Review: The 2023 Nissan Z Turns Heads, Quickens Pulses
I pull into the parking lot of my local hardware store driving the new 2023 Nissan Z. As I shut the car off, a man in a white Volvo 850…
We’re Partnering With Subaru of America for the 2022 Alcan 5000 Rally
It’s officially official: We’re partnering with Subaru of America for the 2022 Alcan 5000 Rally. The ’22 Alcan 5000 is a summer rally vs. 2020’s winter edition. This means less…
Upgrading the Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear’s Rear Hatch Supports
Here’s a shocker: The original rear hatch supports/struts on our 1994 Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear were shot, and the hatch wouldn’t go all the way up when we’d open it.…
Crankshaft Culture 2022 Q1 Update
To say Mercedes and I have been busy so far in 2022 would be a gross understatement. You may have noticed we haven’t made a post since January. Frankly, we’ve…
2022 Tokyo Auto Salon Walk Around
The Tokyo Auto Salon is one of the premier vehicle customizations shows in the world. It also has a reputation for featuring some wild custom builds, many of which with…
Winter Road Trip Road Test: Toyo Celsius All-Weather Tires
As you know, we recently got a 1998 Honda CR-V. In fact, we drove it from Oregon to Wisconsin and back and only broke down once. (That’s a story for…
We Bought a 1998 Honda CR-V.
Most people know us as Mitsubishi people. And yes, we’ve owned our fair share. However, between Mercedes and me, we’ve owned 9 Hondas, ranging from a 1979 Honda Civic 1200,…
Old-School Adventuring: Using a Suunto Global MC-2 G Compass
The advent of modern technology has brought about smartphones, tablets, and other gizmos outfitted with navigational programs. These include Gaia GPS or OnX Offroad for off-pavement usage or even Waze…
Tested: His-and-Hers Big Agnes Torchlite Camp 20° Expandable Mummy Bags
Andy and I spend as much time outdoors as possible. It’s our respite from the digital world we’re so attached to. Our latest build, the Travel Tractor Mitsubishi Delica van…
Volkswagen Entering the All-Electric ID.4 AWD Into the Rebelle Rally. Our Own Mercedes Lilienthal is the Driver.
It’s official: Our own Mercedes Lilienthal will be the driver for the AWD Volkswagen ID.4 in the 2021 Rebelle Rally! She, along with her navigator, Emily Winslow, will be representing…
Guest Posts
VIN Secrets: What a Transmission Lookup Can Tell You About Your Vehicle
A used car can smile with fresh paint while hiding an expensive transmission story. One quiet VIN check can change the whole deal. The VIN is more than a label. It is a 17-character code that links a car to factory build data, records, recalls, specification notes, and ownership clues.…
The Most Overlooked Way to Lower the Cost of Car Ownership: Auto Loan Refinancing
Most drivers focus on fuel costs, maintenance, and insurance when thinking about what a car actually costs to own. The monthly loan payment often gets treated as a fixed number, something set at the dealership and left untouched for years. That assumption, however, is where a significant amount of money…
Why Precision Matters In Every Automotive Fabrication Project
Automotive fabrication is where creativity meets engineering. Whether building a custom hot rod, restoring a classic muscle car, or modifying an off-road vehicle, fabrication work demands attention to detail at every stage. The difference between a project that performs flawlessly and one that develops ongoing issues often comes down to…