Anybody who has lived in the Orange County Ca. area for the last 50 yrs. needs to know we`re losing our last speed shop. Santa Ana Speed Shop are closing their doors. Bill`s health isn`t that great and with the internet and the chain stores the day of Mom and Pop day`s are over, at least here in OC. Was in there yesterday talking to Kim and Bill marketing our shop and asking if they were interested (which they were) Bill took me in the back and talk about a time capsule!! WWII American made lathes and mills, pretty much anything you can think of. Hell, I was thinking of how to rescue an iconic shop and still make money. New location, lots of advertising, buying inventory, business plan, and still stand a huge chance of failure. Could be done - they`re not online at all and modernizing somewhat but still keeping that old school look I think could work but it would take a lot of money. This sucks. If you`re in OC stop by and spend a buck or 3 and soak in 50 yrs. of history.

 

yeah, now its look online, press a button, some guy in where ever throws your name on a box and there it is.
cuts mom and pop out, saves whatever cash they used to make, and there goes personalization and any kind of human touch.
meanwhile the rise in fuel prices to transport parts eats up anything saved from cutting out mom and pop (whom still have to pay shipping to get parts to them on top of that, if still in business).

sucks....one more way bigger companies are making the cash and small time is failing.

 

The best part of the old shops was to be able to walk in, pull up a stool and shoot the . sh-t for a while with someone who new something besides the words "we` have to order it." One thing to be aware of - I`ve built a couple of older motors recently and they will sell you a 195 degree thermostat. I`ve had to ORDER a 180. Crazy.

 

Funny that you mentioned a 180 tstat. I was at a big parts chain the other day and asked for a 160 tstat. The kid at the counter looked at me like I was from Mars or something. He did tell me i could order a 180 and it would be there in a couple of days but they did not carry one in stock.

wtxbadger

 

Yeah, all the new engines, OBDII will use a 195 - works with sensors and the computers, as you probably have noticed these new cars run normally at 210-220

 

Yes and deep down that still bothers me even knowing that is how the newer engines are designed to run at higher temps to enhance their fuel efficiency and lower tailpipe emissions. Running at the higher temp just does not feel right.

wtxbadger

 

Thanks for heads up.... Been a few years since I've been there. Shame to see to see another part of OC history lost.

 

First, some should note there is a difference between a speed shop and an auto parts store. Speed shops are a rare breed and were so even back in the day. Around here there is Morgan Machine & Marine that dates back to the late 70's at least. They do machine work on many kinds of engines and are a classic speed shop. Just sit in the parking lot and watch the different machines pull up.

From what I can see they are doing fine and the original owners are still there. They will also meet any price that one finds on Summit which is a speed shops main competition along with Jegs. Their advantage is the consultation they can give you when you start to order parts piecemeal from Summit. You may find that the parts don't work well with each other and that is something they would be able to tell you before buying.

 

Been here 12 years now, 6 as an owner. South of Warner/East of Main
Still have yet to set foot in the Speed Shop. Might do it just for the heck of it now. Kragen has 160, 180, 195 T stats on the shelf. I have run a 195 in my FE during the colder months just to have a better heater. Would do it during the warmer months.

 

When the t/stat arrives, compare it to the original. 1961/67 t/stats: 2 1/2" diameter while 1968 and later: 2 1/8" diameter.

NAPA has 160/180/190 2 1/2" t/stats, but...the problem is, older parts aren't listed on autoparts store computers.

So you have to get the parts clucks to actually look in their paper parts catalogs, usually stashed under the counter.

Engler Brothers Auto Parts on Pico Blvd in Santa Monica, the best dang autoparts store for older vehicles. Been in business for over 60 years.

 

Bill, what's the part # for the 2 1/2" stat? Maybe brand and store. I mean, while your on a role...

By the way, did you get my email? Sent a pic.

 

Don Engler is awesome!!! He's dragged the catalogues out from under the counter many times for me!

 

All I have is the original Ford & Auto-Lite/Motorcraft part numbers.

160 = A8AZ-8575-D (Auto-Lite/Motorcraft RT-16).

180 = A8AZ-8575-E (Auto-Lite/Motorcraft RT-18).

190 = A8AZ-8575-F (Auto-Lite/Motorcraft RT-19).