BIG BLOCK Swapping A 80's Built Drag Car and the RETURN of Independence Chevelle?

Time to upgrade the "Liberty Chevelle" with a 540 big block (From Independence), and I also lay out a master plan 300 to bring Independence Chevelle BACK!
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[@jimchurchman2628]

Do NOT give those valve covers away! They are part of YOUR family! That’s my 2 cents. Love the swaps!

[@BladePro2021]

I agree , those valve covers identify that engine and car to a tee, that way Independence's heart lives forever in your shop.

[@tomp3981]

I agree with you those valve covers need to stay in the shop on the wall.

[@bighank796]

​​@@tomp3981my neighbor has valve covers with pictures of his boyfriend on them. High temp paint. 🎨 that's right

[@jasonkimmel3061]

Personally I would prefer to see them stay on Liberty. I think it is a good tribute to independence to keep them on it. It actually kind of bums me out to think that are either getting shelved or given away. Just my two cents.

[@867diesel]

@@bighank796 take that rainbow crap some where else . GTF

[@MNHOCKEY1350]

I love how Caprice is always just strolling through your videos!

[@paulreints2279]

When a stray shop lion adopts you, it says alot about your integrity & character.

[@gtoger]

@@paulreints2279 very true. Cat's are very selective in this regard.

[@mikethomas5797]

Reminds me of Ninja Kitty from Jonathon W. vids-Doin; safety inspections!

[@bentucker2301]

As much as I enjoy watching Derek, I'm always enraptured to see Caprice but I am cat crazy

[@theshadetreegearhead1980]

You give those valve covers away Derek and I'll cry. They go wherever independence goes. You said it yourself " those are independences valve covers and it should stay that way". Love seeing the chevelles being wrenched on.

[@wes11bravo]

Independence being brought out of semi retirement makes me happy. All the elements of her story are so perfect they seem to be pre ordained. That car is emblematic of so much - she's pure Americana and a piece of hot rod fine art.

[@socalrcr]

Ok now just calm down there just a little bit there. All this ball washing is a tad cringe.

[@kevinschwager8360]

I love that you bring friends and family on drag and drive events. And you even let folks borrow your car. Amazing human. Excited to see liberty and independence running at the same time

[@BrothersBuilds]

Little Grip and Vice Grip in the same week?!?! Definitely Blessed!! Thank you all for all of your hard work!!!

[@andrewweston2253]

...and Vice Grip Lodge too!

[@BrothersBuilds]

@@andrewweston2253 you’re right!! Trifecta!!!

[@slaphands7703]

So much grip.

[@mgmnfld3109]

​@@andrewweston2253Took the words right out of my thumbs. 👍👍

[@reelfishingtradition1655]

Been a great week, can only get better if we get a between the aisles and a road worth rescues also.

[@johnkaswinkel7883]

Glad to see Independence being revived! She is definitely a big part of of your brand! Thanks for showing that hard work, dedication and being honest does pay off.

[@Big88Country]

A man is really blessed when all he has to do is call a few friends and they show up ready to do whatever you need! Livin life right my friend!

[@joecarere6721]

Independence is VGG. Thank you Derek and family for being awesome human beings and bringing wholesome goodness to the world. Canada loves VGG.

[@chrislambert2889]

Derek plz keep the valve covers . Part of the channel and most importantly your family. Stay warm and safe plz 💪🥶🙏

[@paulreints2279]

I look forward to new revival episodes each week, as we all do. Seeing this made me realize how much work it takes to keep us entertained & maintain your success. A guy feels you might burn out if you keep up this pace! You're doing some awesome projects as usual & I'd bet you could live stream stuff like this with your buddies at home instead of revivals for a bit & we'd still tune in, allowing you to be at home with your awesome family & take a little R&R time to boot. Keep up the awesome work & God bless you & yours!

[@gailynbrock5204]

That's exactly what Derek did today (Sunday)!! Maybe got the livestream idea from your post! People from all over the world were watching

[@Omgninjas2]

100% agreed! I am totally fine with a reduction in revivals if it means he can spend more time with family.

