Agree on ya 653.7% there Rosco. And Derek, you single handedly are making a better job of this game than a certain trend channel managed, without forcing folk to pay for the privilege. That deserves some major respect, thank you man. If I ever stop wasting (Read-: investing) all my money on my own junk (read-: awesome cool cars man) you'll be up front of the line of channels deserving some patreon or merch buying action for sure. Best wishes from the UK and keep doing what you're doing, it's all win.
This is so fun to watch you need a friend to ride with you on these trips. I myself hate driving that long alone. Anyways thanks for the awesome content I can watch at midnight. And as Rosco said. This definitely beats any automotive tv show hands down. Especially top gear 😂
I'm canceling Netflix and cable. I'm tired of the news. Im glad I found this. Inspired me to fire up my ol 82 f250 that has been sitting since the 2001
Welcome to the club. I haven't watched a minute of "traditional" TV for 3-4 years now. You'll find far better quality and more entertaining content online. It also helps that 40% of whatever you're watching isn't advertisements, and that drops to virtually 0% if you get UA-cam Premium. If you like Automotive channels, I'd recommend DEBOSS GARAGE, ChrisFix, RESTORED, and South Main Auto Repair
@@alexrowland exactly, UA-cam gives so many ads that when you get premium it’s almost unbelievable. I watched a 10 minute video with about 6 ads and half I couldn’t skip
I don't know how many times as a kid I laid under a car in our gravel driveway doing what my dad told me... finding the right socket that fit .. finding a way to make the wrench fit on there.. or (my favorite) when an unscheduled fluid drain happened .. he would yell.. " find something to put it in!!!!" .. I wanted to be ANYWHERE but there.. Dad's been gone 10 yrs now .. I would give ANYTHING to work on a car with him again. Thanks so much for these wonderful memories.
This fella is a great example of what a great dad is. If our kids were being raised by such good and wonderful people, this country would be in a lot better condition. Men like this need to prosper .
Well I think ounce you get passed the bull crap ,witch don’t get me wrong I enjoy ,, this guy is is a very smart guy keep up 😎 The good work and I’ll keep watching
@@scottrados6100 i was just going to comment this here lol i used to watch him growing up and im wondering if that was dereks inspiration with all the manuerisms etc
When my shop kids finish a project early, the last few minutes of class we tune in. I enjoy the clean language so I know I can show my kids and the humor is spun so effortlessly. The new terminology is the best!! And, also the description of the smells you encounter!!
My mom drove one of these when we were kids. IT was white with burgundy interior. It had a 400 engine and lots of get up and go. The horn was a rubber "bumper" that ran around the inside of the steering wheel so you'd squeeze the wheel to honk! EVERYONE that saw this thing absolutely loved it. It was a complete head turner. I was too young to know just how cool it was. :(
@@ohiofarmer5918 I can't disagree. A little far afield, but if you've seen the original Tron movie, Flynn's character could be perceived exactly the same way, if not more so.
This is why I love old fords, they may take a bit of persuasion to get them back around, but once they do, a guy can be really impressed with how well those motors run.
Really enjoy the longer videos, and really appreciate all the time a guy puts in to entertain us. It is very much appreciated. Great job Derek, can't wait to see what you have for us next.
I was thinking that too When I first saw how long it was, I got the same feeling I get when I start on a BABY RUTH BEAST..... damn, I miss those......5 million calories of pure happiness
Truly is saved...I bought it! We plan on doing some updates in '21, hoping to get them on video to share with Derek and the VGG fam. It really does run amazing! I fired it up the other day, 20° out and she popped right off without a hiccup!
I am totally amazed at the number of problems this vehicle had when you started on it and now actually runs and drives especially when you consider that the engine was locked up that tight when you first began working on it I love your channel and I watch every video I can find on it you're awesome brother! 👍🤘 Good luck on your trip home 🤞
@Heydude Actually he’s from Minneapolis and MNDOT uses a ton of salt here in the winter. So if you want a car that isn’t rusted out you go to South Dakota-yes-600 miles from anywhere.
What I have found in my 45 years of working on cars is...it really is difficult to completely kill an American pushrod V8. You can always get 'em started.
Cars would be 3x more expensive if they still made them like this, and you'd be trading the shit in at 50k just like back in the day. Take the rose colored glasses off and use the cumulative knowledge derek is using to fix this hunk into a vehicle.
10000 likes in 8 hours, 18000 in the premiere, your rolling now guys. you guys deserve it, hands down best channel on utube. thanks for all the great content Derek
Commenting 2 years later but still this channel is brand new to me, binge watching and 87.996 carry the two recurring sure maybe not that this is the best channel on UA-cam, by 600 miles
You know, when a guy has to be up for work at it's way too early oclock, the right thing to do is stay up and watch Vice Grip Garage... No... No it isn't... But I'm gonna do it anyway.
Well, a guy was going to stay up and watch VGG all night and let the gal find me with my head lolling off to the side, but she persuaded me with her charms .... so I'm gonna do the right thing and just watch more videos .. no, I'm not, a guy just has to gotta keep mamma happy! So I'm with ya in spirit Dead Reckon
" I like how it's right where you're legs supposed to swing in so you can smash it". I was thinking that exact same thing when I first saw that equalizer there. Probably not the best placement. Just found your channel and I'm loving it, subscribing right now.
@@justaguy9776 Roadkill is exactly what he reminds me of. Kind of like Finnegan minus a Frieburger. Just watched the Patriotic Chevelle, kind of reminded me of the Elko engine swap on Roadkill.
