Tales of a Gearhead

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Covering everything from current industry issues and trends, to answering questions and offering advice to gearheads across the nation, Stacey brings a lifetime of automotive knowledge and expertise to the Podcast listener. With Stacey’s unique life experience, and deep pool of friends, the progra…

Stacey David


    • May 22, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 23m AVG DURATION
    • 131 EPISODES

    5 from 167 ratings Listeners of Tales of a Gearhead that love the show mention: show, great.


    Ivy Insights

    The Tales of a Gearhead podcast is a truly exciting addition to the automotive world, and it's especially thrilling to see Stacy hosting his own show. As a red-blooded American who grew up watching Trucks, I have been a fan of Stacy for years. He has always been the go-to automotive personality on TV, providing viewers with informative and practical content. What sets him apart is his ability to walk you through projects step by step and encourage you to take on the challenge yourself. Meeting him at his studio open house only solidified my admiration for him, as he treated everyone like long-time friends and even took the time to offer personalized advice. With his shows available for binge-watching on Prime and now this podcast, it's safe to say that Stacy continues to deliver top-notch content that keeps fans like me hooked.

    One of the best aspects of The Tales of a Gearhead podcast is the wealth of knowledge that Stacy shares with his listeners. Just like on his TV shows, he dives deep into various automotive topics, covering everything from car restoration and customization to performance upgrades and maintenance tips. His expertise in these areas is unrivaled, making each episode incredibly informative and engaging. Moreover, Stacy's ability to explain complex concepts in an easy-to-understand manner ensures that listeners of all skill levels can follow along and learn something valuable.

    While there are so many positive aspects of this podcast, one minor drawback is its limited release schedule. As a dedicated fan eager for more great episodes, I find myself wishing there were new episodes released more frequently. However, I understand that producing high-quality content takes time and effort, so in the end, it's a small price to pay for the outstanding content provided by Stacy.

    In conclusion, The Tales of a Gearhead podcast is an absolute delight for any automotive enthusiast or aspiring gearhead out there. With Stacy at the helm, listeners are not only entertained but also educated about all things automotive. His passion and expertise shine through each episode, leaving fans like me eagerly awaiting the next installment. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to Stacy's work, this podcast is a must-listen, offering a wealth of information and inspiration for automotive projects. Five stars all the way!



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    Latest episodes from Tales of a Gearhead

    Automotive Journalist and Author Jefferson Bryant

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 25:11


    Automotive journalist / author Jefferson Bryant is in the shop. In this first part of a two-part interview, Stacey and Jefferson talk about his early days growing up in Oklahoma storm chasing with his dad, his love of Buicks - especially his '71 Buick GS, which at one point was the world's loudest true convertible (154.7db), and the various paths that led him into journalism and becoming an author.

    The Joe Dirte Bird Gets the Worm

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 28:14


    Jeff Kelderman from KELDERMAN MANUFACTURING is in the shop, but he is not alone. He brought with him his two favorite birds. No, these aren't pet parakeets or parrots. One is the actual hero car used in the David Spade cult classic JOE DIRT. The other is a Superbird that Jeff had cloned into a replica of the Joe Dirt Daytona with way more power and creature comforts that he plans to use as a daily driver. Stacey and Jeff dig into Jeff's love of the film, how it led to him going after it at Barrett-Jackson, and the insane amount of work that went to turning that Superbird into everyone's favorite heap from the movie.

    Guitar Stories with Chris Hennessee

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 30:40


    Stacey continues his conversation with singer/songwriter Chris Hennessee. They dive in on a lot of firsts. First guitar. First lick learned on the guitar. First song learned on the guitar. Then they discuss the bands and players that influenced them, the state of the music industry, how judging art as a contest is never a good thing, and finally Chris' new podcast FULLY ARMED.

    Songwriter/Musician Chris Hennessee

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 28:06


    In this episode, musician/songwriter Chris Hennessee is in the shop to swap some tales with Stacey. In part one of this two-part interview, Chris talks about his early days playing the honkytonks on Nashville's Lower Broadway, how back then Lower Broadway was MUCH different than it is today, and meeting/jamming with a young Jamey Johnson. Stacey and Chris also discuss how their approach to songwriting is very similar to their approach to automotive projects, including Chris' current '95 white Ford BRONCO project.

    Dylan McCool

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 37:09


    Stacey has YouTuber DYLAN MCCOOL in the shop! They discuss Dylan's childhood growing up in a MOPAR household, earning $600 at the age of 10 to get his first project car - a '74 DART SPORT, how his love of teaching applies to his YouTube channel, and why he wouldn't be where he is today without his faith and family.

