Shop Talk With Demello Offroad: Navigating the Rough Trails of Small Off-Road Business

Jason Demello of Demello Offroad in Riverside, California is pretty much a household name in the Toyota off-road community. Today, the Demello brand offers bulletproof armor for Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, select Lexus GX models AND the brand new Ford Bronco. Bumpers and sliders are Jason’s game when it comes to fabrication, and as far as suspension and installation goes, his team can handle it all at their SoCal location. From overlanding to rock crawling and everything else in between just happens to fall right inside of Demello Offroad’s all-encompassing wheelhouse.

Has it always been THIS good for Jason Demello though? Nope. Not even close. As what seems to be the story for most successful small businesses, trials and tribulations are prerequisite in order to make it on over to the sunny side of the street. Sure, there are always day-to-day operational obstacles to wrangle with but surviving just to face the problems of an established, profit-turning business is a struggle and right of passage on its own.

We had the opportunity and pleasure to chat it up with Jason, as he filled us in on his personal experience through the long days and longer nights associated with starting a passion-fueled business and keeping Demello Offroad afloat for so many years. You may have known bits and pieces of his story, but we were able to get down to the very bottom of where Demello Offroad all started and where its headed.

State Of Speed: Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for us, Jason. First off, tell us about your experience during the first phase of starting Demello Offroad. 

Jason Demello: I started in my apartment garage in South Orange County but within two weeks, management served me a notice that there were multiple complaints about the noise I was making. Hindsight looking back, it was silly to think that would last. Those garages were meant for storage in a fairly new and rather high-end complex, and I was plugging in my 110 welder into the same outlet as the garage door opener. I learned where the breaker reset was real quick.

During that time I was working a full time job doing shipping and receiving for a small genetics start up company, and after hours I had to resort to bouncing around from the garages of friends and family who would let me work on my project. I cut all the material and bent the tube with my Harbor Freight bender, and frankly, those first three sets of sliders I made by hand were pretty bad—SO bad that someone on the TTORA (Toyota Tacoma Off Road Association) forum called me out for having piss poor welds and called me ‘amateur hours’, which I guess I was.

SoS: That’s harsh. How did you take that criticism? 

JD: It stung but that guy was right. I made the choice to then make the best, be the best and take criticism as a way to grow instead of allowing it to push me back. I also made weld quality my top goal, so I practiced day and night to get better. Often after work on a Friday night, I’d sit in 2+ hours of traffic going to San Bernardino where one of my first business partners (Frank) lived. He had a small garage at his house where we could work. I’d camp out there all weekend working non-stop from morning into the night building sliders and bed bars. Good friends like David Hale and Dan Lilo also helped make things possible by agreeing to work for lunch, dinner or whatever else I could offer for their time.

SoS: Teamwork does make the dream work, huh? What platform truck did you start out building for and what year was this all happening? 

JD: It was mostly Tacoma based back then in 1998-2000 even though these trucks were still relatively new in the off-road world. Most of the guys and companies focused on older Toyota trucks and considered the Tacoma a Camry with big tires.

SoS: So nothing for Chevy, Ford or Dodge trucks back then? 

JD: In those early years we experimented with S-10s, Nissans, Fords, and basically anything we were requested to make but I’ve always been a Toyota guy. I’ve always been familiar with them and if I don’t know something about a Toyota off the top of my head, I can usually find the answer real quick.

SoS: How long did you spend working in other people’s garages?  

JD: We got out first shop in 2002-2003-ish. I ‘clocked in’ there after work every day since it was now just down the street from my full time job. I even had one or two employees at the time cutting material all day or spray-painting sliders for me until I went full time in October of ’03 just after my son was born in June of that year. It was an exciting and tough time that’s for sure.

SoS: That is a big commitment going full time. What were some notable hurdles you ran into and what advice could you give to someone looking to turn away from 9-5 life to start their own shop: 

JD: Wow, there are so many hurdles! I don’t think small business is for everyone and I really wouldn’t recommend it for most people. You really need an advantage to get ahead and stay on top. You need family money, a house to pull money out of, a dad with knowledge, a dedicated shop space, tools—ANYTHING that gives you an advantage. I didn’t have any of those things. All I had going for me was being too dumb to know when to give up.

I once heard Will Smith say in an interview something about running on a treadmill. He’s so competitive, that if you were to challenge him to see who could run farther and longer, he may die trying to beat you. That’s how I felt about building stuff. I don’t know how to stop. I I know I’m not the best, and I make mistakes but was so lucky to be blessed with the ability to blindly go forward when working on something. 

It’s also worth noting that I had no shortage of good friends over the years that helped promote and build the business with me—I couldn’t have done it without them.

SoS: Sorry to focus on the bad times, but can you recall one specific issue that really knocked you back on your ass? You know, “the things that didn’t kill us, made us stronger” type of scenario?

JD: 2008 in general may have been the toughest notable problem. We were just hitting our production stride. The FJC had come out and we bought a new one in the hopes that we could make enough money off it to make the monthly payment. That vehicle blew up and we got slammed with orders. We moved into a bigger shop, hired more employees, took on more expenses and suddenly it was all cut off like the world had stopped turning overnight!

We had to make some tough choices, lay off important people at the shop and really had to evaluate what our shop space was going to be used for. I realized that I wasted a lot of time on my dream rock crawler and race truck projects I was never going to finish. I also didn’t need the lathe that still had no power running to it. I allowed myself one project at a time and sold everything else off. 

I also subbed out stuff instead of trying to bring it all in-house, which is a common mistake I see a lot of shops do. It’s tempting in the short term. It makes sense—even in the long term but the problem is doing it at the right time. I’ve seen really large companies in this industry go from 300 in-house employees to reducing to just a fraction of that in one day. We’ve hit many roadblocks, but this was the biggest eye opener for me.

SoS: So you’d say that 2008 was harder to deal with than the impact of COVID? 

JD: Yes and no. It was a great to have a surge in business during these last two years but it threw everything else out of whack. It permanently raised the prices of so much stuff in our industry. Customers think that we are making a killing because our prices keep going up but honestly looking around the room and seeing what everyone’s charging for similar products, we are all most likely losing money or at lease making less than we were before it all started.

SoS: So taking this into consideration, what would you consider is now Demello Offroad’s bread and butter items/services? 

JD: Bumpers for sure. We are trying to focus on installations because over our 20 years in business, we’ve seen a shift. In the beginning, we often offered free install because honestly people would do it themselves but now people want cheap and fast but they don’t want to get their hands dirty. Unfortunately we are seeing people buy cheaper products made overseas or offered by big box stores. I’ve seen this coming for a while, and I hope I am wrong but because of this we have been currently pushing installations a lot more and just carrying more products.

SoS: Well, folks are going to need a shop to install that eBay lift kit that didn’t come with proper instructions, right? What trends in the current marketplace do you particularly like/dislike and what would you like to see more/less of in the future?

DM: The trend of pushing Toyota towards being a follower and not a leader worries me. If you cut me, I will bleed Toyota but when I saw the new Bronco coming out, I ordered one over two years ago. I swear they took every complaint from a Toyota FJC and Toyota 4Runner owner over the last 20 years and built them exactly what they wanted—minus the reliability and symbol on the hood. We got our Bronco and honestly it’s a home run. I’m just jealous that Ford did this and not Toyota because I don’t see Toyota coming out with a real frame SUV with a removable top, front and rear lockers sitting on 35s, and with tons of power to spare. I mean the new 4Runner is nice but it still falls short of the Bronco in my opinion BUT reliability has its place too. I wonder how long that will play a factor though with warranties extending way out and people trending towards more features and caring less about reliability. I’m just curious where this will lead.

SoS: Ford did not play around with the Bronco release, that’s for sure. Well, are there any new products we can expect to see from Demello Offroad in the near future? 

JD: Oh yeah, rear 4Runner bumpers for ’03-current, rear GX bumpers, and finally a Tacoma rear bumper. Oh, and of course Bronco parts, which I am personally working on at home and on the weekends so I don’t cut into the production of new Toyota parts.

SoS: We’ll keep out eyes open for all of that freshness! Well, thanks for chatting with us for a minute Jason. Is there anything that we didn’t cover or something you’d like to add? 

JD: I’d just like you for the opportunity to tell my story. I’m not a large business owner with a huge bank account or big ego that needs stroking. I’m just another guy who likes to go off-roading. While you may go into an office everyday or we may have completely different types of jobs, we are still the same. So please, if you see me on the trails come say hi. I started doing this because I love everything off-road. I love the outdoors. I love meeting new people who enjoy the same as me. 

SoS: Thanks for keeping it real, Jason.

To stay up to date on product releases and news updates from Demello Offroad check in online at demello-offroad.com or give them a follow on Instagram @demellooffroad. If you prefer a live phone conversation, give them a ring at 866.333.6525 or if all else fails drop by at 12785 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92503. Either way, they’ll be glad to hear from you. 

Dirt, Mud, Sand & Beyond: Demello OffRoad’s Solid Axle Swap 2005 Toyota Tacoma

In the world of custom trucks, there’s basically no limit on what can be done. This goes for throwing parts, hours of labor and/or cold hard cash into a project. As a grand example of just what we mean, we reached out to Jason Demello of Demello Offroad in Riverside, CA to get a closer look at his very special 2005 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 double cab that he affectionately calls “Big Red”. 

Yes, this truck is quite big—and red BUT this truck is so much more than that. We had an opportunity to spend some time in the dirt with Jason to see what his Tacoma was all about because at first sight, it’s apparent that it’s not like the rest. “Long story short, we wanted to be the first to do a solid axle swap (SAS) on a new Tacoma back in 2005, so a ‘friend at the time’ bought a new truck and dropped it off at the shop”, Jason says. “We started cutting off the front suspension while it still had paper plates on. It was brought back to us in 2011 to add a rear 3-link, and we ended up acquiring the truck outright in 2020 with plans to give it a complete facelift, which it so badly needed.” 

Now, for those who are familiar with Demello Offroad as a company, you’ll know they specialize in the Toyota Tacoma platform, as well as 4-Runner, Tundra and FJ Cruiser and Lexus GX models. Jason started the business in his garage and continues to deliver bulletproof armor options as well as full off-road builds for enthusiasts and trucks of all levels from extremely capable overland machines to mall crawlers—and he does so without judgment, even in the latter direction. He just loves working on these types of vehicles, which is why he’s been at it for so long. 

…He just loves working on these types of vehicles, which is why he’s been at it for so long...

“The most frequent question I get asked from trucks owners is how much a truck like our SAS Tacoma would cost”, Jason admits. “There really isn’t a correct answer for that. What I do is counter their question by asking how much money they are willing to spend, and how capable they are of doing some of the work on their own. This Toyota is pretty extreme and it’s definitely not for everyone.”

Now, Jason will be the first guy to talk you out of wasting your hard earned money at his shop. “You don’t need a truck this crazy to go off-road”, he admits. “Hell, most 4×4 Toyota trucks and SUVs are more than capable of taking you places you never thought possible!” Now with that information in mind, do remember that even though ditching a Tacoma’s comfortable IFS suspension for a front solid axle swap isn’t exactly everybody’s cup of tea, Jason and other likeminded folks who are addicted to scaling wicked rocky terrain, gaining crazy front wheel articulation is of utmost importance. “The best advice I can give anyone is to build what you can and enjoy it!” 

What Jason truly enjoys is climbing rocks. That is clear to see with the Tacoma’s custom front and rear 3-link systems with ARB lockers, solid axle front and rear Currie RockJock 60 setups and a fully customized frame front to back, as well as the Marlin Crawler box, which just happens to be Jason’s favorite part of the build. “It really is cheating. The Marlin Crawler makes rock crawling so much easier and is a definite must-have.”

This Tacoma obviously screams that it can go anywhere it damn well pleases with ease, and to assist in that are the Patagonia M/T tires from Milestar. These rugged hunks of rubber are designed to conquer rocks, mud and dirt without missing a step. The more treacherous the terrain, the harder these tires work, which is a huge component in the Tacoma’s ability to provide pure off-road bliss. 

…This Tacoma obviously screams that it can go anywhere it damn well pleases with ease, and to assist in that are the Patagonia M/T tires from Milestar...

Now, when Jason took ownership of this truck, he planned on making it look like a completely different truck than before. The Tacoma was originally silver in color, but the fresh Toyota Radiant Red paint looks so much better on it. So do all the 2022 Tacoma panels from McNeil Racing. Of course, Jason made sure to showcase Demello Offroad’s own products with the new front bumper, sliders and roll cage that was finally finished up years after it was started years ago in the shop. “Our lead fabricator worked his magic on that cage I began back in the day, and together, I think what we accomplished with truck since we’ve owned it has created a whole new attitude that it was begging for”, Jason says of the job well done. 

As extreme and over-the-top as this Tacoma may be, it’s the exact truck Jason needed it to be to both as a visual representation that potential customers can see what’s possible through Demello Offroad, as well as an adventure rig that he can whip around on his free time and at expo events. Speaking of events, Jason has a great story to tell about the first time this Tacoma debuted back in 2005. 

“We had to roll the truck into the Off Road Expo that year due to a missing 3^rd link bolt, which was replaced at the last minute with a grade-5 bolt from Home Depot. That detail was forgotten about until the first time it was taken off-road at the Gate Keeper at Duran Falls in Calico, CA. The front axle broke loose when that bolt failed in front of a crowd of 100 people. Needless to say, we were embarrassed BUT it was a humble reminder to never overlook the ‘small’ things in any scale of truck build.” 

Hyundai Previews the Future of Hydrogen Tech with the N Vision 74

With the world turning its back on combustion engines in favor of EVs, more and more people have grown concerned about EV range and the speed it takes to recharge. These same fears apply to EV motorsports, as recharge times and range directly affect the length of a race. In comes hydrogen fuel cell technology to the save the day. When hydrogen is mixed with oxygen it starts a reaction that produces electricity, which can then power the electric motors in a car, with only heat and water as a byproducts of the process. But the part that most people are interested in is that hydrogen can be stored in a tank like gasoline, and refueling takes about the same time as if you were refueling an ICE vehicle while providing the same range as a fully charged EV. Because of these attributes of hydrogen, Hyundai has been researching and developing hydrogen fuel cell tech, having started back in 2015 with the reveal of the Hyundai 2025 Vision Gran Turismo and the launch of the N brand. Fast forward to today and Hyundai has given us a glimpse of their R&D with jaw-dropping N Vision 74, the prototype used to experiment with the driving and cooling performance of advanced FCEVs.

While the N Vision 74’s brawny and boxy looks make it seem like it could’ve stepped out from a retro 1980’s sci-fi movie, its actually based on Hyundai’s Pony Coupe Concept from 1974. This design was penned by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro and was to be Hyundai’s first production sports car. Prototypes were even built for the Pony Coupe but sadly, it never reached production. The interior of the N Vision 74 also inherits the driver-centric, piston-shaped layout of the Pony concept, blending classic styling with modern touches, to enhance its motorsport functionality.

…Prototypes were even built for the Pony Coupe but sadly, it never reached production...

Hyundai calls the N Vision 74 a “high performance Rolling Lab” and for good reason, as its driven by Hyundai’s most advanced hydrogen fuel cell. All the futuristic-looking air vents and curvy yet rigid body panels aren’t just for show either, they significantly improve aerodynamics and fulfill the prototype’s heat management requirements, which is further improved by a 3 channel cooling system. The N Vision 74 puts power to pavement with two 235 kW motors on each rear wheel, making the prototype a RWD setup. Not only that, Hyundai tested a logic system called e-TVTM (electronic Torque Vectoring by Twin Motors) for improved cornering ability. The advanced hydrogen fuel cell tech allows the N Vision 74 to travel 600 km (about 373 miles) at a top speed of over 250 kph (155 mph), and can be refueled in about 5 minute, blowing EV charging speeds out of the water and rivaling ICE refueling times, perfect for motorsports and everyday applications.

…Prototypes were even built for the Pony Coupe but sadly, it never reached production...

The stunning N Vision 74 previews the near future use of hydrogen fuel cells as a green alternative to EVs. Can the N Vision 74 and other FCEVs compete with electric vehicles? Only time will tell.

Nissan 370Z: A Nissan Unlike Any Other

The Nissan 370Z car is one of those models that’s been loved for longer than I’ve been alive. It represents a company that responds to progress and continuously manufactures a car that transcends expectations. Ask any enthusiast and they’ll tell you a million reasons you should buy a Nissan Z. The car at hand is a 370z wearing Milestar tires, whose owner, Joe Velazquez, was kind enough to have a chat with me about his build.

Sarah Bernson (SB): My first question can feel a little generic but I find it can help get the storyline started, so…How’d you get into cars?

Joe Velazquez (JV): I would have to say that I have always been intrigued by cars. I grew up loving lowriders and muscle cars as it was common in my community. Up until the first Fast and Furious movie released when I was in high school. I then became infatuated with the import scene with limitless possibilities in customization.

…But the craziest memory is when I drove down to Arizona for a car show and my car wouldn’t start the morning of the show.…

SB: I think the natural intrigue we find is starting to burn out in the newest generation so I love to hear people say they’ve naturally been into cars for as long as they can remember. The import scene is super vast and certainly one of my favorite communities as well. There are loads of different cars under the import umbrella though. What made you ultimately gravitate towards Nissan 370Zs?

JV: After I got out of the military and moved back to SoCal, I started hanging out with other car guys and several of them also had Z’s. I really liked the body shape of the Z when compared to anything else in the scene. It really sets itself apart from everything else that was easily achievable. The body shape appears to be already widebody and the width of the wheels can be insane.

SB: Friends can be the best (or the worst) influence on us when it comes to car purchases. You get to get up close and personal with their car and so often you catch whatever car-virus they’ve got. Why’d you go with the Nissan 370z out of all the Zs?

JV: I actually went to a dealership to look at cars and I was undecided on what I really wanted before I showed up. After looking at several cars, I was dead set on my current red Nissan 370z. It just stood out when compared to a Genesis 3.0T or Evo MR. 

…I grew up loving lowriders and muscle cars as it was common in my community. Up until the first Fast and Furious movie released when I was in high school.…

SB: Sometimes the right car just hits differently. Like the Genesis and Evo are cool cars but I totally get what you mean. When you got the car did you have a vision for what it would become? What was your goal for the car?

JV: My goal was (and still is) to collect as many unobtainable parts for my car as possible. The more rare, the better. The harder to find, the better. Eventually I want to track my car for fun.

SB: Z cars are fairly abundant so looking for rare parts is totally a good way to separate yourself from the pack a bit. I’ve heard Z’s are a great platform for the track! What are your future plans for the car?

JV: I plan to find rare LMGT wheels and a NISMO mid logo steering wheel. The car itself is mostly complete with how I want it to look.

SB: Hell ya! Wheels make such a huge difference! It totally looks complete as it is though. Super sick! What would you say is your favorite design element and/or performance element of the car?

JV: I would have to say the handling of the car. I was hesitant about getting air suspension because I have been inside cars with terrible air setups. They sometimes bounce around too much and I felt like it might be more of a hassle when talking to others who had them. My air suspension setup is mixed with the full SPL components to make this car handle like a champ in the canyons.

SB: SoCal is known for incredible canyon roads and cruises. Of course, having the right setup is key for performance and safety. Do you have any particularly interesting memories with your Nissan Z?

JV: It’s a little hard to say what my favorite memory is. But the craziest memory is when I drove down to Arizona for a car show and my car wouldn’t start the morning of the show. I had to spend the entire event wondering why my car wouldn’t start. Luckily, a friend was with me. We had to push it up the U-Haul trailer the next day. It wasn’t easy since we needed a chain pulley to help us crank it up and the help of some friends and neighbors.

SB: Ugh! That sorta thing is the worst. I suppose that comes with the car territory though. I always like to ask people if there is anything else they want to tell me about their car, otherwise I feel like I’m manhandling the conversation a bit too much. So, am I missing anything?

JV: I would like to thank my friends at Garbage Dream for always supporting me, Concept 3 Performance for always taking care of my car, and my Nissan mechanic specialists @Zona_Z34 and @VQ_power. I would also like to take the time and thank @kuruzuauto for always keeping my car clean and detailing my car before every major car show.

Something that is entirely apparent throughout our interview is the way Joe not only connected with his Nissan 370Z , but how the car brought him into a rich community. He was inspired by his friends who had Zs, and later when things went rough, his friends were there to help. This story is a common one among car enthusiasts. All of our origin stories are unique of course, but I might go out on a limb here and say that we are all in this for the community almost as much as the cars. The cars are the medium that holds us all together and it’s really something beautiful.

Hodson’s Dodge DW300 Is an Art Masterpiece!

Over the last several years, the father and son team of Derrick and Riley Hodson of Las Vegas’ Hodson Motors have become synonymous with creating functional works of art from formerly ignored and often abused classic workhorse truck foundations. Combining body parts from light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks and blending them in such a way that is easily overlooked as stock by the casual observer, the team have developed a formula that has proven hard to beat. Their latest is a 1968 Dodge W300 Crew Cab that has taken their build style and pushed it to a whole new level.

Instead of starting from scratch on this project, the Hodson’s started with a partially finished project that the former owner had already invested a considerable amount of time and effort into, creating a solid drivetrain as the foundation to build off of. Starting with a rare 1968 Dodge W200 ¾ ton Crew Cab truck, the former owner installed an early Superduty Dana 60/ Sterling 10.5 axle combo slung on the same era Superduty leaf spring suspension, utilizing custom mounts front and rear. Under the hood he installed a tried and true 5.9L 12 valve Cummins mated to an NV4500 and a divorced NP205 transfer case. It was at this point that Riley purchased the project.

Evil 1956 Jeep Willys:
The Ultimate Off-Road Adventurer

There comes a time in one’s life when “fitting in” takes a back seat to being unique and truly different than the rest of the pack. Pat Soffe (@offpvmt) of St. George, Utah found himself in this exact category while figuring out what vehicle to build. His major prerequisite was one that could keep up with his off-roading, rock crawling habits—but that all changed before he even began.

…Just make sure to measure the height of the door before you get started though…

As the sun started to set on Pat’s time with his 2001 Jeep XJ, he began weighing the pros and cons of building a newer Jeep—a JL. Unfortunately, the cons quickly posed a very real sign to go into a different direction. “The first deterrent of building a new JL was the price of a new JL”, Pat admits. “Purchasing a brand new stock condition vehicle that would need so much additional money invested to match the capabilities of our old Jeep was just too cost prohibitive.”

With the towering monetary barrier causing Pat to find another way forward, he began scouring the used JL market, but was soon hit by another block in the path. “We took our old XJ to three JP Magazine Dirt & Drive events among other meets throughout the years, and something that kept telling us to stray away from going with a Jeep JL was that literally EVERYBODY else had a JL. I wanted something that would get noticed and stand out.”

While Pat still didn’t know exactly what kind of rig to build next, he did start watching past Four Wheeler magazine’s Ultimate Adventure videos in hopes to find nudge in a certain direction. “I was going through hours of coverage to get some bit of inspiration, and then there it was”, Pat says excitedly. The vehicle he spotted was a 1949 Willys truck, and it belonged to JP Magazine’s own Verne Simons. “I was instantly hooked. I soon found myself literally taking screen shots of as many photos as possible of Verne’s truck. As luck would have it, I had a chance meeting with Verne at the Lucas Oils Off Road Expo in Pomona, California. It was that exact moment that solidified my decision to build a 1956 Jeep Willys truck.”

With the big picture crystal clear in his mind, Pat soon embarked on his own Willy’s build—starting with a 1997 Jeep TJ frame. “We literally started with a blank slate”, he says. “The humble beginning allowed for the build process to move ahead rather simply.” First, that TJ chassis was stretched at the top of the rear axle rise and extended 42 inches to provide a proper place to mount the bed, as well as obtain a 118-inch wheelbase. The front Dodge Dana 60 Kingpin and the rear GM 14-bolt axles were then built up before the custom front 3-link Skyjacker suspension setup, as well as a rear 4-link system that both feature TJ 2.5-inch dual rate springs and ADX reservoir shocks were assembled.

To handle the terrain shredding, rock climbing duties Pat was after, he selected a set of TR Beadlock HD17 wheels and 40×17-inch Milestar Patagonia tires that are well known for their established prowess out in the wild. So far, Pat’s Willys project was showing some real promise while on the ground floor. Next, he would begin the process of finding an adequate power source to fuel the level of adventure he had in mind for his soon-to-be assembled pickup.

Pat could’ve run with many different engine options but he ultimately chose a 2002 GM 5.3L LS power plant, as well as a Monster TH400 transmission to propel his truck through the elements. The LS provided modern reliability, as well as more than enough horsepower and torque to get him out into the great wide open and back home again. To keep the engine cool even during the hottest day in the desert, a Champion 3-row aluminum radiator with a Spal fan was selected, which is actually a Jeep CJ V-8 conversion that fit the bill perfectly.

…The first deterrent of building a new JL was the price of a new JL…

Now as far as the ’56 Jeep Willys truck cab, front end and bed, Pat didn’t do a whole lot to prep it for installation onto the frame. The natural 66-year-old patina, which is impossible to duplicate otherwise, was left in place as a nod to the experience this truck has seen in action. Pat did include many new conveniences to the Willy façade in the way of a front and rear bumpers, a Warn winch and a whole arsenal of Rigid LED lighting, which is required equipment for the environment Pat tends to frequent.

Next, the interior space within the cab was completely Raptor lined before it was outfitted with a set of Corbeau Baja XP seats, light gauge sheetmetal door panels and aircraft style toggle switches. The Willys’ cabin is comfortable enough to allow Pat to navigate his truck through some pretty rugged terrain without feeling like he was roughed up too badly at the end of the day.

Now that we see a physical manifestation of Pat’s latest rig build, the many questions regarding the ‘how’s’ and ‘where’s’ behind the project begin to surface. While he does have some fabricating experience, he didn’t put the truck together at a professional shop. “This truck was built in its entirety in a two-car garage”, he says proudly. “While I did have some know-how to go on, not so much with our old XJ, which was put together with mostly off-the-shelf parts, I never put together anything of this magnitude before.”

Once the dust settled, Pat begin to look right where he started to prove that his creation was ready to take on the Ultimate Adventure—the very event that gave him the inspiration to put the truck together in the first place. While he was told that the unique and not-often-seen trucks are usually selected to participate in the event, his truck was not chosen the first time he applied. He did, however, get in on it the next year. “It truly was an adventure of a lifetime”, he states. “During the entire 6 days of the event, we only encountered two problems—a rock hole in the trans pan and a shorted wire in the ignition switch. It was great to see how it performed in the event that ultimately pushed me to build it.”

Pat did share with us that his first real trip in the truck (even before the whole Ultimate Adventure experience) was a rip through the famed Rubicon trail, which he completed in one day—14 hours. The truck was mostly untested at that point, but he just had to get out there and match his build up against the realest of proving grounds.

“I couldn’t have made it to this point without seeing what Verne Simons did with his Willys truck first”, Pat says with great pride. “Once I got started with my truck, I gathered a lot of support from some very awesome manufacturers. A huge THANKS goes out to Milestar Tires, Skyjacker Suspension, TR Beadlock Wheels, Motive Gear, Rigid Industries, PowerTank and Warn Industries. Here is proof that you too can build a legit rock crawler in a two-car garage. Just make sure to measure the height of the door before you get started though.”

The Birth of An Industry: ’46 Jeep Willys

History Of The Dodge Charger: A Quick Look

Many muscle cars of the 1960’s all share a very similar story. While this decade is commonly referred to as the golden era of these fast, flexing street machines, there was a literal war between the companies designing and subsequently serving these cars as hot as possible to feed the market’s insatiable need for speed. 

The Dodge Charger wasn’t the first of these cars types to emerge from the drawing board. In fact, its very existence came in hopes to steal a share of the muscle market from General Motors and Ford, which had already achieved huge success on the streets with the 1964 release of the Pontiac GTO and Ford Mustang respectively. The younger audience that was buying these cars was hopped up on adrenaline, constantly scanning the horizon looking for the next big hit. In 1966, Dodge was there to enter a new horse in the race. 

The Charger came out sprinting to catch up to the frontrunners with four different V-8 engine offerings, one of which was the much-anticipated 426 Street Hemi mill. While the Dodge Charger displayed a strong initial showing during its first year of production, a slower-selling 1967 prompted the company to act fast. What happened next was an alteration to their approach in hopes to remain a viable competitor to the industry’s leading performance models. 

Little did Dodge know the impact said changes would make for the Charger’s second-generation success. At first glance, everyone who laid eyes on the car’s fresh redesign knew right away something big was about to happen. The sleek Coke bottle shape and integrated rear spoiler made the car look fast and capable before the key was even turned. Even today, the ’68-’70 Charger (namely the ’69) remains one of the most recognizable silhouettes in automotive history, as it has been forever immortalized with its multiple big screen appearances. 

…The sleek Coke bottle shape and integrated rear spoiler made the car look fast and capable before the key was even turned…

Backing up the Charger’s aggressively updated appearance, Dodge designated four big block V-8 powertrain options available for the coupe. The mild, entry-level 145-hp 3.7L I-6 was enough to make new-to-market drivers happy, but for the more wild at heart, two big V-8 engines were lying in wait to exponentially make things far more interesting. Buyers had a hell of a decision to make when starting at the 7.0L Hemi or the 7.2L Magnum power plants, but there was surely no losing with either selection. 

The third generation of the Charger received a second package redesign that was right on par with the looks of many other vehicles of the 1970s (think overly curvy), but lacking a longer lasting appeal that the previous gen had going for it. It was during this time that the Charger tells a shared tale of woes of other performance vehicles in the industry. Increasingly rising insurance premiums and gasoline prices proved to be major threats to the muscle car species as a whole. If that lethal combo wasn’t enough to take them out, the upcoming federal emissions regulations was sure to be certain death for their kind. 

Thankfully for Dodge, the Charger was still able to eek out some semblance of an existence until the end of the 1978 model year when it was taken out of production. Before the plug was pulled on it, the Charger had somehow appeared in the personal luxury car category. For the first time in the car’s history, performance output was not placed at center stage, and to be honest, neither was its styling with regards to today’s standards. The writing was definitely on the wall for the struggling Charger. 

…Increasingly rising insurance premiums and gasoline prices proved to be major threats to the muscle car species as a whole…

After the release of a Charger R/T concept car in 1999, which received good enough reviews, there weren’t any more whispers of the sleeping giant’s name in public again until 2005 when Dodge legitimately rereleased the car as a 2006 model year. The first question on everybody’s mind was quickly answered with authority—yes, this car was worth the wait! 

Even though there was some grumbling from a small sect of Charger ultra purists, the sedan version didn’t look bad—not at all. Even those who had something to say about the car’s extra two doors remained quiet when learning about the Charger’s top-end 6.1L Hemi V-8 SRT8 model—425 ponies and 420lbs-ft of torque will do that. 

A major overhaul came in 2011 for the Charger, which notably included aggressively restyled bodywork and a 6.4L Hemi-equipped SRT model. The car continued to evolve with the introduction of the SRT Hellcat model four years later. The Charger claimed a lot of bragging rights under this badging with the inclusion of a supercharged 707hp 6.2L Hemi attached to an 8-speed paddle-shifted ZF auto transmission. Yeah, those are big numbers, especially for a five-passenger sedan.

 It’s safe to say that 56 years after its inaugural release, there’s never been a more exciting time to own a Dodge Charger. 

A Quick-Hitting History Of The Chevrolet Impala

Chevrolet’s Impala is an iconic nameplate that has been around since 1958 until 2020 when it was yanked from production for the second time. Throughout the years, and 10 generations later, this car has seen its fair share of restyling and reconfiguration to fit in with the auto industry’s ever-changing climate. 

First introduced to the world as the Bel Air Impala, the name itself designated itself as the top-of –the-line trim package for Chevy’s well-established, deluxe full-size car line. While the first example of the Impala was built to commemorate Chevy’s 50^th anniversary, it gained enough traction to become a stand-alone production model the very next year. 

Car fans fell in love with the styling of the ’58 Impala with its wide yet sleek appearance, but the factory quickly tweaked its appearance to give it a fresh identity that was all its own. In its second year and generation, the brand new Impala line featured exterior tail fins and teardrop shaped headlights, and sat atop of an X-frame chassis that promoted a lower ride height and had great structural integrity. The Impala was made available in multiple body variations such as a two-door hardtop or convertible and a four-door hardtop or sedan—the options were plentiful. 

While the Impala was quickly gaining popularity in its first couple years on the street, it wasn’t until the very start of the third generation in 1961 when things really got interesting when the release of the Super Sport performance package was first made available. While the SS model was available with many powertrain options to choose from, including Chevy’s brand-new 409ci 360hp V-8, which really allowed the Super Sport designation to live up to the hype. While upgraded performance gains were the major reason consumers opted for this premium badging, its many plush interior features and heavier-duty chassis components were also just as desirable. 

The exterior packaging changed again during the Impala’s third generation, and overall, the car became boxier than before. The new look of this particular redesign has had long-lasting power and is one of today’s most popular selections for restorations and full custom rebuilds throughout the car’s history. You’ve most likely seen Impalas of this vintage cruising in music videos or heard about rolling in a ‘six-four’ on the radio a time or two before. 

…this particular redesign has had long-lasting power and is one of today’s most popular selections for restorations and full custom rebuilds…

While the fourth generation saw its own redesign, which brought a more sleek and modern aesthetic to the Impala’s exterior, it also represented the car’s seeming most popular iteration to date for car buyers of the era, as it sold over a million units alone in 1965. Another interesting happening during this generation was the dropping of the availability of the wagon option in 1969, which had been a great family-friendly package from ’65-’68. 

During 1971-1976, the Impala once again went through another major appearance overhaul, while still offering the outstanding comfort and interior space consumers had come to associate with the nameplate. It was also during this time that the Feds began cracking down on emissions regulations, which in turn directly led to dramatically lower performance offerings being made available. These limitations were not specifically unique to the Impala, or the Chevy brand for that matter—the strain was felt all throughout the automotive industry.

…It was also during this time that the Feds began cracking down on emissions regulations, which in turn directly led to dramatically lower performance offerings being made available…

After going though yet another repackaging starting in 1977, the Impala’s sixth generation saw the car’s retirement from production in 1985. The premium Caprice package trim, which had proved to be popular in years past, began outselling the Impala as a sports coupe, yet the sedan Impala was still a popular selection for families during this period. Either way, the Impala was out, and the Caprice was given a chance to run as its own model.  

When the Impala became a fond memory, there were no plans to bring it back until almost a decade later in 1994. This 7^th generation only lasted two years in production, but since this release was strictly an SS model equipped with a decent 5.7L 260hp LT1 power plant, critics weren’t overly thrilled with the four-speed automatic transmission that was made the only option available. While the upgraded suspension setup was praised, however, this version didn’t have the right moves to hold the market’s attention for long. 

After being sidelined yet again, the Impala took another breather for another four years until it was revived again in 2000. This time, it remained on the street until it was recently canned once more in 2020. This most recent run spanned two whole decades that proved to be rather influential throughout the years as it hung around at the top as Chevrolet’s luxury full-size car offering. 

Many wonder if the Impala will make yet another return. It’s hard to count this car out, as it has been sent to pasture multiple times only to be roped back into production rotation. If the car does come back, it’ll be interesting to see what it will look like and what kind of new features it’ll be flexing. If the Impala does remain in extinction this time, it will remain near and dear in the hearts of millions of car enthusiasts.  

Then & Now: A Quick Look At The Dodge Challenger’s Past & Present

With so much buzz given to the Hellcat and Demon trim packages these days, it sometimes seems like there is somewhat of a disconnect from the Dodge Challenger of the early 1970’s. While the level of excitement surrounding the modern muscle car currently sits at an all-time high, the beginning stages of Dodge’s entry into the pony car scene some 52 years ago weren’t much more than hopes based on performance-centric auto market predictions.

Introduced to the market in 1969 as a 1970 model, the OG Dodge Challenger showed up as the new kid on the block to those into manufacturer-tuned performance cars. With the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro already well established names during the golden era of the American muscle car segment, the Challenger was originally designed to be a worthy and capable stable mate for Plymouth’s Barracuda to help take on the competition.

…the Challenger was originally designed to be a worthy and capable stable mate for Plymouth’s Barracuda…

While the Challenger did its part of raising awareness of Chrysler-branded performance cars, it also simultaneously carved out its own devout fan base rather quickly in its short production run. When it was first introduced, the Challenger won so many consumers over based on the sheer amount of customizations available to buyers at dealerships nationwide.

The Challenger boasted a wide range of powertrain selections to admire from a modest 225ci 144hp inline six engine to a 440-cubic inch 390hp V-8 power plant, the car was made available in a total of nine total engine configurations to perfectly suit the many types of owners looking to bring one home.

To build upon the Challenger’s generous powertrain menu, the first generation was originally offered in either a two-door hardtop or convertible model with trim packages ranging from the base platform Special Edition (SE), mid-level Road/Track (R/T), and a limited edition Trans-Am (T/A) model that was one of the first production vehicles to offer staggered front and rear tire sizes while meeting the qualifications for legit Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am racing. The Challenger also had one of the most impressive number of color palettes in the industry of paint codes to select from as well.

It was an exciting time for Chrysler, and even more so for fans of the Challenger specifically. The car’s appeal to gear heads, as well as to folks simply looking for a sporty car to drive was nearly immediate. But like all good things, the Challenger’s future was snuffed out all too quickly in 1974. The hike in insurance premiums during that time, the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970, along with a worldwide gasoline crisis going on in 1973, the carbureted muscle car industry was hit blow after blow, ultimately resulting in one challenge the Dodge Challenger just couldn’t overcome.

It wasn’t until 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that a sign of the Challenger’s possible resurrection was made public. A concept vehicle based on the styling cues of the first generation and presence of a 6.1L HEMI engine under the hood, went over better than expected, and eventually led to yet another production run in 2008 due to overwhelming demand. The Dodge Challenger was back on the streets—kind of.

While only a limited number of high-end, fully loaded SRT8 models were made available in that first year back, not everyone who wanted a new Challenger could get their hands on one. 2009 proved to be the car’s full return to consumers looking to buy one according to their preferred specifications. Muscle car admirers were once again able to hop back into the driver seat with a base model SE equipped with a 3.5L 250hp V-6 with the option to upgrade to a R/T package complete 5.7L 375hp HEMI engine with even more options and performance add-ons to select from.

…2009 proved to be the car’s full return to consumers looking to buy one according to their preferred specifications…

Throughout the years, the Challenger became available with more aggressive HEMI packages, but found itself becoming overshadowed by the competition, namely Ford’s Mustang GT500 and Chevy’s Camaro ZL1. Dodge’s response to potentially being hopelessly overpowered by these cars was its release of the SRT Hellcat—a car equipped with a 6.2L rendition of the Gen III HEMI that was teamed up with a 2.4L twin-screw supercharger to produce 707hp and 650-lb fit of torque.

This escalated the Challenger to the top of the heap, but in an effort to remain ahead of the pack, the same 6.2L HEMI found in the Hellcat was blessed with a larger 2.7L supercharger, along with a suite of upgraded engine components to make for the 808hp nucleus available in the notoriously powered SRT Demon package that was limited to only 3300 units.

For 2022, there are a total of nine different Dodge Challenger trim levels topped off with two high-end cars—the SRT Hellcat Redeye and SRT Super Stock premium models. The Challenger still remains attractive to a wide audience, from the entry-level 303HP V-6 AWD package to an 807hp rocket in the Super Stock trim that thrives on 91-octane pump gas.

It’s safe to say that the Challenger remains a crowd pleaser to this day more than 50 years after its original release. Even with the plug being prematurely pulled back in ’74, the legendary car has sat through a decades-long hiatus and has come back swinging for the fences.

Hodson Motor’s 1965 Jeep J60 Dually:
One of a Kind, One at a Time

You’ve seen their trucks before (and are most likely obsessed with one or all of them if you’re anything like us). Their personal collection of insanely cool, larger-than-life custom pickup creations are definitely labors of love, and each one is an example of equal parts creative vision, healthy obsession and attention to detail and purpose.

Of course, we’re talking about the legendary father/son combo Derrick and Riley Hodson. The Hodsons call the outlying dessert landscape of Las Vegas home, which is just far away from the bright lights of the big city to give them all the peace and quiet they need in order to dream up these large-scale truck build before getting down and dirty bringing them to life.

Classic, rare medium-duty trucks are the Hodsons’ forte, and over the years, they have truly developed a design perspective that is uniquely their own—you’ll know a Hodson truck when you see it. The truck itself will be an industrial-grade pickup of some sort that wasn’t meant for the everyday consumer to hold the keys to, but that’s half of the appeal. Once the guys zero in on a truck they want, they located it, dig it out of its long-time place of rest, and apply their own special sauce to the equation. So far, this process has yet to let them down.

…you’ll know a Hodson truck when you see it…

Even though Derrick and Riley specialize in legitimate medium-duty trucks, they also like to drive the trucks they built—otherwise, what’s the point, right? To allow them to have a get more seat time behind one of their own creations, they sat down and developed what they now affectionately call the Jeep J60—essentially a 4-door J10 pickup. If you’ve never heard of this particular model before, don’t fret—it has never existed. Well, until now.

This particular project was designed to be more of a real-world daily driver. Now, don’t get us wrong—each and every one of their builds is painstakingly designed to function well on the road. Broken down, the Hodson’s Jeep J60 consists of a Jeep Wagoneer 4-door that has been sliced at the back of the cab and sealed up with the back wall of a J10 pickup cab grafted in. The rear doors received a great deal of metalwork to further give this creation the appearance of a true 4-door pickup.

…each and every one of their builds is painstakingly designed to function well on the road…

The front of the cab features a 60’s-era Gladiator grille that resides front and center, as well as wide front fenders from Autofab. The rear features a custom bed, a big side step tailgate, and step side fenders that have been widened a whopping 10 inches! The paint color of choice that makes all those cool customizations gel in complete harmony is Ford Raptor Lead Foot grey—and man, does it look good.

Paint isn’t the only Ford component to be incorporated into the creation of the J60, however, as the full-custom body was laid atop a 2004 Ford F450 dually chassis complete with a 6.0 Powerstroke engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. This truck sounds just as good as it looks with that big diesel rumbling underneath the hood, and to give the truck the oversize appearance that is synonymous with all Hodson trucks, 22-inch American Force wheels covered in 37X13.50R22 Milestar Patagonia X/T tires were bolted into position. The roll bar the guys went with is as burly as it looks—even more so, actually. While a lot of roll bar setups are fabricated out of hollow tube pipe, the stuff used here is solid through and through.

Hopping up into the cab is made easier with AMP Research Powerstep running boards, and with just one glance inside the cab, you’d be blown away by how clean the interior space is. Black and grey upholstered seats and other paneling from TMI Products helped make all the difference in updating and upgrading the entire confines of the J60. Creature comforts are never spared in any of the Hodson one-off pickups. While this truck already boasts an impressive lineup of high-end amenities, the guys wouldn’t dare one of their projects be considered finished without Dakota Digital gauges, a full audio system, power windows and door locks, and of course, ice cold A/C.

While the J60 is hardly alone as the single shining star in the deep Hodson stable, it does stand as one of their favorites. This truck does get a little more road time than some of the others, but that was the point of building it. Unless the guys are just planning to go for a cruise without making many (if any) stops, any selection from their lineup would do just fine, but the J60 has been dialed in to give them everything they love to put into their projects, in a slightly more compact package—even through there’s really nothing small about it.

Five years have been invested into this build, and a talented supporting cast in Nefarious Customs, 6651 Customs, Airth Defined, Cheyenne Ruether, Jeeprecyclers.com, and more were sourced to bring it all together. Trucks like these don’t just appear out of nowhere—they require a lot of imagination, skill, patience, and a sh*tload of parts.

Hodson Motors’ Forest Service Ford F-250 Restomod

In our last feature installment starring the father and son duo at Hodson Motors, Derrick and Riley Hodson, we explored their amazing beast of a truck—the ’83 Jeep J10 they affectionately refer to as the JRT10. Outfitted with a V-10 Viper engine, SRT10 interior, a full 4-inch lift and all the fixins, along with a unique visual appeal that has become the Hodson’s calling card, the JRT10 is staying put in the permanent Hodson collection. However, the truck is always in high demand when fans are able to take a closer inspection. 

“Dad comes up with these crazy concepts for truck builds, briefs me on his vision, and sends me off to make it happen.”Riley Hodson

With so many impressive completed and in-progress projects to look at, we’ve decided to reserve some space on the Internet to take a well-deserved peek at a truck that means a lot to Derrick. “This 1964 Ford F250 is something particularly cool that my dad wanted to build”, Riley says. Now, for those who aren’t up to speed on how the Hodsons operate their shop, their method is pretty straightforward and very effective. “Dad comes up with these crazy concepts for truck builds, briefs me on his vision, and sends me off to make it happen”, adds Riley. This is the truck that really kick started Derrick’s truck collecting and established Riley’s work flow to make said trucks come to life. 

In the case of this F250, the plan was to dig up something quite rare, which is now par for the Hodson course, and add some special parts to really make it come together, which is also a common ingredient in the family recipe. “This truck here is actually a factory F250 4×4 short bed”, Riley admits. “But what really makes it unique is that it was a custom ordered short bed, as it was a brush fire truck with a water tank in the bed. These kinds of trucks were used at National Parks by the Forest Service.” 

The first step in the project was to first locate one of these trucks out in the wild, which is a process Riley now has down to a science. “The hard part is not really finding these trucks, it’s the actual digging them out of the far off, remote locations they are usually in, and dragging them back home to our shop in Las Vegas that poses the real challenge.” While we aren’t at liberty to discuss where this particular F250 was found, we can share the details about what was done to the truck to make it come out they way it did. 

Even though the truck is a rare bird as-is, the first thing Riley and his crew at Hodson Motors did was cut it up. The rear fenders were stretched three inches wider and 6 inches longer, and F600 medium duty fenders were grafted into place up front, as was a front clip from the same truck. To give the roof another six inches of additional headroom, an F800 tall cap was worked into the equation. 

To further make the truck their own, Riley and his crew built a completely custom bed for the F250, and also installed a unibody big back window to help brighten up the inside of the cab. Now, you may be wondering where the heck these guys are able to source so many killer parts from obscure trucks. Well, let’s just say the guys have been doing some healthy hoarding over the years, and know exactly where to get more.  

When all the metal work was done to the truck, it was sprayed with a green primer and left that way for quite some time. The guys started getting used to that green color, and ended up mixing a custom gunmetal gloss green hue to finish it off while keeping the looks of it somewhat familiar.  

To increase the big look of the truck shell itself and give it that Hodson Motors classic touch, the suspension was lifted a full four inches all around. The original frame and axles were utilized in the overhaul, and the roll cage you see—it’s made from 4-inch pipe, not hollow tube, so it’s super heavy and damn near bulletproof. To capitalize on the taller ride height, a set of 20-inch Method NV wheels were selected, as was a set of 38-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T tires to ensure the truck was as capable to handle rough terrain and not just look the part. 

Powering the F250 is a Lincoln 460 big block with a few add-ons in the way of a Sniper EFI self-tuning fuel injection system, and a C6 transmission. The engine compartment is clean and tidy, and is designed so to keep function a top priority. Also designed with function in mind, is the F250’s interior space, although a ton of form has also been thrown in for good measure. Freshly distressed leather was used on the bench seat, center console, and door panels for an plush vet vintage looking appearance. As with all the builds that Hodson creates, a lineup of usual creature comforts in the way of Dakota Digital gauges, full air conditioning, and power windows were included to modernize the feel of the interior. 

Imagine what the forest rangers back in the 60’s would say about what has become of one of their old work trucks. The Hodsons work their magic time and again in order to dream up and build the type of trucks that are now directly associated with their name. If this Ford gives you any tingles (as it should), check out some of the other Hodson Motors’ creations, and be sure to stay tuned to their social accounts for future projects that will be sure to push the envelope even further. 

Hodson Motors’ Viper-Powered Jeep JRT10

Lifted trucks, classic trucks, rare trucks—if you consider yourself a fan of either or all of these categories, then you’ve surely heard of Hodson Motors out of Las Vegas, NV. Derrick and his son Riley Hodson operate their modest shop in the middle of the desert that houses parts and pieces from some pretty not-often-seen medium duty pickups from the past. Crew cabs that you never even knew existed are there, as well the other key ingredients required to create their insanely cool one-off machines. 

So the way Derrick and Riley operate is pretty simple—Derrick comes up with the grand ideas, and then brainstorms with Riley and lets him loose on figuring out how to make those ideas come to life. The guys have come to rely on a network of tightly knit shops to assist in their builds over the years, and in that time the Hodsons have amassed quite the personal truck collection, including this 1983 Jeep J10 that they affectionately call the JRT10. Derrick started on it seven years ago alongside local Las Vegas off-road fabricator, Cameron Chin, who owns and operates Nefarious Kustoms. Wanting to finally button up the build, they kept running with their vision of a rarely seen Jeep pickup model beefed up and customized to meet their specialized criteria. Also on the docket were a couple of imported tricks to make the J10 truly different from the rest. 

In the end, the time-consuming engine swap was well worth the effort just for the sake of saying that the Jeep now has an SRT-10 mill under the hood…

With an engine swap already in the stars for the Jeep, the guys narrowed the running down to a Viper SRT-10 engine. Yeah, that’s quite the jump, and a little more in-depth than Riley had initially anticipated. “The install was complicated”, he admits. “The firewall had to be chopped, and the radiator actually had to be relocated back to the bed if you can believe that. It just didn’t fit in the engine bay, so we had to run stainless tubing for the water underneath the truck.” In the end, the time-consuming engine swap was well worth the effort just for the sake of saying that the Jeep now has an SRT-10 mill under the hood—and, it lent a hand in creating a pretty catchy nickname for the truck. 

Since the Hodsons have been building cool trucks on a more frequent basis over the past six years or so, they’ve whipped up their own winning recipe that is applied to all of their projects, which always includes a killer suspension setup. The Jeep now sits on a full front and rear 4-link suspension system complete with a caged rear frame and Radflo long travel remote reservoir coilovers, so you just know this thing rides comfortably—even on the rough stuff. 

With the all-around lifted ride height, a healthy set of rubber could be thrown into the mix without any clearance issues. 37-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T tires were selected for their tried and true all-terrain exploration capabilities. While tires of this stature are commonplace in the lifted truck scene, so is the use of stock fenders, unfortunately. Hodson Motors has come to appreciate the importance of keeping proportion in mind when incorporating large tires, and to do that they like to go with larger fenders to keep up. To give the JRT10 correct proportional balance, AutoFab wide body fenders were utilized up front while the bedsides were widened six inches with fresh three-inch wider rear fenders to boot. Now, give the truck another look. All that extra bodywork makes much more sense when understanding the method to their madness. 

With the truck getting closer to paint, the guys started debating what color to have it sprayed. A specific Lamborghini color caught their eye, but it turns out they don’t typically release the actual codes to their paint—go figure. Instead, Matthew Miller of Nefarious Kustoms had to trust his eyeballs to match up an opal blue metallic pearl color that came pretty damn close to the Lambo shade. He then sealed it up with an eggshell matte clear coat, and blacked out all the exterior trim for good measure. The original front end was swapped out with a Gladiator Rhino grille conversion, and new LED lighting was wired up for updated looks and increased nighttime visibility. 

Other items that were scavenged from the SRT-10 donor were the black suede power bucket seats and dash cluster, which look right at home inside the Jeep. “All of our builds also feature what I usually refer to as creature comforts”, Riley adds. “These are just the common modern amenities such as power locks and windows, and air conditioning—all those little things that we enjoy in our daily drivers should be included in custom classic builds as well.” With the added Bluetooth stereo system, push button start, leather-wrapped steering wheel and dash, and a whole lot more, the cab space feels much more plush than one might expect from the Jeep at first glance. 

While the JRT-10 is a permanent part of the Hodson Motors collection, it does serve as a representation of what type of truck Derrick and Riley enjoy building and driving. If their custom trucks are good enough to make them happy, it’s a safe bet the ones they create for their customers will be finished off even better. If you’re looking to check out some crazy off-road rigs that perform just as good as they look, Hodson will surely scratch the itch of the uncommon utility truck fanatic.

The Cleanest ’75 Ford Bronco On Dirt

Jeff Godbold admits that his time owning this ’75 Ford Bronco surely hasn’t been the most exciting era the truck has ever seen. Actually, since its lengthy, in-depth rebuild, the Bronco really hasn’t been worked all too hard, but that’s mainly due in part because of how clean it has come to be. Jeff purchased the Bronco from the guy who invested the time to completely blow it apart and piece back together again with parts and products that would ultimately allow it to perform and look better than it has in its 47 years in existence. And who’d want to go and get those kind of results muddy? 

“I purchased the Ford Bronco completely done in 2012”, Jeff says. “The guy I bought it from was an older retired police officer, who spent several years doing most of the work himself. With the exception of waiting a couple years for the bodywork and paint to be completed, he did his part in pretty good time.” 

Time, in fact, was something that the previous owner put a large emphasis on. When he sold the Bronco to Jeff, he also included a rather extensive parts and cost list, as well as a well-organized log of billable hours that accounted for everything from the 13-hour engine and transmission rebuild job on 1/20/2009 right down to the 2-hour wash and vacuum back on 10/10/2005. Every other imaginable modification in between is also accounted for, as you could imagine, which is awesome to see actually. This very detailed record keeping has given Jeff a level of insight most folks don’t get when buying someone else’s project vehicle. 

High on the list of completed chores was the rebuild of the 347ci stroker engine that has all the bells and whistles any gearhead would flip over, and to capitalize on all the extra performance gains, Jeff added an overdrive transmission after he took ownership of the Ford Bronco to make it more freeway-friendly. Also on the logbook is a 2-inch body lift with all new mounts and bolts, as well as new American Racing wheels, center caps, lug nuts and locks and finished off properly with 33-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T tires. 

This ’75 is basically a brand new rig, and has been built to easily conquer rugged terrain, although it has only been assigned light duty work since its completion. Don’t go pointing fingers at Jeff for this, as the previous owner also kept the Bronco in the garage most of the time since he thought it turned out too nice to have to power wash every weekend. 

It’s just one of those rare gems that is a direct product of someone’s grand vision, and in this case fueled by a period of his absolute mania.

“We’ve towed the Bronco with our motorhome and driven it around some during our outings, but nothing too crazy”, Jeff admits. “I’ve also taken it to a car show, even though that’s not really my thing, but the response to it was nothing short of amazing”, he adds. Even though the Bronco has been equipped to handle the trails, the quality of its reworking has placed it in the show vehicle category, which wasn’t the original intent. Either way, there’s something to be said about owning a classic off-road truck of this caliber. It’s just one of those rare gems that is a direct product of someone’s grand vision, and in this case fueled by a period of his absolute mania. 

At the end of the all-encompassing parts and labor list is a grand totaling of just about $63k, which sounds about right. There may have been some other costs that slipped by the last owner, but he didn’t seem like the type to leave anything out. Jeff didn’t pay that much to bring the Bronco home, naturally, but in today’s current market for vintage Ford Broncos, this number sits somewhere on the low end considering the extent of its rebuild. With the release of the new 2021 Ford Bronco, there seems to be an undeniable uptick in sales of classic models that could be peaking right now due to timely nostalgia. That’s what we’ve come up with anyway, but that sure would explain the spike in resale value. 

You’d be hard pressed to find another Bronco that has been restored to this ‘75’s pedigree. There’s always new evidence to be found of it with every inspection, and of course when pouring through the list of modifications that has been compiled during its transition. Jeff has had quite a number of custom vehicles in the 25 years that he’s been into cars, and even though he might not drive the Bronco as much as any of the others, he has appreciated the time spent with it. 

The moment has come for Jeff to release the ’75 Ford Bronco into the care of another owner, and he can only hope it might get more use in the dirt as it is certainly equipped to handle it. On the other hand, he wouldn’t blame them for deciding to continue the tradition of keeping the Bronco as clean as can be. What would your driving habits be with this machine if you happened to find yourself its next lucky owner?

Click Here to view the 1975 Ford Bronco on Bring A Trailer.

This 1961 Chevrolet Impala Is Effortlessly Graceful

One of the things that distinguishes true craftsmanship is making perfection look easy – long hours spent behind the scenes to ensure every element of your work is flawless, but all the outside world sees is a masterpiece that demonstrates a subconscious flow that just seems right. Such is this 1961 Chevrolet Impala, built by Hill’s Rod and Custom.

For the 1961 model year, Chevy did a complete rework of the Impala, which had made its debut in 1958 as a top-of-the-line Bel Air. Just one year later, the second generation Impala became its own series, and in 1961 the third gen Impala received yet another complete redesign. The most visually striking aspect for the ‘61 was the “bubbletop” roof line, which replaced the preceding Impala’s substantial C-pillar with graceful, arching sheetmetal that was far less obtrusive. The 1962 model returned to a more conventional rear roofline and backlight, making the ‘61 visually unique among its siblings from the early Sixties.

Over the years, the bubbletop Impala’s popularity has never faded – among the many designs produced by the Big Three during the early muscle car era, the 1961 Chevrolet Impala’s visual language never really fell out of fashion. It managed to thread the needle between ‘forgettable’ at one end of the spectrum and ‘over-the-top’ at the other, earning a place as a timeless classic. When a car like that comes into one’s possession, the challenge is to respect the design while still having something new to say, and our feature car is a perfect example of how that can be achieved.

Curt Hill, proprietor of Hill’s Rod and Custom, was the right man for the job. When Dave and Jodi Matarazzo entrusted their Impala to him for this build, it was a work-in-progress, but to get it to where it needed to be, some backtracking was necessary. “It was a roller with a custom frame already built, and we went ahead and did the motor, the exhaust, the air suspension, the wheelwells and everything involved in the engine bay,” Hill recalls. “We took it from a car that was supposedly ready for paint (but wasn’t even close) to finishing it up and getting it done.”

“Part of it was that before we started, we had to knock all the Bondo off the car!”Curt Hill, Hill's Rod and Custom

As it turned out, that process became more extensive than was first anticipated, but the Matarazzos were committed to doing things right. Per Hill, “Dave had a really good eye for color, and to how he wanted things done, so he definitely had a vision of how he wanted it to turn out.” The hue you see on the finished car is just as specific as all the other details. “It’s a custom color. Jodi had seen something similar on another car and really liked it, so we were working off of a picture and refined it from there,” Hill adds. But before the first hit of primer could be applied, the “ready for paint” sheetmetal needed a considerable amount of TLC.

“Part of it was that before we started, we had to knock all the Bondo off the car!” Hill recalls with a chuckle in his voice. While they were at it, Hill and his crew fabricated the incredibly clean engine bay to showcase the modern LS3 crate engine like a fine piece of jewelry in a velvet box, and the suspension setup was refined via Ridetech ShockWave air springs and shocks controlled via Accuair ride height sensors.

To handle the horsepower of the 4L60E-backed LS3 and make the most of the suspension precision offered by the custom chassis, air springs, and dampers, modern low-profile radial tires were a must, and Milestar XP+ ultra-high performance all-season rubber in 20-inch diameter was chosen. With a tread compound formulated to remain pliable across a wide temperature range, an all-season asymmetric design with wide circumferential ribs, large shoulder tread blocks, and an inside tread pattern optimized for wet and winter traction, the XP+ was an ideal match for a car destined to be driven, not just admired for its good looks.

Once everything was straight, mechanically sorted, and body-filler-free, Valley Custom Powder Coat was turned loose on the chassis, the shiny bits went off to Sherm’s Plating, Plant Interior got to work on the upholstery and other passenger compartment details, and Altissimo Restoration was finally able to lay down color and clear. “I’m proud of how the engine bay turned out, and the stance on the car is just right,” Hill attests. “We tried really hard to achieve an overall look where it’s definitely a custom car, but everything really flows together, and nothing seems out of place.”

“It was a long build,” Hill admits. “Start to finish, it was probably two and a half years total. It spent eight months in the paint shop, and like two and a half for the interior.” It’s hard to argue with the results, though, and in the end, Dave and Jodi Matarazzo have a Chevy that’s a unique expression of their own personal taste and class.

Big Red:

Maybe the World’s Baddest ’69 Camaro

Over the years there have been some bad ass Camaros but few have enjoyed the longevity, diversity and reputation of Big Red. From the rough roads of the La Carrera Classica to the Silver State Classic to the Bonneville Salt Flats to Pikes Peak Big Red has been there, done that and yet the story continues.

The saga of Big Red begins more than 30 years ago in 1987 when Dan Gottlieb and his son RJ embarked upon the creation of the baddest Camaro in captivity—a car that would take on the best in the toughest Mexican road race known as La Carrera Classica. Father and son put together what they anticipated would be a winning combination that utilized a stock ’69 Camaro body and frame, a roll cage and a 540-inch, all-aluminum, dry-sump Donovan built by the legendary John Lingenfelter. In flat-out trim Red was capable of 200 mph and quickly proved to be a contender.

Unfortunately, during its 1987 La Carrera II debut and while 18-year old RJ was leading the race and Chris Kaufmann was riding shotgun the Camaro had, well, a big accident at over 140 mph. They’d pushed too hard and the stock uni-body and sub frame was just not up to it. The car veered off the highway and was destroyed; only the Lingefelter engine and the rear end were salvageable. Luckily RJ and Chris walked away.

“That’s the magic of Big Red, making it look as much like a factory Camaro as possible but, and it’s a big but, it has to run consistently over 200 mph”RJ Gottlieb

Undaunted, and even before RJ was home, father Dan had located another ’69 from which to rebuild the racecar albeit this time with a full tube, stock car-style chassis assembled by Bill Osborne. Lessons had been learned; they wouldn’t make the same mistakes twice. Nevertheless, the car looked as stock as possible from its steel body with glass windshield to its roll-up windows. In fact, Dan had the crew take the extremely rare, at the time, and expensive all aluminum block and heads and paint them factory GM orange to look like a stock, iron block.  He rather enjoyed popping the hood, pointing and saying, “Look it’s just a warmed over 427.” 

“That’s the magic of Big Red,” commented RJ, “making it look as much like a factory Camaro as possible but, and it’s a big but, it has to run consistently over 200 mph.”

For the rebuild Larry Mollicone overhauled the original Lingenfelter engine and dyno pulls resulted in 850 hp and 750 lbs-ft of torque. Backing up the naturally aspirated engine was a Jerrico four-speed and a 9-inch Detroit Locker rear end with Koni coil-overs and twin-caliper vented discs.

In 1988, after almost a year in the making, RJ and his new copilot Bill Osborne won La Carrera III. The following year they were leading by miles when they smoked the clutch and ended their race prematurely. Unfortunately, they were never invited back. That same year they also went on to win the Silver State Classic. They covered the 94-mile, two-lane black top in just 27 minutes, 54 seconds with an average, yes average speed of 197.99 mph. To maintain that average they hit a top speed of 222 mph. I’ve driven that road to Bonneville many times and it doesn’t look possible. RJ was just 19 years old. They won again the following year but intake valve issues reduced their speed.

Big Red was an attention getter and as a consequence Road & Track magazine invited RJ to compete in a top speed challenge at the Nissan/Calsonic test track at Casa Grande, AZ. Big Red trounced the competition with a top speed of 203 mph. The organizers didn’t believe the speed and made RJ run again but he backed it up. Unhappy that a mere muscle car won their supercar top speed shoot out Road & Track cropped Big Red out of the cover photo.

For RJ, it was time to go back east and go to school, consequently, Big Red was loaned to Don Laughlin’s Auto Museum, Laughlin, NV, where it was displayed for almost 10 years. In 2003, RJ returned to California and collected the car with the intention of taking it to a few shows, however, once a racer always a racer and RJ and Dan soon set about yet another ‘Red-surrection’.

Driving the modifications was a new Brodix-based 598 ci engine fitted with a modified Braswell “Severe Duty” carburetor flowing 1350cfm. Again, built by Larry Mollicone—it produced an insane 1,100 hp. To compensate for the huge increase in horsepower the team added safety improvements and bigger brakes. And, they turned to the Baer Brakes’ Z2Z Challenge for a new venue to express Big Red’s prowess. Once again, they took top honors in the acceleration/deceleration contest.

In 2006, it was back to the back roads of Nevada for the Silver State. Unfortunately, fuel problems caused them to splutter through the first 20 miles, nevertheless, after shutting down and rebooting the system RJ took off like a banshee to take first place in the Unlimited Class.

Over the ensuing five years, RJ competed in numerous events including The Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational, The Texas Mile, Vintage Auto Racing’s “Big Bore Bash” at Willow Springs, the Mojave Mile, the Mojave Magnum and the Virginia City Hill Climb. RJ took top honors at nearly every event while Red was featured in the 2009 movie the ‘Fast and the Furious 4’.  It was also in the 2017 feature film version of the hit 70’s TV show “Chips” directed by Dax Shepard who is a big fan.

If you really want to see Big Red in action, and who doesn’t, the whole process has been filmed by Josh Oliver in an eight episode docuseries, “The Original Outlaw Racer” and is viewable here.

In 2013, with a blown 1,800 hp motor the team tried their hand at the Bonneville Salt Flats where they ran a strong 227 mph. Despite all the different venues at which RJ had wheeled Big Red he had still not attempted the infamous Colorado spike known as Pikes Peak. Unfortunately, during a test session at California’s SCCA Buttonwillow track, in preparation for Pikes Peak, Big Red caught fire due to a fuel fitting vibrating loose. The fire was devastating and any plans for future events had to be put on hold while the car was rebuilt, yet again. Undeterred, as always, Big Red was rebuilt to run at the Mojave Mile in April 2017 where it broke its own record of 251 with a blistering run at 253.7 mph.

This ProCharged version of Big Red was both an evolution and a tangential move away from the road race and hill climb combination toward a quest to discover the ultimate top speed of a ’69 Camaro. This development began with mile racing in 2009 in Texas with the 598 road race set up that continued to evolve over the years through a dual quad ram to nitrous for the Mojave Mile to a ProCharged version for Bonneville running on methanol with water injection. 

The secret to this build is the ‘switchability’ and versatility: one minute its in road race trim, the next hill climb mode and the next its set up for balls out land speed racing. Indeed, as the car has evolved and gone faster and faster the team has learned the secret of prepping the car for each specific racing venue. For example, the set up employed for the Mojave Mile would not be the same set up used for hill climbs. Purpose-specific tuning resulted in a very competitive 11:08.357-second run to the clouds placing them fourth in the Pike’s Peak Open Class. 

StateofSpeed.com caught up with RJ and the Big Red team at the recent East Coast Timing Association Arkansas Mile event at Blytheville, AK, where RJ had run 244.4 in June 2018. The weather was not cooperative and Big suffered mechanical problems, nevertheless, RJ managed a run at 246.238 mph besting his own record.

From Arkansas the team moved north to Limestone, Maine, for a run at the 1.5-miles course operated by the Loring Timing Association loringtiming.com. There, RJ ran a strong 256 mph taking the class record from Roadkill’s David Freiburger and running just shy of his best run ever of 266.2 mph at the Mojave 1.5 Mile.

So, what’s next for RJ and Big Red? Well, there are more records to be broken, hills to climb and speeds to be bettered. It ain’t over yet.

Balanced Attack: The Nissan 370Z That Was Meant to Be Driven

When the Nissan 370Z was introduced back in ’08, it had all the makings of an absolute dream machine. The 370Z 2-door sports car with its sleek, low slung design was a vast improvement from its predecessor, the 350Z. The all-new variant, redesigned from the ground-up featured an all-aluminum body structure with increased rigidity, lightweight components, improved suspension, and a 3.7-liter VQ37 VHR V-6 engine to boot that held its own against formidable foes that cost double, the value of the Z. Even today, this sixth-generation model holds a special place in the hearts and minds of gear-heads worldwide as it continues to impress with its visual allure and capable performance both on and off the track.

It wasn’t long before he decided his weapon of choice was a ’16 Magma Red 370Z.

Three years ago, when it came time to purchase a new car, Joe Velazquez wasn’t looking for your typical commuter vehicle. “The kids moved out of the house and it was time to upgrade into a more sporty ride that I could enjoy on a daily basis”, mentioned Velazquez. It wasn’t long before he decided his weapon of choice was a ’16 Magma Red 370Z.

By the time he drove the car off the dealer lot, Velazquez had already formulated a plan to begin modifying his 370Z and execute it tastefully. The first order of business was focusing on improving vehicle horsepower performance. A Motordyne M370 upper manifold replaced the factory unit and was coupled to a Nismo R-tune cold air intake to improve airflow. A set of Motordyne long tube headers vacated spent exhaust gases through a Fast Intentions 2.5-inch exhaust system. A Mishimoto 19-row oil cooler, power steering cooler, and radiator were all used to improve cooling capabilities. An UpRev software module was installed to maximize fuel and ignition timing. The ECU performance tuning was reworked by @saul_nismo_knights.

In order to efficiently transfer the vehicle newfound horsepower onto the tarmac, Velazquez opted to install an Action Clutch stage 3 clutch and lightweight Chromoly flywheel. With all the improvements made to the 370Z from the factory, there is an inherent flaw. The internal concentric module inside the clutch slave cylinder made of plastic degrades over time. He decided to convert to an external module using a ZSpeed CMAK V2 clutch slave cylinder delete kit. The final piece of the puzzle was implementing a heavy-duty RJM Tilton HD clutch pedal system that’s designed to work with the factory remote reservoir, and OEM type or aftermarket clutch slave cylinder.

With the engine complete, Velazquez turned his attention to the handling of the car. Stopping power is now handled by R1 Concepts 6-piston front brake calipers and 4-piston rear calipers that assist with cutting rotating weight and are larger in size than OEM to help improve braking. Tein springs and a Hotchkis front sway bar was installed and mated up to Momo RF-5C wheels in 19×9.5 +15mm offset upfront wrapped in Milestar MS932 XP+ 255/35-zr19 tires and 19×11 +23mm offset wheels towards the rears with 295/30-ZR19 rubbers.

Velazquez admits one of his guilty pleasures includes stretching the Z’s legs around the twisty roads of Azusa Canyon for some spirited driving. According to him, the upgraded suspensions modifications made a “night and day” difference. “Out the box, I felt the Z exhibited excessive body roll and the initial cornering didn’t feel right. Concept 3 located in Santa Fe Springs is my one-stop-shop that not only helped dial in my suspension but also installed a slew of SPLParts including front and rear camber and pro end links, bump steer front outer tie rod ends, eccentric lockout kit, and titanium rear traction arms. The Milestar MS932 XP+ tires offer fantastic grip and overall performance that helped further increase the handling capabilities of the Z.” The chassis and suspension were completed with a Z-Speed aluminum under shroud and Street Faction rear bash bar w/jack point.

Subtlety wasn’t the goal.

When it came time to modify the exterior of the vehicle, Velazquez wasn’t looking the replicate your typical cookie-cutter build. “I wanted to create a 370Z that people haven’t seen before at shows or driven on the streets. Fly1 Motorsports located in Ontario CA, helped transform my 370Z from a stock to a show quality build using their honeycomb carbon fiber parts.

Subtlety wasn’t the goal. The exterior consists of a mishmash of various products. Slick Carbon based in South Gate CA provided a set of CF side mirrors, CF roof, CF A-pillars, and CF 2015+ Nismo-style rear wing. A closer look reveals a Fly1 Motorsports honeycomb carbon fiber hood, front fenders, vortex generator, and splitters. The exterior was completed using a Zakustech honeycomb carbon fiber louver to recreate a sleek retro-inspired design while maintaining an aggressive appearance. A pair of EL Stig RGBW LED demon eyes and EL Stig RGBW halos were retrofitted into the original headlights to set the car off-in-style.

With everything taken care of but the interior, Velazquez wanted to keep modifications to a minimum. After adding Street Faction door cards, a Momo MOD30 steering wheel was affixed to a Works Bell short boss, Rapfix quick release and Rapfix flipper. A pair of Momo Daytona Bucket seats were mounted to Buddy Club brackets and rails and Cusco 5-point harnesses were secured to a Next Level Performance roll bar. “ The Momo seats keep me firmly planted but comfortable when driving on any road including twisting through the canyons. It didn’t feel like I was sloshing around allows me to drive with more confidence.

Currently, the vehicle is undergoing a facial transplant using a combination of Varis Kamikaze widebody parts combined with Nismo bumpers. Velazquez’s 370Z was built to be the perfect example of a “driver’s Z” that was tastefully modified and that’s exactly what it is. Everything works, everything looks in place, and it continually turns heads anywhere it goes.

Green With Envy: The Rebellion Forge Racing BMW E30

Rebellion Forge Racing’s “Live to Offend” BMW E30

While SEMA 2019 may seem like A90 Supra overload, builds like the Rebellion Forge Racing BMW E30 at the Meguiar’s Booth are a breath of fresh air. The RFR E30 has all bases covered, with beautifully exposed custom engine fabrication work, an over-the-top racing-style interior, and a clean and tasteful widebody exterior.

The build features the infamous E30 aftermarket widebody kit by Khyzyl Saleem and Eric Penelow’s Live to Offend, which debuted on another amazing E30 build at last year’s SEMA (Khyzyl’s design skills can be found on another SEMA build, B is for Build’s LS-engine swapped Huracan). The green exterior is topped off with a carbon fiber splitter, black custom Rotiform wheels, and an aggressive diffuser. The overall aesthetic hints at the Bōsōzoku style (especially with the banners and license plate) combined with aggressive aero and the bolted-on widebody look. While some of us at State of Speed feel a proper wing could finish the aero on this particular E30, sometimes less is more.

The interior has what you would expect from a SEMA build, with a focus on the fine details. Completely gutted out, the interior is covered rather than leaving the metal exposed. A race-ready roll cage and window vents have been installed. Lastly, the steering wheel, racing seats, and racing harnesses from Sabelt finish the inside.

Rebellion Forge Racing’s Kyle Ray, a SEMA Young Gun finalist, played a big role in this build, and it’s amazing considering he’s only under 27 (the fab work in this LS-swapped engine bay alone is something to be proud of). We’re definitely looking forward to more future builds featuring his talent. What do you guys think of this E30 build?

’71 Dodge Dart Demon Pro Touring Restomod

As far back as their July 1989 issue—that’s 30 years—HOT ROD Magazine has been saying to its readers: “Dare To Be Different”, meaning look outside the box and don’t keep modifying the same old cars. Well, the car builders took notice and over the past three decades, builders have modified everything from AMC Gremlins to Jeep Wagoneers and to great effect.

One car that you might never think about modifying is the 1971 Dodge Dart Demon—heck, you might never have even seen or heard of a Dodge Dart Demon. The Demon came about because in 1970 sister group Chrysler-Plymouth had the Valiant Duster, a uni-body two-door coupe built on the A-body platform. With sales topping a quarter-million units, Dodge wanted a slice of the pie and got the Demon complete with small but controversial devil decals that were soon axed.

The Demon was to be called the Beaver but for obvious reasons, that name was also option delete. Basically, it was a Dodge Duster with Dart front sheet metal and a few other minor differences. Badge engineering it might have been but under the optional black hood with scoops, you could get the 5.6L 340 ci V8.

The Demon was to be called the Beaver but for obvious reasons, that name was also option delete.

The 340-equipped Demons could accelerate zero-to-60 mph in under 8 seconds. That’s not too shabby for a car almost 50 years old, but what if we took the age-old approach to performance and dropped in a bigger motor?

Incidentally, for those who don’t know, back in the day, Norm Krause, a.k.a. Mr. Norm was running Grand Spaulding Dodge on the northwest side of Chicago. By 1966, they were the largest dealer of high-performance Dodges in the country building hot rod Dodges when the factory couldn’t or wouldn’t deliver. One of Grand Spaulding’s notable efforts was the ’71 GSS Dart to which this car is a tribute.

“Just drop in a bigger motor,” was the instruction owner Bill Sefton gave to builder Mike Staveski of Restomod World in Hudson, Florida. No-need-to-be-told-twice Mike, well-known for his mad Mopar builds and the first to drop a Viper V-10 into a ’70 Challenger, dropped in a new Gen III 6.1L SRT8-derived HEMI that is a little different.

“I was so impressed, I eventually bought the company and this restomod Demon is a fitting tribute to the original ’71 GSS Dart.”Bill Sefton

It’s topped off with an Imagine Injection Six Pack system (three two-barrel throttle bodies) with a FAST Engine Management System and an original 1971 cast-aluminum GSS Tri-Power air cleaner. The rest of the drivetrain includes a Tremec five-speed manual box with a Hurst shifter and a Moser-built Dana 60 rear end.

To enable the Demon to handle like a modern car, Staveski installed a complete, fully adjustable suspension system with anodized-aluminum coilovers from AFCO Racing ably assisted with Wilwood 12.88-inch four-piston brakes. The wheel and tire combination comprises 19- and 20-inch Modern Muscle Pentastar forged split-rims and Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires: 225/40R19 in the front and 330/30R20 out back.

Like the exterior, the interior was likewise updated but not overstated. Corvette C5 bucket seats were re-upholstered in Year-One materials to afford more lateral support, power windows were fitted, as was Vintage Air air conditioning and a custom ’68 Dart instrument cluster by Red Line Graphics complete with push-button start and remote entry. Finally, a Sony stereo system was installed with a five-channel full-range/subwoofer with two 12-inch Xplod woofers installed in the trunk.

According to owner Sefton, “Mr. Norm’s was one of my regular destinations as a young man growing up in Chicago. I was so impressed, I eventually bought the company and this restomod Demon is a fitting tribute to the original ’71 GSS Dart.”

Halo Camaro

According to car builder extraordinaire Steve Strope of Pure Vision Design, Simi Valley, California, “A ‘Halo Car’ is an automobile model that lends prestige or attractiveness to the brands and other models of its manufacturer,” or to put it another way, “A unique automobile designed to draw attention to the brand.”

Steve is always very good at concocting the “back story” to his builds and is well known for his creativity when it comes to halo cars; if you visit his website you can see a number of them both past and present—cars like the “Anvil Mustang”, the “Martini T-5R Mustang”, and the “TT Camaro”. This second-gen ’72 Camaro was actually Pure Vision’s first Camaro project and the owner’s brief to Steve was to, “Build the baddest interstate flyer that is a comfortable long hauler that can cruise from SoCal to Vegas at a moment’s notice, keep a blistering pace, and do it in style.”

The required “blistering pace” is provided by a 427-cubic inch, cast-iron small-block Chevy V8 built by Tom Nelson Racing Engines in Chatsworth, California—and with twin “mirror image” NRE turbos, a billet, 16-injector “Alien” intake, and stainless steel headers by Aaron Cranford it produces a “throat clearing” 1,320 horsepower. Incidentally, the engine is set back 3 inches while the Ron Davis radiator is pushed forward 3.5 inches—and that heat shielding? That’s 24 kt. gold-plated shielding as used by McLaren.

“Build the baddest interstate flyer that is a comfortable long hauler that can cruise from SoCal to Vegas at a moment’s notice, keep a blistering pace, and do it in style.”

Backing up the power plant is a McLeod clutch and a double-overdrive, 6-speed, close-ratio Tremec Magnum transmission Cryogenic treated and massaged by the folks at Modern Driveline in Caldwell, Idaho, to withstand the staggering horsepower loads.

Power is put to the ground courtesy of a Jim Meyer Racing sub-frame in front and Ride Tech four-link in the rear with JRi Shocks coil-overs. Up front, Steve chose to go with coils from Hyper Coils. Stopping the Pirelli Corsa tires mounted on 18- and 19-inch HRE Wheels rims are 6S calipers and 13-inch rotors from Baer Brakes.

With the engineering work complete, the Camaro was shipped over to Steve’s collaborator Mick Jenkins at Mick’s Paint in Pomona, California. Mick and Steve have worked together on a number of award-winning projects and the Camaro was to be no different.

There are no cutting corners at Mick’s and the Camaro was stripped to bare metal before Anvil carbon fiber panels were installed to replace the stock fenders, inner fenders, nose, front spoiler, deck lid, rear spoiler, and hood that features Ringbrothers billet hinges and custom, built-in heat extractors. The carbon bumpers are from Custom Works Products. Meanwhile, the stock door handles were replaced with Aston Martin flip-out handles. After some extremely careful prep and masking, the car was shot in Aston Martin Tungsten Silver.

“Your interior is where you enjoy the driving experience. Don’t treat it as an afterthought.”Steve Strope, Pure Vision Design

The interior is luxury personified and built to the owner in the style of an Aston Martin with acres of Aston Martin Bitter Chocolate leather and Alcantara suede-like material expertly French-stitched by Eric Thorsen Custom Upholstery in Agoura Hills, California. According to Steve, “Your interior is where you enjoy the driving experience. Don’t treat it as an afterthought.” Incidentally, the TT Camaro’s air conditioning was upgraded with Vintage Air, the shifter and knob are customs made, meanwhile, Steve completely redesigned the instruments using AutoMeter movements.

The bezels were machined at White Rhino Industries in Simi Valley, and the faces were tech’d at Redline Gauge Works in Santa Clarita, California. The shortened column is from Flaming River. There is also a touch-screen control panel from ISIS that enables you to control functions such as unlocking doors, turning on lights, activating windows or controlling accessories wirelessly from a mobile device such as an Apple iPhone^®, the iPad^®, or the iPod touch^®.

Proof that the TT Camaro is one rad ride is that it won the prestigious GM Design Best Vehicle of the Show Award at the SEMA Show and it doesn’t get much better than that.

All for the Love

Ray Soria’s Lexus RC F In The Making

“I fell in love with the IS 250 when it was released in ’06 but never pulled the trigger to call it my own,” stated Laguna Beach, California resident Ray Soria. The following year, the F brand introduced the IS F as the import adversary to the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C Class AMG. The Lexus F series models continued its production but for Soria, they seemed to lack the excitement and design that was needed to stir up his emotions.

Then in 2015, a new opportunity arose with the release of the RC F—the newest RC sports coupe that was branded as Lexus’s most powerful V8 performance car ever. This was the perfect pitch that immediately caught Soria’s attention.

“It was a no brainer, given the perfect opportunity in ’15 to purchase a brand new RC F and a suitable replacement for my GT500.” He was quick to admit that it wasn’t loved at first sight. “I thought the RC F was ugly when it was released.”

“I’ve owned a number of cars over the years but I wanted to try to build a Lexus. I liked the fact that it was rear-wheel drive, looked good, powered by a 467-hp 5.0L V8 (2UR-GSE) engine, and coupled to an 8 Speed Direct-Shift Automatic,” Soria recounts.

I thought the RC F was ugly when it was released.

As the Southern California import scene continued to evolve, so did Soria’s RC F. Car meets and local show events continued to flourish around him, which ultimately fed his desire to begin modifying his ride. His game plan was a simple, but ultimately time-consuming one; he would keep the engine and interior alterations of his Lexus to a bare minimum and devote all of his time into remaking the exterior.

It sounded easy enough but complementing the RC body already outfitted with wider wheels and tires, cooling ducts, an active rear wing, and stacked exhaust tailpipes is anything but. The complexities of it are actually one of the main reasons why you don’t see as many cleanly-executed RC Fs as you would on, say, an IS 250 or 350 model.

“I slowly began modding my ride over a two-year span with a plan for the car to be different than all the other RC Fs I saw online.” As promised, the outward appearance of his RC F was his main focus, as he outfitted it with a number of aero enhancements which consisted of an Alpheyga Carbon Fiber GTS spoiler and Lexon Carbon Fiber Diffuser but not before wrapping the body in Satin Black.

I’ve owned a number of cars over the years but I wanted to try to build a Lexus.

The added room from the factory fenders offers just enough space to house the aggressive staggered fitment of 20×10-inch and 20×11-inch HRE FF04 wheels in Tarmac Finish wrapped with Milestar MS932 XP+ 275/30-20 up front and 285/30-20 in the rear.

In the suspension department, an Airlift suspension kit was installed alongside an Airlift 3P management system. The end result was a comfortable and smooth cruise carving the canyon roads with no traffic to endure; one of the many guilty pleasures Soria enjoys partaking in.

Though Soria’s RC F is quite simple as a whole, we were impressed with the overall execution of his project. Often times, less is definitely more, especially when it comes to modifying a Lexus.

This Toyota Tacoma Build Is Ready for Anything

Venturing far off the beaten path takes preparation. The farther you wander from civilization, the more you need to be self-sufficient. The saying goes that two is one, and one is none, but it’s also easy to go overboard with parts and equipment. You can get so overloaded, you lose efficiency. Building something that has everything you need, and nothing you don’t takes careful execution.

One such truck that hits the mark is Noah Voloshin’s Toyota Tacoma. Amazingly it’s his first build, but he learned a lot helping friends on their vehicles. When it came time for his own, he knew exactly what he wanted. Everywhere you look on this truck you see the details that make it special. The quality of the components stand out, but the way they are so cleanly integrated into the truck really sets it apart.

If you look closely you will also notice the scratches and patina that lets you know this Tacoma is the real deal. Those don’t detract from the truck, they are like badges of honor. Souvenirs from a do or die rock climb, an overgrown goat trail, or a night spent hunkered down in the dirt during gale force winds.

Judging by the raw aluminum exposed on the beadlock rings of Noah’s Method Race Wheels, the aggressive tread design that wraps down onto the sidewalls of his Milestar Patagonia M/T tires has come in handy. Those gouges had to have come from big rocks, deep sand or course mud; all areas where the Patagonia M/T’s shine. They have taken everything Mother Nature has dished out.

They have taken everything Mother Nature has dished out.

Keeping the tires planted on the Tacoma is made possible by a custom suspension based on Total Chaos upper control arms in front, and Deaver progressive leaf springs in the rear; all damped by King Shocks.

It’s obvious that Noah’s Tacoma isn’t afraid to conquer tough terrain, so having the protection that covers both sides, front and rear is a must. Up front, a C4 Fab full plate front bumper provides protection while blending seamlessly with the DB Customz fab grill, and factory sheet metal.

The Tacoma’s bumper is loaded with essentials like recovery rings, and a Warn Zeon 12s platinum winch. It also mounts a full complement of Baja Designs LED lights. A light bar, fog lights, and ditch lights at each corner give Noah specific lighting for all conditions. His custom lighting covers the entire truck with supplemented rack, rock, reverse, and recovery lights. Along both sides of the Tacoma are C4 Fab rock sliders, and Pelfreybilt skid plates protect underneath.

Outback is a C4 Fab high clearance rear bumper with swingout. In addition to the recovery points and LED lighting like the front, it also carries a full sized spare, 2 Rotopax fuel containers and sand ladders.

With everything to get there and back, it was time to outfit the Toyota Tacoma for gear and other essentials. An AFE intake supplies clean air to the engine. For electrical storage, dual Odyssey batteries are used. Noah also carries an ARB twin air compressor. In the cab is a Goose Gear seat delete, and National Luna fridge freezer.

…makes one want to head out to the boonies…

A Solo Motorsports jack mount keeps the jack secured, and Leitner Designs bed rack and storage pods stow additional gear. A Front Runner Outfitters roof rack offers even more utility and creature comforts are provided by an Alucab rooftop tent and side awning.

Looking at this Toyota Tacoma and learning about its capabilities makes one want to head out to the boonies without a care in the world for some rest and relaxation.

Hot Rod Wagon:  Classically Modified 1955 Chevy Nomad

It’s a dream of many hot rod enthusiasts: to have a wicked looking Nomad Wagon. It is the staple of rare but “cool” to modify vehicles and Brian Hill of Hill’s Rod and Custom used his expertise to create this beautiful utility rodder out of his own 1955 model.

If there was one show and actor that helped cement the Nomad for modern hot rodders it was Tim Allen and his show, Home Improvement. That car is even listed as the 19th of the top 50 TV cars by Rod Authority back in 2016. It was owned by Allen and the 1956 Nomad was tied to the main character, Tim Taylor, but canonically the car was the daily driver of his on-screen wife, Jill.

However, it would be the episode titled “Don’t Tell Momma” that would cause every Nomad and Bel Air enthusiasts’ hearts to collectively sink when the car was “crushed” on accident. Fortunately, the stunt car was a four-door Bel Air with a wagon roof added, rear doors welded and smoothed enough for the shot, and crushed on-screen while the real 1956 Nomad wasn’t harmed.

…it’s not a proper looking Nomad if the top isn’t its signature pristine white…

He even pulled the car on set to show it was still around to the live audience for that show’s taping. It would eventually be sold for Ebay’s “Auction for America” on October 4^th, 2001 to benefit victims of the September 11^th attacks just a few weeks earlier.

Fortunately for Hill’s Rod and Custom in Pleasant Hill, CA, this 1955 model wasn’t crushed or destroyed but was still put through a full, frame-off restoration before it was modified. Brian Hill pulled every piece and part off to strip, bang, straighten and finally repaint his in the Lamborghini Orange Pearl. However, it’s not a proper looking Nomad if the top isn’t its signature pristine white for that classic two-tone look.

All the glass was then replaced with new reproduction versions with modern weather-stripping for a noise-free ride. This was done to make sure the Vintage Air heating and air-conditioning system didn’t leak the cool interior air to the Bay Area’s hot atmosphere.

…a 1955 Nomad that’s worthy of television stardom.

That’s even as this Nomad makes its own atmosphere when it arrives. The interior is a fully-custom leather that carefully compliments that Lambo orange and chrome touches throughout. New, but classic gauges complete the classic looks of the Tri-Five dashboard.

Those new gauges are designed to work with the TurnKey Engine Supply LS1 crate engine, a 5.7-liter displacement that makes 410-horsepower and 420-torque to the crank with its 10.25:1 compression. Inside, the rotating assembly is lead by a set of Mahle forged pistons and squeeze fuel and air into cathedral port GM heads.

It’s designed to be installed and ran as it included everything, even the throttle pedal for the LS1 electronic throttle body but its ECM is calibrated with a TurnKey tune so it doesn’t need a GM PATS key. The only change was the addition of “Nomad” script emblems on the engine covers and painting the intake to match the Lambo orange of the body. Its power is then sent to a GM 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission.

We certainly wouldn’t mind being caught in it.

To control sway and pitch as Brian drives his Nomad, a modern set of coilovers were installed up front but the rear retains its leaf spring design. It’s not a race car and you’ll be able to haul more utilitarian loads thanks to the leafs if you desire or need it.

It’s fitted with a set of 17-inch American Racing VN508 Super Nova 5 in a mirror chrome finish and wrapped in Milestar MS932 Sport tires in 205/50R17 front and 225/60R17 rear.

Brian Hill and Hill’s Rod and Custom have certainly designed a 1955 Nomad that’s worthy of television stardom. Thankfully, it doesn’t come with the usual headaches fame brings but instead gives its driver the comforts of modern cars with the looks of a great classic Tri-Five. We certainly wouldn’t mind being caught in it.

Challenging ’69 Charger

J. P. Miller’s Restoration of His 1969 Dodge Charger R/T Super Track Pack

We’re always told about stories of people who finally get their hero car and it often turns out to be so much work it gets abandoned. For J. P. Miller, he knew he had something special once this 1969 Dodge Charger R/T arrived, but it wasn’t ready for anything close to street duty when it did.

“It was a barn find out of Moscow, Idaho,” J. P. Miller began his recollection of when he first heard about this 1969 Charger. “A friend of mine and father of my Goddaughter, who also would end up doing the paintwork, found it in a ‘Penny Saver’ magazine in Spokane, Washington.”

J. P., like a lot of us, was a huge fan of the “Dukes of Hazzard” and its hero car Charger and often seen as a character itself, General Lee. His friend knew he was looking for a 1969 model to match it as J. P. wanted to build a General Lee replica. So, they contacted the owner in Idaho and that’s when the story turned into something more than just a remake of a classic cult car.

“It turned out he was basically holding a silent auction for the car,” said Miller, “so, it totally caught us off guard and basically he have people look at the car and what it was coming with, write their offer on a paper and folded it in an envelope, and then at the end of the week pull the offers out of it and award it to the highest bidder.”

…you won’t find any Bondo on this Charger…

So, Miller went with Price is Right rules and bid $10,001.01 to ensure that he at least was the highest he could predict. At the end of the week, he got a call from an Idaho number to tell him he had won and could pick up the car and all the parts that came with it.

Randy Scheurer then drove a rollback from Spokane to Moscow, Idaho and back with everything on and in it. From there, it was a ten-year process of stripping the car down and restoring it back to what you see before you. It was loaded on to a rotisserie and torn down to its bare chassis. After that, it was media blasted and acid dipped before taking it over to Doug Standerfer of Spokane Valley, Washington for the sheet metal work.

Very extensive sheet metal work as the quarter panels and taillight panel needed to be replaced but the rear window metal work and pillars were able to be repaired by Doug. However, you won’t find any Bondo on this Charger as the metal work included leading for a proper, time-proven repair.

The rear quarter panels and taillight surround all had to be remade and were some of the first stamped sheets from Auto Metal Direct (AMD) for the 1969 Charger. While brand new stamped panels aren’t too hard to find now, back in 2005 they and Year One were the only ones making them and the process was only beginning for AMD.

…these are bumps you must anticipate, and patience, as well as understanding, is required.

Their molds had yet to be tweaked from the car they created their bucks from, and the panels wouldn’t fit correctly right away due to the gauge of metal used wasn’t exactly factory original, either. When you’re this early in the game for a restoration of a car like this, these are bumps you must anticipate, and patience, as well as understanding, is required. J. P. knew the hurry-up-and-wait game would be worth it after researching the car.

In between all the restoration work, Miller decided to dig into the history of this car and found out it was an original R/T Super Track Pack with a 440-cubic-inch V8, four-speed transmission, and radio delete. Someone bought this with the intention of racing it and looking into the engine, which was blown apart from a track thrashing before being parked, it showed.

While J. P. wasn’t the only owner, he did a VIN track and contacted the third owner of the car. Needless to say, the former Air Force serviceman was blown away to know the car was not only still around but in the process of being restored back to its former glory, too. Especially in the state, he showed him at the time.

Yes, you read that correctly. The engine block was in pieces as some time in the 1980s a rod went through it. However, the entire car was numbers matching and that included that original 440 big block Mopar that would have been considered destroyed by other builders.

Miller took it to an engine shop in California that specialized “lost cause blocks.” He took a look at the block and found that, while there was a large hole in it, the webbing was intact and could be repaired. Other than a standard rebuild and putting the block back together again, the engine is factory original.

…far greater, much rarer, and a hero car to lust over in its own right.

At this point, it was now April of 2012, the metal work was done, the paint was factory matched, and the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T Super Track Pack was ready for final assembly. All of the key parts were sourced from Ed Wogulis’ The Mopar Shop in Madera, California while other parts and assembly help was done by Dave La Marche of Concord, California.

The car is as original as you can get, even the wheels are a Mopar set you would find under it, but it does sit on modern Milestar StreetSteel tires with raised white lettering for that proper 1969 street car look with contemporary grip and wear.

From the work J. P. Miller did, this has been one incredible restoration job. It’s possibly one of the best we’ve seen in a long time. While he wanted a General Lee, we feel that he’s come out with something far greater, much rarer, and a hero car to lust over in its own right.

Cowboy Cadillac: ’68 El Camino

Tim Clancy’s 1968 El Camino Has the Heart of a CTS-V

These days, it’s not uncommon to see pickups used as daily drivers, decked out with luxurious interiors more suited to a limousine than a work truck, and optioned out to the point where the additional features double the sticker price. But back in the muscle car era, pickups were seen as utilitarian tools, not status symbols. Ford, always looking to create new market segments, launched the Ranchero in the 1957 model year, and foreshadowing what would happen with the Mustang and Camaro a few years later, Chevy got into the game with their own El Camino in 1959.

Built on two-door station wagon platforms, these two original “utility coupes” were originally aimed at the Gentleman Farmer, with a bed large enough to carry a useful payload, but a car-like driving experience that the wife wouldn’t object to for weekend trips into town for shopping and Sunday services at First Baptist.

…business up front, party in the back…

While the Ranchero enjoyed a successful run, it was the El Camino that launched a “business up front, party in the back” fanbase that continues to this day, with intermittent pleas for General Motors to import the Holden Ute to the US like they had done with the Commodore (which was rebadged as the Pontiac GTO).

Unfortunately, with both Ford Australia and Holden out of the business of building vehicles, it’s unlikely that we will see the return of a domestic branded “utility coupe” to showrooms any time soon, but that doesn’t mean that things are hopeless for those desiring a Ute with modern power. Case in point: Tim Clancy’s 1968 Chevy El Camino.

“I’ve had it for about 24 years,” Clancy explains. “I paid 2,500 bucks for it. I drove it for a long time with the original 396 and Muncie 4-speed, and I just drove it until it started smoking so much that I had to stop driving it.”

Now, they say that old cars don’t die—people just run out of money to keep them going. But Clancy knew what he had, and didn’t want to part with it just yet. “About five years ago I started back in on it, doing some simple bodywork, and I got it painted and rechromed everything,” he recalls.

Now, they say that old cars don’t die—people just run out of money to keep them going.

Of course, the cosmetic fixes didn’t address the main reason why he parked it in the first place, and a quick rebuild of the big-block might have gotten his ElCo back on the road right away, but Tim had bigger plans in mind. Much bigger.

“It still had the 396 in it, so it sat for a while until I finally decided to pull the trigger and bought that LSA motor.” By which he is referring to the 6.2 liter supercharged LSA crate engine, derived from the 2009-2015 Cadillac CTS-V and 5th Gen Camaro ZL1, that currently resides between the front fenders of his El Camino.

“It was a hell of a deal,” he says, but writing the check payable to Chevrolet Performance was only the first step. “We had to refabricate everything in the engine compartment to move it all—all the reservoirs, cooling for the blower—it was quite an ordeal and a lot of work. Everything is essentially upgraded to 2017 standards,” he reveals.

Rated at 556 crank horsepower, with a little expert attention the true potential of the factory-stock crate engine was unlocked. Per Clancy, “I had it dyno tuned to around 605 horsepower, and eventually, we are going to upgrade it to about 850. But I am waiting for the warranty to run out—as long as there is that three-year warranty, I am going to hang with it.”

Backing the LSA is a T-56 manual transmission feeding power to a Mark Williams rear end stuffed with premium components including a NASCAR gearset. “it has a 5-link suspension with coilovers, but it is still light in the rear end, and when you reach the limit it wants to come around,” he admits. To fight that tendency, Clancy knew he needed high-performance rubber, but he didn’t want to sacrifice the look of the El Camino with a modern-style “pro touring” low profile wheel and tire combination.

Clancy says, “I could have gone with the normal ‘nostalgia’ radials on it, but I’d just end up dead in a ditch. I wanted the look but I needed tires that handle well. I’m just not willing to compromise on that.” The Chevy rolls on 15-inch “Rally” style wheels wrapped in Milestar Streetsteel radial all-season high-performance tires, which are designed specifically for muscle cars, hot rods, and classics. These tires blend current technology and timeless raised-white-letter styling to provide traction and handling that would seem like black magic back in ‘68.

600-plus rear wheel horsepower demands respect, especially considering that this Chevy is going to be handed down to the next generation. “I don’t sell cars,” Clancy explains. “When I do, I always regret it. I’ll keep all my cars and give them to my kid, and he’s also a serious gearhead.” With a modern drivetrain transplant, suspension upgrades, an interior refresh that kept things looking original, and tires that are up to the task, his 1968 El Camino is ready for whatever the next 50 years have in store.

“I have six other fast cars in the garage, but this is what I drive every day. I just really enjoy it. You can drive it hard and not worry about breaking it.”

Is Dan Fresh’s JL Wrangler the Perfect Combination of Form and Function?

When the 2018 JL Wrangler debuted, the Jeep-world went into a frenzy. Vehicle sales were busy, just as many expected. The aftermarket parts industry spared no time getting started with the design and production of new parts. The new model is extremely capable and stylish, something Dan Fresh of OC Motorsports in Costa Mesa, California wanted to be on the forefront of.

Dan and his crew at OC Motorsports transformed a stock 2018 JL Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon into an upscale culmination of form and function. The team worked with many industry-leading aftermarket parts companies to design a Jeep that could hold its own on the 2018 SEMA Show floor and also be used as a flagship for OC Motorsports events, all while also set to be a dependable race support vehicle.

Dan Fresh is a racer at heart. Over the years, he has been heavily involved and raced in trophy trucks, Jeepspeed, Ultra 4 and many more facets of the racing world. That meant straight from the start that this Jeep would be top shelf.

For any performance vehicle to work as it should, it needs to have great components. Dan and his team worked closely with Fox Factory to set the Jeep up with a full round of newly designed 3.0 Internal Bypass Shocks. The massive shocks also feature finned aluminum recirculating reservoirs with DSC Adjusters for quick tuning.

Shocks like those need to have some grunt supporting them. A Savvy Off Road 3.5-inch suspension lift was installed, including adjustable control arms along with a Currie Enterprises Antirock anti-sway bar in the rear.

The new suspension gave clearance for a healthy set of 40-inch Milestar Patagonia M/Ts, wrapped around matte black 17-inch Method Trail Series 701 wheels. A combination that gives the vehicle both the ground clearance, stance, and raw gripping power a true performer demands. Because the Jeep often goes from off-road to the street and back again, an Innovative JK Products ARB Under Seat Mount with Air Up and Air Down Kit was installed.

The Rubicon differentials were treated to a pair of Dana 44 AdvanTek covers to protect the gears and lockers. The Jeep’s steering linkage was swapped for a Synergy Heat Treated Chromoly Tie Rod and Drag Link kit with the support of a Fox Factory ATS steering stabilizer system. The power and torque are brought to the differentials via a pair of JE Reel 1350 CV Driveshafts.

Attention was also put on the body of the vehicle. Protecting the rails are Rock Slide Engineering Step Sliders with automatic steps. A Savvy high clearance rear bumper was installed, along with a spare tire/camera delete kit. The front received a prototype Savvy Hidden Winch Bumper with Hoop for Dan to test out on the trails and race courses. The body wrap was installed by Versatile Wraps.

Desert racing and adventures require light when the sun goes down and when the unforgiving terrain doesn’t let up. To battle the darkness, a host of Baja Designs LP9 and XL80 LED lights were installed.

The powertrain has been left mostly stock for now, save for a MagnaFlow Rock Crawler Stainless Exhaust System. Though, with the immense capabilities of the OC Motorsports team, there shouldn’t be any surprise if a HEMI V8 finds its way under the hood in the future.

The amount of work done to Dan’s JL is impressive, even more so in that it was all completed in a matter of two days. After proudly standing tall at the 2018 SEMA Show, the Jeep has been on numerous customer appreciation trail runs, desert race testing trips and regularly driven on the street for commuting duties. Soon, the Jeep will be working hard as support for King of the Hammers, Best In The Desert and SCORE International races.

This likely won’t be the end of the modifications for this Jeep, but it is a stellar start out of the gate.

Hip to be Square: 1974 Chevy Cheyenne

GM’s “Square Body” pickups are red hot these days, but Raymond Ernandez’s Cheyenne bucks the trend of pro touring over-restoration

Just like the muscle car is something that could only be invented in the USA, the pickup truck as a personal vehicle (and not just a farm implement or tradesman’s workhorse) is a uniquely American thing. Combine a two-door cab with a short bed and you have a vehicle with the intimate passenger compartment of a sports car and the practicality to haul a half-dozen beer kegs or a weekend’s worth of gear for the deer camp, should the need arise. It didn’t take much rationalization to talk yourself into one instead of a station wagon or four-door sedan, in the same way people convince themselves that a “crossover” SUV is a better answer to their needs than a minivan today. The single-cab short bed pickup perfectly occupied that space on the Venn diagram where coolness and practicality overlapped.

Between the 1973 and 1987 model year, General Motors built an absolute metric buttload of C/K series third-gen full-size pickups to this formula, and they proved to be popular, reliable, and to most people, disposable. Anyone who thought at the time they’d be sought-after rides thirty-five years down the line would be considered insane, but they’d also be right. Today, these “square body” pickups have a huge following, and you can’t do an online search for them without coming across a plethora of lovingly restored examples and scores of immaculate pro-touring builds.

The truck you see here is neither.

…perfectly occupied that space on the Venn diagram where coolness and practicality overlapped.

In Corvette-speak, it would be called a “survivor,” but a better term for Raymond Ernandez’ 1974 Chevy Cheyenne Super Custom Fleetside would be “honest.” Per Raymond, “I’ve always been a fan of the square-bodies, and when I spotted it, I knew it was a diamond in the rough.” Bought just over a year ago in (mostly) factory-original condition, this Spanish Yellow truck shows the years and the miles but has the kind of authenticity and honesty many enthusiasts try to restore away. Under the hood is the original 454 big block, topped by an anonymous chrome open element air filter perched on the 4-barrel and strapped with tubular headers of unknown origin, just like every Chevy V8 pickup wore back in the day.

“It’s currently a work in progress,” he admits, with only a few changes made since he obtained the truck. Three-inch drop spindles in front and a flip kit in back give the Cheyenne a modern stance, but the real key to the retro-cool look is the combination of 15-inch Rally wheels (8 inches wide up front, 10 in back) with Milestar Streetsteel tires in 245/60 and 295/50 profile front and rear. Tire technology has come a long way since the square-body trucks last left the assembly line, and these tires incorporate modern engineering with classic styling, including a contemporary all-season tread design and a timeless raised white letter sidewall. It’s the perfect combination of the right look for this truck with the performance that nothing from that era could touch.

…they proved to be popular, reliable, and to most people, disposable.

Raymond has a few different cars and trucks in his garage, but the Cheyenne gets the nod for both practical pickup duty and weekend outings. “I mainly take it to local truck shows and cruises where I can take my little boys along,” he explains. “They’re growing up to enjoy the truck and classic car scene.” While the C10 might have been unappreciated as more than just a working truck in its day, it’s great to see people like Raymond Ernandez passing the love of these once-overlooked mainstays of American automotive culture down to the next generation.