I'm a bit late to the VGG party, but boy am I lovin it ! This is one of my fav's so far, on account of that she was in such bad shape after sitting for 29 years and you were able to get her the 600 miles home under her own power, and you only lost a gas tank strap, amazing. I can turn a wrench , a little anyway, replaced my own struts, drum brakes, ( fun ) and other assorted projects, but I'm learning a ton by watching your video's, and it's much appreciated. Keep up the good work, love your new shop in TN, and it's awesome that you have your whole family involved. Peace
You remind me a lot of my uncle Mark that passed away years back, even down to the humor. His whole life was dedicated to restoring classic cars. Him and my father taught me all I need to know about mechanics. brings me back to the good old days. I'm from Minnesota as well (The iron range) keep up the good content, your videos always make my day.
Most definitely! It took me 3 hours the other day just to remove an oil filter off a Holden epica! The stupid thing was in a stupid spot, and wasn't turning! I think if it wasn't for me watching Derek's shows, and watch how he keeps his cool, I would of lost it! I would of went off my tree! Hahaha.. by the time I finally got the stupid filter off, it was totally mangled...
My Dad had a 73 Gran Torino Sport back in 1980, great memories. What a guy is capable of doing along with family with a car sitting for 29yrs just leaves all the guys watching on Utber with our jaw in the ground just like that fuel tank strap.
Yes, these are my overall favourites, finding these relics, and bringing them back to life is the spirit of the 'mechanic' in us! Hope their are many more of these old 'finds' in the coming years, as one day they'll all be gone.
a lot of people can get an old car running but only Derek can repair, entertain, humourate, and turn it into a story worth watching for an hour and twenty two minutes. another masterpiece.
Love the video. Back in the late 70's, I had a '73 Gran Torino 4 Door with a 351 Cleveland. Bought it for $800. Drove it for 4 years then sold it for $600 when I went in the Army in '83. Got about 12 miles a gallon with a 17 gallon tank. Loved the car.
Heh, heh, heh. I bought a '73 Chevelle SS right off the showroom floor. But every time I looked back, I wished I bought the Monte Carlo sitting next to it instead. Haw, haw, haw.
Same, '73 Gran Torino with the Cleveland. 12-13 around town, 20 on the highway. One of only two cars I really miss. '73 Clevelands were only like 150HP because of the low compression necessary for the crude emissions control.
@@ohger1 My Gran Torino was the first car I ever owned. I was just out of high school and that car, for me, was my world. Although it seemed to need something done under the hood regularly (points adjustment, new plugs, alternator, fluid, etc), it never left me stranded.
I've owned and driven 2 of these cars. I knew from the beginning that you'd make it home. If it wasn't for the fuel mileage (or lack thereof), they are one of the ultimate mid-line comfort cars ever made. Ford power, baby!! BTW, hope your able to keep your channel going. I agree with many others; it's one of the best out there. That's coming from a life long mechanic that's driven 'diamonds in the rough', like this car, his whole life. Keep it real, dude!
I had two of these Ford Elite, '75 and '76, when I was in tha States 30 years ago. Great cars indeed, except the lack of fuel mileage. Enjoyed them a lot! Greeting from Taiwan, the Republic of China. ：）
@@materials1000 The fuel mileage wasn't a consideration for a lot of people after the first Energy Crisis was over by '75 (although the price of gasoline about doubled from 29 cents per gallon to about 55 cents per gallon!). I think these cars seemed relatively small in comparison to the huge full-size cars you could buy in the U.S. back then. In fact, in an answer to "downsizing" their Torino, in 1977 Ford decided to introduce the LTDII which had a hood so long it looked about the length of the entire Torino Elite. It was a heavy-looking plain thing that looked big but not as stylized as the Torino and especially the Elite.
there's a magic in Ford cars, my first experience of a car was a Blue and white jelly mould like shaped 1950's Ford Consul - beautiful it had the manual and I'd be identifying the difference between the range of types with the key, a vivid memory of the dash drawing and the curved sided dash and windscreen absolutely wonderful! As a kid I knew nothing, people say it wasn't my fault I knew very little about life, fixing things up and learning. Great channel well done Derek
Yes indeed. I had a 1972 Ford Grand Torino with a 351 Cleveland. When your 17 and on a 4 door hand me down and all your friends make fun of your 4 door mommies car you either let them walk or give them a ride either way you get the last laugh. Boy do I miss that car! I wish I hadn’t sold it.
So incredibly impressed with your videos and this one in particular. I'm no fan of Fords but what you did is nothing short of amazing. I really don't want to hear that there aren't vehicles available for people to run. You're proving with every video that a motivated person can find an old car, without a ton of money and get it running. So impressed! Thank you!!!
Great show Derek, Ive been watching from England, This reminds me of Roadkill till they sold out, hope You keep this format running, Thanks for this brilliant insight into American Can Do Attitude ...
Vice Grip Garage ...I noticed a cloud of smoke coming from the side of the garage she ducked into. If that was her smoking/vaping please ask/tell her to stop that....right now!!!
@@tflick41 I don't think someone smoking would make that much smoke, unless its like a bear or a Wales blow hole, haha...maybe it was a vent or something, our burners got a condensation vent out the side of our house, and it blows steam out like a school-bus blows exhaust on a winter morning....
We had a beautiful 1976 silver one with all red leather interior when I was a kid! My older brother bought it with about 65k original miles and we owned it for a solid 15 years. Sadly we ended up selling it because we moved states but I wish we still had it today! I would have loved to restore it!
I came across this vid last night, watched the whole thing, I had a 76 Ford Elite in 1982, my first really nice car, no more beaters. had it for 2 years, ran over a deer carcus outside of Winnipeg that year, damaged my rad but it kept running. I traded it off in 84 for an 81 grand prix that I hated. That was 36 years ago and I still regret it today. I have pics of it, dark green. 400ci....love the old boats. I really enjoyed this video, saved it to my favourites. great work man. Now I'm retired, I drive a caddy. Still miss the Elite.
I'd love to see ya take your son along on one of these adventures... in 1990 me and my flew out to Oklahoma rented a car and drove around till we found a 70' Chevy pickup that had been sitting for about 10 years. Got it running and drove it back to Michigan over 2000 miles. I still have the truck and every time I climb in it takes me back to that trip and I just smile for a while!! Love the channel keep it up.
