10 Tips to Help Survive Nighttime Winter Driving

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Shelby Mustangs are legendary in the automotive world because they blend raw performance, iconic design, and racing heritage into a package that's both powerful and refined. Read this short article for some reasons why Shelby Mustangs are so revered. Read More

Dale Adams Automotive is happy to offer our classic car clients the best in LED headlight technology for your classic and vintage automobiles. Holley Retrobright has partnered with Dale Adams to offer you these lights on sale now for a limited time.

All the details on how to convert your vehicle are below. Take advantage of these discounted prices while you can.

Contact us for information and ordering.

Sale Details

• 5.75" Round Lights - Regular Price: $248 each now on sale for $210 each!
• 7" Round Lights - Regular Price: $276 each now on sale for $229 each!
• 5" x 7" Rectangle Lights - Regular Price: $276 each now on sale for $229 each!

HOW TO CONVERT YOUR CAR TO LED HEADLIGHTS WITH HOLLEY RETROBRIGHT

We restore, maintain, and upgrade them lovingly, often balancing modern improvements on a razor’s edge to maintain the nostalgic charm these vehicles have in spades. The look, the sound, and the feel crave harmony. However, when the sun sets, a woeful, dimly lit inadequacy, too often overlooked in our vintage rides, appears. The tired, sealed-beam headlights struggle to deliver more than a few car lengths of highway glow.

Headlights that were once a touted advance in automotive evolution leave much to be desired by today’s standards. A simple swap to a brighter bulb seems obvious, but previous solutions to the problem have been clunky and aesthetically out of place.

Ill-fitting aftermarket housings welcomed moisture, required substantial mounting modifications, and many Jeep-sourced lights had a look unbecoming of a classic car. Then there was the issue of wiring, which often required cutting, splicing, and sometimes even greater surgery to yield a mediocre result.

Holley RetroBright headlights incorporate modern LED technology into a direct-fit, easy to install housing that looks right at home on a classic vehicle.

To deliver a better solution for improved lighting and visibility, perfect fitment, and plug-and-play installation, Holley teamed up with industry-leading LED lighting designer Morimoto. The result: Holley RetroBright, a new line of LED, sealed-beam-style headlights in round and rectangular styles that deliver a classic look with modern illumination.

LED vs Halogen

Halogen sealed beam lights were the industry standard for the better part of half a century, but much like the rotary dial telephone or the typewriter, they have been superseded.

Halogen headlights contain a tungsten filament in a glass housing that is filled with inert halogen gas. When the light is on, electricity flows through the tungsten filament inside the glass capsule. Electrical resistance in the tungsten filament causes it to heat up, to approximately 4500º F, and glow. This is referred to as an incandescent process– hence, the term incandescent bulb.

LED VS HALOGEN CURRENT DRAW

AMPERAGE TEST 7” HALOGEN VS 7” RETROBRIGHT LED)
TESTED AT 12.9V	7” HALOGEN BULB	7” LED 3000K	7” LED 5700K
High Beam	4.85 AMPS	2.78 AMPS	2.75 AMPS
Low Beam	2.78 AMPS	1.72 AMPS	1.74 AMPS
AMPERAGE TEST (4"X6" HALOGEN VS 4"X6" RETROBRIGHT LED)
TESTED AT 12.9V	4X6 HALOGEN (DUAL-ELEMENT LO/HI UNIT)	4X6 HALOGEN (HIGH BEAM UNIT)	4X6 LED 3000K
High Beam	2.71 AMPS	4.58 AMPS	2.72 AMPS
Low Beam	1.90 AMPS		1.67 AMPS

 

An LED, or light emitting diode, works in a completely different manner. Electrical current passes through a diode, a semiconducting material, which then emits photons (light). LEDs do not rely on heat to create light which makes them run cooler, and last considerably longer than a comparable incandescent bulb. A typical incandescent bulb lasts about 2,000 hours whereas an LED has a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

The light generating process of an LED is also much more electrically efficient and draws roughly half as much current. This is a major win for vintage vehicles that are still operating OEM style alternators where amperage capacity is often in short supply.

Plug and Play

Previous LED headlight conversions fell heavily into the universal category. That typically meant cutting and splicing in new connectors and even wiring in current-limiting resistors, which if left out could cause the LEDs to burn out. There’s always a place for universal products in our hot-rodding hobby but for the brunt of enthusiasts, a direct-fit option is the most convenient, easiest-to-install route. RetroBright’s OEM connectors allow the factory wiring to plug directly into the new housing. Adapters for non-standard H4 wiring plugs and pin outs are also available (PN H820 for non-standard H4 adapters).