Living the Dream: The Impala SS

Raymond Ernandez’s 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS is the Fulfillment of Childhood Desire

Cars have inspired songwriters for decades, from the ‘30 Ford Woody in Jan & Dean’s Surf City to the epic battle between Ford and Cadillac Chuck Berry sang about in Maybelline, and of course Prince’s eponymous Little Red Corvette. But if you had to think of a song inspired by an engine, there’s only one that comes to mind: the Beach Boys’ 409. Chevy’s original big block V8 in its 409 cubic inch version didn’t just earn its reputation through displacement alone; it was rated at one horsepower per cube, the magic number for engine output in that era. Tonawanda built more than 15,000 of them in 1962, and they found their way into a select few factory performance packages, including the 1962 Impala SS.

That big Chevy with its now-iconic styling loomed large in Raymond Ernandez’s imagination as a child, and as an adult, owning a ‘62 Impala (and in particular, one with a 409) became an aspiration that had to be fulfilled. “As a young man, I grew up around Impalas,” he explains. “It was always one of my favorite cars and I always hoped to someday own one.” Fast forward to ten years ago, and the opportunity presented itself, but Raymond almost let it slip away.

“The guy who had it had a whole bunch of muscle cars, and he was doing some resto-mod stuff with them, putting in new engines and suspensions,” he explains. “We talked about the car, and I thought he wanted too much money because I didn’t really know what these cars were worth. I was interested, but I told him it wasn’t in my budget,” he recalls with a chuckle.

“With that motor, though, it was really worth what he was asking. So I just left it alone, but he ended up calling me back.” Eventually, a deal was struck, and Ernandez ended up acquiring the Impala for a relative bargain price. “Years went by and I worked on it, did the disc brakes and things, but until I started taking it to car shows where people recognized the car I didn’t really appreciate that motor. I had thought about putting in a 350 crate motor, and the guy at the shop I took it to just said, ‘I don’t want to pull this motor out…’”

That was definitely a wise choice, as the 409 under the hood wears the correct stamp for the car, adding to the authenticity of the big-block Impala. Due to issues with producing a transmission that could endure the 409’s torque, 1962 cars that were so equipped were only available with four-speed manual transmissions or the bulletproof Powerglide two speed automatic, but Ernandez’s SS has been tastefully upgraded with a TH400 built to handle the power. Other small changes have all been made with the goal of maintaining as much of the original car without over-restoring it, but still making it a practical, reliable, fun-to-drive classic.

A big part of that formula is the rolling stock — 17-inch five spoke wheels from Coys wrapped in Milestar MS932 Sport tires. These high-performance all-season radials are designed for a well-balanced response, excellent tread life, and superior all-weather traction, not that the Impala sees a lot of wet pavement, of course. A competent, comfortable touring tire like the MS932 Sport makes perfect sense on a car that’s intended to be driven, not just looked at, and the low-profile tires and retro-mod wheels are the perfect finishing touch to this Impala’s stance.

“It’s not like a perfect build, and it’s an older build,” Ernandez attests. “I don’t take it to big national shows, but I like going to local shows, and it’s won a lot of best-of-show.” Imperfect or not, in the end, the Impala is doing exactly what it should – making a kid’s dream come true every time the key is turned.

The Milestar CAN-AM UTV of Cora and Erik Jokinen

The Milestar Can-Am UTV of Cora and Erik Jokinen was originally built for an impossible task. When Ultra4 Racer Mike Bergman found himself without a car to race at King of the Hammers in 2017, CT Race Worx put this Can-Am together so he would at least have something to drive in the race.  He wasn’t racing it against other UTVs. Instead, he was going against the biggest and baddest Ultra4 unlimited cars. Despite being outgunned, the car qualified 50th out of about 200 cars and gave them all hell on race day. In 2018, Erik and Cora brought the car back but raced it at KOH with the other UTVs.

King of the Hammers combines long, open desert sections that are run at high speeds, with the toughest rock trails found in Johnson Valley, California known as the Hammer Trails. The course is diabolical with sand, ruts, whoops, and rocks, and that’s just the desert section. The rock trails are literally piles of boulders that cling to the sides of steep canyons. Big rocks, small rocks, round rocks, and sharp rocks. What the rocks don’t do to you gravity will. There are many off-camber side hills and steep drop-offs.

Despite having competed in the toughest single-day offroad race in the world twice, the Can-Am is not too exotic. Most of the modifications come right out of the CT Race Worx catalog and are bolt-on parts. The Can-Am runs ADS shocks and was used to develop the Jokinen’s Torque Locker differential lockers. The traction department also benefits from their Milestar tires.

When the only thing holding you to solid ground is your tires, they need to be the best. The Jokinens’ tire of choice is the Milestar Patagonia SXT. New for 2018 is the soft compound Black Label tire that has all the superior features found on the SXT but with a stickier rubber compound for even more traction. The SXT Black Label has the same Kevlar® belt package for strength and light weight as well as the deep, wide grooves with stone ejectors that help to disperse dirt and debris. The wide overlapping tread blocks maintain stability and improve sure-footed control during rapid acceleration and braking. The distinctive tread pattern provides excellent control in sand, silt, and rocks.

Cora & Erik got to put them to the test when they headed to Sand Hollow State Park in Utah after displaying the Can-Am in Milestar’s booth at the SEMA Show. “It was nice not to be in a serious competition and be able to just play around in the sand,” said Erik, “The scenery is spectacular and the sand is very fine and deep. I experimented with air pressure to get the maximum flotation in the sand. The way the tread wraps around the sidewall of the tire gave me excellent traction while aired down. We were in some big dunes but also hit some rocks and hard packed two-track trails. It was quite an experience; I’m hooked. We don’t have dunes in New York where we live.”

Erik says they will be racing Dirt Riot events back East next season and might even do some rock bouncing. That is where you point your UTV up a steep rutted, and rocky trail to see how fast you can make it up. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the fans love it. You need lots of traction, but also a tough tire that can take the incredible abuse. Their Milestar SXT’s will be the hot ticket in those conditions.

A C10 Across All Ages

Mike Hegarty’s 1971 Chevrolet C10

Found in a town not far from where Mike Hegarty lives was a 1971 Chevrolet C10. From its side of the road beginnings, this C10 has become an OEM Plus conversion using all original GM parts.

When Mike Hegarty took possession of the ’71 C10, the fenders were, strangely, removed. There was no crash damage that he could find and, to make matters worse, they were placed in the bed face down. You might not think that would be a big deal, but it used to have a camper on it with a carpet in the floor. At some point before placing the fenders there, that camper was pulled off. Rainwater collected in the carpet and ruined the front fenders.

Mike isn’t one for reproduction stuff. “I like to use all original GM stuff,” Mike admits, “I’m big reproduction fan.” He accounts that to fit and finish issues he’s had in the past. He found a set of original C10 fenders and began to improve many of the parts on the truck. In a way, he kind of had to as it was a strangely built truck to begin with. It had manual front disc brakes, a manual steering box, a one-ton four-speed transmission, a manual hand throttle (like tow truck chassis had), a rubber one-piece floor mat, no chrome trim, factory painted bumpers, factory air conditioning, and a 3.08:1 rear end with posi-traction. It was an oddball of a truck and the only two options listed on the body tag were for the factory air and the posi-traction. Otherwise, it was no frills or thrills from the factory floor.

To make it look nicer, Mike searched for improved GM factory parts to replace the boring parts. Again, nothing on this truck is reproduction GM parts. These are all New Old Stock or NOS. The grille, taillights, tailgate trim, tailgate spat, bumpers front and rear, all of it was original from the General from the 1970s. Originally, he was putting it back together to eventually sell as that is something he does and did with his dad, Ed, for many years at Deal Auto Wreckers.

They would get GM cars and take parts off optioned-out junked cars and resell them. Keep in mind, this was also during a time when numbers matching didn’t mean anything. As he was putting this C10 back together, Mike started to like its character and continued to improve it with all the original GM parts he could find. He settled with a built Turbo 400 from Broadway Automotive & Transmission in Oakland, CA and was happy with it.

That is until the camshaft of the original 350-cu.in. four-bolt truck engine ground itself flat thanks to low-zinc, non-additive oil. So, out went that old engine and in went a 1969 dated 350-cu.in. Small Block Chevy with a four-bolt main. The heads were over-the-parts-counter GM, road race style angled plug heads made for ripping above 4500-RPM. It also features a 69 to 70 Z/28 high-rise intake manifold with a 780-CFM Holley 4053 DZ carburetor with the matching factory 69 Z/28 air cleaner. He even installed the big pulley alternator that the big-horsepower GM engines came with.

2.5-inch Corvette “Ram Horn” manifolds were installed but required some clearance massaging at the top of the frame rail to fit. While parts of the bracketry had to also be modified, the original A/C system is still installed. “When you open the hood,” says Mike, “I wanted it to look like the entire engine was stolen out of a 1969 Camaro Z/28.” That also means the steering and brakes were replaced with original GM power parts for a much easier drive. He’s also installed all the optional gauges you could originally get save for the original Speed Warning speedometer. “It’s a loaded option truck that I’ve taken off other trucks,” says Mike, “so none of it is reproduction.”

There are only a few non-GM parts on the truck but the part that Mike admits people were more impressed with, even with all the original GM option parts, is the gas cap. Between the cab and the bed is a four-inch wide panel and the gas cap is hidden and flush mounted into that panel. “When you look at the bed,” says Mike, “It looks like a stock truck other than the top trim panel and that’s where the gas cap is.” The only other part that’s not GM but are 100-percent original are the Halibrand 15×8.5 wheels with Milestar Streetsteel tires in 275/60R15. The knock-off caps are just original Halibrand caps to cover the lug nuts. The final bit of non-factory upgrade parts is the Early Classic Enterprises suspension kit to give it a lower, but still usable stance and improved handling, especially thanks to the addition of the adjustable Super Track Bar Kit to help center the rear end.

Before we leave you, there is are two interesting stories about the paint and scallops on the sides of the C10. It’s a factory GM white for the C10 but was shot by “The Garbage Man,” a buddy of Mike’s not far from where he lives. “I’m not kidding,” he laughed, “It was painted in the nastiest little garage you could ever imagine.” His nephew, who is also a vehicle painter over at Eastbay Speed and Custom in Concord, CA, went with Mike to pick up the truck when it was done. He was used to clean body shops and pristine equipment before this. When they arrived at the garage, he asked where it was painted when the Garbage Man said, “It was painted in here.” His nephew was flabbergasted and now looks up to him.

Finally, before taking the truck home and before Mike’s nephew met his new painting hero, he wanted to put scallops on the sides of the truck. He knew he wanted them to match the blue of the factory interior, so he called up a local scallop artist who quoted him an astronomical price. He was good, but not that good. So, Mike and the Garbage Man laid some stripe tape down, got it to where they wanted it, and painted the scallops on the sides of the C10.

While there is a movement in the modern vehicle building world for “OEM Plus” builds, where high-end option parts are installed on a vehicle, the idea is to make it better than it originally was with factory parts. Mike Hegarty’s 1971 C10 shows that this method can also be applied to classic American vehicles, though it may take a little more time, research, and reach. The results are just as impressive in the end, too.

High School Sweetheart:
A ’70 Chevelle to Remember

When Mike Hegarty was just 17 years old in 1981, he bought a $1000 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle that he was going to flip for his friend, Bob. However, after driving it, he called his buddy to tell him he had good news and bad.

“The good news,” Mike said, “is that I’m in love.” His buddy, not sure what Mike was on about, asked him what the bad news was. “It’s with this car you’re supposed to be buying and you’re not getting it,” he laughed. Bob, though sad was very understandable about the situation. Even at just 11 years old, a 1970 Chevelle was still too hard to pass up. It was a car Mike could never truly part with considering he’s had it for 37 years now.

It’s not the perfect Chevelle, mind. “The engine numbers don’t match,” admits Mike, “but any car that was designed from the factory to beat on wouldn’t be.” His car has even had several engines, transmissions, and rear ends changed two or three times since he’s owned it. “I’ve always treated the car like it was meant to be,” he continued, “It’s a hot rod. I can leave the car sit for a year, get in it and drive it a mile and start side-stepping the clutch and driving it hard.”

That wasn’t its only imperfections. The paint was lacquer checked, also known as crows’ feet, where it starts to crack due to weather exposure. “About two-thirds of the paint is still original with spotting here or there to fix it,” he says. Ironically, when he bought it, a car would have been sanded back down and resprayed to get rid of it, “now, the world has changed, and this look is desirable. It doesn’t need a paint job,” Mike laughed.

The engine currently in it is a 1973 454-cu.in. Big Block Chevy V8, but not much had been done to it. It came out of an old motorhome that his Uncle John had and ran very strong. The motorhome was also the tow vehicle for the Bonneville race car they owned. It was tough enough to outlast the body panels that were slowly being eaten away by the salt. So, when they finally rotted away, Mike pulled that hard running 454 out and put it into his Chevelle.

It still has the four-speed M21 Muncie, but now has a bolt-on Gear Vendors overdrive unit sending power to the rear end that was installed by Broadway Automotive & Transmission in Oakland, CA. “It’s getting tired now,” says Mike, “it’s starting to get a little grey smoke when I start it up in the morning.” The plan is to replace it with a new Chevy Big Block of some sort.

The transmission tunnel had to be modified due to the overdrive unit, so it and the hump in the seats were modified for its fitment. That’s not to say it’s not improved upon. Much like his C-10, this 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle would get option parts from wrecked classics from his dad’s, Ed Hegarty, wrecking yard – Deal Auto Wreckers. For many, many years, his dad, known as “The Deal Father,” and this yard were the source for classic GM and other vintage car parts. He was also a member of the Bonneville 200MPH Club with his partner, Dave Dozier in the Chrysler flat-eight powered Dozier and Hegarty Streamliner. It had a top speed of 233-MPH and went 300-plus-MPH in 1994, the first-ever Hemi-crate engine steamliners to do so.

His Chrysler connections didn’t stop there, either. From 1996 to 2001, Ed supplied Plymouth “Hemi” ‘Cuda Convertibles for the CBS TV show, Nash Bridges. They weren’t the star cars but were the dummy and stunt cars that would get torn up. A few were even six-cylinder powered versions. Probably the prized cars in his collection, however, were the Grand National Roadster Show America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) winning “Deuceari,” a Ferrari 330-powered 1932 Ford highboy and the 1940 Dick Bertolucci/Buddy Ohanesian built 1940 Mercury. A ’40 Mercury convertible sedan turned with a custom hardtop in the 1950s. Sadly, Ed passed away in December of 2012 and Deal Auto Wreckers closed permanently not many years after.

Going back to the Chevelle, the suspension is still the stock suspension as from factory, with only wearing parts replaced not long ago. “Just a year ago,” Mike admitted, “I replaced the worn-out shocks, brakes pads and shoes, and wheel cylinders.” It has “OEM Plus” modifications, just like his C10 but from other GM cars. The seat is a recovered Strato Bench seat, a bench that has a folding center armrest, pulled from a mid-size GM car. Though, it had to have its tunnel reshaped to also fit the overdrive unit just like the transmission tunnel in the floor. The Chevelle also has power windows and brakes and even features the fiber optic headlight monitors on the fenders. The wheels, though, are Halibrands in 15×7 and 15×8 with simulated “knock off” center caps wrapped in classic looking Milestar Streetsteel tires in 245/60 front and 275/60R15 rear.

If you’re surprised by the lack of hot, over-the-top parts, you’re in short company. “You know,” says Mike, “not every car needs to be a show car or even a hot rod.” We can’t help but agree after looking at both of his examples. This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle is a great example of a car that’s cool just for how original GM it is. Sure, it’s modified but it’s all parts that were available from GM for the Chevelle or any of their other mid-sized cars. Working with factory parts, even NOS parts, means you are getting factory fit and quality. It’s a great lesson on how to build a hot rod without breaking the bank and building with overly expensive and custom parts.

The Silver Stallion: ’68 Ford Bronco

Bryan Battaglini’s 1968 Ford Bronco

There’s something about a well-built classic vehicle that can get any gearhead’s heart pumping. In a sea of long wheelbase late model rigs with Bluetooth connected radios, electronic nanny stability control, and angry grilles, classic off-road rigs stand out as the cool grandpa that blazed the way for the kids. 

Well kids, grandpa has a new hip and he’s here to show you how it’s done, with style. Bryan Battaglini’s 1968 Ford Bronco has got more than enough style and all the right parts. “I love the classic Bronco.” Bryan proclaimed. “It has great lines and will always be a crowd favorite.”

We spent some time with ogling the classic stallion to get photos so we could share this beauty with you. Don’t worry, we didn’t get any drool on it.

Inside and out, Bryan’s Bronco is chockfull of class and style, blending old-school and proven technology with some modern upticks to really make it shine. The body was fitted with fiberglass front fenders, a forced-air hood was installed with gas shocks, then the whole thing was painted in PPG’s Silver Birch paint with a clear coat. A ProtoFab front bumper houses a Smittybilt X20 winch with a complementary ProtoFab rear bumper and a tire swing hanging out back.

Under that performance hood is a 1990 5.0L fuel-injected V8, loaded with shorty headers, an upgraded camshaft, and a large aluminum radiator to keep it cool. The beast exhales through a Magnaflow exhaust system while it pushes power out to the NV3550 manual 5-speed transmission and Advance Adapters Atlas transfer case.

That power gets split to Dana 44 differentials front and rear. Both diffs are loaded with ARB Air Lockers for the extra bite that is sometimes needed. All that traction leads down to a full set of 37-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T rubbers wrapped around 17-inch Level 8 Bully Pro Lock Wheels. On why he chose the Patagonias, Bryan said: “they look killer, have great traction and are very quiet on the road.”

The interior of the Bronc’ is loaded too. The fully Rhino lined interior sports an all-new electrical system with a MegaSquirt MS3 Pro computer and Flaming River tilt steering column. A Pioneer head-unit drives JBL speakers for classic tunes on any trail while riders are sitting comfortably in a set of Corbeau racing seats.

The whole rig sits on a Wild Horses 5.5-inch suspension lift, front and rear and uses dual shock hoops with dual shocks at all four corners. A 2-inch body lift gives the extra bit of clearance needed to not chop the body up for those big Milestar meats.

All said and done, the dust finally settled after a 2-year build time, Bryan is excited to continue vetting his classic rig on new terrains. “I have not put it to its full potential yet,” said Bryan. “It’s great on and off road and even as tall as it is, it still cruises on the freeway great.”

Bronco Buster

Bruce Winsatt’s 1971 Ford Bronco Sport

Full-size Ford Broncos are really hot right now, but the Early Model Broncos have always been highly desirable. Early Broncos bring top dollar; whether they are stock, restored, or highly modified. One Early Bronco owner is well aware of this. Bruce Winsatt had owned several full-size versions before he found this 1971 Ford Bronco early model. He was looking for a good project to undertake with his son Brandon, who was 15 years old at the time, when they found the Bronco in Pueblo, Colorado. It was a good candidate for a modified build as it was in a rather rough shape.

“The truck was in sad condition with a tired engine, a 3-speed transmission that too often would stick in second gear, and it had serious rust and holes in the floorboards,” says Bruce, “The rust was so bad, you could see the road go by from inside the truck. Having never taken on this level of restoration, we did a lot of research, talked to some great resources, and then jumped in with all 4 feet. We tore everything out, but in hindsight, we should have removed the body from the frame too.”

Like many automotive projects, you turn over a rock and find more rocks underneath. After the bodywork was finished, they had a big issue. After several attempts to align the doors, they discovered that like many nearly 50-year-old trucks, the frame had a twist in it. The frame was straightened, but in order to get the doors to line up, they would have to perform some serious sheet metal surgery. The custom half doors on each side solved their problem and add to the rugged look of the truck.

With the body sorted out and coated with Tangelo Orange paint, it was time to tackle the mechanicals. Here is where Bruce was able to pass on his knowledge to Brandon. They went through every system on the Bronco; making upgrades along the way. The front drum brakes were swapped out for discs, the brake booster was upgraded, and the entire system was redone with new hydraulic lines. The electrical wiring is all new too with the aid of a Painless Performance harness. The stock 302 engine was stroked to 347 cubic inches and puts out 400 horsepower. Mixing the fuel is a Holley 650 carb sitting on top of the Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, and an MSD ignition lights the fire. Spent gasses are expelled out the back through a custom exhaust system. The cooling system was designed by Any Radiator in Lake Havasu City, AZ. These early Broncos are known for cooling issues and the system that Any Radiator has designed keeps the healthy V8 cool, even on the most challenging trails. All that power goes through an NP435 4-speed manual transmission with a Gear Banger shifter system. A Wild Horses 3.5-inch lift kit with Rancho 9000XL shocks allow the truck to handle extreme terrain whether they are slow speed crawling, or blazing across the desert. The suspension is further enhanced with a set of 35-inch Milestar Patagonia M/T tires. The Patagonia tires are equally at home in the rocks and in the desert. All the fun begins when you twist the Warn locking hubs, and shift into 4-wheel drive.

With the mechanicals wrapped up, there was still plenty to do. The bulged fiberglass hood, held down in front by hood pins, is coated in Tangelo paint, but much of the Bronco is a contrasting black. The bumpers, roll cage, fender flares, wheels, doors, and front grill are all dark as night. The same is true for the interior. The seats have a custom touch that ties them together with the body; matching orange piping. The custom roll cage and bumpers were designed with form and function in mind. The rear bumper includes a spare tire mount and a hitch receptacle. Both front and rear custom bumpers have Rigid Industries LED light bars flush mounted into them for a clean look.