    SLEEPERDUDE Josh Dillon

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 33:08


    Josh Dillon AKA “SLEEPERDUDE" is in the shop. Stacey and Josh talk about how he got into cars, starting a YouTube channel, leaving his auto body day job to do YouTube full time, his upcoming projects, and the important roles family and faith play in his life.

    auto automotive stacey david gearz
    Charley Strickland and the Surface Orbiter

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 30:39


    Charley Strickland from STRICKLAND MOTOR RACING INC is back in the shop. He and Stacey discuss his long planned next project - THE SURFACE ORBITER 2. “What's that?” you're thinking? Well, it's Charley's take on the Dobbertin Surface Orbiter, which was an amphibious vehicle designed and built by Rick Dobbertin in the 1990s. The DSO started out from a 1959 Heil milk tank trailer and was modified by Dobbertin over the course of 4 1/2 years. On February 23, 1995, the DSO became the first car to transit the Panama Canal. Then Stacey answers some listener questions about wanting to add a winch system to a vehicle with plastic bumpers, installing an Edison Diesel Electric Kit, and when to paint, powder-coat, or get a liner. *Image from Dobbertin Performance

    Happy New Year + Voiceover Artist Talon David

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 30:39


    HAPPY NEW YEAR!  A new year means a new season of GEARZ, and of course, TALES OF A GEARHEAD. Stacey teases what you can look forward to in the upcoming 2025 season. Then he sits down with his daughter Talon. They talk about what it was like growing up in a house full of wrenches, guitars & amps, her now living in London, and her dual careers as an audiobook narrator & singer/songwriter. After that, Stacey dives into the mailbag with advice on what to do with all those old drill bits, how measuring for a driveshaft must include proper ride height/weight and how a HEMI swap might just be the best thing for an older DURANGO project.

    History of Kit Cars with Dave Gossett

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 30:25


    Dave Gossett from DAVIKKI Ltd is back in the shop. Stacey and Dave have an in-depth discussion about the evolution of the kit car from cheap backyard projects of the ‘70s/'80s to the high end component cars of today, the early builds that got Dave in trouble with Ferrari, the vast improvements of fiberglass through the years, and how all that went into the new RETROFORMANCE M6GT project. Then Stacey answers a listener question about when your project is about to go from a level 1 to a level 2.

    Charley Strickland

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 27:31


    Charley Strickland from STRICKLAND RACING INC made the trip all the way up from Fort Worth, TX to chat with Stacey in the GEARZ shop. They discuss his early days building go-karts and junior dragsters in his backyard, street racing to put himself through college, and his time with Fastlane Engineering/circle track racing which led him to his current work – designing top of the line all-aluminum monocoque chassis for Lamborghini Countach, Manta Mirage, and McLaren M6GT replicas.

    LaVon Miller and Kyle Fischer Talk Diesel Racing, Dave Gossett Talks Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 31:45


    LaVon Miller from Firepunk Diesel and Kyle Fischer from Hot Shot's Secret are in the shop with Stacey today. They discuss LaVon's 90-POUND weight loss journey on the carnivore diet, Firepunk's decision this year to switch from a diesel S-10 to a diesel Mopar Duster, and how Hot Shot's Secret has been there every step of the way on this record-breaking season. After that, Stacey chats with Dave Gossett from DAVVIKI LTD. Only they're not discussing his work with RETROFORMANCE providing them with the first prototype body for their M6GT replica. Instead, Stacey and Dave get into tales of their past as professional musicians, favorite guitars and players, and how Dave ended up replacing a certain singer who would go on to become world famous for his smooth beard filtered vocals.

    Dennis Overholser from Painless Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 30:30


    Dennis Overholser, the visionary co-founder and inventor of Painless Performance Products, is in the shop today. Stacey and Dennis dive into how Dennis' early days in the military and his frustration with rewiring projects at the time led him to create Painless Performance Products. It's a company that to this day prides itself on innovation, quality, and the pursuit of excellence in automotive electrical systems. After that, it's a quick dive into the mailbag where Stacey answers a listener question about a ‘78 Z-28 front & rearend conversion.

    Andrew Camarata

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 30:52


    Heavy equipment YouTuber Andrew Camarata stopped by the studio and discussed everything from growing up watching Stacey on Trucks! to creating a 1 MILLION subscriber YouTube channel from a property management business and building a castle out of shipping containers!

