Welcome to the auto podcast that is talking stainless… and we're not talking cutlery.
On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches:
- Brockett Built is in the house!
- Actually, we are in his house.
- We are talking fabrication for the next hour with Marcus Brockett. You'll definitely want to stay tuned.
Sponsors
Thanks to Fort’s Toyota for their continued sponsorship. We could not do this show without their support, so please consider supporting them if you're in the market for a new or used Toyota. Their service department is pretty amazing, too!
About Our Guest
Marcus Brockett
Owner/Fabricator at Brockett Built
Eric first met Marcus at an SCCA racing event in Pekin. He pulled up with a Lexus IS wagon that was a little chopped and appeared to be one of those dudes who would be an amazing addition to the “regulars”. Since then, they have been chatting at Fort’s Toyota over the years as he has been trying to get us to do a Supra exhaust. All the while Brockett Built, formerly known as Shade 12 Fab, continues to show off his technical and artistic skills with custom exhaust work on anything with 4 wheels.
We spent a few hours in Marcus' central Illinois shop to learn more about his history, his current work, and where he wants to take his automotive parts fabrication business in the coming years. From custom Y-pipes and exhaust pieces for the Lexus IS platform, to SEMA Bronco builds, and even custom hunting knives... Marcus is going places with his many talents. Get to know more about him in this episode.
Remembrance
We'd like to pay our respects to the late George Beres, a central Illinois automotive legend. We had the pleasure of interviewing him in 2019 and learned a great deal about the automotive sales business.
George was a pioneer, a masterful businessman, and a wealth of knowledge about how to sell a quality product to the everyday consumer. We wish his family peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Projects
Eric
- Thought about a BZ4X
- Was the only person in America (or at least Central Illinois) to see the film Ferrari.
Daryl
- Picked up a few NOS parts for the Cadillac this past weekend at a swap meet.
- Brake light switch modifications for the ‘55 Plymouth are first up to replace the hydraulic switch with a mechanical one for safety & reliability. After that it’s all in on the Caddy.
Marcus
- Hunter series knife
- GX470
News
VW Vehicles to Converse with Drivers via ChatGPT by Mid-Year
Source: Reuters
Volkswagen's voice assistant integrating ChatGPT into its cars will be able to converse with users in a back-and-forth dialogue by the middle of the year, the carmaker said on Monday as it presented the technology in Las Vegas. Volkswagen presented its first vehicles featuring ChatGPT, to be available for customers in North America and Europe from early in the second quarter of this year, at the CES electronics trade fair.
Cars of the Weak
Eric: 1979 Plymouth Volare Custom
Source: Bring a Trailer
This 1979 Plymouth Volare Custom sedan retains its new-car sale and rustproofing paperwork from Crowley Chrysler Jeep Plymouth of Forestville, Connecticut, and remained with its first owner until December 2023, after which the selling dealer acquired it. Medium Cashmere Metallic paint is accented by stainless trim and a color-coordinated full vinyl roof, while tan vinyl upholstery lines the front and rear bench seats. A 225ci Super Six sends power to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission, and the car is further equipped with 14″ steel wheels, new narrow-whitewall tires, power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, air conditioning, and an AM radio. This Volare shows 2,400 miles and is offered by the selling dealer with the manufacturer’s literature, receipts, and a clean South Carolina title.
Daryl: 1994 Lexus LS400 Anniversary Edition
Source: Bring a Trailer
This 1994 Lexus LS400 is one of 1,800 Anniversary Editions produced and is finished in Midnight Indigo Pearl over gray leather upholstery. It is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and equipment includes 16″ Anniversary Edition wheels, Traction Control, fog lights, heated power-adjustable front seats, a power-operated sunroof, cruise control, automatic climate control, a Nakamichi Premium sound system, and a cassette stereo with a remote CD changer. The car was acquired by the seller in 2022 and it now has 87k miles. This LS400 is now offered at no reserve with a clean Carfax report and a clean California title in the seller’s name.
Marcus 1985 toyota pickup sr5 4x4 5-speed
Source: Bring a Trailer
This 1985 Toyota Pickup XtraCab SR5 is a 4×4 example that has been registered in California since 1990 and was acquired by the current owner in 2020. The truck was repainted white with black graphics under previous ownership, and it is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four linked to a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Additional equipment includes 15″ steel wheels, a suspension lift, front disc brakes, a spray-on bedliner, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo. Braking and power steering components along with the water pump, timing chain, valve cover gasket, and front main seal were replaced in preparation for the sale. This Toyota pickup is offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner at no reserve with an accident-free Carfax report and a clean California title in the owner’s name.
Thank you for listening, and we'd like to wish Marcus Brockett the best in the coming years.
Mark our words: This guy is pure talent. You'll definitely be hearing his name quite a bit. Special thanks for him for his hospitality.
