Restoration Blog: December 2021

Jay gives us an update on all of the restoration projects in the garage, including his Brough Superior motorcycle, Lotus, Detroit Electric, White Steam Car, Austin Healey and more!

[@SerPurple51]

My favorite videos on this channel are just Jay and his projects & cars. Its more genuine and much more relaxing. His knowledge of cars and bikes always amazes me.

[@W7DSY]

SerPurple, copy that. I'll watch the resto-blogs quicker than anything else.

[@snowmobiesnowman]

Totally agree. Seeing the progress of all these projects is awe inspiring.

[@goosenotmaverick1156]

Same here, I watch almost everything, eventually. But when these pop up, here I am 😂 I always have wondered how much he has to read off a card somewhere, cause it never seems like he has to, but the sheer volume of information related to his cars, remembered or recited doesnt matter to me, it's all phenomenal!

[@mura0]

maybe It could be an idea for more episodes showing how things are done in the shop. Not a reality show but more like a doc/series. We all find these more interesting anyway.

[@733stuart]

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[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

As a car enthusiast, Jay Leno is a national treasure.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

100%

[@seektruth8662]

Cracked side car coupler should have grade 8 bolts. On a bike the nickel and dime things can literally kill you. Respect to Jay and crew for sparing no expense or effort to fix these future historical artifacts properly.

[@TOBYH]

THE THING I LIKE THE MOST ABOUT JAY IS THAT HE IS SO DOWN TO EARTH, JUST SUCH A LIKEABLE PERSON, AND HE LOVES WHAT I LOVE, CARS.

[@markspoor4663]

I love how Jay is all about "getting it done right" with no time pressure. I find the older I get the less I focus on time and speed and more on a job well done no matter how small. The kick stand is my favorite story of the piece.

[@chuckthebull]

Ah to have more time and money...

[@Noitisnt-ns7mo]

I could imagine the horror stories he must have on people that think they have some kind of retirement with him or free tools.

[@VG-iq8xq]

no ten minute jobs!

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

All depends on the job. I’ve made myself furniture. I take my time and spend the money on quality materials because they are to be used for a lifetime. Other things are get it done as quickly as you can providing its functional.

[@blackfender100]

I hear you Mark. I'm a retired auto tech 40+ years And I agree 100%

[@Learnwoodwork]

These are the best videos on the channel, I really think you guys should expand the coverage of the amazing craftsman Jay has working in the shop. I’m sure I’m not the only person that would love to see more.

[@mikekaup5252]

Most "collectors" are in it to show off what their money can but, Jay is the kind of guy who appreciates the history and technology inherent to vintage machines. He would opt for a great auto for the pure enjoyment rather than being able to say "look what I can afford and you can't". A true afficianado and a down to earth man. He is the kind of guy every man would love to have as his father or uncle.

[@sevintrix2962]

" The good thing about handmade stuff is, hands have'nt changed " If that's your quote Jay, then it's beautiful.

[@majormojo]

“A lot of stuff blows up around here”. I absolutely love that Jay’s cars and bikes actually get used and aren’t a bunch of dust collecting trailer queens.

[@kennethrine8171]

We all love you Jay thank you for the great video

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

A Pantera? Wow.

[@eddiejohnson349]

Jay my now adult son when he was a boy was looking at a car you had at Pebble Beach with his hand behind his back as to not touch it, I'm thinking you liked that very much because you talked to him and asked him if he wanted to set in the car and of course he did beaming from ear to ear. Thank you for being so kind to him. As you can tell it has never been forgotten. 🙏🏻

[@charliesinnott9840]

So happy I got to grow up watching the biggest car nut to possibly exist, his success is proof of his level of love....

[@paulj0557tonehead]

I've had a consistently good vibe from Jay Leno since seeing all of his Late Night With David Letterman appearances laughing my head off in high school. I got to sleep in study hall the next day. Him being a car collector is a major plus.

[@festusian9089]

The brake drum story impressed me a lot. I used to restore and know the pain. Jay is the real deal, in that the job will be done right even if it is "impossible". I'm so happy he has the means to have parts recreated instead of just finding something that might fit and work. That's a rare combination of history buff and financial success and all car lovers are lucky to have him doing what he does.