RetroBright Sizes and Colors

Holley RetroBright lights will be available in 7-inch round, 5.75-inch round, and 4x6-inch, 5x7-inch rectangular sizes which encompasses a huge expanse of American, European, and Japanese vintage automobiles. The lights will also be available in two different color temperatures: 5700k, which is a modern white, and 3000k which delivers a more nostalgic warm classic yellow color, without sacrificing any brightness. Lights will also be available with clear or yellow "euro-style" lenses.

RetroBright headlights are available in 5700k, which is a bright white color, and 3000k, which offers a nostalgic yellow tint with no loss in brightness. A 5700k version with a euro-style yellow lens is also available.

Classic Looks Meet Modern Performance

At the end of the day, there is no beating the look of a classic vehicle, and RetroBright offers the rare chance to add significant performance, safety, and modern convenience without losing that classic charm.

Contact us for information and ordering.

 

 

Return of the King: Shelby American Reintroduces Famous Ford Shelby GT500KR in Celebration of Company’s 60^th Anniversary

Download Spec and Information Sheet

Download Official Press Release

 

• Shelby GT500KR boasts 900+ street legal horsepower on 93 octane pump gas
• Only 225 total worldwide for 2022-2022 model year will be built
• The first production car will be auctioned at Barrett-Jackson to benefit charity
• Ford Le Mans racer and Shelby development driver Billy Johnson is part of the team

 

LAS VEGAS – December 15, 2021 – Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), today announced that one of its most famous vehicles, the Ford Shelby GT500KR Mustang, will return to honor the company’s 60^th anniversary next year. A limited run of 60 “King of the Road” post-title packages with 900+ horsepower will be available worldwide for 2020-2022 model year Shelby GT500’s from Shelby American. Shelby and Ford representatives made the announcement inside the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center in Irvine, California, as part of the milestone kick-off celebration.

“Sixty years ago, Shelby American and Ford Motor Company collaborated on their first car, the Shelby Cobra,” said Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American. “That relationship resulted in racing championships, victories over Ferrari at Le Mans and amazing Shelby cars based on the Ford Mustang. Today, we offer a line of Ford-based Shelby trucks and cars and have begun exploring electric vehicles. Every 2022 model year vehicle we build will wear a 60^th anniversary badge to symbolize our heritage and bright future, beginning with the Shelby GT500KR.”

This is only the third time in history that a version of the Shelby GT500 has carried the “King of the Road” name. The first time was in 1968 when the Shelby GT500KR was powered by the new 428 Cobra Jet V-8 that was conservatively rated at 335 horsepower. It was equipped with a modified suspension, redesigned front and rear end, custom fiberglass hood and Cougar taillights. Shelby added a functional roll bar and wood-rimmed steering wheel. Offered in both fastback and convertible, Ford dealers sold 1,570 GT500KR models in 1968 (1053 fastbacks and 517 convertibles).

In 2008, Ford and Shelby brought back the Ford Shelby GT500KR. Its supercharged V-8 produced 540 horsepower (40 more than the standard GT500) and also included a short-throw shifter, 3.73:1 rear axle and unique wheels, tires and suspension settings. A special composite hood with push button hood pins, unique stripes and badges distinguished the KR. A total of 1,000 cars were produced that year; demand was so great that Ford and Shelby agreed to build an additional 712 cars for 2009.

“Shelby American vice president Vince LaViolette and I were deeply involved with the Ford Performance team for the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR program, and I also own a 1968 model,” said Gary Patterson, president of Shelby American. “We’re committed to ensuring the third-generation model is worthy of the iconic ‘King of the Road’ crown. Our program team includes experts at Ford Performance and key suppliers, as well as specialists like Shelby GT500 factory development driver Billy Johnson. We announced the program launch today and we’ll show the car to the public at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale in January. From its initial design to final performance specs, the Shelby GT500KR will live up to the name.”

 

Based on the world class 2020-2022 Ford Shelby GT500, the KR will boast 140+ plus extra horsepower, dry carbon fiber hood, new wheels, tires, suspension tuning, interior and badges and more. Only 180 total (60 per model year) of the 900+ horsepower cars will be available in the USA, with 45 available overseas.

