THE ONE THAT DIDN’T GET AWAY
September 18, 2024
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Pete & Jake’s Complete Front-End Packages for Model A – 1934 Fords
When it comes to building a traditional hot rod that actually drives as good as it looks, the front suspension can make or break the entire project. That’s exactly why Pete & Jake’s Hot Rod Parts has remained one of the most respected names in the industry for decades. Their Complete Front End Packages for Model A through 1934 Ford applications aren’t just suspension kits—they’re fully engineered systems built around quality, craftsmanship, and real-world drivability.
TILT-A-WHEEL
Tilt steering, cruise control, heated seats and A/C are all amenities that we have grown accustomed to without ever knowing it. We’ve come to expect our seat to power forward and our steering column to drop at the flick of a lever; after all, it’s a matter of driver comfort. As these driver comforts have become a part of our daily drivers, it’s not unthinkable that we would want the same for our classic trucks. Our resident ’68 Chevy makes the rounds to and from lunch, along with the occasional cruise-in, so why not build in many of the same conveniences? After looking online, we decided that our outdated straight column just had to go, and then we’d work on the rest of those comfort items.
Mahoney’s Two-Toney
It’s always an uphill battle when it comes to acquiring, building and maintaining an old car, and no one knows that better than Dale and Dorinda Mahoney. You’re looking at their ’69 Mustang, and if there was ever a car that fought back, this is it. The initial build didn’t give the father-and-son(s) team of Dale, Craig and Shawn Mahoney too much trouble, as most of the build was handled in-house at their shop, Mahoney’s Auto Service in Highland, Indiana. The guys at Mafco Customs, a division of Mahoney’s Auto, also pitched in with custom suspension components, but the Mustang didn’t travel very far during the entire build, as Mafco is also located in Highland. Just as with any other car, there were problems during the restoration process, but everything turned out great, and the Mahoneys started putting miles on their freshly restored Mustang.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Intellitronix Digital Dash for 1977-1990 Chevy Impala/Caprice
A big Chevy knows how to make an entrance. Long body lines, the right stance, and a clean set of wheels do plenty of talking before you even open the door. Once you slide behind the wheel, though, what’s waiting for you? If the dashboard hasn’t gotten the same attention
THE ART FORM OF THE ENGINE BAY
There was a time when popping the hood at a car show was mostly about one thing: seeing what was making the horsepower. Small-block or big-block? Carburetors or injection? Blower or naturally aspirated? Ford, Chevy, Mopar—or something completely unexpected? Those questions still matter. But take a look at the Triple
THE 2nd ANNUAL NSRA NATS NORTH
Cowboy hats, wire wheels, velour interiors and plenty of homebuilt hot rods—Gerry Burger takes us back to Detroit for the second annual NSRA Nats North in 1981.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Intellitronix LED Digital Dash for Squarebody GM
You know your Squarebody’s little habits. The fuel gauge you don’t quite trust. The speedometer that leaves you doing mental math. The temperature needle that makes you wonder whether the engine is getting hot or the gauge is giving up. You might have learned to live with all of it,
THE TRIPLE CROWN OF TRUCKS
Truck popularity has really picked up over the years—and the 2026 Triple Crown of Rodding gave enthusiasts plenty of reasons to see why. Classic pickups have become a favorite canvas for custom builders, and the variety keeps getting better. From familiar favorites to unexpected haulers, the trucks at Nashville Superspeedway
IT TAKES A KEEN EYE
Tucked away in rural Northern New Jersey is a collection of some insanely cool hot rods and I know the mildly insane guy that built ‘em. I’m proud to say I knew Lance Sorchik even before “Jersey Suede” hit the road. It’s hard to believe 45-years have passed since that
SELECT COMPANY: THE 2026 TRIPLE CROWN OF RODDING TOP 30 & CELEBRITY PICKS
Now in its fourth year, the Triple Crown of Rodding had given builders and enthusiasts plenty of reasons to circle the calendar. The 2026 edition added another impressive lineup to that reputation, bringing together cars and trucks whose appeal went well beyond a polished exterior. These were builds that rewarded
The Auto Builder’s Hottest Product Picks from The Triple Crown of Rodding 2026
There’s always something new to discover at the Triple Crown of Rodding, and the fourth annual gathering was no exception. Held September 11–12, 2026, at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee, the event brought together an impressive collection of hot rods, customs and trucks, along with many of the builders and
CROWN WORTHY: THE TOP 6 WINNERS OF THE 2026 TRIPLE CROWN OF RODDING
The 2026 Triple Crown of Rodding delivered a winner’s circle loaded with horsepower, imagination, and extraordinary craftsmanship. From a sparkling ’32 Ford roadster to a towering Squarebody Chevrolet, this year’s six top winners covered a remarkable range of styles. Each brought its own personality—and enough beautifully executed details to keep
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: HEAVY-DUTY 6-BOLT LS IRON BLOCK by SMEDING PERFORMANCE
Big horsepower gets expensive fast. Between the rotating assembly, cylinder heads, valvetrain and power adder, an LS build can burn through a budget before the first bolt gets tightened. Your engine needs a strong foundation—but buying one shouldn’t derail the entire project.