The truck is a real looker and has been a great father and son project. Brandon is now able to build and maintain his own vehicles and is currently studying at SDSU towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Third Time’s the Charm With This ‘72 Chevy C10

Dustin Reed’s 1972 Chevy C10 Proves Love Is Sweeter The Third Time Around

As we move through different seasons of life, our priorities, our tastes, and even the people we hold dear change. As much as we are encouraged to embrace the new and put the past behind us, a rare few can persevere through these changes and come out on the far side with relationships and identity intact, making the conscious choice to build on what we have instead of casting it aside to chase something shiny and new. 

Such build on what we have instead of casting it aside to chase something shiny and new “I got it just after I dropped out of college in 2000, and it was a piece of junk that I picked up as a project,” Dustin explains. Built on a budget, and subject to the prevailing winds of automotive culture, the first two iterations weren’t quite as timeless and understated as what you see now. 

“We did silly stuff, like super-slammed and air-bagged out, the kind of thing that was popular at the time, where you could lay frame,” he admits. “You get older, and you get smarter, and I wanted something I could actually track, and that’s what it is built for now. You know things change over the years, funding changes, and this is actually my third attempt at a build. I like it better now.”

As a successful general contractor today, Reed finally has the resources to do justice to his Chevy’s potential. The most striking thing about this truck isn’t the modern, cammed-up LS3 under the hood, or the C4 Corvette front suspension, or Corvette brakes and coilovers on all four corners – it’s the way this Chevy has been turned into a true mid-engine layout, with the firewall extensively relieved to make room for the engine’s radical relocation.

“The craziest part of the whole thing is how the engine is set back 10 inches into the cab,” Reed says. “I was trying to achieve a 50/50 weight distribution, and sure enough, when we scaled it, it was dead on. There’s no truck that’s like that.” Reed’s goal is to maximize grip and turn some heads with the way his C10 turns. His chosen venue? “Autocross at first, and I am relying on Curt [Hill, of Hill’s Rod and Custom in Pleasant Hill, CA] to help me out, but I eventually want to run at Thunderhill and places like that.”

For street duty, Reed’s Chevy rolls on 20-inch 5 spoke wheels shod in 255/45ZR20 Milestar MS932 XP+ ultra-high-performance tires. These feature an asymmetric tread design with large outside shoulder blocks to provide consistent grip under heavy cornering loads, and 3D siping on the inside shoulder blocks combined with angled radial grooves and broad circumferential channels to direct water away from the tread face in bad weather.

While Dustin’s relationship with his Chevy has run hot and cold through the years, he’s glad he stuck with it, even though there are some things he might do differently if he could start from scratch. “I would do a full custom chassis rather than modify it the way I did,” he admits. ”It’s all one fell swoop that way, rather than messing with all that stock stuff, boxing the frame rails, and grafting all the components. I’d rather just roll in a ‘done’ chassis and drop the body on it. I did it the long, expensive way.”

Regardless, he’s happy with where they are today and finds that he’s getting back as much as he put in. “The way I look at it, this is something I really do need,” he explains. “Everybody needs an outlet. It’s almost like a way to meditate. It’s counseling. It’s therapy. It’s my out.”

Crawlin’ With the Jeep Wrangler TJ

Jason Zamora’s 2000 Jeep Wrangler TJ

When it comes to rock crawling, it’s not power that should be your focus as you build. Unless you’re racing in Ultra4, your rig should be reliable, able to articulate, have very low crawl gearing, and have very strong axles. Power means nothing if you can’t get over a boulder without breaking or crashing it. That’s why Jason Zamora’s 2000 Jeep Wrangler TJ doesn’t have a ridiculous LS or Hemi swap – you don’t need it while crawling.

The Jeep Wrangler TJ was built by Engelhart and Moat (EM) Performance in Santa Fe Springs, CA, of which Jamie Moat talked to us about the build. “We wanted to build a fully capable Jeep with the best bolt-on part in the industry,” he said when we asked him about the build. The full build time was only four months, but the quality you see in not just the parts, but the finished product looks like a TJ that was built over several years. The mirror finish black paint job was done by One Off Rides Garage in Corona, CA and just doesn’t look like a paint job a crawler would have. That probably speaks more about the driving style of Zamora, though.

The engine is bone stock inside 4.0-liter AMC engine, an engine that is regarded as one of the best Chrysler engines ever built to power most any 4WD. Back then, it made 190-horsepower and 235-lb/ft of torque. Zamora’s probably makes about that or just better with the addition of a header and K&N intake system. The only other addition is the 100-amp alternator to drive the GGLighting 50-inch LED light bar and two-inch Pillar Pods, KC HiLites Rock Lights, Warn winch, stereo system with satellite radio, and ARB Compressor that sends air to the ARB Air Lockers.

The lift comes from a combination of a body lift with a front and rear Currie Enterprises Four-inch TJ Johnny Joint Suspension System. It features four-inch lift springs in combination with their adjustable upper and lower short arms that use Currie Johnny Joints, a rebuildable rod end joint that is stiffer than the rubber joints of the OEM control arms but not as teeth rattling as traditional rod ends. This also comes with adjustable front track bar, a rear trac bar relocation bracket, new polyurethane bump stops, and their Antirock adjustable front sway bar.

EM Performance also installed a set of Fox 2.0-inch diameter Performance Shocks. These are a set of monotube shocks that have an internal floating piston to separate nitrogen charged air from the oil. This eliminates oil aeration from pressure changes at the shock piston, which can happen from the oil boiling in the lower pressure areas of the piston’s travel. They feature better valving for off-road driving and on-road handling than the original OEM shocks.

That suspension connects to a pair of Dana 44 housings front and rear. Both also have ARB Air Lockers attached to 4.88:1 gears that spin the chromoly axle shafts. Those shafts are attached to Raceline Avenger Beadlock wheels in 17×9 with a 4.5-inch backspace (-13 offset, for you Euro and JDM wheel types). The beadlocks clamp down on a set of sticky Milestar Patagonia M/T tires in 37×12.50R17 all around. These tires have proven themselves at Ultra4 at places like the King of the Hammers and even racing at the Mint 400. Stopping this Wrangler TJ is an upgraded big brake kit while steering is handled by a Currie Currectlync Steering System with a Fox Steering Stabilizer damper on the tie-rod. The steering box is protected by a steel skid plate as, without it, it would be vulnerable to rock impacts.

With larger tires and increased suspension travel, you need to make room by modifying the body. For EM Performance and Jason, it was a call to GenRight Off-Road. For maximum front approach clearance, the stock bumper was replaced by a GenRight Stubby front bumper. Rear departure is increased by their Rock Crawler bumper and the GenRight tire carrier keeps the spare from contacting the ground in high-angle crawls. If needed, the rocker panels are protected by their Rock Sliders while the transfer case gets protection from their Belly Up Steel Skid Plate.

The fenders are no longer stock and tube versions from GenRight replace them as they open the fender areas for the bigger Patagonia M/Ts. However, to cover the inside of the front fenders, GenRight inner fender panels replace the TJ parts and helps keep air flowing through the radiator. Otherwise, the air would just flow around the radiator because that would be the easiest path. It also allowed the tube fenders to work without cutting the stock Wrangler TJ fenders.

While the passengers sit in the comfort of Mastercraft Suspension Race Bucket Seats up front and a suspension rear bench seat in the rear, they are fully protected by a GenRight Full Roll Cage. It bolts in place of the TJ cage but features far more protection by adding triangulation to the roll hoops and additional side impact strength at the A-pillar bars with a crossbar that fits over the stock TJ dashboard. They can drive without a cover or use the Spiderweb Shade made for the cage.

So, as you can see, power isn’t the factor that limits a vehicle’s crawling ability. Both the 2.5-liter and the 4.0-liter powered TJs can be made into respectable crawlers. That is if you put your money into the parts that matter like the tires, suspension, axles, and protection. Jason Zamora’s EM Performance built TJ is plenty proof of that concept. 

Is this ’69 Chevy Camaro SS Classically Original?

Curt Hill’s 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS

It’s the dream car for many people around the world and screams absolute “Americana.” The 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS is a car that captures the imaginations and romanticization of writers, directors, and car customizers. When you say “Camaro,” Curt Hill’s example will be the exact image people will have pop in their heads.

When it was built, the Camaro was Chevy’s answer to the Pony Car – a small, rear-wheel drive coupe with either an inline-six or V8 and a “live” rear axle. It was based on the F-body platform and it was a long-lived one. The first built in 1967 and ended in 2002 in favor of the Zeta-platform when the Camaro returned in 2010. The F-body was based off the X-body, a compact for its time platform in which the Chevy II and Nova, Buick Apollo and Skylark, Oldsmobile Omega, Pontiac Ventura and Phoenix, and the Canada only Acadian were built on. The only cars that were made with this chassis code were the Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. The first-generation specifically, which is what Curt Hill’s 1969 SS is, was carried over until November of 1969 due to delays in designing the second-generation chassis.

When the Camaro dropped in 1967, it came with three submodels (not including the base model) and packages upon packages as options for potential owners. You had the RS, which was mostly an “appearance” package that had hidden headlights and different taillights. The backup lights were under the rear bumper and you got RS badging on top of the brighter exterior trim. Then there was the Z/28, a high-performance package to work within the SCCA Trans-Am series rules, meaning it had a solid-lifter 302-cubic inch V8, four-speed manual transmission, power disc brakes, and two wide stripes down the hood and trunk lid.

Then you had what would become the package everyone in high school at the time wanted – the SS or Super Sport. It was the signature that indicated you had the best parts from the General outside of a COPO. You could get it with either a 396-ci V8 or the L48 High Output Chevy 350 V8. The chassis was upgraded to handle better and deal with the bigger power of the 350-High Output and 396. Further distinctions included the non-functional hood inlets, special striping, and that unmistakable SS badging. Before the Camaro, SS-badged cars were a mark of high performance with the Monte Carlo, Nova/Chevy II, El Camino, Chevelle, and Impala all carrying it.

The Camaro just continued to stamp in credits of its legacy, even to this day. In 1969, the final year of the first-generation with its own unique body design, the SS could be ordered as an RS/SS package. However, many laymen have trouble spotting the differences from 1967, ’68, and ’69 Camaros, but the immediate thing to look for in a 1969 is the lack of vent windows in the doors as that tells you it’s at least a 1968 model. The grill also has a deep “V” shape to it over the 67 to 68 as well as the deeper set headlights make the front end distinct to the ’69. The ’69 also looks wider and that’s because it is as the front and rear fenders are pulled out wider than the 67 to 68 and the doors also had to change to match the shape.

Curt’s is a standard SS, one of the 34,932 sold in 1969 and of the 243,085 total Camaros sold that year. His version is the 350 SS with the L48 engine, which came in all SS cars with the 350-ci V8 in 1967 to 1969 where it became available for all of Chevrolet’s car lines that could fit it. It’s a very different engine from the Generation One GM Small Block V8s. This 1969 is original, so it’s the version features a four-bolt main cap block (casting number 010) holding in the crankshaft with cast pistons moving in the 4.00-inch cylinders with 041 or 186 casting heads. Up top is a four-barrel Quadrajet carburetor with a hydraulic lifter system on a matching cam bumping the pushrods up and opening the valves. With a compression ratio of 10.25:1, the 1969 L48 can produce up to 300-horsepower and 380-lb/ft of torque.

The only modifications done to Curt’s engine is the addition of a custom painted carburetor hat (with Hill’s Rod and Custom) with an aluminum intake manifold under that and a set of custom painted valve covers. The only other modification was the addition of a set of trac bars under the leaf springs to help alleviate wheel hop. Other than that, it’s pretty much as he found it. The reason it looks as good as it does is due to it being in storage since 1988. He purchased the car and, other than the carb hat and valve covers, put on a new set of Milestar Streetsteel tires sized in P235/60R15. While these are P-metric sized tires, they are the closest to match the classic look and style of the of the 15×7 Z/28 Rally style wheels while offering modern radial tire construction.

Curt’s car is a barn find if it didn’t get found in a barn. It’s a very original, if a little hotter than OEM, Camaro SS. It certainly would look right at home on the streets of Van Nuys or Pleasant Hill, CA during its original heyday. It looks just as good now as it did when it was stored almost 30 years ago, maybe better now that it’s running around instead of sitting in the dark. We unquestionably enjoyed looking at it for this feature.

Black Gold: The 240SX S14

Jose Gutierrez’s 1997 Nissan 240SX

The later 1997 to 1998 S14 chassis 240SX captures an aggressive character that early S-chassis cars just don’t seem to exude. That’s why Jose Gutierrez had to have one and build it into his dream car.

It’s been a six-year labor of love. Through that time, this car has retained the character that Jose desired. While drifting at spots like Grange Motor Circuit doesn’t require a ton of power, Jose wanted more than what the original KA24 was putting out. So Jose went with the tried and true SR20DET engine. 

The SR20DET was the original equipment engine of the Japanese Domestic Market 180SX and Silvia. The S14 chassis like Jose’s came to these shores as a 240SX with a KA24DE engine, not the tried and true SR20DET that other regions got. The SR20DET lends itself very easily to upgrades and in stock trim with bolt-on parts like larger injectors, turbo, and MAF sensor which can make just shy of 400WHP—not too shabby. It has its limitations however, such as less than stellar torque. And in the sport of drifting, torque is king.  

Jose is swapping the SR20DET, shown above, with another proven platform, but it isn’t what you would expect. Jose isn’t going with a VQ or RB six-cylinder engine nor is he going with an LS V8—He is going with an inline 6 from Toyota: the 1JZ-GTE. The 1JZ, like the SR, is a proven platform with a lot of potential. These engines love single turbo swaps and Jose’s 1JZ will have a single Tomei M8280 turbocharger. That, of course, will require new intercooler piping and an exhaust system. Custom charge piping is being made by Richard Lopez from Rival Auto Works, to which a BLITZ blow off valve will prevent compressor surge. A BLITZ Nur Spec exhaust will complete the oval exhaust also made by Richard. Wastegate exhausting will be handled by the Future Fab turbine elbow that dumps wastegate gasses into the atmosphere.

The transmission is a nearly bulletproof Nissan RS5R30A five-speed from a Z32 300ZX. It’s not a straight swap for the 1J, as you do need an adapter with a flywheel made for the bellhousing adapter. To take the abuse of clutch kicks, an ACT Six Puck Clutch will sit in between the flywheel and pressure plate. An aluminum one-piece driveshaft will connect the RS5R’s output shaft to the differential.

The Milestar MS932 Sport is a high-performance tire that keeps a grip through long drift sessions, but they won’t do anything unless you keep them planted to the ground. That’s why Jose uses a set of Feal S14 coilovers for dampening control. SPL control arms and Voodoo13 tension rods control the direction of those suspension movements. Those curved Voodoo13 rods are required as the Rival Auto Works Knuckles would cause those beautiful 18×9.5 -37 WEDS Kranze LXZ wheels to contact OEM-style straight rods. The R33 Four-Piston front brake calipers get the S14 slowed when needed with a pair of Z32 calipers on the rear. An additional pair of Z32 calipers is modulated from the ASD hydro e-brake in the cabin.

To maintain the looks of the S14 while still making it unique to Jose, a D-MAX Type 3 body kit and hood were used with a black and gold flake clearcoat paint job. The wider front fenders come from Origin Lab while a set of Charge Speed rear fenders hug the rear tires. Custom LED corners, turn signals, and rear tail lights come from Luminous Lighting and, for kicks, a custom strobe light is installed. Can’t be serious all the time, you know?

Inside, Jose controls those Rival knuckles with a Vertex steering wheel and he runs through the gears with a GReddy GREX shift knob. A set of GReddy gauges allow him to monitor the engine while more custom LED lights keeps the interior interesting during night sessions. A custom switch panel by Rival Autoworks turns on everything he needs within reach and a Cusco cage keeps him safe if the worse should happen.

With the combination of the S14’s distinct nose design, a JDM bodykit, and the sound that only a 1JZ can make – Jose Gutierrez made sure his modified 240SX stayed aggressive. We can’t help but look at this S14 and agree with him. It’s a timeless look that he’s taken advantage of, now with an even more aggressive sounding engine.

Wanderlust: The 1956 Chevy Nomad

Finding A New Home For A 1956 Chevy Nomad

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of driving a Tri-Five (55-57) Chevy, you know how great the view is from behind the wheel. The wide curved glass windshield and the high seating position make the outside world into a panorama, like a widescreen TV that you can drive right through. A Bel Air or 250 is almost the world’s best road trip car. Almost? Enter the Chevy Nomad.  It’s got all the style and chrome of the famous Bel Air, but that station wagon rear makes you want to throw a surfboard on the roof, a friend or five in the back, and spend an entire summer, or maybe a lifetime just traveling the country watching the world over that chrome jet on the hood.

The Nomad name has been on a variety of Chevrolet models over the years, from its inception as a Corvette-based concept in 1954 to full-size Impala wagons, midsize Chevelles, and even on vans before returning to concept car status in 2004. The most famous carriers of the Nomad name though are definitely the Tri-Fives. Say “Nomad” to any car fan and they’ll instantly picture that groundbreaking—nearly hatchback—back end with its era-defining fins and vertical chrome stripes mated to long forward-slanted front fenders and of course, that broad, curving windshield.

Eric Samuels’ High-Line Motorsports two-tone 1956 Nomad is a perfect example of what makes these cars so appealing. First there’s the peachy-gold spear cutting through the midnight-black paint, all surrounded by the sun-catching brightwork that made the high-end, two-door Nomad such a stand-out from base model four-door wagons in the ‘50s. Inside is a tailor’s shop of tweed, covering the rear bench and front bucket seats. It’s the kind of interior that instantly makes you picture yourself, window down, arm on the door frame, heading out for an adventure.

The best part though is the underpinnings beneath all that sheetmetal and trim. Rather than the stock 265ci V8, Eric’s Nomad boasts a GM crate 350 small block backed by a 700R4 automatic transmission. Like any good hot rod, it sends the power back to a Ford 9-inch rear which redirects it to spin a set of aggressively designed billet wheels wrapped in Milestar StreetSteel rubber. “I’ve driven this car to a couple of shows and swap meets,” says Eric. “It drives like a new car because of the late model running gear but with the original look.”

Eric doesn’t plan to keep the Nomad. High-Line is a classic car dealership in Brea, California and if he fell in love with every car that came through his family business over the past 40 years he’d have a bit of a problem finding storage (and paying his bills), but he’s been especially fond of the Nomad and doesn’t think it will be hard to find it a loving home. “Tri-five Chevys are very popular,” he tells us. “People like everything from the Bel Air to the pickups, but especially the Nomad.”

Super Clean Demello-Built Overlander

Scott Motherstead’s 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, Built by Demello Offroad

The term “Family Adventure” can mean many things. For some, just getting out of the house to go see Grandma can be an adventure. But for others (those of us that have dirt infused in our blood), it means so much more. Scott Motherstead of Costa Mesa, California decided to build up his 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser (FJC) to make sure his kids had something to brag about when they went back to school after an epic weekend.

The goal was simple: build a reliable rig ready for the trails and family fun. Scott teamed up with Demello Offroad in Riverside, California, knowing full well that he and his Toyota would be well taken care of. The team decided to upgrade the 4×4 with ICON Vehicle Dynamic’s Stage 8 Suspension system, featuring ICON’s ultra-reliable coilovers, shocks, control arms, and all other necessary components.

To make sure the extra travel and performance of the upgraded suspension isn’t left in the cold, the Toyota independent front differential and solid rear axle were regeared to 4.88:1 ratio, keeping the factory locker out back.

Travel and gearing are nothing without getting traction on the ground. The tire put to the task is a full set of 35-inch Milestar Patagonia M/Ts wrapped around Toyota TRD wheels with custom OMF Performance beadlocks. Hopes, dreams, and expectations of traction were blown out of the water by how well the Patagonias perform.

Next, the focus was placed on the exterior of the body. Demello Offroad specializes in quality components for Toyotas. They decked the rig out with front and rear bumpers, side bars, and a roof rack LED light bar mount. They then added a Smittybilt 9.5k XRC winch and a host of Baja Designs LED lights.

Everything combined, at the end of an amazing trail day, Scott is able to sit by the campfire with his family, fondly looking at his ‘Cruiser and know that he has made some great choices.

From Zero to Ford Mustang Mach 1 in 17 Years

Dennis McGrath’s Beach-Cruising 1969 Mach 1 Ford Mustang

If you see Dennis McGrath’s Grabber Blue 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 drive by, you’re going to turn your head until it disappears down the road. It’s such an eye-catching a car, you don’t want to lose sight of it. When asked about his small-block powered 1969 ‘Stang, McGrath told us he’s just always liked Mustangs, and who can blame him? Since its introduction, the Ford ponycar has been a winner, both on track and on dealer lots. In 1969, the Mustang got a tough new facelift too, with quad headlights, high-hipped quarterpanel scoops, and a variety of ferocious engine and graphics packages.

For Dennis and Jenny McGrath, there’s no need for stripes or big blocks. Give them a high-revving 351 Cleveland, a shift kit in the C6 transmission, and an empty lane to blast down California’s Pacific Coast Highway, and they’ll give the Pacific Ocean a run for its money as “Most eye-catching view on the California coast.”

