MotorMouth Radio

Ray hits hard with brake pad, brake fluid and tire tread checks as part of normal maintenance. Carl Anthony tells us about his new writing gig at www.HowToGeek.com which is more than just an informational car site. New car component longevity gets questioned by a caller, and Chris gets to vacillate about the prospects of a new Caddy Eldorado.

We kick off this show with a question about our favorite TV and movie cars which really takes us down a rabbit hole. Ray nominates a local hero for turning him onto the great service department at the McGard wheel lock company. Ture pressure inconsistencies and a cracked windshield repair made by Chris round out this hour of programming. On Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/hQC94PzTgfkSpreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mmr-02-15-2026--70071144

After struggling to find quality ethanol compliant carburetor rebuild kits & part, the boys found Mike of Mike's Carburetor Parts. The show is dedicated to busnisses like this that provide the parts we all need to do a complex job. Mike shared his wisdom and years of carburetor service with us so be sure to pay attention when he speaks, and go over to our You Tube channel to see the man up close. See it on You Tube: https://youtu.be/pNJWRY11Es8

In typical MotorMouth fashion, our first topic is how to diagnose a modern washing machine by reading its trouble codes. Next up is Chris' frustration with small brake bleeder fittings, and we learn that he just needs better tools. Ray talks about a custom ratchet MatcoMan Brian made for him but Chris ain't buyin' it! A new tilt steering column & custom bucket seats are up next for the GTO to complement its new paintjob.

The frigid winter weather finds the boys talking about snow blower maintenance and repair. Guest Louis Lee from the "Playing-N-Traffic" show talks about his school bus conversion into a self-sustainable camping vehicle for his retirement travels. The guys were particularly interested in learning more about the Signature Solar panels, batteries & inverter he's using to powerup the project. Camping brings up the subject of dealing with, and shooting snakes in the desert. Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio 

Talk of winter vehicle maintenance & East Coast temperatures caused a long time listener to call from Montana and tell the boys what REAL cold weather is like. Both Ray & Chris are having trouble with the windshield washers in their Mazda's, and Ray's powder coated tow-tabs  are all the rage as a "Day 2" addition. He'll also be adding electric AC cooling fans to his GTO this year. Solar power talk brings up the thought for a great show guest next week....stay tuned. Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio  and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/Bsm5rbNczAU

It was 24 years ago that Chris Switzer sat across from the program manager and was granted access to the microphones to do an automotive talk show no-one thought would amount to a hill of beans. Well, it's been 24 years and we're still at it, and still trying to bring the best and worst of our experiences to the audience on a weekly basis. This week we cover small engine repair with a new listener, synthetic oil use and local swap meets with one of our long time O.G. listeners. Life is still good on MotorMouth radio 24 years later.   On Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/x1zaqlNENC0Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mmr-01-04-2026--69299167

The boys kick it off with sounds from the 60's car music world, then Ray shows a magazine from 1967 that catered to the high performance racing crowd. Car guy Christmas gifts come up, and a real handy Metric & American nut/bolt thread checker makes the cut. A recent pair of Camaro vehicle inspections and a carburetor rebuild job keeps the guys busy, and Ray explains to a caller how to best make carb air/fuel adjustments. On Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/VqTmOTN_nKsSpreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mmr-12-28-2025--69231941

Ray goes to his proven show music with "Jingle Bell Jazz" and Matcoman Brian explains the holiday tool truck tradition called "bust my balls". Christmas party stories, the new Rat Fink knives, & Zippo lighters all get some air time, then Chris talks with a caller about his proven old school carburetor "choke trick"  for starting an old car in the cold weather, which brings the topic of project management into the mix. On You Tube: https://youtu.be/JW_lgBz0_Zc

With a snow storm dropping the white stuff on us we get to see what the show host who precedes us uses for a snow brush, and it isn't good! Ray sings the virtues of carburetor cleaning the ultrasonic way and reveals his new choice of solvent. Headlight polishing compounds are discussed as well as the best method of polishing; by hand or with a machine, and a new caller has an issue with her car's "X's". On Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/FnLp1KQfDdI

