In this episode, we sit down with Nick Ellis, the Executive Director of the RPM Foundation.

Obviously we're interested in what he's working on, but the RPM organization is doing some pretty critical work in preserving the rich heritage and skills needed to keep vintage cars and motorcycles going. 

As the leader of this non-profit dedicated to advancing careers in vehicle restoration and preservation, Nick provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the classic car and motorcycle community and the sense of responsibility that comes with owning rare and (sometimes) valuable vehicles. 

The RPM Foundation's mission centers around advocating for skilled trades and ensuring the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to keep these vintage machines on the road. Nick explains the foundation's focus on identifying and preserving "endangered skills" - specialized techniques and craftsmanship that are at risk of disappearing as older technicians retire and modern automotive technology advances. Through grant funding, apprenticeship programs, and hands-on educational initiatives, the RPM Foundation is working to bridge this gap and inspire young people to pursue careers in the automotive restoration and preservation fields. Nick shares insights into the challenges of engaging a generation that is increasingly disconnected from the hands-on, mechanical aspects of vehicle ownership and maintenance. 
We also discuss the profound personal and cultural significance of these vintage vehicles, and the transformative power of the experiences they can provide. The hosts and Nick explore stories that illustrate the sense of community, problem-solving, and personal growth that can emerge from tackling the unique challenges of classic car and motorcycle ownership.

Covering:
1933 Ford Cabriolet
BMW K 75 motorcycle
1967 Firebird
1950 Ford Meteor
1966 Mustang
1965 Camaro
Model A Ford
Henderson motorcycle
Harley-Davidson motorcycle
BMW R60/2
BMW R100/7
Mercury XR-7
Fiat X1-9
Fiat 600 Multipla

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Okey doke. Let's address the elefant in the room. When selling a car or motorcycle, the process can be grueling as the worst of humanity seems to seek you out.  We don't think it's intentional, so we decided to aggregate some of our experience and take a chance that ONE person might hear this and maybe be just a little less terrible when hunting down a project.

Blaine and I have bought and sold more than we care to admit, and when it comes to these kinds of transactions, and we've learned a thing or two. 

In this episode, Andy and Blaine dive deep into the art of buying a classic car or bike. From establishing rapport with sellers to bringing it home, they share some hard-earned wisdom on navigating the ads on Facebook and Craigslist with honor and transparency.  We'll cover essential topics like negotiating prices, finalizing deals, and maintaining the right demeanor, even when faced with challenging situations. 

What did we miss??  email us [email protected]

#VintageMotorcycles #buyingamotorcycle
#BMW #rangerover

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Part 2 of our catch up after a few months' break: heartache and joy of losing and acquiring old cars and motorcycles. 

- What to expect when you're expecting (your daughter to borrow your car)
- Disappointing shakedowns
- R80 stewardship

BMW R60/2
R100/7
R80 GS
BMW e24
Land Rover
AJS, Matchless
Moto Guzzi V50

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

We're back.
It's been hot and eventful, but B&A catch up on a few things. This is a 2-part WIDOMSV episode: recap of Andy and Blaine's trip to Formula One in Monaco and a gas station, respectively.

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Andy's getting ready for a big trip and Blaine wants to make sure he's prepared. 
Things we learn today:
- How to pack for a 2 week trip to Europe
- Appropriate gas station snacks
- The correct Spaniard to root for
- Fandom can be purchased
- Don't talk to strange men on verandas
- Andy doesn't like one Aussie in particular

How DO you say ketchup in French?

Covering:
Bultaco Matador
Ariel Square 4
Formula 1

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Every Moto Morini eventually gets to know Paul Compton - his YouTube videos have kept many a 3 1/2 on the road, including mine. 
It took wrangling three time zones, but we got the chance to chat with Paul; mostly talked Morinis and making fun of the French.  If he's not wrenching Italians, he's building Lotus EV's in his garage, nbd.  
Check out his channel at youtube.com/@EVguru.

Covering (a lot in this one):
Moto Morini 3 1/2, 500
Lotus
Douglas Motorcycles
Volkswagen Scirocco
Royal Enfield
Land Rover
Jaguar
British Leyland
and more.

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

The BMW projects continue.
To buy the parts lot or not buy the parts lot.
We're committed to Mid-Ohio in July.
 Some multicultural insights.
...and Andy catches some expected Hell from Blaine.

BMW R100/7
BMW R65
BMW HPN Rally bikes

Also: A Jeep FC170 (Forward Control) in the desert?? Stay tuned.

Follow along on Instagram @holeintheheadmoto or email us - [email protected]

We have a Patreon!  patreon.com/holeinthehead

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

We're taking a break for some editing, so this week you get a motorcycle ... poem?

Yep.

Known for their reliability and ease of maintenance, I've had a couple instances when an Airhead didn't disappoint.  The most recent caused a bit of reflection. Don't worry, nothing too sappy. :)

Hope you enjoy.

Covering:
BMW R75/5
BMW R100/7

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Blaine is sunburned and Andy is Beemer-rich - don't get cocky.

Covering:
Albin 25 (Boat!)
BMW R65
BMW R100/7
Benelli 350
Wards-Riverside

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Road trips and British projects abound this week - we are officially Ariel Square Four owners!  Though one bike is considerably further along than the other. 
-and- 
Land Rover? I hardly knew 'er.

Covering:
Ariel Square Four
Land Rover
Range Rover
Formula One

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

It's a pretty great day when your biggest problem is a fussy Italian motorcycle, but being stumped on a project can be pretty frustrating.  Sometimes all you can do is pause and have a cup of tea.

Covering:
Moto Morini 350
Ducati 350 Scrambler
Fiat 128 Couple
GMC G1000 Handi-Van (Chevy G10)
BMW R75

The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We’re regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.

Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.

Find us on Instagram @holeinthehead
Email us: [email protected]
Gas Money: patreon.com/holeinthehead
More: linktr.ee/holeinthehead

#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS