How A Texas Jeep Club Rebuilt After COVID

Jeep clubs don’t survive on mud alone. They survive when people feel welcomed, protected, and genuinely helped when something breaks on the trail. We sit down with Tim Mahaffey, President of the Lone Star Jeep Club, to talk about what happened to membership after COVID, why so many automotive communities quietly fade, and how a 30-year-old Texas Jeep club rebuilt momentum by getting serious about culture and member value. 

Tim shares how LSJC reframed the “why pay dues” question with practical perks like sponsor partnerships and a dealership service discount, plus a social media approach built on respect: one rule, no jerks. We also get into what makes a family-friendly off-road Jeep club work in real life, from certified trail leaders and planned runs to grouping drivers by difficulty so daily drivers and hardcore builds can both have a great day. You’ll hear about caravanning to out-of-state trails, the stories that happen at dinner after a long day of wheeling, and why training events like a Jeep 101 class can keep new drivers safe and confident. 

After the interview, we switch gears with Jeff’s Motor Minute and a laugh-worthy throwback Mother’s Day car ad, then drop into a detailed 2026 Kia K4 review. Don breaks down the K4’s hatchback styling, interior screens, cargo practicality, fuel economy, and the pricing reality that proves you can still find an affordable new car under $30,000 if you actually look. We close with a headline that raises eyebrows: Ford in discussions about potential defense projects and what that says about modern manufacturing and supply chains. 

If you like smart car talk, real-world new car reviews, and interviews with people who actually use their vehicles, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review so more drivers can find the show.

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Transcript

Welcome And Show Preview

Don Armstrong 0:04

From our dual city studios in Texas, USA, it's the award-winning Inwheel Time Car Talk Show. Just ahead, Tim Mahaffey, President Lone Star Jeep Club, plus Jeff's Motor Minute, and I'll review the 2026 Kia K4. Very interesting car. Howdy, along with Mike, out of this world, Mars, we always need more Jeff Seacon. And Chief Engineer and Head Bottle Washer, David Ainsley. I'm Don Armstrong. Glad you could join us today. Thank you very much. Beautiful day here in the Houston, Texas area. So I think that the same holds true over there where you are, Mr. Mars.

Mike Marrs 0:42

Absolutely gorgeous. You know, the sun's out, not a cloud in the sky after that drenching rain yesterday.

Don Armstrong 0:48

Yeah. Yeah. I'll say that. Do we have Tim with us?

Mike Marrs 0:51

Yes, sir.

Don Armstrong 0:52

Tim Mahaffey. Here he is, ladies and gentlemen. Tim, how in the world have you been? I haven't talked to you in forever.

SPEAKER_02 0:59

Yeah, it's been a hot minute. Uh things have been really good, actually. Um I'm looking forward to this rain ending on the weekend, so I don't have to keep cleaning a Jeep every time I go out. But uh things are things are great.

Don Armstrong 1:10

Tim, you know what? People that own Jeeps, they like to go out and find mud and have it slung all up and down the side of it and then parade it in the local grocery store parking lot as they're getting groceries on Sunday morning. Now you and I both know that. Yeah, that's true.

SPEAKER_02 1:28

That's true.

Don Armstrong 1:29

So you just need you just need to let go of the car wash. That's what you need to do.

SPEAKER_02 1:34

That's what the power wash is for, right?

Don Armstrong 1:36

Yeah, exactly. Exactly. So uh let's talk about the first of all the Jeep Club. Um how are things there? What's the uh what's the status like? How many uh how many club members do you have?

SPEAKER_02 1:48

Things are going really well this year. Um, you know, there's a kind of a story there. After coming through COVID, the club was sort of in a downward spiral. Um we were losing over, I think our attrition rate was somewhere over 20%. The club used to have, so the club is made up of paid members and$55 a year and then sponsors. And um, you know, that money goes into raffle prizes, it goes back into the community and things like that. At one point, we had over 500 members. Um COVID hit and those numbers just just dwindled down to nothing. And coming out of COVID for a couple of years, um we were challenged with trying to figure out what to do with the club. Did we even want to maintain it? Did we want to shut it down? We're a we're a 50C7 organization in the state of Texas. We'll be around for 30 years next year. Um so yeah, it's been, I mean, some of our members weren't even born when the club formed 97.

Don Armstrong 2:46

So what does that say about you and your age, Tim?

SPEAKER_02 2:51

Well, like fine wine or a good whiskey, right? Yeah, there you go. There you go. That's what we were looking for.

Jeff Dziekan 2:57

You said that the the the the registrations and uh that they're all dwindled during COVID. It was it was it because of the uncertainty of COVID, or they just figured they're not gonna do it anymore. I mean, was there any reason for that besides COVID?

Sponsors That Add Real Value

SPEAKER_02 3:10

Uh besides COVID, yeah, I think you know a lot of people just you know stayed inside. They didn't really go out. We couldn't really meet as a as a club every month anymore. Um, and people just became less interested. And then what happened at the same time was a lot of other groups are like a competitor, right? Um, you can go wheel in other groups, you don't have to save$55 a year, right? So we had to think about what did we have to offer to our members? How do we how do we, you know, other than hey, let's go meet and wheel, which our events have always been good. We always get great turnouts at our events. Um, so what can we do to actually give them something? And you know, that led into things. We just signed uh an agreement with Metter. So any person that purchases a Jeep with Metter at their dealership, um, will if they join the club, will get 10% off of their service. And what is Metter? Metter is a uh Jeep Chrysler dealership in Fort Worth. Okay, that's the name of the dealership.

Jeff Dziekan 4:11

So for about a buck a week you could join the club.

Family-Friendly Trail Culture

SPEAKER_02 4:14

About a buck a week you could join the club. Yeah, and you know, you take your you take your vehicle, and it doesn't have to be a Jeep, it has to be a you know, a Chrysler, you know, Dodge, of course, ran vehicle. Um, you go in for one-time service, you're gonna fifty-five dollars, you're gonna make your fifty-five dollars up getting 10% off of service. So um we have a big event coming up with them called May Day, May the 15th or 16th, I think. So we're pretty excited about that. That was uh and they came to us. They came to us, they saw that we're a family-friendly Jeep club. You know, there are certain when you look at the landscape of Jeep clubs, um, there are certain niches, right? You've got ones that just meet that never wheel. I know a person that runs a club around here in Dallas, he's never been on the trail, but he has a nice Jeep. Um the groups that like to go out and party and you know, engage, and but that's not us. No, our message is we're a family-friendly Jeep Club, and we're seeing we're we're known as the wheeling club in North Texas. So if you want to go off-road, we've got the the process, we've got the way to do it, we've got certified trail leaders, we've got it planned, we put you in groups, and you know, we want a safe environment for people, and it's really exciting. So um, yeah, it's just and it's turned around, by the way. So, our goal this year was to have 190 paid members, and we're setting it about 180 right now. Oh, very good. Yeah, pretty sure we'll exceed that. Um, our internal goal and uh goal on the board was 175, so we've exceeded our internal goal. Um, and I'm sure we'll hit about we'll hit 190.

Don Armstrong 5:49

Sure. Do you have any do you have anything to do with any of the other clubs? I mean, you do you have multi-club events?

SPEAKER_02 5:55

Um we talked about that, but we don't. We talked, we don't, but we've talked about that on the board. And there's this uh new cheap club that is just started, and my age is catching up to me, I can't remember their name. Um, but they they're interested in getting together, you know, for a combined combined wheeling event.

Jeff Dziekan 6:14

Do you do you ever go out of state and wheel?

SPEAKER_02 6:16

Oh, yeah, yeah. Actually, the club just went to New Mexico a few weeks ago, um, out to Las Cruces and did some wheeling there. Um, we we've been to Wind Rock, Moab. Um, we're going to Missouri, the southern Missouri off-road park in September. So yeah, we get we get out of state too.

Jeff Dziekan 6:34

So do you do you have a spare supply of fenders or you are you do you go fenderless?

SPEAKER_02 6:39

Um, I have steel fenders. Um, I take a shock with me now. Since the last last November when I was out, I actually broke a shock um on a show called Ingrid's Revenge.

Don Armstrong 6:50

And you know, it's only a Jeep person that breaks a shock. You know, you don't you don't you don't hear that on your uh you know Oldsmobile 98. Walmart broke a shock. That's right.

SPEAKER_00 7:02

Yeah.