Waymo cars are driving like NYC cab drivers now, and Ray will tell us why. He'll also describe what happens when you forget to tighten the oil fill cap on your engine, then illustrates the old and new sizes specified for a vintage Fiat oil filter. Chris describes what its like to do a rear brake job on his Explorer in the cramped confines of his garage. Anti freeze formulations & usage also get kicked around a bit with a caller.   On Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/R_Wl9JcDhi0

Chris explains why buying cheap ignition parts isn't a good idea, Ray needs a set of half size sockets for swollen lug nut removal, and improper torque stick use all get time on this week's show. Larry Montanez from P&L Consultants joins the boys to talk about his job as a post-collision inspector and what you can expect when you "only" need a small repair after an auto accident...you'll be amazed at what you can learn by listening to this show.  On Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/UZgtYF2OdQMSpreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mmr-11-30-2025--68809410

We were going to talk about the pitfalls of spark plug replacement this week, but since our good friends at Rolling Thunder Cycles closed up shop after 45 years of service we thought it'd be better to have Gerard come on and make the announcement formally. Also talked about was Buc-ee's spicy beef jerky, the legendary RTC holiday parties, and how to physically close a working business that has "lots of stuff" to dispose of.   On Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/FiP-ZtV47XQSpreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mmr-11-16-2025--68592333

The guys kick it off this week by remembering local Corvette racer and speed shop legend, Frank Dominianni. A wiring harness job on a 60's Mustang uncovers all sorts of pitfalls and problems, which runs into the  trouble one can get into by doing a simple oil change. Oil filter tools and removal tricks get kicked around as well as the mysterious reason Ford oil pan drain bolts tend to strip out.On Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and You Tube: https://youtu.be/dlGpMnf8bXISpreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mmr-11-09-2025--68487391

Description: The boys dive right in with Ray's homemade windshield wiper re-blading project which segues into cabin air filter and door jamb cleaning. Tire pressure checking and options for painting steel wheels are also explored by the MotorMouth's. While Ray has his paint out he re-sprays a trophy he was awarded to match his car, and Chris can't find the one he was granted. Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/owGhqI_Sq78Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mmr-11-02-2025--68389685

This week the boys host Evan Steger from "Time to Shine" and he schools us on the correct way to clean & detail our rides as well as how to keep them shining longer. Evan covers his line of fantastic polishing compounds as well as the product needed to apply them.  Besides cleaning your cars paint and wheels, Even even teaches us drummers how to make a nasty looking cymbal come back to its former glory, with sound effects by Ray.  Check our social media on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/H5E8qnpv0dE

Catching up after a week off Chris relates his troubles while trying to find a replacement automotive sealed beam, then Ray recounts how he couldn't get a Quadrajet base gasket at a known speed shop! The SPAL fan installation in the GTO gets high praise while the ProCar seats don't, there's some modification needed to make them right. Three carburetor rebuilds in a week lead the boys to talk about aluminum brightener, and a Corvette club sponsored Cars & Coffee was a big hit this weekend. Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/uPuw9bu-vPw Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mmr-10-19-2025--68205359

A caller drops a HUGE garage find on the boys when he talks about a local 1969 Motion Camaro. With Matcoman Brian as co-host, Ray talks about ill-written instructionsthat came with a car part. Spray gasket adhesive and the formula needed to spec out a carburetorare covered, as well as an upcoming model car contest where Chassis John's race car was spotted.Finding the correct replacement fuel pump for a Porsche 914 knocks some cobwebs off Brian's brain. Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/_cA4BG1wyL0Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mmr-10-12-2025--68109764

Ray explains the intricacies of tapping a hole for pipe thread, then goes on to laud the Matco Hyper-Step drill bits, while Chris cringes over the details being thrown around. A once in a lifetime Quadrajet problem had Ray stumped at the workbench, but we were spared the gory details when guest & old friend Carl Anthony came in to tell us about his new position at AVL. One last jolt of reality had the crew talking about doing the "Italian tune-up" and the pizza quality in Bay Ridge Brooklyn. Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/cGZC9V1gcQI

The boys talk about the reasons it pays to buy a GOOD catalytic converter over the cheaper available versions. Cat installation problems, seasoning & efficiency all get some air time, then Ray details what he needs to do in order to mount a space age temperature sending unit. What to do with the stuff taken out of a storage garage and a caller's Rt.66 road trip fill up the rest of the hour this week.    Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio  and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/JIXUCo844II