I just looked up boat anchor in the dictionary and there was a picture of a 1975 Ford Gran Torino Elite. You bought a real project. Love your channel, love your approach to life.
He sells them. If you go to Vice Grip Garage. Com they have a link to eBay plus they have other cool shit for sale. I can’t wait till the get some more stickers I’ll be buying some
You're doing the Lord's work bringing these old rigs back to life. Best content on UA-cam by far. Thanks for everything that you do. Keeps a guy entertained.
@@ViceGripGarage it's when he said "I've just done a vice grip garage" then showers the rachet strap... Yep that's about right. Although he said he used a mallet, instead of a Tonya Harding. So he's still learning..
Great video. I actually owned a 75 Elite, driven it back and forth to work for 3 years 60 miles a day. then gave to my son who did the same. Back and fourth to work. Drove like a boat with that long bow on the front. Loved that car but never seen another till this video. Thanks for bringing back old memories.
Agree Roadkill was excellent back in the day when they just struck out and did the necessary on the roadside and then the money came, the channel went private and I stopped watching! Loved this episode a lot like the white Cadillac - what's happening to that one?
ya or that it even works at all i must say im truly in aaahhh a ford made that really after sat locked up dead an did 600 miles ill be dipped!!!!! is that a chevy!!!
This one was just wicked, I'm watching it for the 2nd time tonight, seems like it would've been fun to wrench on it with ya and have cold snack, but your video's makes it feel we're right there with ya fixin' on it.
Derek, I've been watching and commenting on your videos for a few weeks now. And to do what you did to this car is HEARTLESS! Stressing a car like that right after you got it going is like Frankentsteins monster doing wind sprints! That it survived at all is quite a comment on luxo-barge trannys. I cringed for the car, and I am anything BUT a Ford fan. Glad you made it, and look forward to many more.
After watching this video, at the end driving down 94 through the construction in Rogers. I remember looking out the window at work and seeing you driving past. Did not realize it was you till now. I kept watching and all the roads looked very familiar. Would like to meet you some time and show you my 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88.
Gotta be a dodgy oil pressure gauge I’m fairly sure the engine would of detonated going that distance with little or no oil pressure wouldn’t it STP is good but probably not that good 😆 and final rev on the driveway NO SMOKE. Thanks for the amazing content and hard work you sir have truly helped me not to go insane through lockdown in the U.K. and I thank you.
Just found your channel as it was recommended by a friend. At first, I thought "a 1-hour 22-minute video is way too long". One hour and 22 minutes later I thought, "that was fascinating and entertaining". Great job! -Ed
This channel is one of my favorites and of all the marvelous restorations here, this is certainly one my top 5 videos. I love how well the car held up after all this time. They are simple machines, but they were built pretty solid back then, and with a little help, can roam the streets again!! Love it!!! Keep it up Derek!..
1:02:23... Why she hiding from the camera? Hahaha. Love the long "get it home" videos, they tell a great story. The"up to date" ones are great too, but these are the ones that got me hooked on the channel. Well that, and us Chevelle guys got to support each other!
We use to run this body on a Nascar Late Model from the early 80s until the late 80s Then the rules changed and we could run a fiberglass Thunderbird body. I always liked the way that car stood out against all the GM square body cars. Out of like 40 cars we had the only Ford. Track was in the Southern Tier of N.Y. Shangri-la Speedway. Ritchie Evabs Bodines and Jimmy Spencer ran there weekly. This vid brought back some memories . Thanks
I used to have a car with the 'check engine' light on, I lived with it for about a month, then I did the right thing & fixed it...(with electrical tape)
My mate had a car where the air bag light would stay on... So he rewired it in parallel with the engine management light.. They both came on and went off together... Any warning lamps on dash will fail UK MOT test.
Absolutely agree that your videos are better than anything on TV. You could market this show to the networks and cable. What you did with that Gran Torino was magic! Also, whoever is doing the editing and the music is really talented.
Modulator is the vacuum gimmick on the 66 trans. they like to leak AT fluid and the engine sucks it up and burns it off.replaced hundreds of them back in the day. Thanks for all the entertainment and the new slang terms you've shared . keep it up
I love this dude... his attitude towards these things are exactly what makes it so much fun to watch. These are the things I used to do when I was like 20... and the guy has made a fun UA-cam channel out of it.
I had a 76 Mercury Montego my dad gave me, it had 117,000 miles on it. 351W motor with a severe lifter click, started running premium gas with 8oz MMystery oil in each tank. Cleared up the lifter noise, put 100,000 more miles on it before the trans quit. It looked A LOT LIKE THAT Forf Elite😎
So after watching a video and forgetting about it some 15 episodes of this channel back I looked at it again I figured out I've been watching on 2x speed . . . it's fine. Saved me tons of time and actually makes the whole process a lot funnier. Good times. Give it try!
Hey Derek I've got to say I've watched this video a few times since you posted it forever ago and it's still one of my favorite. these old gran torinos are fine cars. you're the best youtubing mechanic.
@@ViceGripGarage Get you a couple of snatch blocks for that winch and you won't need a skidsteer to assist. Another great video! You and Jessica just keep bringing the thunder!
Wow sir. Just found ur channel a week ago. Been watching a lot of ur videos. I’m so glad ur bringing these old cars back to life and doing things with them. Please continue doing this. I’ll be watching 👍🏼
you are so lucky. you just found the channel. that means you have hours and hours and hours and hours of these shows to watch. . . lol. . you will find out that each one is better than the last no matter where you start watching. what you are going to have to do is tik the thumbs up thing. just so you kw which shows you have already seen... also Welcome to the channel peace, the Eturn
Absolutely and truly loving these videos. Beats any automotive tv show hands down. Thanks for the awesome content!
Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching Rosco
I agree love the show!