Mike Marrs 7:02

But that was one of the one of the things I noticed about your club, uh, you know, and we kind of talked about that, is how involved you are for the club members. It's not just, hey, let's get together on Wednesday night, have a beer, and eat. You know, you actually you just signed an agreement uh and you've got several sponsors so that your your members get some value out of being part of the club beyond the fellowship.

SPEAKER_02 7:27

Yeah, yeah. That's a that's a great point. And social media has really helped us there too. Um, so that's really helped us engage with our members. And now we get questions, you know, um should I like should I get a rock crawler lift kit? Should I get a noticloak lift kit? And we're able to, you know, give some advice and our own personal opinion. And we have one strict rule on our social media site. If anyone is a jerk, they're banned from the site. We do not tolerate anybody treating other members with any disrespect. Period. That's not the club that if you want that, go to another club. That's not the one started club. It's built on respect, it's built on, as you said, on the community, um, it's built on respect and support. And I think that's one thing that distinguishes us from others and beyond our you know amazing, amazing events. I mean, wheeling's the best thing in the world. So, you know, you know, if you have a bad week, you go out on a Saturday, you know, it's just a lot better. But um so yeah, it's a good point. It's that social media has really helped us engage in lieu of not being able to have our our monthly meetings anymore.

Jeff Dziekan 8:34

Do you do you have uh equal amount maybe men and women that are in the club, or is it is it one-sided?

SPEAKER_02 8:40

No, you know, it's it's pretty equal. Um, in fact, on our board, we've got two, three, so we have Suzanne, Christine, Alan. Four four females are on our board. So it's a it's a it's a good balance and a good balance of families too.

Jeff Dziekan 8:58

It's good to know.

SPEAKER_02 8:59

Yeah, yeah.

Don Armstrong 9:01

So do you uh once you get into uh Lone Star, does that mean that you'll be able to get some discounts uh at your local Jeep dealer for you know some Bemini Tops or whatever the case may be?

SPEAKER_02 9:15

Absolutely. You can go to Metter, um, they'll offer that discount, and then our other sponsors like Colling County Off-Road offer discounts. Um yeah, all across the all across the several sponsors that are yeah, so there are advantages uh to being a club member, there's no doubt about that.

Don Armstrong 9:34

You know, it's uh very interesting. Uh uh back in the day, I'm a Corvette guy, and I've been in clubs throughout all of the years that I've been doing this. And uh it's interesting how the club scene has evolved since back in my day. I'm not uh currently in a club, but um it's evolved. And but the same thing holds true back in in my day, we had the racers and we had the show car people. And uh and we we all got along and it was great and we all respected each other within the club, but there were those that you know really weren't into the racing because the racing took the cost into another level that most of us weren't really into. And I think that you you can relate to that.

SPEAKER_02 10:18

Very similar, very similar. Um, we had people that had daily drivers, you know. This this is that's my daily driver right there. Yes, so you know, when I go off-road, I I push it, but not over the limit. And then we have when we we go to our events, we have an easy, medium, and hard group, which we call group Z. Those are the guys with 42-inch tires with roll cages, they trailer their Jeep, but they're the ones done, you know, just crazy stuff, rear steer, I mean, some really amazing jeeps, right? And yeah, then and the money that goes into investing into a vehicle like that is just you know beyond.

Don Armstrong 10:54

It's not just but it's not just Jeeps, and you know that as well as I do. You know, pick a car, and uh you know, if you want a resto mod, how much money do you have in your pocket? It ain't enough.

SPEAKER_02 11:05

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Trips Events And Training Runs

Don Armstrong 11:06

That's true. That's true. So, do you have any events coming up?

SPEAKER_02 11:10

Yeah, we do. We have the event with um Metter coming up um in May, and I'm headed to Hot Springs um at that weekend as well. And then June is our Father's Day event, which is a poker run. We're excited about that. That'll be at Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area. We're gonna be in the Colony Parade, which is just a blast. Have all those little kids come running up when we toss some ducks. Um, that's a lot of fun. And then um August, we have called Beat the Heat up in Davis, Oklahoma at Crossbar off-road park. And then we go to S'more in September. We have another 101 class, which is where we bring people in and teach them how to prep their Jeep for off-roading. We teach them how to off-road, how to engage in the four low, how to go over obstacles and how to winch. And then we have our Jeepers Creepers run in October out at Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area. And then our biggest event of the year is the Veterans Day run and hot springs in November. We typically bring like 20 or 30 Jeeps to that event. So that's been growing you know every year.

Don Armstrong 12:14

And I would imagine, I would imagine that you guys uh, you know, obviously you belong to a club and you want to be involved, but you can't be involved in everything, but that's okay.

SPEAKER_02 12:24

Yes, that's why we offer so many events, right? Right? We know people can't go out every month, and we have some amazing members in our club. I mean, I can't I can I just they're amazing people who join our club. I just can't brag about them enough, right? You go on a chair with us and you have an issue, we don't push you, we help you, right? We want people to enjoy this experience, right? Like we do. So basically, but yeah, exactly. So yeah, we offer a lot of events, not to not so not so people have to go to them every month, but you know, you get to pick and choose, like, you know, arrange your vacation if you wanted to go to New Mexico. We're gonna go to Rubicon Trail next spring up in Lake Tahoe. So we're gonna we have started our planning for that. Very cool.

Jeff Dziekan 13:06

So when you go to these put when you go to these places like Hot Springs, do you all caravan together or you all just meet up there separately?

SPEAKER_02 13:13

We mostly caravan together. So when they went to New Mexico, they all met up, they caravanned together. Moab, Colorado, that was the that was the caravan. Because you know, something can happen along the way, right?

Mike Marrs 13:23

Um that's part of the fellowship in in going.

SPEAKER_02 13:29

Yeah, that's right. Yeah, you do, right? You build you kind of build that solidarity when you go on a trip um together, right? Sit around at night and over dinner and talk about you know what broke, what was fun, and you get to know people at a personal level. It's just that's amazing.

Jeff Dziekan 13:45

We could do that and get to a campsite and eat beans and by the fire. Yeah, yeah. Blazing saddle complete creation all over again. Yeah, that's right.

Don Armstrong 13:53

Tim, it's great to talk to you, my friend. Uh great to catch up with you. Thanks for bringing us up to date. And uh, whenever you're in Houston, be sure and look us up. Yeah, come see us and come see us and save. There you go. We'll definitely definitely do that. Thanks for having us on again. We really appreciate being here. Thank you very much. Uh anybody's interested. So, how how do we get a hold of you if we're up there in the North Texas area?

SPEAKER_02 14:13

You can uh lsjc.org. Lone Star Jeep Club lsjc.org. LSJ. That'll take you to our website. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook now. Um, we have over 11,000 social media followers versus like 1,500 three years ago. So we've seen some amazing growth there. So yeah, Facebook and they're we're active too. Um, so our our secretary Madeline posts a ton of videos on Instagram. Um, you can see us in action there. They just got some of the Las Cruces videos posted. So it's pretty exciting. We have a Facebook page and a Facebook group. Facebook page, of course, you know, you can follow the Facebook group. You actually have to, you know, qualify for it.

Where To Watch And Listen

Motor Minute Mother’s Day Throwback

Don Armstrong 14:59

Well, we'd love to have uh the in-wheel time bunch on there as well and uh welcome everybody over. So, Tim, thanks again. We appreciate you and hope to talk to you again soon. Take care. All right, thank you. Have a good weekend. Thanks. Tim Mahaffey, president of the Lone Star Jeep Club. Just ahead, Jeff's motor minute, and a review of the new Kia K4. Oh boy, when the In-Wheel Time car talk show continues right after this quick break. The Texas Max dining experience is defined by Lupi Tortillas, your destination for Texas's best beef fajitas and frozen margaritas. Since 1983, Lupi Tortillas has served authentic and time-tested recipes made with the freshest ingredients. Atmosphere is part of the award-winning experience of Lupi Tortillo, all developed in a little house near Highway 6 in I 10 in Houston. Visit any of the Loopy Tortillas, and you'll see the same attention to detail in each and every location. Start your loopy experience with custom flammiano and guacamole, along with a classical frozen margarita, done on famous loopy beef and chicken tomatoes, or pepper shrimp rotato, or a fresh or vegetarian entree, and finish with a scrumptious vlog for dessert. Find loopy tortilla in Houston, College Station, Beaumont, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, Fort Worth. There's a Texas location near you. The recipes are authentic and time-tested. The ingredients always fresh. Loopy Tortilla eats pretty good. Apple or Android, In Wheel Time podcasts can be found everywhere, on the stream and through downloads. Whether you're on the road or at home and searching for a fun car talk show, give In Wheel Time a try. Honest new car reviews, fun informative interviews with real car people, weekly automotive news, features like Jeff's car culture, mic's driving destinations, all on In Wheel Time. Check us out on Sirius XM Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or while you're shopping on Amazon through Amazon Music. Inwheeltime.com has a list, so check us out. Oh, I guess I need to pull the microphone down here. We need to stop cheating. Yeah, exactly. We were we were cheating. Because his uh granddaughter is uh going to have a little graduation gathering while that I've been invited to. Um and uh the In Wheel Time is donating thousands to her college. She was thousands of thousands of minutes. Thousands of minutes. Thousands of uh you uh are invited to join us for the live version of the In Wheel Time Card Talk Show every Saturday at our regular time, 10 to noon Central Time on InWheelTime.com, YouTube, and Facebook, or you can always grab a 30-minute podcast of our show, any one of them, from uh your favorite podcast store, and it is free. All right, time now for the motor minute, and Jeffrey has that.