“The current Shelby GT500 already has amazing capabilities,” said Vince LaViolette, Shelby American Vice President of Operations and Chief of R&D. “We’re taking it to an entirely new level for the extreme driver. We integrated a new supercharger and coolers, then tuned the 5.2-liter V8 to churn out 900 plus horsepower on pump gas. The KR has more aggressive adjustable springs, Ford Performance sway bars and a new aggressive suspension tune. The exhaust was reworked to be even bolder and we sliced 30 pounds off with an ultra-light dry carbon fiber hood that delivers even more cooling. An optional wide body version is even available.”

Each car includes membership in Team Shelby, the worldwide club Carroll Shelby established in 2008, and will be documented in the official Shelby Registry.

The first production car will be auctioned at No Reserve on January 29 by the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company in Scottsdale. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Carroll Shelby Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF). The winning bidder can choose from any standard Ford color available on the Shelby GT500. Carolyn and Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, were part of the vehicle announcement in Irvine.

“My grandfather, Carroll Shelby was often called the ‘King of the Road’ for pushing the performance envelope both on and off the track,” said Aaron Shelby, Board Member of Carroll Shelby International and co-President of the Carroll Shelby Foundation. “He was proud of his company’s relationship with Ford Motor Company and was passionate about supporting philanthropic causes. We’re pleased that the first 2022 Ford Shelby GT500KR will be sold by our friends at Barrett-Jackson for JDRF and the Carroll Shelby Foundation. Together, we’ve raised millions of dollars for charity through the years by giving collectors the rare opportunity to own a very unique and valuable vehicle.”

Shelby GT500KR production will begin in Las Vegas during the first quarter of the year. Owners of 2020 and 2021 model year Shelby GT500s can contact Shelby American about transforming their car into a KR as of Feb. 1, 2022. Orders for 2022 model year cars will be accepted and they will also wear anniversary badges. Individuals interested in a Shelby vehicle can go to https://www.shelby.com/en-us/Vehicles.  

“This is just the start of our milestone celebration,” said Patterson. “In addition to updates to our current lineup, we plan to announce three more significant vehicle programs. The incredible Shelby GT500KR is just the beginning of an amazing year.”

Contact us at Dale Adams for package details.

About Shelby American, Inc.

Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc. (CSBI:PK), manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company builds authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA, 289 street car, Daytona Coupe and Shelby Series 2 component vehicles; it offers the Shelby GT, 1000, Super Snake, SE and Shelby GT500KR post-title packages for the 2005-2022 Ford Mustang. Shelby American also offers the Shelby Raptor, Shelby F-150 Super Snake and Shelby F-150 trucks, as well as the Shelby F-250 Super Baja. Heritage cars include the continuation 1965 Shelby GT350 competition model, 1967 Ford Shelby Super Snake and 1968 Ford Shelby GT500KR. For more information, visit http://www.shelby.com or https://DaleAdams.com.

 

###

Media Contact

Shelby American: Scott Black of TPRM at (214) 520-3430 ext. 3030 or sblack@tprm.com

2021 Shelby GT500KR

Package MSRP: $54,995 | For any titled 2020 -2022 Shelby GT500, FOB Las Vegas, Nevada

Starting from MSRP: $127,895 | Pricing based on 2022 Shelby GT500 ($72,900 MSRP)

 

Standard Features

Performance 

• Shelby by Whipple black finish supercharger system 

• 900+ horsepower* 3.8L supercharger
• High volume supercharger intercooler
• High volume supercharger heat exchanger
• Open cold air intake system

• Heavy-duty performance half-shafts
• Shelby ride–height adjustable front and rear springs
• Shelby by Borla cat-back exhaust system
• Ford Performance front and rear sway bars
• MagneRide® suspension recalibration
• Caster camber plates
• Shelby one-piece 6061-T6 forged aluminum wheels (20x11 front and 20x11.5 rear)
• Performance spec tires
• Extended and hardened wheel studs

 

Exterior and Interior

• Shelby carbon fiber hood

• Prepreg dry carbon fiber with functional evacuation air vents and special rain trays
• Shelby hood strut system
• "SHELBY" hood lock housing

• Carbon fiber front splitter and rear diffuser
• Carbon fiber Gurney flap (non-CFTP)
• Billet engine caps
• Shelby rocker stripes and badges
• Leather seat recovers
• CSM numbered engine and dash plate

 

Optional Features

• Shelby Wide Body
• Polished supercharger
• Painted stripes
• Rear seat delete with harness bar
• Le Mans style over the top stripes 

 

