit alongside a Vulcan, for the ultimate two-car (track) garage. Now, lucky numbers, please, please come up…

All information and credits for this blog is from. https://drivetribe.com

Mooneyes Christmas Party 2016 Irwindale

Posted on December 10, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

10 Dec

I got to work and noticed some fog and gray clouds looming as I opened my shop on a Saturday Morning, but- None the less, today was the annual Christmas Party that Mooneyes host at Irwindale drag strip and it is a not to be missed event for me, mainly because it is an awesome time for me to meet many friends from all over the place and get to ctach up on how they are doing etc.

Pulling the Triumph out onto the Road and firing her up was a good feeling as the trip is only up Three Highways and about a 35 minute ride, although as its close to Christmas now, plenty of traffic and a sharp eye was needed to watch out for cars trying to cut lanes at the last minute.

Time flew by pretty fast as I cruised at about 80 all the way and mostly in the car pool lane, my idea of that is that it is the safest route to take, being that there is a Divider wall to my left, so only things in front of me and to the side have a chance of getting me, as opposed to riding in the middle lane and being open to all and sundrie.

As I pulled off the 605, I could see the line of traffic that were waiting to get into the drag-strip area, I knew that some people had actually arrived at 3AM- for them to get a good space and enjoy the hundreds of Vehicles that attend this Hot Rod and Custom extravaganza every year.

Being on a Two wheeled machine does has its advantages, as I rolled on by everyone and right up to the entrance with no wait at all, and that’s a nice feeling for sure as some of these poor buggers had been sitting a long time in traffic.

As I pulled in to the event I could see the Sea of multicolored vehicles that were lined up similar to a Chinese military show, but that’s the only comparison to that as everyone was smiling, laughing, cooking, drinking and even dancing, and I knew today’s event would be a blast.

Most years that i have attending this show has always been cold, windy and a few ties it has been raining its arse off, and, as I left my shop in the fog, I thought to my self. “Oh no not again” But I was mistaken, as pretty much as soon as I got off my steed, the sun was coming through the clouds and could feel its warmth as I approached the entrance to the show.

I have no idea how many vehicles turned up, predominately it was Chevy and Ford, but had a sprinkling of Dodge, Chrysler, Studebaker and even Volkswagen’s were there in many guises.

I took about 60 odd photos with my I-Phone until my Battery decided to tell me on that phone that it was time for it to shut down and have a melt down, but I did get many cool shots and wanted to share them with you.

I get many people from all over the globe check my blogs out as a lot of us do not just have an interest in Motorcycling, it covers a vast spectrum of interests from Hot Rodding, Drag racing, to Low Riders and Full Custom Machines. there was plenty to see and, if you can ever get to Southern California and check out @mooneyeschristmasparty you will be amazed at the fun you will see.

So much to see and I hope you like some of these photos that I have taken, there would of been many more if my battery hadnt died on my phone, but enjoy all of you.

The weather turned out awesome to be honest and I am met many friends that I had not seen for a long long time, so glad that I ventured out to Mooneyes Christmas Show as it never fails to be entertaining as so much is going on there and always different cars, Rods and Motorcycles to check out and people are more than willing to tell you all about what they have done.

So many different styles of machines and to be honest I wish I had enough Battery to show all the drag racing that was going on all day as that was so cool to hear Motors flat out on the 1/8th.

Many of these I have not seen before and it was great chatting to all the owners and finding out what they did to heir ride, where they are from and some even gave me some great contacts for vintage parts etc.

That Green Roadster was a Raffle Car a few years ago at Ventura and boy what a sweet ride that is, the guy who won it only had ONE $20.00 ticket and he won the ride, so awesome.

Next up is my mate Becky Sue from Anaheim Rod & Custom, a really cool Girl and great family and Hot Rod shop, so glad she got to drive her Comet. Great Job Becky!

Few more video’s this time the cars coming down the side of the track after their runs on the 1/8th mile at Irwindale.

Awesome Sling shot as it cackles its way to the pits.