Jeff Dziekan 17:49

Yeah, check this out. I'm gonna pull it up, Mike. You know, next weekend is Mother's Day. Did you know that? And uh Martha Yanko, Mrs. Yanko says every day would be Mother's Day with a brand new 69 Chevrolet from Yanko Chevrolet. So if you're out there and we appreciate you, Martha Yanko, uh get out there and buy your mom a 69 Chevrolet. Look at that.

Don Armstrong 18:13

The old bargain is the 1969 Bel Air.

Jeff Dziekan 18:18

Yeah.

Don Armstrong 18:18

$27.95. Now they didn't say it was a two-door or four-door. Don't matter. The$27.95. This isn't$69. Yeah. Um, let's look at some other prices on there. What is this one here?

SPEAKER_00 18:30

That's that's a wagon. Yeah. The air conditioner is brown. The Kingswood. Kingswood. Yeah. Air conditioning brown for$38.50.

Jeff Dziekan 18:41

So there you go. Mike, that's pocket change for you, buddy.

Don Armstrong 18:44

But we what we would really like to have that$69 Yanko Camaro.

Jeff Dziekan 18:48

Oh, yeah. Yeah. But the point is, it's Mother's Day. So, you know, flowers, candy, all.

Don Armstrong 18:54

And they have many more Mother's Day specials.

Jeff Dziekan 18:57

There you go, and that's what we're talking about. So go out there and celebrate Mother's Day.

Don Armstrong 19:00

Are they still in business?

Jeff Dziekan 19:01

Uh Yanko Chevrolet. Gosh, I would love to. I'll get a hold of Martha and uh find out. Well, you're gonna have to go visit her at the graveyard, I think. Could be it could be a Martha Jr., you never know. But Mother's Day, go celebrate Mother's Day next week at Yanko Chevrolet. However, you however you want to do that. So uh get out there that's really weird flowers, roses.

Don Armstrong 19:22

I love those old commercials. Yep.

Jeff Dziekan 19:23

There you go.

Don Armstrong 19:24

Yeah, I as a matter of fact, I every once in a while I run across an actual film.

Jeff Dziekan 19:29

I know I don't do I see I'm trying to incorporate that as a story, but you can't because there's a lot of trademark stuff in the world.

Don Armstrong 19:36

No, it's fine. You can do that. And as a matter of fact, let's let's do a feature commercial of the week, and then we can sit and laugh at it.

Jeff Dziekan 19:45

Okay.

Don Armstrong 19:46

Matter of fact, I ran across a 1963 Chevrolet commercial, but I think it was more than a minute, but it highlighted all of the Chevrolets that are available, including the two the two Corvettes, the split window coupe and the all new convertible. Coupe.

Jeff Dziekan 20:04

We'll do that. I'll work on that for a couple of weeks. I did it.

Mike Marrs 20:13

They finally went out of business.

Jeff Dziekan 20:15

Well, there you go.

Mike Marrs 20:16

Which I didn't realize they even made it that far.

Jeff Dziekan 20:18

She was probably in her 80s.

Mike Marrs 20:21

Yeah, she looked like she could be.

Jeff Dziekan 20:24

Okay.

