Hanging with Paulie: Reviews, Rides, and Regrets… All for Your Benefit…and entertainment
Pinewood Derby Car
We built a pinewood derby car called “Gouda Speed,” and it crushed the competition. By studying the rules, learning from rally car strategy, and focusing on weight placement, polished axles, graphite lube, and wheel setup, my son and I created a fast and legal winner. Here’s how we did it—and why the project was about more than just speed.
My Experience in Selling Stuff
Selling something on Craigslist or Marketplace is not just about listing an item—it is about building trust. In this post, I share my experience selling a custom small dump trailer in 48 hours by pricing it fairly, using honest photos, writing with personality, and creating a title that actually grabs attention. If you want to avoid tire kickers, sell faster, and get the right buyer to show up, transparency matters more than hype.
How to Fix Pro-Line Body Mount Interference on a Traxxas Nitro Slash (Step-by-Step Guide)
Struggling with Pro-Line body mount interference on your Traxxas Nitro Slash? This step-by-step guide shows you how to fix suspension clearance issues, properly align your RC body, and get your truck dialed in for performance and style. Perfect for anyone upgrading their Slash for a cleaner, more realistic setup.
Remove Traxxas EZ Start System
Ever had the perfect moment to rip your nitro truck… only to be stopped by a dead battery? I did. That frustration—and a body fit issue—led me to remove the Traxxas EZ Start system. Here’s why I made the switch and how you can do it in under an hour.
Car Shopping: A Buyer’s Perspective
Buying a used car can be full of hidden risks, from misleading listings to undisclosed damage and inflated prices. In this firsthand account, a buyer shares real experiences navigating Facebook Marketplace and dealerships, uncovering issues like burnout abuse, “cosmetic” damage that signals neglect, structural alterations disguised as minor flaws, and Carfax reports that don’t tell the full story.
The article also highlights the dangers of overpriced vehicles, sellers with unrealistic expectations, and potential odometer fraud through instrument cluster swaps or unethical OBD tools. It explains how some states may issue clean titles even when insurance has declared a vehicle a total loss, making independent verification essential.
Key takeaway: trust sellers—but always verify. Doing proper research, asking the right questions, and staying emotionally detached can help buyers avoid costly mistakes and confidently navigate the used car market.
Storming the Car Deal: Auto Tempest
Tired of jumping between Craigslist, Autotrader, and Facebook Marketplace just to find one good car? AutoTempestsimplifies the process by letting you search multiple platforms at once. It’s a powerful, free tool that helps you cut through the noise and actually find your next vehicle faster.
Car Edge: Giving YOU the Edge or Overrated?
Car shopping doesn’t have to mean hours at the dealership or stressful negotiations. In this hands-on review of CarEdge, I tested their AI-powered negotiation tool to see if it actually delivers better deals—or just adds another subscription. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s worth your money.
Car Shopping: A Consumer’s Musings
Still searching for the perfect used enthusiast car? In this installment of Paulie's Picks, we break down the best car search tools available right now and compare the top contenders for the ultimate driver's car under $30K.
Car Search Tools Worth Bookmarking
AutoTempest aggregates listings from CarGurus, AutoTrader, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace in a single search. CarEdge's AI negotiator lets you set a target price on any VIN and handles the back-and-forth for you — a genuine time-saver for serious buyers.
Mazda Miata vs BRZ vs GR86 vs WRX
The Mazda Miata remains one of the most accessible used sports cars on the market, with NC2 models available at nearly every price point. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 have taken the lead thanks to a second-generation upgrade and the distinctive flat-four boxer engine. The Subaru WRX rounds out the list as a capable but slightly too-practical alternative.
The search is narrowing. Follow along for the final verdict.
Why I’m Taking a Break from Car Shopping
What if buying a car felt like your friend telling you to marry his cousin Olga after showing you a ten-year-old photo? That’s what some dealership experiences feel like. In this comic, I explore the red flags of car shopping—refusing inspections, rushed test drives, and suspicion toward enthusiasts—and why finding the right car should feel more like a good relationship than a blind commitment.
