Modern Rodding

Who knew my daughter reads my editorials and uses my misbehavior to keep my two grandsons in line? Recently, she swung by with a thought: one of my past pieces provided an inappropriate glimpse into a magazine guy’s life with his child. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks,” she joked. So here I am, drawing inspiration from nostalgia and her playful critique. From the whimsical haze of my years in the 1950s and 1960s to my daughter’s similar journeys of the 1970s, car rides were glorious chaos—filled with laughter and adventure, especially when children were involved. We all began our journeys as little ones relegated to the back seat, an unsecured oasis of youthful exuberance stuffed with pillows and the promise of adventure. Families packed their little adventurers into…

Guitars at Triple Crown of Rodding The Triple Crown of Rodding, renowned as one of the most prestigious automotive events in the country, returns to the Nashville Superspeedway in 2025. It promises an unforgettable weekend after Labor Day (September 5-6) of exceptional vehicles, dazzling awards, and exhilarating competition for three hot rod and three truck categories. This year, participants will vie for the coveted custom-machined billet aluminum trophies, each exquisitely finished in show chrome by Dan’s Polishing & Chrome. The event will showcase three truck categories with oneoff toppers designed by famed automotive artist Eric Brockmeyer. Meanwhile, three car categories will feature unique toppers created by Tom Gale, the retired VP of design for Chrysler Corporation. In addition to the top honors, the event will recognize the Top 30 and…

1. HOOD HINGES FOR 1968-70 DODGE CHARGERS Auto Metal Direct (AMD) has introduced new Trunk Lid Hinge Pivot Arms specifically designed for the 1968-70 Dodge Charger, catering to the needs of classic car restorers and enthusiasts. These precision-engineered components ensure smooth trunk operation while maintaining the Charger’s authentic look. Each pair is manufactured to replicate original specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and preserving the vehicle’s originality. Key features of the Trunk Lid Hinge Pivot Arms include exclusive compatibility with the 1968-70 Dodge Charger models, a factory-correct design for an accurate appearance, and durable construction from high-grade materials for reliable performance. The kit includes left- and right-hinge pivot arms, offering comprehensive support for the trunklid, and is designed for easy installation as a direct replacement for original parts. These products are…

Not many guys drive their high school hot rod 38 years later. Jason Troilo, of Leesburg, Virginia, has owned this 1957 Chevy 150 since he was a kid. With help from his dad, he’s improved it over time to a very high level. Jason’s father, Joe, has been a hot rod builder for years. Joe’s 1932 Ford Sport Coupe made the rounds last year and was very well-received. Both cars are featured on the 2025 NSRA East Coast Nationals poster. Joe builds new cars frequently while Jason is happy to keep driving the car he’s had since he was 14. As a junior in high school, Jason was riding his BMX bike when he saw this 1957 Chevy under a carport. He told his dad about it. “We literally got…

The 2025 O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) marked a momentous occasion, celebrating its illustrious 75th anniversary. The venerable America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) competition was at the heart of this grand event, complemented by the distinguished Al Slonaker Memorial Award. In a dazzling display, 11 newly crafted roadsters vied for the sought-after AMBR title and a generous prize of $12,500 sponsored by ARP. This impressive array featured an agreeable mix: a captivating T-bucket, two classic Model As, three stylish 1936 Fords, and five stunning 1932 Fords. Each vehicle was meticulously designed, destined to fascinate both judges and spectators alike. Notably, three vibrant orange 1932 Ford highboy roadsters graced the lineup—an uncommon sight that piqued interest. Mark Bentley showcased his remarkable 1932 Ford roadster alongside Mike Curtis with…

It has become relatively common to rework the bumpers on high-end builds, usually tucking them in to fit closely against the body panels rather than hanging “out in the wind” like the original bumpers typically did. Old Anvil Speed Shop took a different approach with this 1962 Chevy Impala project. Not only did they want the bumpers to hug the body, but they also wanted to add air intakes in the front bumper and a diffuser at the rear. When considering the feasibility of these modifications, they found a host of issues with the original bumpers, which had waves and defects that would have been very challenging to straighten. After lots of deliberation, they hit on the idea of making the bumpers from scratch, from 0.090-inch aluminum sheet. There is…