2026 Kia K4 Design And MPG

Don Armstrong 20:26

And guess the weight. All right. Uh time now for this hour's car review. I had an opportunity to drive the 2026 Kia K4. It comes in these trim levels. You ready? The LX, the LXS, the EX, the GT Line, and the GT Line turbo. I drove the GT line turbo, and it was that color. This is a large car. It's a four-door saloon style hatchback. Uh a traditional sedan is also available under the K-4 banner. This looks like a regular SUV. But if you stand next to it, you're going, wait a minute, is this a car? Is this an SUV? What is it? They call it a large car, four-door seats and five people, including the driver, all new in 2025. Where have I been? I guess I just missed it. It is built in Mexico, and this car replaces the Kia Forte, if you remember that thing. Long body uh with a fast back to it, looks like a cross between a sedan and a station wagon. Unique styling gives this car a very cool look, in my opinion. Sleek, aerodynamic front fascia, concentric wheel well openings. Uh what I liked about it, the saloon or wagon style of the design. It really stands out. Yes, there are other. Out there, but not like this one. Somehow, some way they've made it all work, and it is really cool. What could use improvement? Nothing. This is a winner in the Don Armstrong category. Interior highlights. Big 12.3 inch screen includes the instrument and infotainment systems. Adjustable cup holders and roomy cell phone cubby. A cool upholstery with comfortable seating and plenty of rear leg room. HVAC controls can be a little hard to see behind the steering wheel. You've got to kind of peek around it. Cargo, adequate when compared to other small SUVs, but it is a hatchback. What I liked? The abundant headroom in the rear seat because it's the saloon style. So the roof line continues on past the rear seat and doesn't slope down behind it. What could use improvement? Nothing. It gets high marks from Don Armstrong for its great overall design. As far as power is concerned, it has a 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder. Now, it puts out 147 horsepower and 132 pound feet of torque. There is a 1.6 liter turbo that puts out 190 horsepower and 195 pound feet of torque. I did not have that one, although I think I should have. I don't know whether they got the engines mixed up or the labeling or my confusion. Somewhere in there, it has a CVT transmission too. 26 miles per gallon in the city is what it's rated, 33 on the highway for a combined of 28. I got 30.7 miles per gallon over 453 miles. Would have preferred more horsepower, that 190 horsepower unit would have been nice. But I certainly did like the gas mileage, there's no doubt about that. And I didn't have to plug it in either. What I liked about the ride and handling, it has car-like ride quality. What could use improvement? The GT line, I think, could be a little bit more tossable. In other words, stiffen up that suspension a little. Yeah, a little bit sporty because it's already got a GT, which stands for Gran Turismo.

Jeff Dziekan 24:21

Yeah.

Don Armstrong 24:22

If you remember correctly. Now I don't know whether Magato.

Jeff Dziekan 24:26

That would be the GTO. Yeah.

unknown 24:28

Yes.

Don Armstrong 24:29

So here's the pricing. Base trim price,$28,790. Price is tested$32,870. But you can get into one of these for$22,290. Really? Competitors? Honda Civic$24,695. The Mazda 3$24,550. How about the Subaru Impreza Hatch for$26,595? See, I keep hearing all these things. We can't find a vehicle under$30,000. Yes, you can.

Jeff Dziekan 25:04

You can.

Don Armstrong 25:05

You haven't looked hard enough. And this is one that I would suggest that you definitely put on the go check it out list.

Mike Marrs 25:13

Yeah. It's a good looking car. It sounds like it's got some great functionality.

Don Armstrong 25:18

Yeah, it does. Subaru Outback is my car review next week. And so uh we do a new car review every week. And that is my car review this week. That is all, then there ain't no more.

Jeff Dziekan 25:30

That is all.

Don Armstrong 25:31

That is all.

Jeff Dziekan 25:31

Don't forget to uh visit the In Wheel Time um what is it? Well, subscribe. You can subscribe to us. I was kind of thinking the word. Don't forget to subscribe.

Mike Marrs 25:43

Yeah, and if you can get it, we'll have cookies and tea this afternoon.

Jeff Dziekan 25:48

Contact Mike at info at inwheel time.com. Cookies and tea. And the uh yeah. Mars, you you don't get out much, do you?

Mike Marrs 25:57

No, unfortunately not.