MOONEYES XMAS PARTY TOMORROW

Posted on December 9, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

09 Dec

Mooneyes Xmas Party Show & Drag 2016

I shall be attending as this is the best end of year meet up in

So Cal, always great to see friends I have not seen for many years, make sure you make it as it will be a Doozy!

I will be riding my Trumpy to beat the traffic as you may be inline for a while to get in, if you have a flathead, make sure you have plenty of water for the radiator.
Save the date: Saturday December 10, 2016
at Irwindale Speedway
500 Speedway Dr. Irwindale, CA 91706

Rain or shine

Where the CQQLEST people and CQQLEST cars gather!
+ Car Show
+ Run what’cha Brung 1/8 mile drags
+ Pinup Contest
+ Live music
+ Vendors
+ Hot Rods, Customs, Choppers and more:

General Admission is $5.00 per person (adult)
Children, 12 years and under are free.
General Parking is $10.00 per vehicle.

CONFIRMED LIVE BANDS
Colony Boys
Go Getters
Gamblers Mark
Hot Rod Trio
Dynotones

For Pin-up Contest information, please contact:
Mitzi at mitziandco@gmail.com

Visit out Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/963344197114524/

PLEASE COME EARLY TO GUARANTEE A PARKING SPACEPreregistration does not guarantee a parking space. Although we do have reserved sections for the car show entries, all parking is based on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive early to secure a parking space. Gate opens by 6AM. Parking is managed by Irwindale Speedway. Once the parking lot is declared full, the gate will be closed and no vehicles will be permitted into the parking area until an official confirms an open space. MOONEYES does not have any control over the parking situation. We apologize for the trouble and any inconvenience this may cause.

Please Note: THE PARKING LOT WILL FILL UP QUICK.
Please do not setup tents in open spaces or block empty spaces. Please cooperate with the parking lot attendants at all times. After all, they are just doing their job.

Make sure that you Come early, park early, take it easy and enjoy a fine day at the show!

Tomorrow, December 10th, I’ll be at, Mooneyes X-Mas Party at Irwindale Speedway in my Santa Suit! If any photographers want to shoot with me, send me a message! See you tomorrow bright and early!

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding the parking situation.
Thank you very much.

ENTRY DEADLINE: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2016

SHOW CAR Registration:
All show cars are limited to pre 1965 model years.
PREREGISTRATION ENTRY FEE: $20.00 includes 1 car and 2 persons.
Registration Entry Fee at the gate (at show) is $40.00 (1 car & 2 persons)
Motorcycles are $15.00 Preregistration or at the gate.

Entry form: – SHOW CAR Entry Form
Registration is CLOSED

ENTRY DEADLINE: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2016

DRAG RACE Registration:
RUN WHATCHA BRUNG! Test your car & your skills!
PREREGISTRATION ENTRY FEE: $40.00 (race car entry fee)
PREREGISTRATION ENTRY FEE: $40.00 (motorcycle/drag bike entry fee)
Preregistration includes 1 vehicle pass and 2 wristbands.
Drag cars are limited to pre 1969 model years.
NHRA SAFETY RULES APPLY. CARS MUST PASS ON-SITE INSPECTION PRIOR TO RACING.
Trailer parking: $20.00 (Trailer must fit within 36-foot space)

Entry form: – DRAG RACE Registration
Registration is CLOSED

ENTRY DEADLINE: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2016

VENDOR BOOTH APPLICATIONS & SHOW REGISTRATIONS:

Please print the document, fill out the form completely and send it in. See form for our address and related information. For any specific questions, please contact us at sales@mooneyes.com or by calling (562) 944-6311.

Registration period:
START: SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2016
DEADLINE: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2016
*Registrations may end early without any notice, depending on space available.

All vendors must have a City of Irwindale business license and they must apply for the business license online at
http://www.irwindaleca.gov/index.aspx?NID=186.
Please note that the cutoff date for applying for a business license is Monday, December 5, 2016.

Entry form: – Vendor Booth Application
Registration is CLOSED

For all inquiries please contact sales@mooneyes.com or call direct (562) 944-6311

ASTON MARTIN ANNOUNCES 25 OLD-BUT-NEW DB4 GT RACERS

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