    Skyjacker Suspensions' Founder Lonnie McCurry

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 30:12


    Stacey chats with Lonnie McCurry and Malerie Pike from SKYJACKER. They discuss the company's beginnings, its growth from a small two bay garage to their current 80,000 sq/ft facility, the importance of SKYJACKER's constant research & development, and how faith & family have made the company everything it is today.

    Retroformance M6GT Replica

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 30:51


    Ben and Dick Strenkowski from RETROFORMANCE are in the shop today. Stacey and the father/son duo dig into RETROFORMANCE's humble beginnings as a machine/service shop started by Dick's father, and how that has led to their hot new M6GT project. It's a redesigned and modernized version of the iconic M6GT that was created by Bruce McLaren to be the fastest road car in the world in 1969. Then it's off to the mail room, where Stacey answers a listener question about why he doesn't like to include individual parts prices on projects built on the show.

    Redneck Rumble Founder Scooter Williams

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2024 31:03


    Stacey sits down with Scooter Williams to talk about his creation: the South's biggest, baddest hot rod, custom car, rat rod show, AND swap meet – THE REDNECK RUMBLE. This year's show takes place on Sept. 20 -21, 2024 in Lebanon TN.

    Car Audio with John Myers from Kicker

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 33:35


    “Oh, I think you need all that bass.” - ancient Buck's Super Stereo World saying. John Myers from KICKER Audio is in the shop to talk all things car audio. From amps to speaker placement, to DSR technology and beyond. So, dust off that TK-421 modification and get ready to have this episode get an extra three or four quads per channel, but that's just technical talk. Turn it up!

    Skip Walls from Lokar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2024 29:47


    In this second part of Stacey's interview with the guys from LOKAR Performance Products, Skip Walls hops on the mic with Stacey, and they discuss Skip's early days in California, building up LOKAR, moving the company to East Tennessee, the current state of the industry & where they see it going, and what Skip thinks makes up a hot rod. Then it's into the mailbag, where Stacey offers some advice to a listener wondering how to get younger people into cars and trucks.

    Brian Downard from LOKAR

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 42:16


    In this first part of Stacey's two-part interview with Skip Walls and Brian Downard from LOKAR Performance Products. Stacey sits down with his longtime friend and raconteur, Brian. Where all manner of gearhead tales get told. Including Brian's legendary Christmas ham incident. Might not be for the faint of heart, but it is definitely hilarious and one you won't soon forget.

    Abe Wine Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 22:14


    Stacey continues his conversation with Abe Wine, owner of SHOPRAT METAL WORKS and co-host of History Channel's TRUCK NIGHT IN AMERICA. They discuss Abe returning to home help out with the family shop, the dire need for quality mechanics, the importance of learning mechanical skills (especially welding), Abe's ongoing 1954 FORD F-500 Y-Block project, and finally discipline & the art of apple butter.

    Abe Wine from Shoprat Metal Works & Truck Night in America

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2024 21:32


    Stacey sits down with ABE WINE, owner of SHOPRAT METAL WORKS and co-host of History Channel's TRUCK NIGHT IN AMERICA. Abe talks about growing up in rural Virginia, the important influence of his uncle & granddad had on his childhood, and the strange & winding road that led him to being on television.

    Talking Music and Cars with Derek Bieri from Vice Grip Garage!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 24:03


    Part two of Stacey's interview with Derek Bieri from Vice Grip Garage. Stacey and Derek dig into their other great passions - guitar playing and music. They discuss the role music plays in car culture, their favorite guitars & guitar players, Stacey's time as a session musician in Nashville, A.I.'s effect on the industry, and the importance of family and being true to who you are.

    Derek Bieri from Vice Grip Garage!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 29:30


    This episode begins with part one of Stacey's interview Derek Bieri from Vice Grip Garage. They discuss Derek's youth growing up on a farm in Minnesota & Wisconsin and how that led to his automotive passion, the early days of his shop and the creation of his wildly popular YouTube Channel. Then it's into the mailbag where Stacey answers some listener questions about removing oil from your vehicle, cleaning and maintaining leather, and the differences between protectants and cleaners.

    bieri minnesota wisconsin vgg stacey david gearz vice grip garage
    Jeremy Stoermer from Holley

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2024 26:50


    Jeremy Stoermer from Holley Performance Products is in the shop today. He and Stacey talk about what Holley has going on for the year, upcoming shows & events, plus some good ole fashioned Mopar chat.

    Andrew Collins - Executive Editor at The Drive

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 35:15


    Andrew Collins, executive editor of THEDRIVE.COM calls in to talk with Stacey about what THE DRIVE is all about, his early days getting into all things automotive - including his time as an off-road guide in Australia, his thoughts on the new Ford Ranger Raptor, renewable energy and dream projects.