[@timcollins3484]

hear hear!

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Don't JB Weld structural parts, lol.

[@joeclark7082]

I love these resto vids. The guys working in that garage are keeping alive levels of craftsmanship of a bygone era. I love what Jay said, " hands haven't changed much, a good pair now is the same as is was back then".

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

The trades are dying, even though you can make $100k a year as a single proprietor

[@tracerloenan8020]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 Check out McPherson College in Kansas. They teach only car restoration so the trade will survive. Jay is just one of their strong supporters; along with a lot of car collectors around the world.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@tracerloenan8020 Very glad to hear that!!!

[@KingSobieski]

Jay was a legendary tv host. His restoration blogs are even better.

[@RideCamVids]

None of us are getting any younger Jay, and kudos to you for adding features to your vehicles to make them more user friendly.

[@budgetgym]

I remember when Jimmy was working for Boyd Coddington, he was one of the few guys there who wanted to do things the right way. Boyd didn´t like that at all. I´m glad for jimmy that he´s working for Jay now, no rush jobs and I bet Jay doesn´t yell at him for spending hours fabricating period correct, authentic and structural sound pieces for a car or bike.

[@richardmorris7063]

I think he used to drive 2 hrs a day from the Valley to get to Boyd's shop.Put on a lb or two but its him.

[@JamesCairney]

If he shouts "blue bear!!" we know it's him

[@richardmorris7063]

@@JamesCairney oh it's him,I've seen him periodically on a couple other shops.I hope his commute is shorter.LOL!

[@captainbart]

Jimmy is beyond the exercise. His salary is double. He gets a food truck to his bay door. He works for Jay. Maybe I've missed something......Jimmy works each day with a grin. Done.

[@workingguy6666]

Love it. None of us are getting any younger - I agree with altering vehicles to make them better.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Yup. And safer. My '63 Econoline had a single brake cylinder. I rebuilt that thing every couple of years, purged the lines frequently. Didn't know I could swap a double cylinder in there. I miss that van but no room in the city.

[@Thekarlskorner]

As a metal fabricator, and retired machinist I totally appreciate watching these videos. Working on many '60's and early seventies Oldsmobile muscle cars, I had to fabricate exact copies of many parts that were simply not available when restoring these cars. The fun part is the challenge and then seeing the final product. Thank you for sharing this and I enjoy seeing another protectionist at work.

[@hankgs]

FANTASTIC that you and your Team are always working to maintain & restore automotive history....Thanks Jay!

[@richie4540]

“Let’s just cast some new drums” love it, it’s what makes Jay and the team special

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I just want to find a place that'll make a custom set of dually rims with a 5x4 1/2" lug pattern. Don't ask me why but I just think dual rear wheels would be cool under my V-8 Ranger project truck. Maybe I should shoot Jay an email!

[@gotsloco1810]

@@MikeBrown-ii3pt Stockton Wheel, Stockton, California

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

@@gotsloco1810 I've already contacted them but thanks for the suggestion.

[@gotsloco1810]

@@MikeBrown-ii3pt My only other suggestion would be to look at an older Ford Transit van with dual wheels. I believe I have seen pictures of them. I don’t think you will find any in North America. I suspect the wheels used on a NPR are larger than you are looking for. Sounds like an interesting project. The fun part of my engineering career was interesting projects. And then there was the boring stuff I could get paid for.

[@btt8410]

It's such a pleasure to watch someone who doesn't scream, and shout and edit their blog in a very epileptic way. Instead just gives You a nice solid portion of update and history lesson about automotive industry. Love it!

[@chazzs4365]

Dang, Jay has his own shop and machines and tools for restorations. I bet he knows how to use them all too. I’m sure he has a staff helping in every step of the way. My favorite car guy for sure!

[@rwburdett]

"hand-made stuff, hands haven't changed." Superb.

[@sandstorm31]

The guys working in Jay's shop are real craftsmen & artists. Wonderful work guys!

[@Fullsendit_ENT]

Can

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Such a pleasure to watch these videos, thanks Jay and team!

[@dgordon130]

Nigel, very well said sir.

[@drumboarder1]

you're welcome

[@timcollins3484]

hear hear!

[@JimPoston1]

Hey Jay... None of us are getting any younger! LOL.... Thanks a bunch! Always enjoy the Jay Leno's Garage videos!!

[@ivankuljis1780]

Jay, we're all not getting any younger! It's the Car's that keep us in our 'Younger Years'

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

I like the common sense approach taken on Jays restorations. Whether it disks for drums, upgraded AC, sound deadening mats, or a a simple kickstand, all these mods would likely get a thumbs up from the original designer. Common sense ain't so common anymore. Keep up the great work Jay.

[@probuilder961]

Thank goodness for the "old guy" connections, eh?! Keep it up, Jay, we love it!

[@nou8257]

When jay said "this one is nearly done" I know the feeling

[@JakobKsGarage]

I love how absolutely legendary cars is just standing in the background, like the Mercedes-Benz Renn Transporter or the Chrysler Turbine Car.

[@robertdavis6708]

It's amazing how much Jay loves automotive history. He's no dummy when it comes to steam cars, fire trucks, etc. I love this channel more than morning coffee.

[@edwardwerick2420]

The Restoration blogs are always my favorite shows. I enjoy the "behind the scenes" views of the beautifully restored cars and how they got that way. It's wonderful to see "the crew" back on duty!

[@BL-hj7ht]

I'll say it again for the millionth time......Restoration blogs are better than any other video that Jay does. Not to say that his regular ones are bad, I just think the resto blogs are totally fascinating.

[@shanechostetler9997]

A huge thank you Jay, for allowing my family and I to visit your garage several years back. You had just got in your Maclaren, I think it was the hybrid one. You were so kind and generous. Thank you.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

More Jay Leno's and fewer Stephan Colbert's

[@markw4263]

Jay’s eclectic interests are amazing - much more interesting than just another hot rod,

[@brentfarvors192]

I imagine his accountant reminds him DAILY...

[@yamahaxs6501]

The restoration blogs are my absolute favorites. There is just so much going on in his place, it's amazing. I'm not a stickler for exact restorations, I always feel like there are ways to improve older vehicles and still keep with the spirit of the originals, and that's what Jay does with most everything. Also, I love when they just get things back to running, but original, too.

[@jayyoung5423]

If ever I got the call to work for no money...this is the place I would choose to work....sweep the floors or whatever....as a car guy I truly appreciate what Jay has built here... probably the finest bunch of folks you could ever meet with that all important work ethic...peace.

[@keithwilliams1786]

As you said at the end Jay, "I'm not getting any younger ". But you certainly are getting BETTER. The priceless contributions you selflessly make to the living history of transportation is incalculable. In a world of self-important "celebrities " that infest the media today, you are a refreshing and authentic departure. Your passion and humility for your crafts will live on LONG after you drive off into the sunset 🌇. And you're FUNNY to boot! Thanks, Pal!

[@ZachD555]

These are some of the best episodes! Thanks Jay

[@cdstoc]

The restoration blogs are my favorite! I'm always blown away by all the cool projects Jay has under way.

[@williamwintemberg]

There aren't words in my vocabulary that describe what I think pertaining to Jay and what he is doing and has already done with his passion for automobiles and motorcycles. Thanks Jay!

[@eddym5532]

There is plenty of history on those classic machines. Thanks so much Jay.

[@dirty69impala]

I love the skateboard hanging on the toolbox and the BMX bike. You know you have too many cars when your mechanics are trying to figure out how to get around without getting pooped out! LOL

[@jimbos3421]

I love how you’re realistic about how long things take. There are no 10 min. jobs, how true!

[@arielsaeth]

those ten min jobs take 10 hrs to think about.

[@paulm.8554]

These "Restoration Blogs" need to be at least 2x longer! So many great projects on the go.

[@jameskorner6611]

Love this show as a 62 yr old gearhead and retired Autobody Tech im still tinkering with a couple of toys.

[@RS-cd9cf]

I was happy to see Jimmy working with Jay , Jimmy worked for Boyd and refused to get caught up in the drama and soon left … Jimmy is a class act

[@mbgrocott7115]

Fantastic video. Good to know I am not the only guy with a lot of jobs “almost done.” And I’ll remember to use that one quote on my wife next time she asks me to do something: “There are no ten minute jobs.”

[@slwtype]

Always nice to see Jimmy on theses Restoration blogs.

[@brentfellers9632]

Jay's legacy won't be his comedy or the ____ show. It will be the amazing restorations and collection. And his Canadian Tuxedo! Rock on Jay!

[@drsvs]

“I’m not gettin any younger. See ya next week.” I love this guy.

[@chrisH-uv5wx]

Jay’s out here doing Gods work. He’s got the people, the knowledge, and the cash to keep history alive. Always look forward to these updates

[@grosseileracingteam]

I'm stunned that Jay is stunned about $1000 pieces of chrome. It's really stunning on a 40 hour paycheck.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Pick an affordable hobby, lol. Mine is woodworking.

[@chuckberlemann3400]

I love the COVID programs over the silly regular stuff. I learn something every time I watch one of these.

[@melvinburwell8202]

Wow. Can't wait to see some of these on the road. Especially the 57 Caddy. 🤩👍😎🤑

[@inspector1794]

As many commenters have said these resto-blogs are my favorites episodes. I enjoy seeing Jay's cars but the shop progress is a must.

[@brocluno01]

"I'm not gettin any younger ..." Neither am I, but love you shop and you projects. Takes me right back to HS and College ('60s) when I could see much of this stuff running around, or in friends dad's garages being worked on. I worked at an auto repair shop in Los Gatos owned by Virgil Whittaker. He was also collector and restorer. Had maybe 20 antiques. When he hired me, the first thing I worked on was a 1922 Durant water pump ... Still tinkering :-)

[@marcvernooys653]

🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@gregraines1599]

Got a chuckle out of that.

[@joegibbs2508]

None of us are getting any younger. But occasionally we can do some maintenance and actually feel younger.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Love car guys. A man's man. Quiet, not flamboyant, just get the job done. Globalists ruined America. Let's get back to making things.

[@pjs9346]

Thank you Mr. Leno for being the custodian for all of the vehicles under your roof.

[@NashPotatoesOutdoorShow]

That motorcycle at the very end of the video is really sweet!!!

[@one_waycarson9389]

Jay you are a amazing guy, I know you probably don't waste time on comments but I hope you know how big of impact you make on so many car guys .

[@ramman5784]

Incorporating that radio into the Detroit looks incredible. Nice job

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Pretty awesome

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

I remember seeing an ad for a tilt-down record player you could put in your dash. For lover's lane I guess. That was in the 40s or 50s.

[@Ax89]

There are those who do restorations and those who pay for them. So many of those who pay use the first person when they describe the restoration, but Jay gives the respect and credit to the craftsmen like Jimmy. Love it when he talks to them on these shows. Thank you Jay and Jimmy.

[@tracerloenan8020]

That radio made my year. Outstanding work by someone = tell him/her thanks.

[@beepseatsfindingfoodtreasu8756]

Love your videos. I can only have one mechanical mistress. She's a 65 Buick GS. 401 nailhead. 14 years of restoration and Thank You Jay. I've had to time and again defend why I put so much time and expense into doing it. Until you go over each piece you just don't know what the quality is. After completion it's the satisfaction of bringing a classic back to it's original beauty and dependability. It's not the time or money. It's the dedication to the job. I feel so reassured every time you go through the garage and show people that it's not about how fast they come around it's how much attention to the details that's important. You're one amazing man Jay. Thanks for still being on my screen,. Been around since your stand up days and as always, You make me smile! Keep em rolling!

[@hobo1452]

I love the fact that Jay doesn't cut financial corners when it comes to properly restoring something. I remember one of his videos where he was talking about a certain exotic car company's stipulation that only their $80 a quart motor oil was to be used. In his typical no-nonsense fashion, he stated that he was pretty sure this particular company didn't have their own oil refinery, and that their expensive brand name oil wasn't any better than any good quality off the shelf motor oil. He even poked fun at himself stating that he knew it sounded funny for a car guy with his financial resources to be quibbling about the price of motor oil for a car that cost more than a lot of people make in a year. You have to respect someone who knows when to let their common sense draw the line between necessary and ridiculous.

[@eldiablo8019]

I think that no matter how much money you have, nobody likes getting ripped off. Especially people that made a lot of money, but didn't grow up in a wealthy family. They tend to still want to pay a reasonable price for things.

[@tomg6284]

How lucky to be able to work with Jay on restoration. God Bless you Jay.

[@emehlhar]

Jay is a national treasure. Keep on going Mr Leno.

[@herman452]

I can quickly think of three rules for working on old cars: 1. Don't be surprised if that two hour job you took on will take a couple of weeks to finish. 2. No matter how many tools you have, the job you're trying to do now will require buying (or making) a new tool. 3. No matter how many spare parts you have lying around, the job you're doing now will require buying more parts.

[@stevenmoore4078]

Regarding the Ace side stand, Jay, you and I may not be getting any younger, but we're getting smarter! Great idea and a win for practicality over originality.

[@seangeist2134]

I'm very impressed by the behind the scenes. Lots of fluids,oils,misc. on them shelves. Nice stockpile

[@citygirlfarm]

I could watch a full episode on each of these projects. Chrome was almost gone by the early 70's. I could watch a whole episode on the history of chrome on cars. How it started, which car had the most, the most unusual, and so forth. The brakes, that too. Great stuff Jay. Those new steam engines, really something. Thanks

[@plainbrownwrapper9688]

Thank you Jay for not converting that Caddy to electric. Also I wanted to thank you for giving me perspective on my Cuda project. I get frustrated at prices of parts and sometimes the quality. You have to deal with parts not existing for longer then I've been alive. Keep up the amazing work!!

[@stevansaunders18]

Totally agree!

[@marvinpues]

Jay is a car historian and I appreciate what he's dedicated his time and money towards doing to preserve these cars. I would have to imagine working in that garage could be a good challenge, yet rewarding.

[@RedHeadForester]

I love that this is what Jay likes to spend his time and money on. Proper restoration. Most folks restoring vehicles can't afford to do it all proper like! Any time someone invests heavily in restoring and maintaining history like this it's cool.

[@Jeff-xn1ew]

Jay has a true passion for anything motor powered and it’s great to see.. It don’t matter if it’s a Bugatti or a yugo he sees purpose in what ever it is. Thanks for your passion. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@billsherer9815]

I could watch Jay's garage segments forever. He's such a great supporter of all classic cars and bikes. His knowledge and experience are encyclopedic. I think these segments are Fantastic!!!!

[@manuelramos5869]

I hope Jay Leno live a long life, history will appreciate his dedication to the motor industry.

[@user-jk7qk7rx6f]

Jay, I can't begin to tell you how much. I enjoy your restoration blogs. You make it humorous and so incredibly knowledgeable. I had the privilege at 1 time. Mr. Leno to see Bill Harris car collection before they were auctioned off. After his death, I can honestly say. You are doing amazing work in your restoration shop. Preserving American and European automotive. History kudos to your restoration crew, your fabricator all the people that work for you, you all deserve a pat on the back, god bless them all, and their families keep up the good work

[@RT10Viperman]

Jay...you are a true motorhead in every sense of the word...!! Although my projects are no where your caliber I too enjoy the thrill of the build...!! Cant wait to see that Bugeye complete..!!

[@irocitZ]

Recently while going through my stack of old car magazines, I found an issue of Popular Hot Rodding from December 1968 with Ed Pink on the cover wearing a suit & tie. They called him the "old master" back then, you mentioned you sent an engine over to get rebuilt. I take it it's the same guy, pretty cool after all these years he's still doing it.

[@northcackalacky4694]

I'm with you on that comment! 💯

[@irocitZ]

@@northcackalacky4694 👍 I got my driver's license in the 80's, being from that era I couldn't wait to snag a car from the 1960's. To this day I still like reading those old car magazines from back then just to kinda see what was going on with the culture.

[@northcackalacky4694]

@@irocitZ Smokey Yunich's Power Secrets was a treasure that I gave away to a friend. We nearly wore that thing out! He was a brilliant man!

[@charger19691]

I have to admit, it would be my dream job to work for Jay Leno’s garage. I’d be eternally grateful.

[@Liam1H]

These shop updates are always such a fun insight into the amazing skills of the people Jay has bringing these pieces of history back. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the Austin Healey Sprite being rebuilt. That car had to have introduced more young people to the joy of British sports cars and top down motoring than almost any other. Definitely a gate way drug! Jay's intent to give the son a ride when it's done just underlines how much a people person Jay is as well as being the consummate car guy. Excellent stuff all around. Thanks Jay!

[@paulfoster4686]

Reading the comments it’s great to see how much love and positivity there is, I can only echo what everyone else has said. These videos are like a guided tour round an Aladdin’s cave of rare delights and the guide is a chap you would love to spend some more time with.

[@druidofthefang]

Those are the coolest car lights I have seen. Thanks Jay

[@fischerrestoration]

Jay has built and orchestrated a well oiled automotive enthusiast machine, it's superior inner workings and all who are involved are obviously some of the best in the business. How wonderful it must be to be Jay Leno.

[@AlfaAddicts]

Jay, thank you for continuing to carry the torch and bring inspiration to the rest of us as we forge ahead with our restoration projects. Your channel keeps the passion for classic motor vehicles alive.

[@bryanhoward358]

Jay when I was a kid I made sure to catch every Monday night headlines, now im all grown up and I absolutely love just how down to earth u are with everyone u bring on everyone who works for u and I just admire everything u do with cars! I wish I had something cool I could bring to u, not for the sake of being on here, just to meet u and pick your brain and talk with u for a day, please keep up with the awesome videos u do and thank u for still entertaining me to this day..

[@garywilson3183]

These vlogs are my Favorite thing you do! Put a camera on Jimmy one day! He is Good!!

[@mrfivetees]

I had to smile at the Easy-Weld repair on the Brough sidecar - I never cease to wonder at the brains of the “That’ll do” brigade! I used to be in the game and once bought a Hillman Avenger that needed some steelwork replacing, as they all did - they were built with steel that was already rusting and would be like a lace curtain after 5 or so years! The inner door sills were rotten, but surprisingly, the outers looked okay, so had obviously had some attention already. I put the car up on the ramp and started to tap around one of the inner sills to expose how bad the metal was …suddenly, the entire “new” outer sill dropped onto the ramp with a loud crash and broke apart - it was made of concrete!!! Luckily my hands and arms were out of the way, or it would have been a hospital case. Both outer sills had been fashioned in concrete, smoothly finished and painted well. It must have been so much work to do, yet useless and dangerous too. It would have been far easier to do the job properly I’m sure, but Jay is right, you can never believe just your eyes with other peoples’ “repairs” - it looked perfect, even with a shine on it. I wish I knew the guy, as I would have hired him in a heartbeat for any concrete work I needed! 😂

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

That is bizarre

[@terry94131]

NONE OF US are getting any younger LOL! Thanks Jay for the updates.

[@user-gc1zn5mn4p]

Jay, your resto blogs are always enjoyable & informative--please keep them coming. :)

[@pommycalva]

Thanks Jay.Really interesting stuff.I am so glad you are on this planet ,to keep all these great cars going,with some great history too!Of course you are a great guy too.

[@Nvt13]

Super glad you didn't go electric on that classic Caddy! Cant wait for that episode! And that Ace motorcycle is killer! Stay safe Jay!

[@danknox9986]

Always enjoy these updates. Thanks for posting.

[@moe5046]

Love this man and his passion for mechanical everything,god bless ya jay

[@JamesAllmond]

Brough/Watsonian. My dream that will never happen! I've commented on Jimmy's health before, dude, you are looking and sounding one helluva lot better!

[@phillace]

Mr Leno , I could watch your resto-blogs all day , its always nice to see what you have in the pipeline , keep up the fantastic videos !!!!

[@houwant]

I LOVE the fact that you restore, but also "resto-mod" vehicles when appropriate! I have always felt that that these things should be kept on the road for people to see and enjoy, BUT they also need to be safe also.

[@buchmannray]

This is one of my favorites, these episodes give us much more info about what's going on around your shop