Agree on ya 653.7% there Rosco. And Derek, you single handedly are making a better job of this game than a certain trend channel managed, without forcing folk to pay for the privilege. That deserves some major respect, thank you man. If I ever stop wasting (Read-: investing) all my money on my own junk (read-: awesome cool cars man) you'll be up front of the line of channels deserving some patreon or merch buying action for sure. Best wishes from the UK and keep doing what you're doing, it's all win.
Yeah! You guys are hilarious!😆
This is so fun to watch you need a friend to ride with you on these trips. I myself hate driving that long alone. Anyways thanks for the awesome content I can watch at midnight. And as Rosco said. This definitely beats any automotive tv show hands down. Especially top gear 😂
I'm canceling Netflix and cable. I'm tired of the news. Im glad I found this. Inspired me to fire up my ol 82 f250 that has been sitting since the 2001
I have already done the same thing, 2 years now saving a lot of money
"new is BS any way"
Welcome to the club. I haven't watched a minute of "traditional" TV for 3-4 years now. You'll find far better quality and more entertaining content online. It also helps that 40% of whatever you're watching isn't advertisements, and that drops to virtually 0% if you get UA-cam Premium.
If you like Automotive channels, I'd recommend DEBOSS GARAGE, ChrisFix, RESTORED, and South Main Auto Repair
Me too carlos
@@alexrowland exactly, UA-cam gives so many ads that when you get premium it’s almost unbelievable. I watched a 10 minute video with about 6 ads and half I couldn’t skip
Can’t stop watching these since I discovered this channel yesterday
Much appreciated 🤟
He has it all over the kids trying to rice their imports. Best channel on UA-cam.
Same!
Yo facts
Just came up on this channel myself this very day, love it!
The neighbor detailing his car as the tire smoke engulfs him is pure majesty.
Haha
LMAO!!!!!! "Transmission Works!!!" Jesus LMAO
1:03:15
All that freaking noise and bs going on in what seems like a nice suburban neighbourhood, this is the neighbour you don't want
@@Jack_Stafford just be quiet
I don't know how many times as a kid I laid under a car in our gravel driveway doing what my dad told me... finding the right socket that fit .. finding a way to make the wrench fit on there.. or (my favorite) when an unscheduled fluid drain happened .. he would yell.. " find something to put it in!!!!" .. I wanted to be ANYWHERE but there..
Dad's been gone 10 yrs now .. I would give ANYTHING to work on a car with him again.
Thanks so much for these wonderful memories.
This fella is a great example of what a great dad is. If our kids were being raised by such good and wonderful people, this country would be in a lot better condition. Men like this need to prosper .
Donald Trump
Well I think ounce you get passed the bull crap ,witch don’t get me wrong I enjoy ,, this guy is is a very smart guy keep up 😎
The good work and I’ll keep watching
Yes, and not one foul word spoken!
@@rogermilligan5492 once, which. bullshit. Pick your verbiage buddy.
@@carterhoule1276 eagle eye 🦅
He is the "Bob Ross" of Mechanics you listen just for the calming voice.
More like a mixture of Bob Ross and Red Green!
Sorry the Wizard holds that title. He's more like Red Green but he is very calming too!
And the deadpan comedy. This man is hilarious.
I can’t imagine him getting pissed at anything.
@@scottrados6100 i was just going to comment this here lol i used to watch him growing up and im wondering if that was dereks inspiration with all the manuerisms etc
When my shop kids finish a project early, the last few minutes of class we tune in. I enjoy the clean language so I know I can show my kids and the humor is spun so effortlessly. The new terminology is the best!! And, also the description of the smells you encounter!!
🖒🤠
My mom drove one of these when we were kids. IT was white with burgundy interior. It had a 400 engine and lots of get up and go.
The horn was a rubber "bumper" that ran around the inside of the steering wheel so you'd squeeze the wheel to honk!
EVERYONE that saw this thing absolutely loved it. It was a complete head turner.
I was too young to know just how cool it was. :(
A little fire maker. Hmm that's way too much. Perfect. I honestly think you are an underrated channel. let's help this man get a golden play button
I love how the entire family comes out and helps whenever you need them to and have a good time doing it. Such a great group of folks.
Thanks 👊
Yes ! Entertain Me with 🎪 circuses !
Last time I watched an hour and a half of something about a Gran Torino Clint Eastwood died in the end.....
@ Well, he did have lung cancer in the movie and probably had only a few months left..
That was a sweet Torino in that movie. And I think Clint kept that car after the movie.
I had a deep conversation with my minister about that movie and convinced her that Clint represented a modern version of Jesus Christ. Think about it.
@@ohiofarmer5918 I can't disagree. A little far afield, but if you've seen the original Tron movie, Flynn's character could be perceived exactly the same way, if not more so.
@@ohiofarmer5918 Her?
This is why I love old fords, they may take a bit of persuasion to get them back around, but once they do, a guy can be really impressed with how well those motors run.
Really enjoy the longer videos, and really appreciate all the time a guy puts in to entertain us. It is very much appreciated. Great job Derek, can't wait to see what you have for us next.
Thanks justin
I was thinking that too
When I first saw how long it was, I got the same feeling I get when I start on a BABY RUTH BEAST.....
damn, I miss those......5 million calories of pure happiness
@@MrPaige222 go snag one and I think you'll find you make your own baby Ruth beast lol
@@ViceGripGarage yes man, the longer episodes are nice. i like having an hour or so instead of some twenty minute thing. make a movie!
@@4x4play4 Discovery channel should give him a visit .
Not gonna' lie, I'm loving the family episodes.
Thanks!!
Love at the end you said "another one saved" I love that you really feel this way!
Truly is saved...I bought it! We plan on doing some updates in '21, hoping to get them on video to share with Derek and the VGG fam.
It really does run amazing! I fired it up the other day, 20° out and she popped right off without a hiccup!
@@paulhanson898 That be Great! Is this 351 w motor?
@@jacklowe3788 it has a Ford 400, basically a 351 Windsor.
@@paulhanson898 ARE YOU SERIOUS!? YOU BOUGHT THE CAR? SWEET!
@@paulhanson898 for how much?
I am totally amazed at the number of problems this vehicle had when you started on it and now actually runs and drives especially when you consider that the engine was locked up that tight when you first began working on it I love your channel and I watch every video I can find on it you're awesome brother! 👍🤘 Good luck on your trip home 🤞
i know right. . it was just about EVERYTHING. . . .love this guy
I just went to your UA-cam channel look up history so where is fella at and lo and behold I'm a waiting on a new one it's just a great day
awesome, premieres soon!
Guy lives 600 miles from everywhere.
A geological oddity
@@HeyDude93gt I'm 73.067% sure guy has never made anything up.
Geographical oddity 600 miles from everywhere
You read my mind! Why is it every car he finds 10 hours away?
@Heydude Actually he’s from Minneapolis and MNDOT uses a ton of salt here in the winter. So if you want a car that isn’t rusted out you go to South Dakota-yes-600 miles from anywhere.
What I have found in my 45 years of working on cars is...it really is difficult to completely kill an American pushrod V8. You can always get 'em started.
🤟🤟
Usually with those old 351m 400 engines the cause for low oil pressure is worn out cam bearings.
@@stonevalleyozark475 I don't think the low pressure is "real", they get to be real noisy SOB's in the top end when the pressure drops. Sender's bad.
@@stonevalleyozark475 I love them. Not a big fan of fords but 351c and 351w were indestructible. At least from what I’ve seen
Tough Old Iron.
Wish they still made them like this.
Derek, thanks brother. You saved another one. 👍👍
Cars would be 3x more expensive if they still made them like this, and you'd be trading the shit in at 50k just like back in the day. Take the rose colored glasses off and use the cumulative knowledge derek is using to fix this hunk into a vehicle.
I love how Jessica is like HEY DER----oh nope, he's filming, NOPE OUT
Yup I kinda giggled when that happened...
sharp left
Smokeshows are always nice to see on camera. The tire burnout was just okay though.
10000 likes in 8 hours, 18000 in the premiere, your rolling now guys. you guys deserve it, hands down best channel on utube. thanks for all the great content Derek
Wow, thank you!
@@ViceGripGarage This part is low priced and readily available , so I'm gonna do the right thing and put this old one back on there ! Lol !
Commenting 2 years later but still this channel is brand new to me, binge watching and 87.996 carry the two recurring sure maybe not that this is the best channel on UA-cam, by 600 miles
“Well, good morning.” - And then immediately shakes his head in disbelieve. Derek is pure gold.
Back in 1975 The Gran Torino Elite was my dream car at 22 I couldn't afford one. Great to see you drive it home!
You know, when a guy has to be up for work at it's way too early oclock, the right thing to do is stay up and watch Vice Grip Garage... No... No it isn't... But I'm gonna do it anyway.
Well f#ck I ain't alone. Cheers bud
Frick ya bud same here
Well a guys already at work killin time gettin paid to watch VGG, but I’ll probably nap soon too lol
Ditto lol
Well, a guy was going to stay up and watch VGG all night and let the gal find me with my head lolling off to the side, but she persuaded me with her charms .... so I'm gonna do the right thing and just watch more videos .. no, I'm not, a guy just has to gotta keep mamma happy! So I'm with ya in spirit Dead Reckon
" I like how it's right where you're legs supposed to swing in so you can smash it". I was thinking that exact same thing when I first saw that equalizer there. Probably not the best placement.
Just found your channel and I'm loving it, subscribing right now.
Ooh you're in for a treat
fmxrider429 me be a short persons car?
I was as well
@@justaguy9776 Roadkill is exactly what he reminds me of. Kind of like Finnegan minus a Frieburger. Just watched the Patriotic Chevelle, kind of reminded me of the Elko engine swap on Roadkill.
That was probably my favorite episode so far. This one and the white Cadillac. Dude... YOU ROCK!!!
thank you casey
I'm a bit late to the VGG party, but boy am I lovin it ! This is one of my fav's so far, on account of that she was in such bad shape after sitting for 29 years and you were able to get her the 600 miles home under her own power, and you only lost a gas tank strap, amazing. I can turn a wrench , a little anyway, replaced my own struts, drum brakes, ( fun ) and other assorted projects, but I'm learning a ton by watching your video's, and it's much appreciated. Keep up the good work, love your new shop in TN, and it's awesome that you have your whole family involved. Peace
That Torino probably never thought it would see the open road again.
Absolutely!
Just a Ford elite. It’s a mix of Ltd and Torino.
You remind me a lot of my uncle Mark that passed away years back, even down to the humor. His whole life was dedicated to restoring classic cars. Him and my father taught me all I need to know about mechanics. brings me back to the good old days. I'm from Minnesota as well (The iron range) keep up the good content, your videos always make my day.
If could ever get as chill as this guy my life would be complete
Most definitely! It took me 3 hours the other day just to remove an oil filter off a Holden epica! The stupid thing was in a stupid spot, and wasn't turning! I think if it wasn't for me watching Derek's shows, and watch how he keeps his cool, I would of lost it! I would of went off my tree! Hahaha.. by the time I finally got the stupid filter off, it was totally mangled...
@@Paul-yq2ls Nah. That's Factree
@Buell_BR9 McGhee I ued really BIG Channel locks in the past,but some you just CANNOT get attem!
Of course he is "chill". He lives in North Dakota which is just north of the north pole.
HAHAHA.. I'm Australian, I had no idea where north Dakota was. Now I do thanks Steve..
My Dad had a 73 Gran Torino Sport back in 1980, great memories.
What a guy is capable of doing along with family with a car sitting for 29yrs just leaves all the guys watching on Utber with our jaw in the ground just like that fuel tank strap.
I had my doubts at the beginning, but man, you breathed new wabbly pop life into this ol' girl like you always do. Nice work!! Cheers brother!!