[@thatoneguy9437]

I just love Derek's attitude towards cars. Best car channel ever.

[@richardl8652]

“If I don’t do a revival every 14 minutes, stars fall out of the sky”… so true!!! But all your VGG content is awesome! Can’t wait to see Independence go to town!

[@Jdwescott]

I love to see you working at home on all the projects you have there,especially Independence and Liberty.They pretty much all were revivals and it's nice to see you taking them to the next level.

[@tonyg3573]

Same projects... over, and over, and over. Something new more than once every three months would be nice.

[@stevemccauley5734]

@@tonyg3573nothing that says you have to watch. Some of you people just can’t be pleased. The guy is busy as hell & busts his ass to entertain you. Maybe show a little respect?

[@aprilhilliard3302]

Yo Tony...why don't you start a channel and show us all how it's supposed to be done...@@tonyg3573

[@damianjackson9084]

​​@@tonyg3573cry me a river these cars are the backbone of vgg , you know where the unsubscribe button is if your not happy with his FREE content let me say that again FREE content.........

[@paulreints2279]

@@tonyg3573 and yet we all tune in. It's always the best thing on tv.

[@williamyoast8091]

So glad your friends have come to help. Such a great support group you have. I know you are a determined guy but you are looking tired. Please take care of yourself. Thank you for all of your content.

[@ThatOldStoner]

I really dig the blue wedding band. After years of weld spatter ruining my gold band and a couple titanium bands I had it tattooed on. She kicked the bucket so I don't regret having it.

[@pucegoblin7961]

"This was just more stubborn than a 2-legged mule, but now she's slicker than hot poop on a pump handle." These quotes are what I live for😂❤️ 49:32

[@carlbernard4197]

That one is priceless 🤣 👌 😂

[@Ru5tyshackleferd]

Maybe I’m weird but I like seeing these builds more than revivals I think. It’s nice to see you getting to progress through a build. Especially the budget stuff.

[@thehammah8444]

I agree 💯 rescues are largely redundant!these builds are unique and have a cool ending leading to drag week

[@BikingChap]

I think it's the mix that makes the channel so great. Sure the revivals are cool but once you've seen one...

[@OnePieceTractor]

Yes,And be home more

[@KOrnhOliO1]

Oh no, the revivials are my favorite! Never give up on those - that's what hooked me on your channel, Derrick. I love all your content!!!

[@BikingChap]

@@KOrnhOliO1 I think he knows, i get the feeling he gets endless comments if he hasn't done a revival for a while but if that's all he did a) he'd burn out very quickly and b) it would get a bit boring.

[@Paul.C300]

You're a lucky man Derek, you obviously love what you do, nearly as much as I love watching you do what you do so well. You have given me a greater appreciation for American trucks and cars especially some of the older ones from the 50s 60s and 70s. I really like to see your youngest human Bentley getting stuck in helping you and the connection you two have shines through for everyone to see. You have a wonderful loving family and a job that you love so much, a very lucky man indeed. Watching from the UK and enjoying every moment, may it continue for a long time yet.

[@terrallputnam7979]

Cars hate to sit unused. It's got to be tough having so many cars to keep up. You are doing a great job saving old cars Derek. We appreciate you so much for it.

[@kdog622]

Have you considered producing a calendar with the "favorite cars" from the past year? Maybe the giveaway cars, Best projects, revivals, etc? Just a thought. I'd buy it!

[@GPW289]

I'm in for that. Put me down for 1 also!

[@jamesramey6216]

Third that! I'd have to have a few

[@JustSayin042]

Great idea!

[@garyroberts1269]

Good idea!

[@davideo1954]

Derek, I could watch and listen to you put new laces in your work boots and be entertained while at the same time feeling my blood pressure settling down. You are what we need in these trying times. Thank you SO much!

[@ViceGripGarage]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@gailynbrock5204]

Best post of the day! Could not agree more! Anything that let's Derek be at home more is just fine.

[@vicswanby454]

It's so nice to see Independence making her return to the lineup.She's the reason I started following your channel. And her the patriotic inspiration that kicked the channel in the for front of our hearts. Thanks for taking this video to the masses. keep up the great work and fantastic content.

[@mattgriffiths7976]

So pleased to see Independence coming back. That car is the heart and soul of this channel ❤

[@christopherhess8523]

Thank you Derrick and family! Your successes are well deserved. Please keep it up

[@josephaumann849]

Well at least learn how to spell a guy's name right! It's Derek.

[@willboastrum4701]

Hey Derek. Wonderful video! Just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do. I struggle with depression. And this channel is super comforting for me. The vibe of your videos are unlike any other content creator. And for that I thank you. you have helped me tremendously. Much love to you!

[@robertwest3093]

You don't know how much I've been waiting for this car to get its turn. I love your plans for it. This car is too nice and solid to just sit around in a garage all the time. It makes my day seeing someone driving an old muscle car on the streets.

[@markdavenport8202]

I’m loving all the swapping and moving around! It’s just cool!

[@brandongreene3213]

Independence is such an important rig. Glad to hear a guy is bringing her back around!

[@Decenium]

it really isnt, at all

[@Rob-tn8to]

I like how the shop cat does a cameo in every video done in the shop! Caprice, you crazy cat. No more Chad's please, I can't keep track of them 😂 Derek, don't forget that 19 degrees is a warm day in ND!

[@docshreck4]

Maybe Chad ‘A’, Chad ‘B’, and Chad ‘C’? Just a thought.

[@twointhewest]

"Hi ...I'm Derek ... this is my friend Chad & my other friend Chad & my other friend Chad" ... sounds like a skit from The Bob Newhart Show !!

[@carlbernard4197]

Is 13° F outside here in Escanaba, Michigan right now with light snow ❄️ 🤔 😳

[@stevevanhorn4170]

SO much inspiration! Thanks for ALL you do! All the best to you, your family, and your friends. Keep up the good work!

[@Minisaud]

Caprice is becoming the workshop supervisor.

[@schmitty919]

The revivals are cool, but I've really been enjoying the "regular" man-ten-ance on the certified pre-owned models already in the collection just a smidgen more. It's really good work, and I'm excited to see what kind of numbers Ole Liberty puts down on the track. I'm also curious of how she does at sick week naturally aspirated. I'm sure it'll do just fine, though. She's a real slick-lookin' rig. The evolution of this channel, from where it started, has been great to be a part of, honestly. Can't wait to hear this beauty come to life!

[@Maddoktor2]

Derek, the reason they got that engine out so fast is all because of you. You're the one who simplified all of the lines and wires holding that engine down when you first dropped in in Independence, so of course it was going to be an easier R&R. Heck, I'm 70 now and even I could do it because you made it an easy job, well done! =)

[@robertlogan3421]

Derek this is so AWESOME! You’re bringing back Independence, I love it! Following Independence on its journey from sitting and rotting to a burn out car and now to a street car is time well spent watching. I’m a big Chevelle fan and spent 5.5 years bringing my 71 back to life. I found it sitting on 4 flats just the 2 frame rails up front and a dash and steering column. I just licensed it Nov 2023, did all the work myself like you do. I cannot wait to see the new Independence video of coming out of retirement, new engine, rear end, and all else it needs. Dude you are super awesome Don’t ever stop what your doing and all the videos you share with us

[@robbaron7473]

Yes!! Liberty is bad to the bone!! My absolute favorite episodes!

[@tomdrohan3706]

My gosh I love "That Darn Cat!" Caprice. Amazing, show-cat, shop-lion.

[@stevegerman5569]

The cat has definitely been an added fun part of the videos!

[@danamerring5142]

We’re very excited about this week’s episode! I’ve even got my 87 year old father hooked. We recently adopted a 1950 Buick Super and can’t wait to VGG the rig. Thank you for what you do!

