







Ronnie Staples is simply a car guy—been one all his life. From that first Deuce coupe he built in high
Ronnie Staples is simply a car guy—been one all his life. From that first Deuce coupe he built in high school to award-winning rods and customs, Ronnie has built a lot of great cars over the years. But
When Joe Samperisi acquired this ’61 Chevrolet Impala, he knew he wanted to make some changes even before
When Joe Samperisi acquired this ’61 Chevrolet Impala, he knew he wanted to make some changes even before the money exchanged hands. Regardless of how much work has been done to a vehicle, a new owner
Meet Charles “Charlie” Tunnell, retired racecar driver, industrial engineer, street rod builder and armchair
Meet Charles “Charlie” Tunnell, retired racecar driver, industrial engineer, street rod builder and armchair philosopher. Now take a look at Charlie and Lavelle Tunnell’s all-steel, ZZ4-powered 1927 Model
Whether you’re a newcomer to street rodding or a long timer, the name Andy Brizio is almost certainly
Whether you’re a newcomer to street rodding or a long timer, the name Andy Brizio is almost certainly familiar, and for good reason. He has, in one way or another, been closely involved with this hobby
Through the years, Dave Lane has owned a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from Hyundais, Hondas and
Through the years, Dave Lane has owned a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from Hyundais, Hondas and MG Midgets to vintage Deuces and T-Birds. He’s also had his share of General Motors products, including
A big Chevy knows how to make an entrance. Long body lines, the right stance, and a clean set of wheels
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
There was a time when popping the hood at a car show was mostly about one thing: seeing what was making
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?
Spotlighter
POPULAR READS
-
The Auto Builder’s Hottest Product Picks from The Triple Crown of Rodding 2026
-
Product Spotlight: Bill Mitchell Products Aluminum LS Engine Block
-
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 60-66 Chevy C10 Fresh Air Vent Block Off Plate
-
Product Spotlight: Pyramid Optimized Design Sequential Aurora Taillight for 1964½–1966 Mustang
Featured

34 Expert Restoration Tips for Classic Car Enthusiasts
Every detail matters when it comes to restoring or customizing a vehicle. Whether you’re smoothing out seams, fine-tuning trim, or upgrading outdated systems, the right techniques can make the difference between a show-stopping build and a project that falls flat. We’ve compiled 34 expert tips to help you refine your restoration skills, sourced directly from the pros at Jeff Lilly Restorations. Dive in and discover actionable advice that will streamline your workflow, enhance your results, and help you achieve the classic car of your dreams.

Metal, Muscle & Mastery: Inside SEMA’s Battle of the Builders 2025
Every November, the SEMA Show turns Las Vegas into the beating heart of the custom car world—but one showdown always steals the spotlight: the Battle of the Builders 2025. It’s the aftermarket industry’s ultimate test of skill, creativity, and innovation—where the best in the business fight for glory and the title of the world’s top custom builder.

NEIGHBORHOOD SEDAN
We’ve all heard stories of fellow street rodders who have searched far and wide for that special car. Weeks are spent on the Internet, days are spent stumbling through hot, dry, cold, wet, dusty or muddy swap meets, and even more time is spent at major rod runs, car corrals and cruise nights. Even with all that effort, time and expense, often times you still don’t find a particularly special car. Of course, you could do what Cecil Watts did and walk next door while your neighbor is having a barbecue for the hot rod club and say, “I didn’t know you were going to sell the Fordor—I’ll take it.” It was really that simple, and the best part is that the car is really special.

A Custom With A Past
Ronnie Staples is simply a car guy—been one all his life. From that first Deuce coupe he built in high school to award-winning rods and customs, Ronnie has built a lot of great cars over the years. But beyond that he’s had a ton of fun doing it, and while

He’s Back, and He’s Badder Than Ever
When Joe Samperisi acquired this ’61 Chevrolet Impala, he knew he wanted to make some changes even before the money exchanged hands. Regardless of how much work has been done to a vehicle, a new owner will make changes to suit his or her taste. Sometimes these changes are subtle,

A ROADSTER IS FOREVER
Meet Charles “Charlie” Tunnell, retired racecar driver, industrial engineer, street rod builder and armchair philosopher. Now take a look at Charlie and Lavelle Tunnell’s all-steel, ZZ4-powered 1927 Model T Ford roadster. This machine has more than 45 years’ worth of Tunnell family history tied up in it, and that’s a

The Last Roadster
Whether you’re a newcomer to street rodding or a long timer, the name Andy Brizio is almost certainly familiar, and for good reason. He has, in one way or another, been closely involved with this hobby since he was a youngster growing up in San Francisco. Yet after more years

STRATOCRUISER
Through the years, Dave Lane has owned a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from Hyundais, Hondas and MG Midgets to vintage Deuces and T-Birds. He’s also had his share of General Motors products, including a ’28 Pontiac sedan, a ’35 Chevy coupe, and now this beautiful ’59 Chevy Kingswood wagon.<br

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