Notes:

Vehicle is post-title-sales only. Pricing, options and availability subject to change without notice. FOB Las Vegas. Vehicle transportation is responsibility of the customer. Minimum 91 octane required in supercharged vehicles. HP ratings are climate adjusted based on use of 93-octane fuel. Fuel standards and octane rating may differ internationally. Power features void manufactures power train warranty. Only 2022 MY vehicles receive 60th anniversary badging. International customers should check for import restrictions). Only 2022 MY vehicles receive 60th anniversary badging. Shelby retains all take-off parts (CFTP wheels returned to customer at customer’s expense). SHELBY®, SHELBY GT®, GT500®, GT500KR®, SUPER SNAKE® and SHELBY AMERICAN™ are registered trademarks and/or the tradedress of Carroll Shelby and Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc. (Shelby).

Contact us at Dale Adams for package details.

 

TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH LABOUR DAY WEEKEND

Labour Day weekend is considered the mark of the end of the summer, and most families like to squeeze in one last vacation before the kiddos are back in school. Whether you plan to be in the mountains, at the beach or lake, or host a BBQ, you will likely run into some traffic this holiday as more people are out celebrating. It is critical to prioritize your and your loved ones' safety and do what you can to have fun this Labour Day weekend.

Here are some tips that we have to offer to ensure your safety:

1. Stay alert of your surroundings. Labour Day is among one of the most dangerous holidays to drive in Canada, primarily due to heavy traffic and increased drunk drivers.  
2. Practice defensive driving. Maintain a safe distance between drivers, especially when driving on the freeway. Another way to practice defensive driving is to wait a couple more seconds when waiting at a stop sign or stoplight before darting through an intersection. 
3. Plan out your parking situation ahead of time. As mentioned before, there will be more motorists on the road than usual. So parking in crowded public areas, such as a lake or beach, may be challenging to find. You can use mobile parking apps or try to get to your destination extra early to avoid the headache.
4. Have a ride figured out if you plan to drink alcohol. Be sure you have a D.D. or carpool using rideshare if you anticipate drinking this weekend. We advise that you never drink and drive or let a drunk person guide you. 
5. Practice warm weather practices. Though Labour Day is in September, the summer heat is still existent. Please stay hydrated at all times and bring extra water wherever you're headed. Furthermore, protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen and appropriate clothing.

If you plan to travel with your vehicle this Labour Day weekend, we always urge you to have your car inspected beforehand to ensure your safety. At Dale Adams Automotive, we offer pre-trip inspections to confirm that your vehicle can withstand the drive. Give us a call or visit our shop today!

Who Invented the Supercharger?

As many of us are always in search of more horsepower, engine efficiency, and speed, it begs the question, who actually invented the Supercharger?

 

We found a great article from CarThrottle.com that does a really great job of explaining the history of the Supercharger. We were surprised that the technology dates back to about 1848. No, it wasn't on actual horses.

 

Here is an excerpt from the article. Please enjoy and be sure to visit their site for the full details.

Don't forget we also are an official Whipple and Magnuson supercharger sales, supplies and installation shop. If you have questions about amping up performance on your vehicle, be sure to contact us to plan your next modification. We are the best performance shop in the west. Come check us out.

Who Invented The Supercharger And How Has It Changed?

Anyone with petrol running through their veins appreciates the joys of superchargers, but who’s responsible for inventing them and applying them to cars?

The supercharger is one of the greatest inventions ever to grace our beloved kingdom of petrolheads. It increases power and torque, it doesn’t restrict engine revs and at full chat a supercharger can sound apocalyptically good. Sure, there are drawbacks, but we love them with all our hearts.

Superchargers work by compressing the air flowing into an engine’s cylinders, forcing more air molecules into the combustion chambers that can then be mixed with more fuel for a vastly improved overall output. Mechanically driven from the crankshaft by belts, gears or chains, they run at speeds directly correlated to engine revs – and as such, there’s zero lag. They simply let a car punch you in the kidneys all the harder.

1935 Frazer Nash twin-supercharged single-seater

So where did the supercharger, this blessing from petrol heaven, come from? The records show one G Jones of Birmingham in the English West Midlands having released a prototype supercharger in 1848 or 1849. It was what later became known as a Roots type after the design was made successful by the Roots brothers; Americans who patented it as an air pump for blast furnaces. As for cars, it was Gottlieb Daimler who, as with so many other things, first obtained a patent in 1885 for supercharging an internal combustion engine. He used the Roots design in a supercharged engine that eventually broke cover in 1900, making that design the oldest of the types still in use on four-stroke engines today. Others had beaten him to production by some distance with the first two-stroke engine in 1878.

