
THE AUTO BUILDER
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Smeding Performance’s 408″ LS3
For the hot rodder who demands usability and performance, Smeding Performance’s 408” LS3 engines are designed to take your project to the next level. These aren’t your typical cookie-cutter kits—they’re full-fledged, turnkey engine packages built to drop into your classic chassis and turn it into a road-ready rocket. Whether you’re chasing street-friendly power or show-stopping performance, Smeding has you covered with engines dialed in for hot rod perfection.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Dieselsite’s 4R100 Transmission Cooler Bypass Delete Kit
DieselSite Launches 4R100 Transmission Cooler Bypass Delete Kit: Transforming Diesel Performance City, State – [Date] – DieselSite revolutionizes transmission cooling with the 4R100 Kit. Eliminating stock bypass valves, it ensures continuous fluid flow for enhanced cooling under heavy loads.

Showstopper
There are SEMA vehicles, and then there are SEMA vehicles. Do you want an explanation? Okay, all SEMA vehicles are built to show off a company’s part, but some vehicles are “built” with only that part on it and are otherwise stock. While we won’t say that these vehicles are totally a waste of time—some have shown a great deal of imagination—for the most part they don’t capture our attention, nor are they what you would consider to be mainstream vehicles.
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2025 GNRS Pinstriping Charity Auction
Hot Lines for a Great Cause
Watching the Masters at Work
If you’ve never watched a pro pinstriper in action, your missing out. These guys and gals made it look effortless, pulling razor-sharp lines with an uncanny mix of precision and creativity. Throughout the show, artists set up shop and turned out everything from traditional hot-rod panels to guitars, helmets, and even the occasional skateboard, all in the name of charity. Watching them work was like stepping back into the golden age of custom culture, where a few well-placed brush strokes could transform a basic ride into a rolling work of art.
The Cause Behind the Colors
Every pinstriped piece that hit the auction block wasn’t just a killer piece of hot-rod history—it was also a way to support an amazing cause. This year’s auction raised funds for the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research and raising awareness for blindness, particularly Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). The foundation’s mission is to support advancements in treatment and ultimately find a cure, bringing hope to those affected by the condition. To learn more or donate, visit the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation website.
A Gathering of World-Class Talent for Charity
Some of the very best pinstripers from around the world came together to showcase their skills as they created automotive art that was auctioned off each day. This gathering of talented artists was more than a showcase—100% of the proceeds from their work benefited the charity of the year. Every year, a new charity is chosen to benefit from the auctions. For a minimal donation to the charity, attendees brought their cell phones, laptops, or other items to get pinstriped, helping to make a difference.
Thanks to the generosity, talent, and time of the amazing pinstripers, Marshall, Karen, and their entire team, the event raised an incredible $75,000 for the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation!
“We are so grateful to everyone who made this possible! Thanks to our incredible volunteers, board members, and generous donors, 100% of the proceeds will go toward funding research for the NMNAT1 gene mutation causing early-onset blindness. This work is our family’s life mission, and because of extraordinary people like you, we can make a lasting impact for generations to come. Thank you for helping us move forward, one event at a time!”
“A special thank you to the Grand National Roadster Show, John Buck, and the entire team for this amazing opportunity, and for all the great work they do to give back year after year through their events. Our hearts are full!”
Highlights from the Auction
Live Action, No Replays Needed – Attendees got an up-close look at the pinstripers in action, watching them pull impossibly clean lines in real-time. No stencils, no do-overs—just pure skill.
One-of-a-Kind Collectibles – The auction featured an insane variety of pinstriped items, from classic panels to custom-painted helmets, guitars, and more. If you wanted a unique piece of hot-rod culture, this was the place to score it.
A Tight-Knit Community – The vibe at the Pinstriping Charity Auction was as much about the people as the art. Pinstripers, car builders, and enthusiasts all came together for a good cause, proving once again that the hot-rodding world is one big, supportive family.
Wrapping It Up
By the time the last piece was auctioned off, the 2025 Pinstriping Charity Auction had raised an astounding $75,000 for the Gavin R. Stevens Foundation and reminded everyone why pinstriping is such a vital part of custom culture. It wasn’t just about helping a great cause—it was about tradition, skill, and keeping the roots of hot-rodding alive.
ARTICLE SOURCES
The Gavin R. Stevens Foundation
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
PO Box 2108
Chino, CA 91708
877.625.6505
E-mail: info@gavinsfoundation.org