Ray shows off some original art from Don Cobb, who gifted Chris with a piece. Mode 6 diagnostics are touched upon once again, with an in-studio visual of a new Catalytic converter for the Cruze. Lug nut torque, cross threading, and ½ size sockets for swollen OEM nuts become a hot topic with callers & tool men alike.   Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/nay5f5Z0b_s

This week the boys visit the dark side of OBD II diagnostics when they delve into the murky & mysterious world of Mode 6 troubleshooting. Ray describes how he employed the scanner genius, Joe D. to have his back while sorting out a PO420 code on a family car. There's some talk about the electric cooling fan SNAFU in the GTO, and they boys kick around their choices for shop vacs... and one may surprise you!  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/GnJGcrxpSqQ

The studio phoneline is back in working order so we were able to talk about tool purchases a caller made for a road trip, and how to best sell off all of that useless junk we've all collected over the years. Ray tells us about a car inspection he did on a Volvo P1800S that turned out to be not as good as it looked. Chris is still dealing with an outgassing dashboard in a Camry & is open to all suggestions of how to clean it up.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/VUQxSW28ezc

We're always striving to expose the audience to the best automotive content we can find, and this week we hit it with YouTuber and REAL auto mechanic Kenny Wessel from his Wrenching With Kenny channel. We shared stories good and bad, talked shop, and we encourage you to check out Kenny's channel where (as Chassis John says), "You might just learn something!". And don't be a gidrool, stay in school!  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UEaHqX81weE

After another southern road trip Ray is back in the studio saddle & ready to talk cars with Chris. He shares his three important road trip "musts", then Chris dives into a parts problem that we all should be aware of. A/C service using special tools comes up, and a caller shares his story of doing the job at home. Wrapping it up Ray shouts out a local radio installer who did a radio installation job on his FJ while he was away.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/yfk992qiotk

The boys do a little follow up on old topics when Ray reports on the successful '69 Road Runner repair, then segues into the ongoing disc brake conversion on the 66 Mustang shop project. Master cylinder selection is a hot topic, as is using non-stock parts in a repair or restoration. Chris details some small interior changes that made a big difference in his Chrysler, then lamented about getting a rounded nut stuck in a socket. Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/IjcQcarb9nM

This show starts with Ray's visit to his favorite record store and the oddball albums he picked up. After the music talk the boys covered S100 Engine Brightener for car use, and the problems associated with the IDIDIT column going into the GTO. Borgeson parts get the nod, as well as a repair solution for a MATCO ratchet wrench. A strange headlight issue on a '66 Mustang has the guys doing some seat of the pants diagnostics, as does an EVAP issue on Chris' car.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/OAo-LupHYgw

It's been a while, so we reached out to our good friend & Car & Driver senior editor Elana Scherr to catch us up on her and Tom's projects. We got more than we bargained for when she convinced us that buying a Bentley Arnage was a good choice for a used car, especially since the A/C worked! We also got some details about the Opel GT, Nova, Jensen Interceptor & Sidewinder speed boat projects. This hour went by way too fast!   Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/zUZmnAVtHQw

Freshly back from another week off the boys are happy to have Mr. Wick Humble, author of "How to Restore Your Datsun Z-Car" published by CarTech Books. The conversation covered many facets of the Japanese car collecting and restoration world and is sure to impress & educate you as much as the interview did for us.   Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/xhY4MQe3V9Y

Sitting in for Chris is Matcoman Brian, and he & Ray talk about road trip issues.Ray found that even when he buys new parts they need to be modified; Procar set brackets are the culprit this time. Back-to-back meets with the Corvette Society crew proves that havingprinted material like a Hollander manual is key to solving parts fitment questions. Rental carissues and the progress on Brian's Mustang project round out this hour of fun.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/6BstZQ6n7rw

We bring back an old friend who's made her mark on the automotive journalism world when Elana Scherr, senior Features editor of Car & Driver magazine shares the hour this week. We talk about her eclectic car projects as well as her Car & Driver duties. Imperial vs metric woes come up when Elana talks about a sewing class she recently took. Ray reports on the 442 project at the shop, and finding some very old MMR cassette tapes of is first show.