Read the full article here.

Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Vehicle

As we enter our second year of the COVID 19 Pandemic, keeping our sanity and getting away from home will now be more important than ever before. Many of us will rely on our vehicles more than ever this year as well. As we slowly come out of winter here in Alberta, we welcome the warm summer winds.

This also signifies that it is time after a long winter to make sure that your vehicle is up to date in maintenance, and it's time to think about getting the winter tires off of the vehicle. This is a very busy time for us here at Dale Adams so we strongly encourage you to book your service appointment ahead of time.

Here are some tips on the basic maintenance your car will need as summer approaches.

Get a Fresh Oil Change

The oil in your car or vehicle should be changed about every 5000 kms or three months. As Alberta is so dry and as cities spread dirt on the roads to melt ice, there are often dust particles that can contaminate your intake. The extreme temperature changes can also mess with the oil’s viscosity over a long tough winter. There isn't much better than a fresh oil change after winter.

Change and Inspect Your Tires

First of all, it's time to swap those winter tires for your summer tires. This is a great time to inspect both sets of tires now that you can view them off of your vehicle. Be sure that they are wearing evenly and you can use a Sharpie marker to mark the position you took the tires off from to ensure proper rotation next time you swap them. Be sure to check the tread depth and for any imperfections. If you need help, advice and new tires, be sure to ask us. We have access to the best tires in the city!

Check Air Filters

You really only need to change-or at least clean-your air filters about every second oil change. Similar to the above, as you know, we have a dry and dusty climate. Even when you think you are avoiding dust in the winter, that isn't true due to the accumulation of dirt on the roads during winter that gets whipped up by drivers. 

Inspect the Belts and Hoses

It seems there is a trend here, but guess what else wreaks havoc on belts and hoses? Yup, it's the extreme temperature swings. Most vehicles in Canada are designer with cold winters in mind, but checking these belts and hoses regularly is key to avoiding break downs. You won't believe how many issues we see because of neglected belts and hoses. Though you can check yourself, we recommend letting a mechanic (namely, the Dale Adams team) inspect these, as they know what they are looking for.

How are those Wiper Blades?

Yes, temperature and thick ice and snow also do a number on wiper blades. As these are so easy and inexpensive to replace, and annoying when they don't work, we highly recommend changing these often. Don't wait for that April rainstorm to find out you can't see as the wipers aren't wiping. Don't forget those rear wipers too!

Check Your Radiator & Cooling System

When winter ends, it is not uncommon that you may have to top up radiator fluids. As cold as it can get in the winter here, we also know how warm it can get here in the hot and dry summers. We also live in the spacious prairies where there can be long stretches between service stations. Don't risk having your vehicle, especially older models, overheating and stalling out in the summer. Be sure to get all your liquid levels checked but this coolant will be key.

Don't Forget the Air Conditioning

After such a long winter, it may be easy to forget we even have AC in our cars. We sometimes see that AC systems have had some issues during the winter, but that never gets noticed until that first warm day. Be sure to have your AC checked to make sure it is performing optimally and that it is working as expected. Isn't it nice to think about needing your AC on a hot summer drive?

Closing Thoughts

We aren't going to tell you to floss your teeth, but as mechanics we do want to tell you a very true story. Performing regular maintenance saves you money. Otherwise, the need for more costly repairs due to neglected maintenance will happen. Regular maintenance also increases the life of your vehicle. We have an amazing maintenance program and we can even send you reminders to book again when you are ready. Booking is easy too. You can call or use our online booking system to find a time that works for you. We have very strict COVID protocols in place and offer a free shuttle service. Don't delay, book today and avoid the rush.

Your Dale Adams Team

When Dale Adams started his own auto repair and customization business from a bay in the Willow Park Texaco in 1977, he knew that we wanted to build not just a business, but a passion and a dream. He wanted to do it for himself, but also his family.  Read More

Your NAPA AUTOPRO of Choice - Dale Adams Automotive

We here at Dale Adams pride ourselves on adhering to world-class standards of auto maintenance and repairs. We are a certified NAPA AUTOPRO service dealer. We are able to meet all you maintenance and repair needs. Below are just some of the services we offer. Please contact us today to book your next service, tune up, or repair.

Auto Maintenance
& Repair Services