    Tony Muckleroy From Jeep Talk Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2024 29:25


    Stacey ZOOMs into the magic of the internet to chat with Tony Muckleroy from JEEPTALKSHOW.com to deep dive about all things JEEP and more!

    jeep offroad stacey david gearz jeeptalkshow
    IDIDIT Steering Interview

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 27:24


    Stacey talks with Trevor Cornwell from IDIDIT to discuss one of the most underrated BUT also one of the most important parts of any build: the steering column. They also dive into the history of IDIDIT, where they see the future of the aftermarket steering column industry heading and Trevor's current projects, dream projects, and what makes a hot rod.

    steering project cars stacey david gearz
    Garage to Gallery - Photographer Curt Lerner

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 25:02


    Ace photographer Curt Lerner, from GET LIT CREATIVE IMAGING, swings by the shop to chat with Stacey about his lifelong love of automobiles and photography, an upcoming project involving SGT ROCK, and everything that goes into his specialized highly detailed automotive photography. Then it's a quick grab out of the mail bag. Stacey offers some suggestions on how to get more power out of a '02 S-10, with a V6 that has over 100K miles.

    The Heat is On! Interview with Chris Scwhartz from Heatshield Products

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 24:25


    Like Glenn Frey once sang “The heat is on…” and with the summer months fast approaching. Stacey has in depth conversation with Chris Schwartz from Heatshield Products about all things heat related to a one's project.

    Intriguing Vehicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2024 24:08


    Favorite intriguing vehicles? Stacey has a few. He also has some answers to listeners trying to find a tilt steering column for a '70 CJ-5, what synthetic oil would be best for a '64 GTO, and is there a build sheet for Stacey's old Wicked Willys project.

    Listener Question Lightning Round

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2024 26:34


    It's a new year and Stacey hits the ground running with another listener question lightning round. Touching on everything from ‘80s Chevy speedometers, project regrets, the best engine for a ‘40s/'50s Model A, how to hold onto a project, high mileage vehicles and of course… guitars!

    Christmas Memories & The Year Ahead

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 24:50


    The chimneys are getting swept, the house fuses popping from one too many plugs in the living room outlet, and that special lamp is displayed for the whole street to see. Stacey celebrates the podcast's 100th episode and shares some of his favorite gearhead Christmas memories. Then he looks ahead to all the great projects he has in store for 2024.

    Chris Picconi of Classic 4x4

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 29:10


    Stacey sits down with Chris Picconi from Classic4x4.com and the host of the “Classic 4x4 Podcast”. They dig into Chris' background in finance and how that led him to follow his passion of classic 4x4s, as well as the current trends in the auction world and how to properly navigate getting your vehicle ready to go up on the block!

    Strange Days - Tim Strange Interview Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2023 23:51


    Part 2 of Stacey's interview with STRANGE MOTION ROD & CUSTOM's Tim Strange. Stacey and Tim continue their talk about the state of custom auto business, share war stories about doing work on trade, the importance of shop safety, and how a freak accident nearly cost Tim his life.

    Strange Days - Tim Strange Interview Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2023 24:03


    In the first of a two part interview, custom builder Tim Strange from Strange Motion Rod & Custom sits down with Stacey to talk about his early days growing up on a farm, getting his love of all things automotive working on Harleys with his Dad, his first builds, BMX racing, to his time on television, having his own shop with his wife and the eternal question “what makes a hotrod?”

    ARCAs, Pigs, 4-Doors, and 4x4s

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 21:30


    Don Russell returns to the shop to discuss Cornwell's new line of ARCA tool boxes. Then, it's into the mailbag where Stacey offers advice on shop towels, the desirability of 4-doors & long beds, and an engine combo suggestion for a 90's 4x4 project.

    Pro-Mod Diesel Corvette

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2023 18:57


    Kyle Fischer from Hot Shot's Secret and Johnny Gilbert from Stainless Diesel are in the shop to talk about Johnny's '63 Corvette Cummins Diesel dragster, guitars, rock & roll, and hot rods. Then, Stacey helps out a listener with a header issue and shares another listener's story about his father's P-40 Flying Tiger.

    MouseBlocker and Project Tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 26:10


    Matt Swift from MouseBlocker is in the shop to talk about how to keep rodents, varmints, and all other kinds of critters out of your shop, and most importantly out of your project. Then Stacey answers some listener questions about what not to do on a project, touch up paints, the cost of building a project and an update on the HAIRY HAULER.