Getting the Mustang into beach-cruising shape was a 17-year-long process. Along with hotting-up the 9.5:1 compression 351 V8 with a mild cam and valve job and then topping it with an Edelbrock manifold and 650 carburetor, they upgraded to March pulleys and power steering, and an MSD distributor, box and coil. That improved spark lights off the fuel and the spent gasses take a trip out through Hedman Hedders. The Cleveland keeps its cool thanks to a Mattson aluminum radiator.

Backing the small block is a C6 automatic, beefed up with a hardened shaft, racing servo, shift kit, and 2400-stall B&M torque converter. In the back is a Ford 9-inch limited slip with 3.50 gears. The McGraths wanted the Mustang to handle, so a CPP front sway bar and KYB shocks take on the turns and bounces. To keep the car stable and straight, a Total Control brace counteracts body flex. Additional stiffening comes from Total Control subframe connectors, and in the rear, Scott Drake leaf springs help keep the power squatted down on widened 15-inch Rally 500 wheels wrapped in 255/60-15 Milestar Streetsteel rubber, picked for just the right mix of street performance and that classic muscle car look. In the front, 235/60-15 Milestars point the pony in the right direction. Disc brakes on all four corners bring the Mustang to a quick stop.

Inside the Mustang Mach 1, Dakota digital gauges keep tabs on the temps and TMI leather bucket seats let the McGraths lean back and enjoy tunes through the Sony receiver, JL Audio amps, and 10-inch subwoofer and Focal speakers. So if McGrath’s car catches your eye on the road or at a show, nobody will blame you for keeping an eye on it, it’s just that perfect pony stance, sound, and style.

S2KRAZY:
DAAAMNGIINA’S Honda S2000

A great sports car isn’t defined by maximum power. It’s defined by keeping a balance. Tiffany Miller, aka @daaamngiina, and her 2006 Honda S2000 sets the standard of good balance with performance.

If a car puts out too much power, the balance is lost, and control is nothing but a joke. This was the goal Honda set when it first created the S2000 in the AP1 configuration. Unfortunately, the mark was just slightly missed and in 2004, the AP2 configuration was released. With changes to the chassis and the engine, the S2000 became the hallmark of modern sports car performance.

With that in mind, Tiffany Miller and Sportcar Motion knew that it wouldn’t take much to further improve upon the design. The F22C1 in this AP2 is all stock internally but it does feature items to make it breath in and exhaust out better. First was the change to the Password JDM intake, an intake that creates better flow by minimizing restrictions and reducing turbulence before the throttle body.

Once the air and fuel mixture combust, the used-up gasses flow out of the heads and manifold to the J’s Racing Exhaust with the addition of an Invidia Test Pipe. With a Hondata Flash Pro tune on the stock ECU by Dardan, this F22C1 puts out 212 horsepower and 153 torque to the wheels. Now, you probably think that’s rather low as the F22C1 is advertised with 237 horsepower and 162 torque. That’s at the crank and, with losses calculated, Tiffany’s car is making around 244 horsepower and 176 torque at the crank.

Remember what we stated at the beginning: a great sports car isn’t defined by power but by its balance. The chassis balance is enhanced by a Tein Mono Sport Damper, a mono-tube construction rather than the traditional twin-tube damper solutions found in most kits. Doing so allows the oil inside the dampers to remain cooler. This is because the shock oil makes direct contact with the outer body of the damper, which wicks away heat much better than a twin-tube.

These dampers also go further by allowing for ride height and corner balance adjusting as well as tuning the damping forces. This is done by a needle valve in the piston rod the allows a certain amount of oil to bypass the piston valving until it reaches the force required to open the piston’s valve stack. In addition, a set of Milestar Tires MS932 Sports in 245/45R17s on 17×10 949 Racing 6UL wheels provide the grip required to stay on track during time attack and sporty driving sessions. This grip is also required when coming to a stop as the Stop Tech brake pads and rotors provide more braking force than the OE Honda pads once did.

Buddy Club Roll Center Adjusters ensure that the control arms stay in their correct movements after lowering the car beyond stock. Hardrace Spherical Tie Rod Ends prevent bumpsteer on this lowered S2000 by keeping the tie rods in line with the control arms. Without them, the tie rods would be at an upward angle and push the front tires to a toe-in condition on bump and toe-out on rebound.

The body is also just modified to fit the wider wheels and Milestar Tires under the body with a set of Voltex Fender Flares. A custom Sportcar Motion front splitter is made to fit the ASM I.S. Design Aero front bumper. This bumper and splitter combination is designed to allow enough air to flow around the body but also keep it flowing to the Koyo Racing Radiator to keep the engine cool. The Voltex Wing, J’s Racing Rear Diffuser, Password JDM Canards, and Downforce Side Skirt Diffuser all improve the flow of the air around the body, but the Seibon Carbon Hood and Hardtop help reduce its weight.

We look forward to seeing more JDM builds from Tiffany Miller.

Battering Ram: Dodge RAM 2500 HD

Andrew Hoit’s Dodge Ram 2500 HD

Andrew Hoit from Chino, California shows us what a great offroad vehicle you can build if you keep it simple and do key improvements to an already capable platform. His 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 HD is actually a replacement for a similar Dodge Ram he had that was totaled when a careless driver drifted into his lane. He was impressed with how well the Dodge protected himself and his fiancé in the crash so there was no doubt what he would purchase the second time around. His reasons for choosing the Dodge for his offroad build include comfort, safety, versatility, and the Cummins 6.7 liter diesel engine!

The 6.7 liter Cummins diesel is legendary for reliability and supplies 385 horsepower and a staggering 900 foot pounds of torque. In order to take full advantage of that torque, Andrew swapped the gears in both axles to Nitro 4.32:1 ratio ring and pinion sets. All that torque is applied by a set of AEV Salta rims sized 17X8 that are wrapped with 37X12.5R17 Milestar Patagonia M/Ts. When Andrew gets out in his truck, he heads for the mountains. Like many of us, he has to travel a lot of freeway miles to get to his destination. His Milestar Patagonias are comfortable on the pavement but still aggressive enough to excel in the mud, rocks, and snow that he finds at his favorite camping spots. The 37-inch size gives him plenty of ground clearance at the differentials and provides a nice contact patch for maximum traction. A Bilstein B8 5160 Leveling Kit with Eibach Springs up front and the matching Bilstein B8 5160 application out back make room for those tires. You can begin to see a pattern here, Andrew has selected highly only the most reliable and effective components to fortify his Dodge.

Speaking of fortifications, you can’t miss the ARB Full Deluxe Modular Winch Bar Kit out front. A pair of ARB Intensity LED lights are mounted to the front to illuminate anything ahead, even in the rare case that cable needs to be pulled from the Warn Winch mounted to the ARB bumper. Further fortifications include a Cage 4X4 heavy duty skid plate. The added electronic components are integrated into the Dodge Ram by an sPod HD Touchscreen Control. He also has a Rugged Radio tied into the sPOD to communicate with the outside world.

When Andrew wants to get away from the outside world, he has an ARB Rooftop tent and canopy for protection from the elements. Andrew built the custom bed rack that holds the ARB tent himself. Raising the tent up allows the bed to hold a decked cargo system that provides tons of lockable storage space, his ARB fridge, and whatever gear, firewood, or supplies that he desires. Andrew’s capable Dodge is a well thought out, and perfectly executed 4X4 that can go anywhere with ease. Whether he’s stuck in traffic on a Southern California freeway, or relaxing in the fresh air of a pine forest, Andrew has everything he needs to be safe and comfortable no matter where he is.          

This Jeep Wrangler LJ Is Loaded to the Gills

Reid Nordin’s 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited LJ

Reid Nordin’s 2006 modified Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited LJ is loaded with custom features to enhance its offroad capabilities, and to provide comfort for its occupants. The Jeep’s 4.0 liter inline 6 engine has been left mostly stock for reliability, but a relocated air box and custom cold air intake has been incorporated. The automatic transmission and transfer case also remain as delivered from the factory except for the addition of an external transmission cooler. Once the power makes its way down to the axles, the fun begins. Currie Rock Jock 60s with ARB Air Lockers reside at both ends. The front Rock Jock is engaged by Warn locking hubs. Getting the front axle to articulate is done with a Savvy Mid Arm suspension and Currie springs. The swaybar is a Currie Antirock with Walker End Links. Out back, the set-up is similar with the Savvy Mid Arm kit, Currie springs, and Currie Antirock swaybar. Walker Evans remote reservoir shocks with compression adjusters take care of the suspension damping. 17X8.5 Walker Evans Beadlocks are wrapped with 35X12.50-17 Milestar Patagonia M/T tires. PSC steering with Ram Assist keeps him pointed in the right direction.

Reid’s favorite spots to go 4 wheeling in his Wrangler LJ are Moab, Sand Hollow, and Ocotillo Wells. Playing in such diverse terrain, Reid needed a tire that would excel in all three and also be comfortable on the road. The Patagonia M/T was designed to be at home while rock crawling, exploring the desert, mud bogging, playing in the dunes, or a casual drive through mountain trails. The staggered, high void tread sheds mud, and special stone ejectors in the 3 ply sidewall help to eject rocks. The aggressive tread design is surprisingly quiet on pavement and has generous siping to shed water in wet conditions. 

With the traction to get into some challenging situations, some care was taken to protect the AEV Hi-Line hood, Poison Spyder Hi-Line aluminum front fenders, rear flairs, and flat candy green wrap by Platinum Paint Protection. Speaking of protection, Reid’s Jeep Wrangler LJ has full aluminum Belly up skid plates. The GenRight +5 gallon fuel tank is also protected by a GenRight steel skid plate. To protect the occupants, a GenRight weld in cage has been installed. The driver and passenger sit in Mastercraft Safety, Baja RS Seats and standard belts. The rear seat has been removed and a custom aluminum Storage box with above fender rack sits in its place; a favorite perch for Reid’s German Shepherd.

Lighting on the Wrangler LJ consists of Truck-Lite headlights, Laser Star driving lights, Gen-Right LED rear tail lights, and Gen-Right back up lights. The Optima Yellow Top battery powers a Magellan TRX7 GPS and Rugged Radio’s 2-way radio when the SSV WORKS full stereo system isn’t cranking out tunes. The Optima also supplies power for the Warn 9000 Winch with synthetic line and Factor 55 Fairlead with Flatlink. The Warn winch is mounted to a Currie front bumper. The Currie rear bumper has a Currie Swing out tire carrier to mount the spare, and Currie Rock Rails complete the impressive package. Reid Nordin’s Jeep is a perfect example of a well thought out rig that performs beautifully, on and off the road. Every modification was chosen to complement each other to provide a functional rig that works as well as it looks.     

Mysterious Stranger: 1956 Chevrolet 3100

For every marquee Ring Brothers or Foose build you’ve ever seen cross the auction block at Mecum or Barrett-Jackson, there are hundreds, perhaps even thousands of hot rods and customs built in small shops you’ve never heard of that trade hands every day. Some are rough, some are so-so, and some are as perfect and polished as the best iron you’ll see on the show floor at SEMA.

Eric Samuels of High-Line Motorsports in Brea, California, is in the business of sorting the sheep from the goats – working with his father who founded High-Line more than 40 years ago, it’s his job to identify quality classic cars, customs, and hot rods with just a limited inspection and often no information on a vehicle’s history.

Such is the case with this 1956 Chevrolet 3100 pickup; per Samuels, “We took it in trade. We got it from somebody who bought it already done, so we weren’t able to find out who built it originally.” Even so, the quality of the work shines through, from the paint to the interior to the driveline. Under the hood of the 3100 sits a small block Chevy V8 of unknown specification, which by itself is a rarity for a modern hot rod.

“Everything done nowadays has an LS engine in it, and for this to even have dual carbs was a little strange,” Samuels admits. Those twin Demons hint at more than 350 cubes, but without disassembly, it’s impossible to know the engine’s exact specifications. “Unless we open things up to find out, it’s hard to know for sure, and between time and money it’s something we usually don’t do.”

Regardless of exact spec, that SBC backed by a 700R4 overdrive transmission and a reasonable final drive ratio (Samuels guesses the 10-bolt is running 3.11 gears) makes it a comfortable cruiser. The air suspension with an onboard compressor and in-cab controls let the driver go from stanced to road-ready at the touch of a button, and every amenity is in place for a daily driver.

Part of that nuanced ride comes thanks to the Milestar MS932 Sport tires wrapping the Billet Specialties wheels. The right rubber makes a huge difference in performance and comfort, especially in low profile applications like this pickup. It’s easy to end up with a buckboard ride quality with the wrong short-sidewall performance tires, but these 225/55R17 front and 255/55R18 rear tires are engineered to give an outstanding balance of traction, treadwear, and road manners to match the refinement of the rest of the package.

“It has all the late model comforts – you have leather, a tilt column, power windows, power disc brakes and power steering, Vintage Air – it’s basically a late model car with an old-school body,” Samuels explains. “Being around stuff a while, you know ‘this is done right, this is rough, this will sell, this won’t.’ Don’t get me wrong. There have been times when we’ve bought a car at auction that was a lot worse than we thought, but you take the good with the bad, and hopefully it’s more good.”

Though this Chevy 3100’s origins will forever be shrouded in mystery, it’s definitely one of the good ones. The bottom line for Samuels? “This one was so nice that it pretty much sold itself.”

Four Doors Are Better Than Two: Jeep JKU Wrangler

Bert Heck’s Jeep JKU Wrangler

The automotive world has a way of taking a serious hold on us. All it takes is being part of one facet of the culture to pull you into the rest, a gateway drug of sorts. That is exactly what happened with Bert Heck, and why he now utilizes a 2015 Jeep JKU Wrangler Unlimited.

Bert’s gateway was drag racing. For years it was his automotive sport of choice. Though he still enjoys the thrill of a dragster tearing down the track, Bert wanted something for when he wasn’t racing. A friend and co-worker talked him into purchasing a 1998 TJ Wrangler. It was built, lots of fun was had but Bert saw that the longer wheelbase rigs had the fun he’d prefer. Street-able and can wheel anywhere.

Over the span of a few months, Bert transformed his Jeep JKU Wrangler into the beast you see here. With a large amount of friends in the automotive aftermarket industry, Bert knew who to ask to point him down the right path for which parts to use. Their guidance helped the Jeep build go the way it did.

The Jeep is elevated by a front and rear EVO MFG Double D Pro Long Arm Suspension System sporting 2.5 King Coilovers, giving the Jeep a low center of gravity, 12-inches of clean and usable travel as well as having some of the strongest components on the market. Hanging off the ends of the long arms are a front Currie Enterprises RockJock 44 front differential and RockJock 60 rear.

To get ultimate traction no matter where the vehicle went, Bert bolted on a set of Method 101 Beadlock wheels wrapped in Milestar Patagonia M/T 37×12.50R17 at each corner. The Patagonia M/Ts are design for maximum traction, no matter where the vehicle goes, perfect for Bert’s wide range of uses for the vehicle.

To give the Jeep the body protection it deserves, a full range of Poison Spyder bumpers, rocker sliders and corner guards were installed, along with a Warn Zeon 12,000lb winch and a full RockHard 4×4 skid plate system. To keep the spare Patagonia M/T firmly planted to the vehicle, an EVO MFG Pro Series Hinged Gate Carrier was installed on the back end.

The 3.6L V6 powerplant and automatic transmission were left stock for reliability, with the exception of a K&N Engineering air intake and oil filter to give it a few extra ponies.

Keep your eyes peeled for this rig. Bert tends to take his Jeep JKU Wrangler anywhere he can. The pair are no stranger to trails in the West.

1970 AMC Javelin: The “Other” Pony Car

In the late 1960’s, the “Pony Car” wars were heating up – the Ford Mustang, debuting in the 1965 model year, defined this class of small, sporty coupes, and inspired General Motors to fire back with the Camaro and Firebird in 1967. Chrysler had their own entry into the fray with the Barracuda, which actually beat the Mustang to dealerships by two weeks in April of 1964. The “Big Three” US automakers were fully committed to these image-leading (and profitable) cars, and battled it out both on the showroom floor and at racetracks across the country.

Meanwhile, America’s “other” domestic manufacturer, AMC, introduced their own pony car for the 1968 model year. The Javelin, designed on a budget, became a dark horse competitor against their much better-funded rivals at the dragstrip and in Trans-Am road racing, and earned a level of respect that exceeded all expectations. With important tweaks for the 1970 model year, Penske Racing took to the track with legendary Roger Penske and Mark Donohue at the wheel in the SCCA Trans-Am Series in AMC Javelins painted with unmistakable red, white, and blue livery, and racked up an impressive record of success.

While AMC might be long gone – acquired thirty years ago by Chrysler – the “other guy” heritage still inspires collectors and enthusiasts to restore, drive, and enjoy their cars built in the heyday of American performance. The 1970 Javelin you see here, decked out in the iconic Penske Racing tri-color paint job, is a perfect example. But it’s not an easy road, compared to being a fan of Chevy, Ford, or even Mopar classics.

“That car has a 400 horsepower 390 in it, and we had a hell of a time trying to source parts to build it,” explains Darin Smith of DWS Classics in Huntington Beach, California. “It took us a couple of months just to find parts. The owner didn’t have an unlimited budget, so we had to send away for parts instead of going to an AMC specialist and just buying a prebuilt motor.”

1970 was a watershed year for the Javelin; the first-gen AMC pony car received updated styling, but more importantly, an improved front suspension layout, lighter safety glass, and new power options. Our feature car captures the essence of the optional “Go Package” with front wheel disc brakes, Magnum 500 wheels, and upgraded tires.

No aspect of automotive performance has come farther since this Javelin left the assembly line than tire technology, but the “pro touring” route, with big wheels and low-profile rubber, isn’t for everyone. To respect the AMC’s heritage while still reaping the benefits of five decades of tire technology progress, this car wears Milestar Streetsteel all-season high performance radials. The look is spot-on with solid raised white lettering and a checkered flag sidewall design, but the original factory rubber couldn’t hold a candle to the Streetsteel’s dry grip, wet performance, steering stability, or all-season traction.

Turns out that getting the tires right was the easy part. Per Smith, “It was tough to source parts for, but it’s a real cool car now that it’s done, and it gets a lot of attention, especially with that paint job. People swarm on that thing.” Despite the challenges of doing it right, Smith says he’s ready to take on the next project involving America’s “other” car company. “I’d gladly do another AMC, especially an AMX, or an SC/Rambler – I’d love to do one of them.”

The end result is a car that’s fun to drive, responsive, and powerful, that won’t be lost in a crowd at the local cruise night or weekend show-and-shine. Smith sums it up: “You can’t be shy, because you are going to get a lot of attention anywhere you go.”

From Show to Go:
1967 Chevrolet Chevelle

The yearly pilgrimage to the Las Vegas Convention Center for the SEMA Show draws hundreds of vehicles built specifically for that event, showcasing the latest, newest, and best the automotive aftermarket has to offer. Whether they’re million-dollar concepts from an OEM or a one-off custom put together by a shop with one lift and an open trailer, they’ll get a few short days in the spotlight before fading into history. Many won’t even set a tire tread on asphalt beyond the trip between their transporter and the convention center floor. This 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle isn’t one of them.

The 1967 Chevelle you see here was crafted for the 2013 SEMA Show to highlight TMI Products’ XR interiors for classic cars, but after it had its 15 minutes of fame on the convention center floor, it didn’t suffer the same fate as so many SEMA cars do, relegated to the back corner of a shop or sold to a collector with more time spent with a microfiber cloth in hand than the steering wheel and shifter.

Instead, owner Jimmy Dingwell did the unthinkable – he actually drove it, and drove it a lot. So much so that when we recently caught up with it a few years after its SEMA debut, it was in the hands of Darin Smith at DWS Classics in Huntington Beach, California for a little refreshing.

“Right after SEMA, they got out and drove this puppy. It was in a couple of magazines, and then right afterward they started driving it,” Smith explains. “It came to us needing some maintenance. Even SEMA cars wear out and end up needing some love too, I suppose. When it came in it was making some noise – the exhaust was banging up inside the quarter panel of the car and it had some suspension bushings that were worn out, so we went in and re-bushed it to get rid of some of the thumps and knocks in the car.”

Along with the general TLC, the Chevelle was also in need of new rubber, and Milestar MS932XP ultra-high performance tires were the go-to choice. “It’s got a performance suspension and brakes, and it handles pretty darn well,” says Smith. The W-speed rated MS392 XP, designed specifically for 18, 19, and 20-inch wheels and low-profile applications has the exceptional grip, stability, and comfort to match this Chevy’s top-tier handling capabilities without sacrificing wet traction – an important feature for a car that gets driven in the real world.

“It’s quick, it handles, and it’s a lot of fun to drive,” Smith continues. “It has a manual transmission – a Hurst-prepared 5 speed – and manuals are always more fun.” The Rapp Racing 355ci Chevy small block delivers an estimated 550 horsepower and serves as the only source of audio for this Chevelle. Per Smith, “It handles and stops nice, and it has AC. It just doesn’t have a stereo. It’s nice to hear all that music from the engine…”

With the wear and tear addressed, this former SEMA star is back on the road and ready to be enjoyed once more, the way classic cars should be. “It’s a real nice, clean, well-built car,” Smith concludes. “What more can I say? Everyone who sees you driving it gives you a thumbs up. You can’t be shy in that thing.”