Chris ruminated over his paint-soaked Tracker carpet issue & Ray mused over Fiat's selection of clutch cable adjusting hardware. Then, joined by Lake Speed Jr. the show got wings and took off into the unchartered territories of oil technology. Terms like zinc, calcium, phosphorous and viscosity were tossed around like projectiles at a beer pong party. Lake covered all the hard topics and passed on some excellent recommendations we can all use.

Sitting in for Chris is Matcoman Brian, and he & Ray compare tire repair techniques right off the bat. Ray's repair sent him to Harbor Freight for supplies, and once home packing tools for a road trip led to the disassembly of a Matco ratchet.  The use of grease or oil in the ratchet is the question posed to Brian, and Ray talks about a cool embroidered MMR hat 442 Eddie made for him. hat. Brian urges people to start their projects then chip away at them-the end will come faster that way.   Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/pFoseumhqqI

Ray gets calls this week asking for help with three old car revivals, and is happy to see people wanting to get their cars back on the road. Diagnosing old cars is a skill many younger guys don't possess, like looking at exhaust valves when exploded mufflers are seen. Matcoman Brian finds out that Mustang dreams really can come true, and our friend Louis finds out the hard way that the Jeep he was towing had no tire on the rim!  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio  and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/xIgaHyrS0IQ

Classic car storage and a trip to Motorcar Classics kicks off the show, which leads to a caller asking about collector car insurance options. Chris has an issue with a brake line and Ray has his own idea on how to handle it, contrary to Chris' naturally! Penetrants like Kroil & Trizol get the nod from Ray where stubborn fasteners are concerned.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/baZNI0cukio

The show kicks off with a new favorite theme song of Ray's and Chris gives it his blessing. The GTO project gets a new carpet color and a Painless Wiring headlight relay conversion harness, but finding the correct Robin straps is the next problem to be solved.  Chris talks about another problem with his Holley 600 but Ray has a solution that just might work... wooden carb spacers! Talk turns to Gin & Tonic with some helpful advice from a caller.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/aT9u5aQkz0c

Ray recounts a story of a sudden battery failure in a family car & the pattern of similar past failures. Motorbooks author and transportation & music group publisher Zack Miller joins the boys to talk about cars, motorcycles & music, along with cluing people in on the wide variety of printed material the Quarto & Motorbooks companies offer...there's really something there for everyone. Check out their offerings here: https://quarto.com/Motorbooks.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/-rbSq2pm7Ho

The tradition lives on; for 20 years we've been using Mother's Day as a platform to showcase the cross-section of new and established show callers and guests in a "best-of" motif. So sit back ad listen to what makes this show what it is, a showcase for people's ideas and thoughts about all aspects of the car community. Whether they choose to call or come in, or just stop us on the street, it's all good, and it's MotorMouth Radio. Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/bXkvELk0gg8

Our special studio guest, Tony Pedro talks about classic Corvettes & the people who own, build and drive them. Chris shares his freshly minted car show trophy win with us, which leads us into all of the cool local shows taking place this time of year. Stan from the Corvette Society calls in to educate us all about his fantastic car club & the great people in it.   Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/0Qlvdl6FM-c

Chris revives a Toyota that's been sitting idle for months, and Ray recounts the 40th anniversary of the road trip when he and his brother drove a 55 Nomad home from Colorado.  Good and bad battery cables are demonstrated, along with a great electrical book review, while snarky Chinese fortune cookie messages lead to a caller questioning Ray about his 73 Monte Carlo.  Paint brush combs, file cards, and grinding wheel re-surfacers round out this show.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on You Tube: https://youtu.be/UUY4S6fo_ug

In our second fundraising hour, we talk about the need to fund college radio, Ray laid on some pretty cool trivia about the iconic movie The French Connection, and we learned about an old, but significant test for AI usage called the Turing Test. Parking brake activation, maintenance and service problems were also covered.  Donations accepted at www.nccradio.org.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XWgg2ixb16Y

In our 1st fundraising hour, we talk about the need to fund college radio, then get to the automotive content with talk about brake proportioning valve operation, the recent Hagerty top 5 "hot cars" list, and a story about a motorcycle speed freak who screwed himself by posting his Connecticut exploits on social media.  Donations accepted at www.nccradio.org.  Check our social media feed to see the pictures; on Instagram: @real_motormouthradio and on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tjopoLnb9yY