Thanks friend
the neighbor's "Oh, FFS" look when he's detailing his car during the burnout is priceless
"Seatbelt buzzer works all of a sudden, that's neat". This guy's awesome.
Yes, these are my overall favourites, finding these relics, and bringing them back to life is the spirit of the 'mechanic' in us! Hope their are many more of these old 'finds' in the coming years, as one day they'll all be gone.
The comedy the tools the missions awesome quality content brother favorite channel on the interwebs.
There was a 37.2% chance of me waiting to watch but I made this comment and it shot right up to 76.4% after that
"I'm losing oil pressure, I'd better put something over that gauge"
Yep , do the right thing ! Lol !
@@thomashuskey3531 I agree 99.9%
Reminds me of the simpsons. "Oops tape fell off"
I'd say the oil pump probably wanted to die, or a oil line/seal
🤣👍
they have helped me push through a tough time, so thanks Derek and all his family for the great job they do.
a lot of people can get an old car running but only Derek can repair, entertain, humourate, and turn it into a story worth watching for an hour and twenty two minutes. another masterpiece.
This car belongs to Washington DC ELITES 😂
Love the video. Back in the late 70's, I had a '73 Gran Torino 4 Door with a 351 Cleveland. Bought it for $800. Drove it for 4 years then sold it for $600 when I went in the Army in '83. Got about 12 miles a gallon with a 17 gallon tank. Loved the car.
Heh, heh, heh. I bought a '73 Chevelle SS right off the showroom floor. But every time I looked back, I wished I bought the Monte Carlo sitting next to it instead. Haw, haw, haw.
Same, '73 Gran Torino with the Cleveland. 12-13 around town, 20 on the highway. One of only two cars I really miss. '73 Clevelands were only like 150HP because of the low compression necessary for the crude emissions control.
@@ohger1 My Gran Torino was the first car I ever owned. I was just out of high school and that car, for me, was my world. Although it seemed to need something done under the hood regularly (points adjustment, new plugs, alternator, fluid, etc), it never left me stranded.
I've owned and driven 2 of these cars. I knew from the beginning that you'd make it home. If it wasn't for the fuel mileage (or lack thereof), they are one of the ultimate mid-line comfort cars ever made. Ford power, baby!!
BTW, hope your able to keep your channel going. I agree with many others; it's one of the best out there. That's coming from a life long mechanic that's driven 'diamonds in the rough', like this car, his whole life. Keep it real, dude!
I had two of these Ford Elite, '75 and '76, when I was in tha States 30 years ago. Great cars indeed, except the lack of fuel mileage. Enjoyed them a lot! Greeting from Taiwan, the Republic of China. ：）
@@materials1000 The fuel mileage wasn't a consideration for a lot of people after the first Energy Crisis was over by '75 (although the price of gasoline about doubled from 29 cents per gallon to about 55 cents per gallon!). I think these cars seemed relatively small in comparison to the huge full-size cars you could buy in the U.S. back then. In fact, in an answer to "downsizing" their Torino, in 1977 Ford decided to introduce the LTDII which had a hood so long it looked about the length of the entire Torino Elite. It was a heavy-looking plain thing that looked big but not as stylized as the Torino and especially the Elite.
there's a magic in Ford cars, my first experience of a car was a Blue and white jelly mould like shaped 1950's Ford Consul - beautiful it had the manual and I'd be identifying the difference between the range of types with the key, a vivid memory of the dash drawing and the curved sided dash and windscreen absolutely wonderful! As a kid I knew nothing, people say it wasn't my fault I knew very little about life, fixing things up and learning. Great channel well done Derek
"I'm losing a little oil pressure so I'm just going to cover that gauge so I don't keep looking at it. That should be fine."
have pieces of black tape over 4 of the warning lights on my Crown Vic...
Applies Men's oldest known cure...
Ignore it and it will go away.
I wonder if that will work with my Battery light. I can't figure out what's going on. Everything charges normal. 🙄
I used to have a Dentist like that .
@@trr5291 - One of the 3 diodes of the alternator's triode may be bad...
glad to see a Torino get more exposure, since they tend to fade into the background
'72 was the best looking year for them, in my opinion.
@@jamesrodriquez2863 they look really good, but I prefer
the 70-71
Yes indeed. I had a 1972 Ford Grand Torino with a 351 Cleveland. When your 17 and on a 4 door hand me down and all your friends make fun of your 4 door mommies car you either let them walk or give them a ride either way you get the last laugh. Boy do I miss that car! I wish I hadn’t sold it.
Sparkelators, lightning hoses, I'm takin' it.
So incredibly impressed with your videos and this one in particular. I'm no fan of Fords but what you did is nothing short of amazing. I really don't want to hear that there aren't vehicles available for people to run. You're proving with every video that a motivated person can find an old car, without a ton of money and get it running. So impressed! Thank you!!!
Dude, you're hilarious. I wish I would have found your channel sooner. I like watching you on the cars, but I love listening to you ramble!
It figures , for all the stuff to work, it's gonna be the dreaded sound to remind us all to wear the dreaded seat belt.
Best part of watching was seeing the family effort. Well done!
Glad you enjoyed it and I agree
Great show Derek, Ive been watching from England, This reminds me of Roadkill till they sold out, hope You keep this format running, Thanks for this brilliant insight into American Can Do Attitude ...
I enjoy your videos and the easy going approach you have with each old car you approach.
I appreciate that!
LOL at Jessica making a quick detour to the side of the garage when she realized she was walking into the shot :)
pretty sharp left she took
She didn't want to be a part of this gig, that's a lot of work. Bettr off with a wobble pop and that BBQ gril. :)
Vice Grip Garage ...I noticed a cloud of smoke coming from the side of the garage she ducked into. If that was her smoking/vaping please ask/tell her to stop that....right now!!!