[@michaeldean2252]

That is so cool!!!! Hope you 2 have some special moments reviving her.

[@ericp9596]

Best car channel hands down! Thank you for what you do. I’m a certified welder of 30 years in my trade. I’m a novice mechanic. It’s refreshing to see others keeping the trades alive and well💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@jimgraves4197]

Take as much time as you like with Independence. That car has been through so much, it deserves a thorough going over to make sure it's safe for you or others to go for a cruise and continue the story. There's ways you can preserve the look without losing too much of the fabric of the car. I would love to see it back on the road, but I don't mind if it takes you a year or two. It would make a very interesting series of videos.

[@joegilly1523]

Thanks for making Fridays A lot Better.

[@kimberlywilliams9757]

You should definitely keep those valve covers! Keep them for wall hangers! Don’t give them away. 😊

[@Llama1077]

Derek, when you fired up the 540, it was like hearing the voice of an old friend! Can't wait to see the final builds!

[@user-hm7gk2vu5l]

You are not the only who has to work on the forklift…. Every time !!!! Never fails😂

[@joewalters2259]

We all the love the VGG videos whether it’s a revival or working around the shop but there’s something about Independence that catches our attention and we root for it to make another comeback.

[@maximusX_]

i'm so glad the Independence Chevelle is still around, i really enjoy this channel you guys are amazing thank you for the great content.

[@user-ll2re2xn1d]

The Independence is the first VGG video I watched and have been hooked since then. I've learned thru the years to always keep your Derrick Check List handy to make sure he's done everything.

[@JtotheDizzle]

It’s so great to see a feller and his buddies wrenching on these great cars, keeping that history on the road. Car community is awesome.

[@ericlovelis5127]

Keep the Indpendance valve covers with Independance! Put a Big block in her! Love all your content!!

[@HardwayRanch]

Spotting the shop cats is the best part of these videos! Don't change anything.

[@jamesklima4078]

You are a amazing man and mechanic you have more knowledge and skills ,i enjoy and learn from watching,68 years old and still learning

[@Brentboy111]

Love revivals and you building around the shop. You influence a fella.

[@TheRubtastic]

You're making the right decision with Independence. It's an icon of the channel and this way it will be an ambassador for VGG on power tours, car shows, etc...

[@Inthefoxhole]

If I were him I'd slowly replace the rotted trunk and floor pans.Even if it were in sections.

[@justinpedalpusher]

Don’t let those revivals eat you up. Take a break if you need to. We appreciate all of the great content, no matter what it is.

[@LifeonWheels22]

I’m building my own 68 ! My family loves your videos! Derek if you see this know your motivating a bunch of us! 😊

[@dgb56bgd]

The valve covers should have a special home on your wall of fame. Blessings y’all, from this old man in northeast Tennessee. Howdy neighbors.

[@BigCountryGaming1257]

I would love to see a garage update of sorts just seeing what you have in the fields at the moment

[@Ole-Red]

It's Friday and the week is complete. Thanks Derek. Blessings!!

[@rekleif]

Thank you Derek for explaining so thoroughly why the Chevelle had to stay as it is.. God bless and lots of love from Norway... Edit: And listening to the cries of your cat actually make me calm and collected... And I am a guy with severe autoimmune health issues, but your cat is a nice thing to be aware of imho......... This was @ 53:09 or thereabouts... God bless and lots of love from Norway Derek. Remember there are lots of us praying for your success every video dear brother....

[@danielmorley6213]

I Respect you and love you're Chanel 64 years old I grew up in a commercial Garage working on car with my Dad and Brother love you and your family and your Bilds and your over the Road Recovery Rescues Retired and live to watch your videos Great job my Friend

[@ViceGripGarage]

Thank you sir!

[@robbinsfarm4702]

Derek, you're killing it! love your patriotism, you're a good man, keep up the good work!

