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All-In-One Conversions

The lines of ’55-’57 Chevys are almost sacrosanct. They haven’t been modified or changed over the years with very good results. There have been a couple of exceptions, but by and large, chopped tops, restyled fenders and other modifications that alter their original lines don’t come off looking real good. The problem is in the proportions. We’re not sure if it’s because the factory got them so perfect right out of the gate, or if it’s that most have been left alone over the last 50 years, so a chopped top looks strange. Whatever the reason, the classic “greenhouse” roofline, long fenders and slab sides all work very well together.

Rad Revolution

Crafted with precision and expertise, this cutting-edge column is set to revolutionize your driving experience. Rad Rides engineers focused on maximizing space, ensuring comfort during entry and exit, and offering customizable steering wheel positioning. