The Old EQUALIZER
April 8, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
- All Post
- 20 High Priority - SR Super Rod
- Builds
- 25 High Priority - FB Ford Builder
- Cars
- 30 High Priority - AR American Rodder
- 01 Post Status
- 35 High Priority - RD Rodders Digest
- 40 High Priority - OTR On the Road
- 45 High Priority - SRB Street Rod Builder
- 50 High Priority - TB Truck Builder
- 55 High Priority - BSCENE Buckaroo Scene
- 60 High Priority - FPB Family Power Boat
- Trucks
- Swaps
- Performance Boats
- _000 Home Sliders
- Builders
- 00 Sidebars
- Manufacturers
- 05 High Priority - HCI Hot Compact Imports
- 05 Publications
- 10 High Priority - CR Chevy Rumble
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Outdrives
- Steering
- Interior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Exterior and Hull
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chevrolet
- Cadillac
- Pontiac
- AMC
- Buick
- Jeep
- Lincoln
- Ford
- Honda
- GMC
- BMW
- Mitsubishi
- Dodge
- Nissan
- Chrysler
- Subaru
- Toyota
- Plymouth
- Mercury
- Volvo
- Volkswagen
- Oldsmobile
- Acura
- Back
- 05 Pub HCI Hot Compact Imports
- 15 Pub 4x4 4x4 Builder
- 20 Pub SR Super Rod
- 25 Pub FB Ford Builder
- 30 Pub AR American Rodder
- 35 Pub RD Rodders Digest
- 40 Pub OTR On the Road
- 55 Pub BSCENE Buckaroo Scene
- 10 Pub CR Chevy Rumble
- 50 Pub TB Truck Builder
- 60 Pub FPB Family Power Boat
- 45 Pub SRB Street Rod Builder
- Back
- Chip Foose
- Ring Brothers
- Jack Fuller
- Bob Cullipher
- Jerry Nichols
- Bobby Alloway
- Jesse James
- Carl Casper
- J.F. Launier
- Steve Sellers
- Boyd Coddington
- Rad Rides by Troy
- Cal Auto Creations
- George Barris
- West Coast Customs
- Back
- Street Rods
- Hot Rods
- Late Model
- Drag Race
- Handling
- Compact Cars
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- 05 Post Imported
- 20 Post Missing Images (All)
- 25 Post Missing Images (Partial)
- 15 Post In Progress
- 30 Post Internal Review
- 40 Post On Hold
- 50 Post Approved
- 10 Post Images Imported
- 17 Post Missing TXT Files
- 18 Post Missing PDF Files
- 27 Post Missing Content
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine Swaps
- Interior Swaps
- Driveline
- Back
- Street Trucks
- OffRoad Trucks
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- 01 Sidebar Left
- 01 Sidebar Right
Spotlighter
BUILT TO WIN: The Battle for the Al Slonaker Memorial Award 2026
Twelve builds, one crown, and a competition where perfection is mandatory.
The 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award wasn’t just about who won—it was about twelve extraordinary contenders, each showcasing craftsmanship, vision, and execution. From paint and stance to metalwork and mechanical finesse, every build pushed the limits and demanded attention.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
A Legacy of Fearless Hot Rodding
If the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster represents the soul of traditional hot rodding, the Al Slonaker Memorial Award stands as its fearless counterpart—celebrating the full spectrum of creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship that defines modern hot rodding. Established in 1974 by GNRS founder Al Slonaker to honor the finest non-roadster vehicle under the roof, the award has crowned legends from Bob Reed’s 1909 Ford C-Cab to John Buttera, Boyd Coddington, Roy Brizio, Dave Kindig, Troy Trepanier, and Zane Cullen. Renamed in Slonaker’s honor after his passing in 1975, the award has become one of the most coveted trophies in automotive culture.
The Fight for Supremacy
Twelve elite custom builds entered GNRS 2026, each staking a claim to greatness. One emerged victorious, but every contender proved just how brutal the climb to the top can be when only the finest survive. Every detail—engineering, bodywork, paint, stance, and cohesion—was scrutinized, leaving no room for error and no weak spots untested.
Flawless Execution Across the Field
Judges dissected every surface, system, and detail, weighing creativity alongside precision. Functionality was mandatory. Originality was essential. Craftsmanship, engineering, and presentation had to be executed at the highest level. Every contender arrived finished, focused, and built to win, proving that any one of these twelve could have claimed the crown in another year.
Victory and Legacy
When the final call came and the trophy was raised, the 2026 Slonaker Award cemented its place as one of the fiercest battles in custom car culture. But the real story is the depth of talent across all twelve contenders, a showcase of builders who brought everything to the floor and set new benchmarks for design, execution, and innovation, continuing the fearless tradition that Al Slonaker himself envisioned.
Al Slonaker Memorial Winner: 1955 VW Karmann Ghia “Karma”
Owner: Dennis Troggio
Builder: Type One Restorations
Dennis Troggio’s 1955 VW Karmann Ghia, built by Type One Restorations, just won the 2026 Al Slonaker Award at GNRS. After nearly winning with a Beetle years ago, Type One returned with a Ghia that’s radically reworked yet unmistakably VW. Every line and panel is sharpened, reshaped, and widened for big tires—this is small-car dominance done with surgical precision.
Under the hood, the air-cooled flat-four punches out 300 horsepower, paired with a reinforced transmission and limited-slip diff. Custom machined fasteners and solid 90-pound brake rotors show obsessive attention to detail. Outside, the Rogue Green matte paint with gold pearl highlights and carbon-fiber accents hits the perfect balance of aggressive and refined, while the interior by Avant Garde and Recovery Room is a one-off masterpiece.
This Karmann Ghia proves that a small VW can compete with the biggest muscle cars and roadsters. It’s cohesive, it’s bold, and it’s flawless—a show-stopper that cements Type One Restorations’ reputation for visionary craftsmanship.
Want the full story? CLICK HERE and dive into our feature on “Karma.”
1932 Ford Coupe “Simply Red”
Owner: Jack Troup
Builders: Jerry & Dawn Sanders
Quiet confidence and serious craftsmanship define Jack Troup’s “Simply Red” 1932 Ford Coupe, a Tennessee-built Deuce that doesn’t need to shout to command attention. Built around an original 1932 Ford body—chopped 4 inches in the front and 3.5 inches in the rear and fitted with roadster rear quarters—the profile is all business. Brookville steel fenders frame the stance perfectly, giving the car a traditional silhouette that feels both timeless and intentional.
Jack, a lifelong fan of ’32 Ford coupes, stepped into the project after the car had already seen multiple chapters. Determined to do it right, he entrusted Jerry & Dawn Sanders, along with Larry “Butch” Henderson, Mike Heyl, and Ralph Haga (who documented the journey in the build book), to bring it together without compromise. Over three years, the team transformed it into a cohesive custom hot rod build rooted in patience, precision, and craftsmanship.
Underneath, a So-Cal Speed Shop chassis provides the backbone, anchored by a 5-inch dropped axle and RideTech shocks up front for the right amount of rake and attitude. Power comes from a 383 cubic-inch Chevrolet topped with Pro Comp heads and MSD ignition, backed by a Tremec TKO600 5-speed and a Winters Champ quick-change. It’s a drivetrain that blends classic hot rod performance with real-world drivability.
Inside, SewnTight Hotrod Interiors tailored a cockpit that matches the coupe’s refined character. But the defining statement is the paint—laid down by Jerry Sanders in his home shop in Centerville, Ohio. The finish earned Best Paint at the 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award competition at the Grand National Roadster Show, cementing this 1932 Ford custom coupe as a standout among elite contenders. A restrained build with heavyweight execution, “Simply Red” proves that true craftsmanship never needs to raise its voice.
1933 Ford “Bonneville” Racer
Owner/Builder: Hank Funk
Artist and designer Hank Funk of Hank Funk Design Studio set out to create a radically stylized 1933 Ford Bonneville Racer, and the result is one of the boldest interpretations of an early Ford to hit the Grand National Roadster Show stage. The five-window coupe features a 4-inch chopped roof with pushed-back A-pillars, a 4-inch boxed and stretched frame with Model “T” crossmembers, and a hand-formed Track nose with custom chrome grille. Inspired by the salt flats yet rooted in unmistakable Ford DNA, every line was sketched, refined, and executed over a four-year, 6,000-hour build—making this coupe deeply personal and unapologetically design-driven.
At its heart is a rare 1941 Lincoln Zephyr V-12 flathead built by H&H Flathead, paired to a C-4 automatic transmission through a fully custom adapter and spliced torque converter that seamlessly marries vintage V12 engineering to modern automatic drivability. A Winters Quick Change differential handles power out back, while the suspension blends a Roadster Supply 5-inch dropped axle, transverse buggy spring, and traditional crossmembers for authentic race-era attitude. Engineering support and a precision-built Zipper Motors chassis ensured the long V12 package functions as beautifully as it presents.
The craftsmanship runs far deeper than the headline specs. Funk designed and fabricated an extraordinary collection of handcrafted components, including the double cowl steering and pitman arms, side blisters, aluminum air cleaner, stainless steel headers and exhaust, radiator and plumbing system, retractable license plate, race push bar, and a center trunk fuel filler. Even the 1941 Lincoln steering wheel and horn button, instrument panel, and cowl-mounted air intake were reimagined to support the cohesive race theme. The fully exposed engine bay—what Funk calls the “jewelry box”—is meticulously detailed and finished in a coordinated six-color palette across the body, frame, engine, blisters, badging, and axle.
Inside, a race-inspired cockpit trimmed in Italian leather reinforces the car’s Bonneville concept while maintaining show-level refinement. Major fabrication support from Kremyr Racing, interior craftsmanship by Custom Creative, paint by Angelo Ismal, and wheels from EVOD Design & Manufacturing helped bring the vision to life. Built to challenge convention and celebrate craftsmanship, this custom 1933 Ford coupe stands as functional art—an audacious Bonneville-inspired machine that commands respect among the world’s finest closed cars.
Hank Funk Designs
Helping clients achieve their dream car designs through our creativity and dedication to excellence.
1934 Chevrolet Master Sedan “Poison Ivy”
Owners: Bob & Bitzi Seitsinger
Builders: Jeremy & Arleigh Stanley / Stanley Garage
Bob Seitsinger’s “Poison Ivy”, a 1934 Chevrolet Master Sedan, is a homegrown masterpiece from Aztec, New Mexico, built by Jeremy and Arleigh Stanley. Starting with a solid ’34 body, the Stanleys replaced all the wood structure with metal and chopped the top two inches for a sleeker profile. Front fenders from a ’35 Chevy required moving the front suspension three inches forward, creating perfectly proportioned lines that flow seamlessly from nose to tail. Every detail, from the hand-mixed custom Poison Ivy green paint to the Scott’s Hot Rods chassis with polished stainless Air Ride suspension, speaks to the level of craftsmanship poured into this garage-built marvel.
Under the hood, a 502 big block with Brodix heads is paired with a 4L60E and 9-inch rear, delivering serious muscle while complementing the car’s show-ready aesthetics. Polished stainless suspension, exhaust, and RideTech Air Ride components make the car as functional as it is gorgeous, while the custom dash with Dakota Digital gauges and a Kenwood/Focal stereo give the interior a modern, refined edge. Every system, every line, every bolt reflects the careful attention and passion of the Stanley team.
Inside, Relicate Leather by Johnny’s Auto Trim completes the look with period-correct comfort and elegance, while custom headlights, taillights, and Colorado wheels tie the package together. “Poison Ivy” is a rare combination of garage-built authenticity, high-level fabrication, and show-stopping presentation, proving that with dedication and skill, a small-town shop can create a roadster that competes with the best at the GNRS and beyond.
1941 Chevrolet “Corvette”
Owner/Builder: Danny Dingillo – Dingo Kustoms
Builder/Collaborators: Mike Dingillo, Steve Houge, Mike Dominguez, and Team
Danny Dingillo’s 1941 Chevrolet Deluxe Coupe is the 28-year culmination of a high school dream: blend the big-fendered elegance of a ’41 Chevy with the sleek, performance-inspired flair of a 1958 Corvette. Using Steve Stanford’s original drawings as a blueprint, Dingillo and his team meticulously replicated Corvette cues in steel, reshaping the hood, fenders, quarter panels, decklid, and front and rear valances. Inside, a Corvette-style dashboard ties the interior to the car’s vision, while every line and curve is polished to a mirror-like finish. This is a build where concept meets execution in a seamless, jaw-dropping way.
Power comes from a 383 Fuelie small block making 408 horsepower, paired with a TH700-R4 transmission and a Currie 9-inch rear. Every detail under the hood, from the plumbing to the stainless accents, was handled with precision, showcasing the combined expertise of Bill Brown, Mark Havens, and the RodeTech crew. The engine bay reflects the car’s exterior—polished, purposeful, and perfectly balanced, a subtle nod to Corvette performance while honoring the Chevy’s heritage.
The craftsmanship extends through the body, paint, and interior. Steve Houge and Mike Dominguez executed flawless bodywork, with paint by Tom Albert Godoy and stainless work by “The Stitcher” Ron Mangus. Bob Igo Brown at RodeTech handled upholstery with elegance and style, complementing the custom finishes and chrome work by Chuck Kustoms and Dingo Kustoms. The result is a Chevy that’s not only striking in its originality but also a masterclass in vision realized over decades—a timeless tribute to classic styling and meticulous execution.
1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight
Owner: Marve Struiksma
Builder: Deluxe Hot Rods
Building a 1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight is bold. Taking it this far into custom territory? That’s pure vision. Commissioned by Marv Struiksma and brought to life by Deluxe Hot Rods, this car started as a body most would write off. Instead of restoring, the team reimagined—turning a rare postwar Studebaker into a no-compromise, ground-up custom.
Carbon fiber shapes the look and structure, with roof, hood, and door panels reworked in lightweight composites that sharpen the profile and inject modern aggression into Raymond Loewy’s classic silhouette. This isn’t carbon for shock value—every panel serves performance-minded design.
Under the hood, a hard-running LS3 engine gets a twist: 3D-printed 180-degree headers snake through the engine bay, feeding a custom exhaust system with electronic cutouts—quiet when needed, feral when unleashed. It’s cutting-edge manufacturing meeting hot rod theater.
The exterior pushes the transformation further. Flush-mounted glass cleans the lines, while rear quarters were reshaped with Oldsmobile sheetmetal and taillights, seamlessly integrated into the dramatic Studebaker fastback form. With most of the original body gone, every panel became a canvas for design refinement and elevation.
Beneath it, a fully custom, ground-up chassis anchors the build—nothing catalog, nothing borrowed—pure purpose-built engineering.
The result isn’t a restoration. It’s not just a custom. It’s a full-scale Studebaker reinvention, equal parts engineering experiment and rolling design statement. This Starlight build proves that even the most unlikely canvas can become extraordinary when imagination meets execution.
Deluxe Hot Rods
From high end one off turn key builds, to daily drivers. The one stop shop you’ve been looking for.
1956 Chevrolet 210
Owner: Brett Clemens
Builder: ZRodz & Customs
Zach Ingraham doesn’t do subtle, and Brett Clemens’ 1956 Chevrolet 210 proves it. Built by ZRodz & Customs, this Tri-Five Chevy is all about precision and surface perfection—the kind of car that stops you mid-step once the light hits the paint. Finished in an almost-black Glasurit MA945.75, the bodywork is impossibly smooth, letting the clean lines of the 210 speak without distraction.
Underneath, the stance is handled by a proven performance foundation. An Art Morrison chassis anchors the car, paired with QA1 coilovers and ZRodz-fabricated suspension links to plant it just right. Massive Wilwood brakes fill the custom three-piece ZRodz wheels, delivering modern stopping power that matches the car’s aggressive footprint and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.
Power comes from a no-nonsense Chevrolet Performance 502 big block, topped with unmistakable Borla stack injection and backed by a Bowler-built T56 Magnum. It’s classic American muscle turned up with modern execution. Inside, ZRodz handled the design while Recovery Room brought it to life, blending craftsmanship and restraint. The result is a ’56 Chevy that feels engineered, intentional, and unapologetically serious—proof that ZRodz isn’t interested in repeating themselves, only raising the bar.
Z Rodz and Customs
ZRodz and Customs llc. is a fast growing custom and classic automobile shop.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air “Debonair”
Owners: George & Carol Keys
Builder: Hollywood Hot Rods
Some regrets never fade—George Keys’ first ’57 Chevy was one of them. Sold at 19 and missed ever since, the story finally came full circle when his wife Carol tracked down another Bel Air and sent it straight to Troy Ladd and the team at Hollywood Hot Rods. What started as a solid-looking candidate quickly turned into a ground-up resurrection once blasting revealed that nearly every body panel needed replacement. Rather than back down, Ladd doubled down, subtly chopping the roof two inches and reshaping the car into something far more refined—and far more dangerous.
Under the hood lives controlled chaos. A Nelson Racing Engines-built twin-turbo small-block, displacing over 440 cubic inches and packing 1,400 horsepower, sits at the center of a masterclass in packaging. Hollywood Hot Rods fabricated all the intake plumbing in-house, hiding the ductwork inside the front fenders and tucking intercoolers discreetly behind the grille ends. The result is brutally effective power delivery without sacrificing the car’s clean, timeless appearance.
That power rides on a Roadster Shop fully independent chassis with massive Brembo brakes, while the exterior is finished in a shimmering paint job by Mick’s Paint that absolutely lights up in the sun. Inside, Elegance Auto Interiors delivers a tailored, upscale cockpit that matches the car’s polished menace. Equal parts memory reclaimed and modern muscle unleashed, this Bel Air isn’t just a do-over—it’s redemption at full boost.
1958 Chevrolet Corvette “Hard Car”
Owner: Peter Andersen
Builder: Fast Eddie’s Race Cars
Nicknamed “Hard Car,” this 1958 Chevrolet Corvette throws convention out the window—starting with its bold right-hand-drive conversion, a rarity that instantly sets the tone for the rest of the build. From there, Fast Eddie’s Race Cars went all-in on precision craftsmanship, layering subtle design changes with an obsessive level of detail.
Both the front and rear bumpers were reshaped, complemented by custom side trim, while period-correct elements like pot metal headlight eyebrows and a reworked pot metal grille surround add depth and texture without overpowering the original Corvette lines. Look closer and the real story emerges: a staggering amount of machined components, from bespoke emblems and exhaust ports to finely executed interior trim, each piece designed specifically for this car.
Tying it all together is a flawless finish in API Chrome, giving the Hard Car its unmistakable presence—bright, sharp, and unapologetically bold. It’s a Corvette that respects its roots while confidently standing apart, proving that thoughtful customization and elite-level machining can elevate an icon without diluting its soul.
Fast Eddies Race Cars
Custom fabrication of Race Cars, Hot Rods, Street rods, Pro touring and chassis shop.
1969 Plymouth Road Runner “Roidrunner”
Owners: Darryl & Faye Lee
Builder: Revision Rods & Rides
Darryl and Faye Lee’s 1969 Plymouth Road Runner—“Roidrunner” commands attention not just for its presence, but for the story it tells. Built by Tyler and the team at Revision Rods & Rides, this modern Mopar muscle car balances raw aggression with meticulous craftsmanship and earned the Slonaker Outstanding Detail – Sponsored by Meguiar’s Premium Car Care Products for its flawless execution. It’s a contender for the Al Slonaker Memorial Award that hits you on every level: performance, aesthetics, and heart.
Revision Rods & Rides didn’t hold back. Sitting on a custom Art Morrison chassis, “Roidrunner” showcases flush glass, tucked bumpers, a custom aluminum hood, CNC-machined grille, and a fully reworked interior designed by Eric Brockmeyer. Power comes from a 1,000-hp all-aluminum Hellephant crate engine, managed by a Bowler 4L80E transmission for flawless drivability. Every detail elevates the build—from one-off Colorado Customs wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires to Wilwood brakes with Tesla-assisted stopping and DCE electric steering, and a PRC radiator with custom intercooler keeping the beast cool. Even the LED taillights have a secret, flipping out to reveal a hidden fuel filler.
Inside, the build’s heart is on full display. Sew Fine Interiors brought Darryl and Faye’s vision to life, with every stitch and panel reflecting their connection, down to one-off Dakota Digital gauges. Though Faye didn’t get to see the finished car, her influence is felt in every detail. “Roidrunner” isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a tribute, a legacy, and proof that the most powerful builds are fueled by more than horsepower.
Revision Rods & Rides
Custom fabrication of Race Cars, Hot Rods, Street rods, Pro touring and chassis shop.
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
Owner: Matt Jewell
Builder: Eddie’s Rod & Custom
Matt Jewell’s Chevelle, built by Eddie’s Rod & Custom in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a masterclass in subtle yet complete transformation. From a high school dream to a fully realized modern classic, the car’s body was meticulously reshaped: fenders and quarters sectioned 1 ¾ inches, roof wedged and chopped 1 inch, drip rails shaved, and wheel openings reshaped—all aimed at creating a refined, clean, and timeless silhouette. Custom touches like flush-fit glass, shaved marker lights, one-off wheels, and carbon fiber hood and bumpers keep the car unmistakably a Chevelle while elevating it to elite show status.
Under the hood, the Chevelle packs serious firepower with a twin-turbo LS3 built by Steve Morris Engines, producing a staggering 1,300 horsepower. Every detail under the hood mirrors the car’s exterior precision, from custom firewall, floors, and tubs to modern refinements like multi-map switch cruise control. Even the chopped A-pillars and reshaped roof skin flow seamlessly, showing the level of engineering and craftsmanship that defines Eddie’s Rod & Custom builds.
Inside, the car is equally impressive, with a gorgeous interior that balances classic Chevelle cues with modern comfort and detailing. From custom door handles and soft-close latches to tailored taillights and a bespoke grille, every element reflects the goal of a Chevelle that’s instantly recognizable, yet far beyond stock. Matt Jewell’s Chevelle isn’t just a car—it’s a statement: aggressive, elegant, and executed at the highest level of craft.
Eddies Rod and Custom
Family-owned hot rod and custom shop providing customers with the highest quality work in automotive restoration and customization.
1970 Ford F-100 “The Mayfield Hill Country Hauler”
Owner: Dennis Mayfield
Builder: Customs and Hot Rods of Andice
Bold, unmistakably custom, and deeply personal, Dennis Mayfield’s 1970 Ford F-100 is a far cry from anything resembling factory stock. Built by Customs and Hot Rods of Andice just outside Austin, Texas, this truck represents a full-scale transformation of a one-owner pickup—purchased new by Mayfield and now, 56 years later, reborn with serious attitude and craftsmanship. The stance, finish, and details immediately signal that this F-100 was designed to stand apart, not blend in.
Lift the hood and the deception begins. What looks like a vintage 427 SOHC Cammer is actually a modern Ford Coyote 5.0, cleverly disguised with period-inspired hardware and crowned by aggressive Borla injector stacks. Backed by a robust 4R70W automatic, the drivetrain is light-years beyond anything the truck left the factory with, blending visual nostalgia with modern performance and reliability.
The custom theme continues throughout. One-off EVOD Industries wheels, inspired by the iconic Lamborghini Miura, give the truck an unexpected exotic edge, while the PPG paint is a carefully reworked version of an original factory color—familiar, yet undeniably elevated. Inside, a handcrafted interior by Sculpt Garage, Sick Strings, and CHRA, finished in Relicate leather, pairs with curly maple bed wood to complete the package. The Hill Country Hauler has traveled a long way since its first drive off the assembly line, and every mile of that journey shows in the details.