@@tflick41 I don't think someone smoking would make that much smoke, unless its like a bear or a Wales blow hole, haha...maybe it was a vent or something, our burners got a condensation vent out the side of our house, and it blows steam out like a school-bus blows exhaust on a winter morning....
@@tflick41 pretty sure they got a grill over there cooking up a juicy lucy or three or five.
We had a beautiful 1976 silver one with all red leather interior when I was a kid! My older brother bought it with about 65k original miles and we owned it for a solid 15 years. Sadly we ended up selling it because we moved states but I wish we still had it today! I would have loved to restore it!
I came across this vid last night, watched the whole thing, I had a 76 Ford Elite in 1982, my first really nice car, no more beaters. had it for 2 years, ran over a deer carcus outside of Winnipeg that year, damaged my rad but it kept running. I traded it off in 84 for an 81 grand prix that I hated. That was 36 years ago and I still regret it today. I have pics of it, dark green. 400ci....love the old boats. I really enjoyed this video, saved it to my favourites. great work man. Now I'm retired, I drive a caddy. Still miss the Elite.
Ayyy, I got a dark green elite too. 351m tho, still love it.
I'd love to see ya take your son along on one of these adventures... in 1990 me and my flew out to Oklahoma rented a car and drove around till we found a 70' Chevy pickup that had been sitting for about 10 years. Got it running and drove it back to Michigan over 2000 miles. I still have the truck and every time I climb in it takes me back to that trip and I just smile for a while!! Love the channel keep it up.
The best 1.5 hours ive watch on the tube in ages...
Awesome job on the recovery there.
Be safe and keep up the great work brother..
I just looked up boat anchor in the dictionary and there was a picture of a 1975 Ford Gran Torino Elite. You bought a real project. Love your channel, love your approach to life.
They usually don't work, but if you find one that does work, it will usually stop working. Best Ford line ever
I dont know my 89 f250 7.3L IDI Diesel still works.
people always think the brand is named after the founder, but its a well known acronym for Fix Or Repair Daily.
@@rrs_13 Found On Road Dead
@@edbon3774 🤣Hadnt heard that one before. You live you learn!
First on race day
I am impressed at all the "one foot in the grave" cars you rescue. I'm wondering what a guy does with them all?
He sells them. If you go to Vice Grip Garage. Com they have a link to eBay plus they have other cool shit for sale. I can’t wait till the get some more stickers I’ll be buying some
The nova with the rusted out frame really impressed myself!
This one wasn’t a one foot in the grave. This one was completely swallowed up in quicksand lol
I sell most to fund the channel, keep the ones I like or the kids like. I plan to auction them all for my kids education when the time comes.
Wow what a great dad
You're doing the Lord's work bringing these old rigs back to life. Best content on UA-cam by far. Thanks for everything that you do. Keeps a guy entertained.
thank you very much Chris!!
@@ViceGripGarage it's when he said "I've just done a vice grip garage" then showers the rachet strap... Yep that's about right. Although he said he used a mallet, instead of a Tonya Harding. So he's still learning..
Great video. I actually owned a 75 Elite, driven it back and forth to work for 3 years 60 miles a day. then gave to my son who did the same. Back and fourth to work. Drove like a boat with that long bow on the front. Loved that car but never seen another till this video. Thanks for bringing back old memories.
A guy was just going to look at old VGG and you did the right thing and made me wait. I’ll be dipped!
Jim
In love these ”Roadkill” episodes of you going out, buying a car, fix on it and drive it home. I can't wait for more.
thanks John
@@ViceGripGarage Thanks, Derek!!!!!!!
Agree Roadkill was excellent back in the day when they just struck out and did the necessary on the roadside and then the money came, the channel went private and I stopped watching! Loved this episode a lot like the white Cadillac - what's happening to that one?
The long drives home make the video! There is a purpose for all the hours of work!
It's like a mini-road trip 😊
Very impresibe how good the engine and transmission still works.
Love this rescue series!
ya or that it even works at all i must say im truly in aaahhh a ford made that really after sat locked up dead an did 600 miles ill be dipped!!!!! is that a chevy!!!
@@JIM-sb8qh 😂😂😂😂👍
Love seeing Derek working with his brothers, its a shame we dont see more of them!
Oh man. Seeing those seat ashtrays is giving my flashbacks. Really cool car.
thanks
Everyone smoked back then
Im still looking for the ashtray in my car now.....can't find it.....guess i won't drive the damn thing....im going back to the old cars....👀
Seat ashtrays? So what the hell does a fella use the floor for?
Just imagine, cars used to come with places to put the ashes when you burned little sticks to inhale the smoke. Someday nobody will believe it.
Ford Gran Torino Elite has an interesting engine and tough to say the least, nicely done getting it up & running again guy's.
This one was just wicked, I'm watching it for the 2nd time tonight, seems like it would've been fun to wrench on it with ya and have cold snack, but your video's makes it feel we're right there with ya fixin' on it.
Right on!
Vice Grip Garage Family of fine cars.😆Maybe in 1977.😂Was this the daddy or the mommy!
Derek, I've been watching and commenting on your videos for a few weeks now. And to do what you did to this car is HEARTLESS! Stressing a car like that right after you got it going is like Frankentsteins monster doing wind sprints! That it survived at all is quite a comment on luxo-barge trannys. I cringed for the car, and I am anything BUT a Ford fan. Glad you made it, and look forward to many more.
After watching this video, at the end driving down 94 through the construction in Rogers. I remember looking out the window at work and seeing you driving past. Did not realize it was you till now. I kept watching and all the roads looked very familiar. Would like to meet you some time and show you my 1961 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88.
My dad had a 64 olds dynamic 88 with a 430 big block
You are the -old cold start king-
Hands down
much appreciated!!
Gotta be a dodgy oil pressure gauge I’m fairly sure the engine would of detonated going that distance with little or no oil pressure wouldn’t it STP is good but probably not that good 😆 and final rev on the driveway NO SMOKE.
