1969 Chevy C-10 Shortbed Frame Off Restomod on 2040-cars

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Camaro-based Trans Am SE Bandit Edition borrows Burt Reynolds

For some reason, modifying modern Chevrolet Camaros into the lurching, reincarnated shells of the Pontiac brand is still a thing. If you're the perverse sort that likes this kind of thing, you should check out the latest product from the Trans Am Depot, which comes complete with an endorsement from the star of Smokey and the Bandit, Burt Reynolds. Yes, the new Trans Am SE Bandit Edition has been signed and endorsed by the man himself, but what's important here is not the signature on the dash, it's the bits of Camaro that have been modified. Aesthetically, that means a Bandit-and-Frog-approved set of T-tops, a front-opening hood with a very large, prominent shaker scoop, an equally large and prominent screaming chicken, and Trans Am-inspired front and rear fascias. And naturally, Burt Reynolds' signature adorns the dash. There are plenty of reminders in the cabin about this car's Hollywood inspiration, too. Bandit decals can be found on the front headrests and center console lid, there are chicken wings on the Camaro-spec plastic door inserts, and the black-and-tan color scheme matches nicely with the exterior look. And power? Well, Sheriff Buford T. Justice would have a lot more trouble keeping up with this Trans Am than he did with the original. The 7.4-liter LSX V8 has been paired with a 2.9-liter supercharger which is good for 840 horsepower. It's fast and loud, and even if you can't get behind the look (we can't), at least this Camaro-in-Trans Am's clothing can impress with its performance. The Bandit Edition is limited to just 77 units with prices starting around $115,000. You can check out the official video from Trans Am Depot, which comes with a decent helping of Burt Reynolds, up top. Related Video:

Chevy Cruze gets first official tease

The Cruze has been a runaway success for Chevy. In fact the company has sold over 3.5 million of them since its introduction in 2008. And now the company is preparing to roll out the all-new second-generation model, previewed in the teaser image above. Set to be unveiled on June 24, the 2016 Cruze promises to be larger, yet lighter, that the model it replaces. It will pack new engines, safety features, and technologies – including the integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The new Cruze will be based on the same platform that underpins the new Volt and (among others) the new Opel Astra just introduced in Europe. It'll be a vital model for Chevy, which sells the Cruze in 115 countries around the world – chief among them China, Brazil, Canada, and these United States, where sales continue to rise despite the model's age and impending replacement. Look for the second-gen Cruze to hit dealers early next year, joining a revitalized Chevy lineup alongside such notables as the new Spark, Malibu, and Camaro. Cruze Control: Success Paves Way for Next Generation Chevrolet's best-selling global car surpasses 3.5 million sales 2015-06-03 DETROIT – Chevrolet Cruze, the brand's best-selling car around the world, has surpassed 3.5 million global sales, a milestone that comes as Chevrolet prepares to introduce the next-generation Cruze on June 24. "When we introduced the Cruze it replaced 15 other compact vehicles around the globe," said Alan Batey, president, General Motors North America and global Chevrolet brand chief. "By consolidating design, engineering and marketing efforts, we were able to produce an award-winning, value-driven sedan that won over customers around the world." Cruze is sold in 115 countries. The top global markets include China, the United States, Brazil and Canada. In the United States, Cruze total sales were 273,060 in 2014 – a 10 percent increase over 2013. It is also the segment's second-best seller to customers under 25 in the U.S. Importantly, Cruze brings new buyers to Chevrolet – 35 percent of all buyers are new to the brand. Additionally, of those who trade in a Cruze, 56 percent stay with Chevrolet and 23 percent trade in for another Cruze. "In every corner of the globe, Cruze has been successful at introducing new and younger customers to Chevrolet," said Batey.

Watch this creative way to pull a truck's engine

Living in an apartment complex has its benefits, but for shade-tree mechanics who like/need to work on their own cars, it definitely has a number of disadvantages. Relatively simple tasks such as brake jobs and oil changes are difficult when you don't have dedicated driveway space, to say nothing of more in-depth repairs... like pulling an engine, for example.
For these types of challenges, a little ingenuity and plenty of muscle are needed to get the job done. Scroll down to watch these four men snatch the V8 out of a Chevrolet K1500 using nothing but a chain, landscape timber and good ol' fashioned brute strength. Good work, gentlemen.