[@dubbledub4588]

I guess this makes me the dissenting voice here but I think it's time to call it a day with Independence. That car is absolutely hammered, and per your description, Derek, the body/chassis doesn't sound safe at all to be going down the road. A collision turns that thing to dust and the occupants are left holding the bag. The concept of that car is important, but the car itself is just done. JMO. Best of luck with Liberty.

[@BobWiersema]

Yep, it should just be a show car now. Still needs to run just to pull it on and off the trailer.

[@jagharingenyoutube]

It´s not worse than any t-bucket or similar hot rod out there.

[@PWL20Y]

Thank You for another awesome show!!!! We are vary blessed to have you!!!! I think your the best youtube channel. I really appreciate all the time you put in to your craft!!!!

[@stevelinwood8362]

Derek, being a Painting Contractor, its my slow Season in January! So glad to have the time to watch you're Channel! As always enjoying watching you're Channel Derek 🎉🎉🎉😊

[@Timberland1963]

Your shop lion certainly likes to get in on the projects along with everyone else. Liberty should do some fast passes with that 540 and it’ll be nice to see Independence brought back around as a streetable car.

[@danvetor1365]

This is a great idea you came up with. It's too bad Independence is in such rough condition. Can't wait to see the Chevelle done. Love that car!

[@ViceGripGarage]

Fingers crossed!

[@danvetor1365]

Oh yeah and keep those valve covers. When you mentioned that in the video ....... I said yup, it just wouldn't have the same meaning on another car!

[@bobwilliams9395]

Kitty prints on a vehicle makes me smile at work! You go Caprice!🐾🐾🐾Great job Derek and Caprice.😂😂😂

[@StLouisSled]

I agree with Jim do NOT give those valve covers away! How bout throwing a tame stockish BBC in Independence so you can still run the covers? Thanks for all your hard work and videos!

[@Greg-fc3pw]

One thing you can always count on,VGG Friday.Best show on KZbin.

[@jacobweaver5406]

Hands down and I ain't kiddin ya

[@_Blumpkin]

A fellers night just got better!

[@tonykemper8896]

I’ve enjoyed a little grip, vice grip, AND a vice grip lodge video this week…. A guy is feeling pretty lucky! Thanks Derek and family.

[@mikekozi-lester3887]

Hi Derek and guest nice video 📹 and workmanship love the CHEVELLES CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM IN ACTION !!! AND COMPETE WITH EACH OTHER !!!😮😊💪🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🌮🍕

[@brettvowels3745]

When Derek said I don’t know why but I think I should rev it, whilst driving the forklift. I really felt that in my soul 😂😂

[@moparman1962]

Derek is a bona fide gearhead, he isn't going to change, thank God. Petal to the proverbial metal. Amen.

[@koolkar55]

You are an amazing man Derek. So much work & you make it look so easy. Thanks for sharing. Billy J.. Queensland, Australia.

[@rogerdean2306]

I agree keep those valve covers there a staple of this channel. They need to be a piece in the shop perhaps in a car museum.

[@JamesHalfHorse]

Thats what it is all about around 42:00. Few guys over an engine all wrenching on it at the same time bringing it to life. That's living dude. I miss that.

[@bradarcher3863]

Heck ya man love seeing some work done on liberty and independence! Gotta work on what ya got every now and then, no sense in reviving them if u ain’t gonna use ‘‘em and get them roadworthy! Thanks for the content!

[@mattcharliesgarage9780]

I’ve actually grown to enjoy the several part series on projects. Love the revivals but dang how many can a guy do lol. Like seeing the ones you revived revisited whether that be to be sent on down the road or repurposed for something useful. As always I’ll be here for every video. 🤙🤙 thanks for the awesome content.

[@sandyadams9446]

Mr Mrs Berie,, thank u much for your normalcy,, love your independence, where I started, was Betty White . Good for you.

[@littledutchboy3531]

I wanna say as a feller that joined the marines because of that day that the car reminds me of that rugged flag Johnny cash talks about and it means a lot to me and I thank you for supporting the military the way you do and giving me time every week to grab a cold snack and worry about nothing but the show for a bit. Aswell as my daughters love watching with me. So from my family to yours thank you and god bless.