Thanks for the amazing content and hard work you sir have truly helped me not to go insane through lockdown in the U.K. and I thank you.
No oil pressure cause they chewed gauge wire I guess is what you said
A fella would have to agree. No one fires em’ up like Derek!
I meant to make a new comment not out this in a reply to this one?🤷
Just found your channel as it was recommended by a friend. At first, I thought "a 1-hour 22-minute video is way too long". One hour and 22 minutes later I thought, "that was fascinating and entertaining". Great job! -Ed
Absolutely and truly loving these videos. Beats any automotive tv show hands down. Thanks for the awesome content!
This channel is one of my favorites and of all the marvelous restorations here, this is certainly one my top 5 videos. I love how well the car held up after all this time. They are simple machines, but they were built pretty solid back then, and with a little help, can roam the streets again!! Love it!!! Keep it up Derek!..
1:02:23... Why she hiding from the camera? Hahaha. Love the long "get it home" videos, they tell a great story. The"up to date" ones are great too, but these are the ones that got me hooked on the channel. Well that, and us Chevelle guys got to support each other!
This is totally my favourite car rescue. She loved being discovered again.
We use to run this body on a Nascar Late Model from the early 80s until the late 80s Then the rules changed and we could run a fiberglass Thunderbird body. I always liked the way that car stood out against all the GM square body cars. Out of like 40 cars we had the only Ford. Track was in the Southern Tier of N.Y. Shangri-la Speedway. Ritchie Evabs Bodines and Jimmy Spencer ran there weekly. This vid brought back some memories . Thanks
Guy that bought mine in late 80s wanted it for just that.
Love the way Jessica is walking towards you guys @ 1:02:30 and sees you filming and goes "whoops!" and quickly exits stage right. lol. Sweet.
I used to have a car with the 'check engine' light on, I lived with it for about a month, then I did the right thing & fixed it...(with electrical tape)
Sometimes a guy can get a smiley face sticker and put over it!.. and yup, fixed! 😂
Magic makers works too
I have a 88 Caprice does that when the engine warms up.
My car's check engine light came on. When I got back home I checked the engine... It was still there right where it always was... :-/
My mate had a car where the air bag light would stay on... So he rewired it in parallel with the engine management light.. They both came on and went off together... Any warning lamps on dash will fail UK MOT test.
"Fuel Make'n Happener" Nice. Great job to everyone that worked on the car.
ol holley!
Dump it right in the yap 😅
Im happy i found this guy cool to watch how he fix these old gems 💎
I remember those old fold-out metal ashtrays. Haven't seen one since the 80s.
Absolutely agree that your videos are better than anything on TV. You could market this show to the networks and cable. What you did with that Gran Torino was magic! Also, whoever is doing the editing and the music is really talented.
Hey u got lucky ! The interior is your favorite color "Desert burning Bush" ! Lol Nice job saving on the air. 👍
"Well good morning... no... its afternoon we slept in a little bit"
I felt that.
Modulator is the vacuum gimmick on the 66 trans. they like to leak AT fluid and the engine sucks it up and burns it off.replaced hundreds of them back in the day. Thanks for all the entertainment and the new slang terms you've shared . keep it up
So glad you found the arm rest! It was giving me anxiety that you weren’t using it!
Me too, looking back now. I think I tugged once and it was stuck so i assumed it didn't come down. After I fell asleep 29 times, I just pulled harder.
Yeah thanks for pulling that dawn! It was driving me nuts!
stuck yesterday, idling today, "broken tomorrow" you're a brave warrior fixin on a Ford Bro. love the video. as usual thumbs up!
Thanks 👍
I love this dude... his attitude towards these things are exactly what makes it so much fun to watch. These are the things I used to do when I was like 20... and the guy has made a fun UA-cam channel out of it.
I had a 76 Mercury Montego my dad gave me, it had 117,000 miles on it. 351W motor with a severe lifter click, started running premium gas with 8oz MMystery oil in each tank. Cleared up the lifter noise, put 100,000 more miles on it before the trans quit. It looked A LOT LIKE THAT Forf Elite😎
I’ve been waiting on this one since you posted the picture, it did not disappoint. Thank you.
Thanks mark
So after watching a video and forgetting about it some 15 episodes of this channel back I looked at it again I figured out I've been watching on 2x speed . . . it's fine. Saved me tons of time and actually makes the whole process a lot funnier. Good times. Give it try!
I'm still chuckling and it's been fourteen minutes, "This is the Craigslist Side..." UA-cam GOLD buddy, absolutely GOLD.
Hey Derek I've got to say I've watched this video a few times since you posted it forever ago and it's still one of my favorite. these old gran torinos are fine cars. you're the best youtubing mechanic.
Just remembered why I'm hooked on this show, it's cuz I been there.
That’s what I call raising the bar......now you’re going after cars that require the use of a skid steer to load up. 🤘
You got that right!
@@ViceGripGarage Get you a couple of snatch blocks for that winch and you won't need a skidsteer to assist. Another great video! You and Jessica just keep bringing the thunder!
"Well Good Morning .... No it's afternoon. 🤣🤣🤣
It's the little jokes that make me laugh Derek. 👍🙃
guy just needs to be honest, ya know
Wow sir. Just found ur channel a week ago. Been watching a lot of ur videos. I’m so glad ur bringing these old cars back to life and doing things with them. Please continue doing this. I’ll be watching 👍🏼
you are so lucky. you just found the channel. that means you have hours and hours and hours and hours of these shows to watch. . . lol. . you will find out that each one is better than the last no matter where you start watching. what you are going to have to do is tik the thumbs up thing. just so you kw which shows you have already seen... also Welcome to the channel
peace, the Eturn
I like how that the dome light is the same as my “93 XG Falcon Ute. Ford really got their mileage out of that part!
The inside door handles on my 2012 F350 are the same as my Grandpa's 1980 E150.
That's called legacy