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Rick Schmidt – Ask Rick
One of the biggest months of the year is now here! It’s time for SEMA, MCACN, and of course… Thanksgiving!
But before the turkey hits the table, it’s time to Ask Rick the hard-hitting questions that really matter: Turkey, beef, or ham? Mashed or sweet potatoes? Cranberries in the shape of the can? Pumpkin pie—or any other pie? And while we’re at it, what’s his take on this year’s Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN)—a show that’s become one of Rick’s absolute favorites?
Rick will be there in person with one of his own cars, alongside a screen-used “Tommy Boy” vehicle and several incredible examples of automotive excellence.
Rick’s Take on Car Shows: MCACN 2025 –
Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals
Every year, talk of MCACN comes up, and it never fails to spark excitement. The show has been called “The Pebble Beach of Muscle Cars” and “The Center of the Muscle Car Universe.” Rick’s conservator (his car collection caretaker) has been working tirelessly to prepare his Black and Red 1964 Ford Galaxie XL—a 390, four-speed car with only 13 original miles and never titled—for the elite documentation and vintage certification program at MCACN.
The judging team at MCACN includes some of the most knowledgeable experts in the world. Rick shared that while the car does have minor blemishes, restoring or “fixing” them would actually hurt its authenticity and score. These judges know every nuance, and that level of precision is exactly what makes MCACN so special.
Rick loves the event because every year brings something new, different, and exceptional—not just the “usual suspects.” From one-off Mopars to rare Corvairs, and everything in between, MCACN continues to showcase the depth, diversity, and craftsmanship of true automotive excellence.
Rick’s Take on Restoration Parts:
American Manufacturers
A listener recently asked Rick about American-made floor panels, wondering why so many restoration parts come from Taiwan when they could, in theory, be made domestically.
Rick explained that while American-made products certainly have their place, the difference comes down to production capability and consistency. U.S. producers often use smaller, lighter presses and single-hit stampings—while Taiwan-based facilities operate massive, multi-step industrial presses with precise tooling that produces higher-quality panels at lower cost.
The result? Taiwan’s multi-strike process delivers smoother, more accurate panels that fit right—and do it at a fraction of the cost. U.S.-made panels can be three times the price and only one-third the quality, often with wrinkles or rough edges.
That said, Rick appreciates that American suppliers can still fill gaps—producing low-volume or specialty panels that might not exist otherwise. “In those cases,” Rick says, “they’re better than nothing at all.” NPD continues to offer both, giving restorers the freedom to choose the right part for their project and their budget.
Rick’s Take – Car Deals:
Future MCACN Show Cars
Which of these sub-$100K cars could earn a spot at a future MCACN? None are the most obvious versions of their model—but each is interesting in its own way. (Bonus: which one will bring the best ROI when sold on Bring A Trailer within five years?)
Car #1: 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396
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Car #2: 1976 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
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Car #3: 1972 Detomaso Pantera
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Rick’s Take – Car Deals: Future MCACN Round 2
Now, same question—but this time, no price limit.
Car #1: 1968 Shelby Mustang GT500KR Convertible
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Car #2: 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 – only 14 miles
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Car #3: 1979 Ford Ranchero
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From Thanksgiving table talk to the Pebble Beach of muscle cars, this episode delivers the perfect blend of humor, history, and horsepower. Rick breaks down the real differences between U.S. and overseas restoration parts, explains what it takes to win at MCACN, and even debates which of today’s cars could become tomorrow’s legends. So grab a plate, turn up the volume, and get ready to find out—is Rick Team Turkey or Team Ham?
