Good morning everyone,

Me waiting for the warm weather to arrive so I can finally start playing with cars again:

Here's what's going on this week:

➡️ Ferrari bringing back the gated manual? 👀

➡️ The spring cleaning checklist you didn't know you needed ✅

➡️ Singer just bought Willow Springs Raceway

➡️ more, of course 💬

​This week's video 🚗

Are you thinking about getting a dash cam or wondering if one is a good idea for you?

In this week's video, I install a Viofo A229 Plus into my 4Runner and share everything you need to know about dash cams... including their downsides.

​Youtube​

Spring cleaning checklist 🏁

Spring is here, and whether you're a detailing enthusiast or not, it's a good idea to give your vehicle a thorough cleaning.

I'll be making a full YouTube video sharing my process in the near future.

But for you eager beavers that don't want to wait, here are some things to focus on if you want to breathe new life into your winter-driven vehicle:

🚗 Exterior Inspection & Prep

• 🔍 Inspect undercarriage, wheel wells, and engine bay for excessive dirt, grease, tar, etc.
• 🍂 Remove leaves/debris from engine bay and door jams
• 🚪 Open doors and remove trash, floor mats, and personal items

🧼 Interior Deep Clean

• 🧹 Vacuum entire cabin (including under seats and hard-to-reach spots)
• 🧴 Degrease steering wheel, shifter, and buttons
• 🧽 Use brushes and interior cleaner to clean dash, doors, and trim
• 🧺 Pressure wash rubber mats (use degreaser or tire cleaner and scrub)
• 💧 Use a carpet cleaner and drill brush for carpets, then rinse with a carpet extractor
• 🛋️ Clean and treat leather:
  • All-in-one products work ok but separate ones work better
  • Avoid cheap, greasy leather conditioners

🛞 Wheels & Undercarriage

• 🔧 Optional: Lift vehicle and remove wheels for better access
• 🌀 Clean inside rims, calipers, and suspension parts
• 🧽 Use assorted brushes for hard-to-reach spots
• 🧴 Dress fender liners and black plastic trim while wheels are off

🚪 Door Jambs & Seals

• 🧴 Use APC (all purpose cleaner) or degreaser to clean grime around door jambs
• 🧼 Wipe hinges and seals carefully (avoid removing grease)
• 💨 Rinse thoroughly but carefully to avoid getting interior wet

🧽 Washing Process

• 🪣 Use 2 bucket wash method or multiple microfiber towels to avoid creating swirl marks
• ⬇️ Wash top-to-bottom, swapping towels or rinsing mitt after each panel
• ☁️ Optional: Foam cannon for additional lubrication
• 🧼 Use a clay bar only if needed on rough-feeling paint

💨 Drying & Paint Protection

• 🌬️ Use compressed air or a leaf blower to remove as much trapped water as possible
• 💧 Use a drying aid + damp microfiber towel for drying
• ✨ If needed: quick 1-step polish to bring out gloss
• 🧴 Apply a fresh coat of protection (wax, sealant, ceramic coating) or boost existing protection with spray wax/sealant

🪟 Final Touches

• 🪞 Clean windows, screens, and mirrors thoroughly
• 🚙 Reinstall mats
• 🛢️ Apply tire/engine trim dressing
• 🛡️ Optional: Apply trim restoration product to faded plastics

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Up to speed in the auto industry 📰

Jay Leno is going to bat for classic car owners in the state of California

He's using his celebrity influence to put the team on his back with "Leno's Law" - basically a smog exemption for cars that are 35 years and older.

Love to see it. Score another point for Leno being one of the good guys.

Car and Driver uploads a vintage review of the Celica All-Trac from 1989

This was an interesting blast from the past, especially since they were predicting the car's extinction and well... we know what happened next.

Some really cool tidbits:

• Toyota execs viewed this car as their idea of the Porsche 959
• The round styling was functional to be able to use thinner metal for lighter weight while maintaining structural strength
• Confirmation that the Celica was indeed designed for women (ouch haha)
• Comparison to the DSM cars - after seeing how reliability stacked up over decades, it makes sense that the Toyota was more expensive... and worth every penny in hindsight

Ferrari might be bringing back the gated manual transmission?

For the first time in 13 years, Ferrari is actually considering allowing customers to row their own gears.

It would only be on an Icona vehicle (aka the multi-million dollar flagship models).

Lewis Hamilton even suggested that they make a modern version of the F40 and call it the F44 (after his racing number).

Real humble, bud.

If his ego pushes the brand to offer manuals again though, I'm all for it.

Singer Vehicle Design just bought Willow Springs Raceway​

The future of this historic racetrack has been up in the air for quite a while, but apparently, it's officially been saved.

Singer Vehicle Design, known for their uber expensive Porsche restomods, has partnered with a private equity firm to purchase the track.

They claim that it won't turn into a snobby private club, but let's be honest - who is Singer's target customer?

Oh well, at least it isn't being demo'd for a condo building.

Talk soon,

Tim Rempel

Founder of Canadian Gearhead

Let's connect 👇

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