    Dixie Chopper

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 22:44


    Eli Kean from Dixie Chopper stops by the studio to talk with Stacey about the world's fastest lawn mower, Stacey's Cornwell Tools mower box project, setting the Guinness World Record for the most grass cut in 24hrs and mower… er… more! Then it's back into the mailbag to answer questions about when to use the original frame for a project, should someone keep their vintage corvette or sell it, and what to do about soft floors.

    Original vs Aftermarket Parts

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 21:10


    Stacey answers listener questions dealing with when to use original or aftermarket parts, how to stay motivated toward your project, thoughts on Dodge ditching the HEMI, and cat back exhaust upgrades.

    Aston Martin DB5 + First Car Recommendations + Q&A

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 22:44


    Larry Collins swings by the shop to show Stacey his '65 Aston Martin DB5. Then it's off to the mail bag to answer some listener questions about rust preventive paints, helping your daughter pick out her first car, and what to do with the dreaded Ford 6.8L V-10 engine.

    Matt Graves - American Powertrain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2023 20:06


    Matt Graves swings by the shop to chat with Stacey about the new products American Powertrain has coming in 2023, his Cadillac “Chicken Coupe”, what is a “hot rod”, making it through the pandemic, and the future of the industry. *Picture of the Chicken Coupe from MotorTrend; dually from American Powertrain

    Fatman Fabrication

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 22:23


    Tim Tullo from Fatman Fabrication swings by the shop and sits down with Stacey for a conversation that covers everything from their shared love of WW2 & Civil War history, the state of the aftermarket and what sets Fatman Fabrication apart from other companies.

    Real Hours in a Project

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 23:30


    Stacey discusses why it's so important to really think about time when starting a project, making sure you properly understand how many hours it could take to complete, so you don't get frustrated and end up walking away from it. Then it's back into the mailbag for listener questions about what to do when you get an aftermarket part that doesn't quite fit.

    Collectible Cars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2023 24:38


    Stacey dives into how the 80's cult classic “Better Off Dead” got him thinking about how some things turn into collectibles and others do not. Then, he answers a listener question about what skills are need when starting out in the garage. Finally, he talks about his upcoming Henry J project and an update on the fan favorite project “Heavy Metal”.

    Cornwell Tool Rally LIVE

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 26:06


    On this episode, Stacey hits the road and travels to Las Vegas for the Cornwell rally. Recorded live, Stacey interviews various members of the Cornwell team. Topics range from favorite car, weirdest food eaten, favorite tunes to jam while driving and most importantly the age old Texas vs. California battle… Which is better: IN-N-OUT or WHATABURGER?

    Car Flipping

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 18:58


    Stacey breaks down the ins and outs of car flipping and the difference between the enthusiast mindset and the flipper mindset. Then, Stacey shares a Jeepster tale about when he was out with his Dad and brothers and how they showed a bunch of lifted 4x4 trucks that size DOES matter.

    The Jeepster Show!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2023 24:57


    Like the old Pimp My Ride meme says… “Yo dawg, we heard you like Jeepsters. So we did an interview with the Jeepster man about Jeepsters …” Stacey sits down with Mark Vilbert from Jeepster Man and you guessed it, digs into all things Jeepster. From Mark's early days starting the company with his son, to merging with Just Jeepers, to favorite builds and beyond. It's the ultimate Jeepster deep dive!

    Garret's Rod Shop 1933 Ford P-33 Roadster

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2023 23:37


    Stacey sits down with Karl Schulman from Garret's Rod Shop to discuss the history of the shop, the changes in industry trends and most importantly, their most recent project, the out of sight 1933 P-33 roadster which will be featured on an upcoming episode of GEARZ. Then it's into the mailbag for listener questions about wiring harnesses and upgrading your suspension for proper towing.

    When to Walk Away

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 21:57


    Like Kenny Rogers sang in “The Gambler”… You got to know when to hold ‘em. Know when to fold em. Know when to walk away and know when to run.  The same goes for projects. Stacey gets into how if that dream project keeps getting away, and when it might be time to start looking for something else. Then we hop on the GEARZ bus for a visit to the LIONS museum in Long Beach, California.  And finally, Stacey wraps everything up with the differences between Concourse & Thoroughbred restorations and a quick update on the CHEETAH project!

    Grand National Roadster Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 19:22


    Fresh off a trip to Pomona, CA, Stacey shares his experience at the Grand National Roadster Show that featured COPPERHEAD in it's Keep On Truckin' exhibit. Then he cracks open the mailbag to answer a listener question from Chet about whether he should add twin turbos to his '93 GMC Sierra, or go all out and do a V8 LS swap. After that, it's tale time about longtime friend of the show, Von Hot Rod.

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