OLD SKOOL CAR RESTORATION
My 1972 Toyota Corona has been a key element in making Just Off the Highway happen. This wonderful vehicle has carried me faithfully, although not very speedily, for nearly 60 episodes and over 30 additional episodes for members only.
But over the years, paint fades, rust forms, rivets loosen and strange noises begin to emanate from the exhaust. (And that’s only my condition! I’ll get back to talking about the car in a moment.)
I was contacted by Old Skool Customs, based in Roodepoort. They specialise in classic restoring and repairing classic American muscle cars, the kind that look like they’re doing a hundred miles an hour, even when they’re standing still.
They’d watched some “Just off the Highway” and wanted to show me some of the vehicles they currently have on their workshop floor.
Because of politics, economics and South Africa’s geographical position, our cars sometimes have unique features. For example, in the 70’s, a car sold in SA might have had an Australian engine in an American body with a British badge. Many have fascinating stories that reflect the country’s history and that’s exactly the type of thing I like to feature on Just Off the Highway.
Brod, Philip, Mike and the team at Old Skool Customs are true petrol-head enthusiasts, passionate about these stories, and they wanted to share them with me and YouTube viewers. They also wanted to take a look at the Toyota. My chance to give the venerable lady some much needed TLC!
Because of politics, economics and South Africa’s geographical position, our cars sometimes have unique features. For example, in the 70’s, a car sold in SA might have had an Australian engine in an American body with a British badge. Many have fascinating stories that reflect the country’s history and that’s exactly the type of thing I like to feature on Just Off the Highway.
They inspected the car and offered to repair and restore some parts for me. They are equipped and capable of turning wrecks into dream cars, but I asked them to preserve the original patina and features wherever possible and to basically give her a minor facelift.
They agreed to do the following:
- Remove rust, repair & respray the rear quarter panels and bonnet,
- Replace the rear window trim and repair the headlight surrounds,
- Mount driver and passenger side outside mirrors that match the correct period, because I only had an old plastic mirror on one side,
- Repair the air vent controls inside the cabin,
- And give the inside of the engine bay a good clean and paint wherever possible while preserving the original stickers.
- And a few more things…
And, unbelievably, they offered to do all this for free, because they are fans of Just Off the Highway! All they asked is that I should mention their name!!
So, in case you missed it the first time…
This was already a substantial list, but, as they began to work, a number of other problems were uncovered and they were all expertly dealt with by Old Skool.
They’re still working and we’re documenting the process for an upcoming episode. Looks like the Toyota that finds stories has become the story!
Look out for it on YouTube and please let me know how you like the new Shorts video clips we’re posting regularly.
But, most importantly, do take a moment to send some appreciation to Old Skool Customs. And, if you are looking for a beautifully restored and customised muscle car… you know where to go!
Drive on,
Al Prodgers