What Car Shopping Taught Me About Enthusiasm
I love the rally heritage of the WRX, but I pointed out to my buddy that I don't want to vape and really don't want to smoke weed. Or I could be in the 1% who drive the WRX… Come on, that was funny!
ARRMA’s Slipper Clutch Upgrade
Upgrading the ARRMA Fury's slipper clutch is one of the best bang-for-your-buck mods you can make. Think of it as manual traction control. The best part is that it takes about 10 minutes.
Four Wheels, Two Wheels, Same Escape?
I want another motorcycle. My wife doesn't like that idea. My friends who've fallen over make me cautious. So I rented both a Miata and a Mustang to answer one question: Can a fun car scratch the two-wheeled itch? After a season of rental cars and backroads, I found my answer—and it surprised me.
Does Tamiya's Audi Quattro Capture the Legend?
It was pushing 8:00 AM, and I'd been at this since 5:30. I needed to get ready for work, but I had to watch one more vintage rally video. Just one more. I was three hours into researching sponsor placement on a UR Audi Quattro. I did all this for a $40 RC body. That's when I realized: I'd become that person.
Audi Quattro: The Rally Car That Changed AWD Forever
I used to think Audis were just quirky, overpriced Volkswagens. Then I watched rally racing and realized something profound: horsepower doesn’t win races—traction does. The Audi Quattro wasn’t just another AWD car; it was a radical rethink of how power gets to the ground. From frozen test courses in Finland to modern RC builds on my workbench, this car represents innovation, perseverance, and the willingness to try something no one else thought would work.
Tried for 40, but Missed the Mark
I set out to prove you could hit 40 MPH with a brushed motor Arrma Fury on a budget. Spoiler: I maxed out at 24 MPH in 25-degree weather. After buying a bone stock brushed Fury and another with a burnt-up ESC, I upgraded the brushed motor, replaced brushes, and experimented with different pinion gears. The goal? Hit that furious 40 MPH mark without going brushless.
The takeaway? If you want high speed, buy brushless from the start. The brushless Fury is only $30 more than the brushed. Yes, you'll need batteries and a charger (another $115), but it's worth it if racing is your goal. That said, upgrading a brushed motor is therapeutic and educational. If you can score a brushed Fury under $150, it's a great platform to learn on. Just know what you're getting into.
Sky RC GPS or Good News Super Sensor?
You've upgraded your RC car, but is it actually fast? Racing your buddy is fun, but it doesn't give you objective data. That's where the SkyRC GNSS comes in—a dead-simple GPS speed tracker that works anywhere in the world. It's tough, easy to mount, and pairs with your phone in seconds. The downside? You can't export the log files, which is frustrating for data nerds like me. But at under $70, it's still a solid tool for tracking your progress. If you want to know whether your brushed motor can really hit 40 mph, this little black box will give you the answer.
How to Fix Tire Rubbing on Arrma Fury (ProLine Badlands)
Installed ProLine Badlands on your Arrma Fury and hearing rubbing? Here's how to trim the body properly without ruining the look of your truck.
Making Warranty Great Again: Horizon Pulls Through!
What started as a confusing shipping notification quickly turned into a standout example of exceptional customer service. After a failed ESC/RX unit went up in smoke, Horizon Hobby surprised me with a replacement shipped in under 24 hours—no charge, no hassle, and no runaround. In a hobby where downtime is expected, Horizon proved that standing behind your product still matters. I hope you also enjoy the pics of the Arrma Fury jumping.
Brightening The Christmas Season with an SCX24
Brightening Christmas with an SCX24 is part RC build, part Christmas reflection, and part memory lane. After a neighbor repeatedly stepped in to help with major home projects, I wanted to say thank you in a way that couldn’t be repaid with cash. I am willing to step out in the darkside of Jeep to say thanks.
Along the way, the project sparked memories of childhood, family, old Jeeps, and stories passed down from my dad’s time driving Jeeps in the military. What began as a simple RC body paint job became a reminder that working with your hands has a way of opening the door to gratitude, nostalgia, and meaning.
This post walks through the build process, the painting and masking techniques, and the lessons learned—most of all, that hobbies can be powerful tools for generosity. Sometimes the best Christmas gifts aren’t expensive; they’re personal.