[@TheHomeWrencher_1776]

Derek, you should do like I used to do my forklift take a torch blow you a hole through the tip of one of the forks preferably the one on the right near the tip but closer enough centered clean out really good and put you a trailer hitch ball on there Then you can attach it to a hitch with a double ended receiver. I used to move cars around my shop with a forklift as long as they had a trailer hitch. It worked amazing. Meanwhile, a guy does not have a garage to work out of to do any videos myself if you ever need another hand brother all you’ve got to do is say the word.

[@ToddMiller-ng5qu]

Your channel is the best. Thanks for all the work you put in it and sharing it with all of us!

[@StoneShards]

That's a great plan, Derek! Planning has kinda grown on ya, eh! A few years ago, a plan would scare you about as much as "shiny stuff" still does. You've come a long way, baby! 😘

[@BruceBergman]

New List: Clutch & Brakes on the Yale, Propane Fill pump at your house tank. Makes a filling chealer with delivery propane in bulk. 15:06

[@jpstrim]

Great to see all the progress, quite enjoying these in shop events!

[@ViceGripGarage]

Glad you like them!

[@blademasterii]

If you were to treat the back of the worst panels for rust, you could use modern adhesive to back them with new steel just to stabilize the body.

[@RicnHermano]

As a non american i love to see independence back to live i love that car and njoy every VGG moment online it always make me smile. Blessings from Belgium and i still hope to be once in the USA and meet all you fine fellas at the FF or so.

[@gregoryweber7408]

wow your multi tasking skills are unreal sir, you have a been given a gift to teach others and we are grateful for every video you make thanks a million

[@brianmiller909]

I’m doing a 5.3 ls with carb swap with stock th375 in my 85 c10 ,any thoughts?

[@roadreapervideos7001]

Yay another boring LS swap

[@johndoe..THE_REAL_JOHN-DOE]

Th375?!?

[@kylerfreitas690]

Carb is a mistake

[@roadreapervideos7001]

@johndoe..THE_REAL_JOHN-DOE basically a TH400 with less clutches and some other little details.

[@brianmiller909]

@@johndoe..THE_REAL_JOHN-DOE it’s pretty much the TH400 with a TH350 tail shaft

[@RidiculouslyLongName]

I think we're gonna need a forklift rebuild episode here soon

[@leroywood5383]

I'm very happy to here your plans for independence. You never disappoint Derek. Always a pleasure to watch your channel.

[@Manholmes]

I appreciate the fleet getting some attention lately. From a car lover perspective, getting moved from one tree row to another is a sad ending for these rigs that VGG worked to revive, so the new barn is a great boost. Love to see race cars get made back into street machines!

[@som1alive]

Absolutely love seeing new episodes of VGG. I wear my vice grip gear to my restoration shop every single day. Struggling to get this 1984 bronco with a 351w put together as im listening brother. 😂🎉 Be well!!

[@user-lz5uz3ps6c]

Nice front assembly. Definitely a worthy upgrade. Really glad Liberty getting worked over.

[@matthewutter2697]

Love seeing Independence and Liberty coming back to life and repurposed ..... Love the show as always and Definitely keep the Valve Covers

[@jadeblues357]

Just as a sidenote, Derek, I love the way you talk to your special cars❤😊

[@halgorton]

Derek, When you’re fighting a stuck fastener use paraffin wax. Used in homemade jellies. Heat the area up, melt in the paraffin and your stuck bolt, plug, etc. will back right out.

[@davidpowers8766]

We are all in need of a revival of Independence!!! WHO'S WITH ME??? Derick giving us some home time builds !!

[@user-li1fi4qu5n]

Take you a nice long break Brother, you deserve it. You're always go go go!

[@rickcasali6383]

Glad to see your back on the chevelles. Always gets me motivated to get more work done on my 72!!