Jeff Dziekan 25:59

Well, you drink tea, Mike, don't you?

Mike Marrs 26:00

I do. I drink a couple of glasses or hot tea in the morning. I'm not a coffee drinker.

Don Armstrong 26:06

That would make sense. You would drink a tea totaler.

Jeff Dziekan 26:10

And what's the uh the tea drink? Oh gosh. Hot? No, the the the alcohol drink with the uh tea iced tea and long island tea? Long island iced tea. I couldn't think of that. Well, you're not from that part of the world. And don't forget to visit the In Real Time gift shop on your way out.

Don Armstrong 26:28

Do we have one of those?

Mike Marrs 26:30

It's under construction. It's being revamped.

Don Armstrong 26:33

Really?

Mike Marrs 26:34

Yeah, we had a supplier issue, so we were having to rebuild.

Don Armstrong 26:36

Well, you know what? It just so happens that we have a supplier, and he's sitting right next to me right here. Did you know that?

Mike Marrs 26:44

I I know that some things, yes. But he doesn't drop ship.

Ford Talks Defense Manufacturing

Don Armstrong 26:49

I'll bet you he could work that. We could talk. Yeah, we'll talk, yeah. Okay, cool. Um, I have some great news stories that I want to get in before the end of the show today. Um one of them, um and it's not gonna be this one because it I think it's too heavy duty into finances. Oh yeah. Yeah, so uh but I had to think. Yeah, we all had to think about that. Um This I thought was very interesting. Ford Motor Company is in early discussions with the Trump administration about working on defense projects, according to CEO Jim Farley. Farley's comment signals the company is considering a broader working relationship with the Pentagon. U.S. military officials have sought to court commercial manufacturers to help produce weapons and other military hardware that today is largely supplied by a relatively small number of defense contractors, such as Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics. Senior defense officials have spoken to auto executives, including Farley, about weapons production, according to the Wall Street Journal. Farley said investors should expect Ford to play an outsized role in onshoring critical minerals and other components, such as manufacturing grade semiconductors. I just thought that that was an interesting story, sir. They're getting back in the war business, basically.

Jeff Dziekan 28:13

Yeah.

Don Armstrong 28:13

Which uh they apparently did during World War II quite significantly.

unknown 28:19

Yeah.

Don Armstrong 28:20

So there's uh some news for you that you probably hadn't heard.

Jeff Dziekan 28:24

What happens if you build a weapon and you have to recall it?

Final Plug And Sign-Off

Don Armstrong 28:27

Well, Ford would be able to handle that because they're big on the recall list. Hey, if you'd like to get in touch with us, send us an email. The address is info at nwheeltime.com. We're back after this quick break. Stay with us. Your car is a direct reflection of you, so don't be satisfied with color fade or a dingy dull appearance. Get rid of those terrible automated car wash scratches. Gulf Coast Auto Shield is your save the paint company. John Gray and his team of detailing experts can help your cars finish without a full repaint. Searching for real experts in window tint or windshield protection, Gulf Coast Auto Shield. Dash cams, radar detectors, Gulf Coast Auto Shield. Got a new car? Get it protected as soon as you take delivery. If you don't know which of the multitude of protection products to go with, John Gray will give you an honest opinion and won't sell you something you don't need. John will help you understand the many options and pricing right on the spot. He's your guy to have your ride looking its best and protected too. See the state-of-the-art shop yourself, free tours anytime. Gulf Coast Auto Shield is easy to get to, located just south of the Southwest Freeway on the Sam Houston Parkway. Gulf Coast Auto Shield, full service luxury car care today and online at gcautoshield.com. Gift giving should be meaningful, and we have an idea: a hand-painted custom illustration of your car from one of the nation's leading artists. Now you can get one or a car show poster customized for you, a friend, or a loved one. Bill's sites will be happy to guide you through the process. No matter what the day, birthday, anniversary, or any day, an autographics custom illustration adds an extra touch of class to any home. Call Bill today, 832-922-0963. That's 832-922-0963. That's it for this podcast episode of the In Wheel Time Car Show. I'm Don Armstrong, inviting you to join us for our live show every Saturday morning on Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and our InWheeltime.com website. Podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartPodcast, Podcast Addict, TuneIn, Pandora, and Amazon Music. Keep listening, and we'll see you soon.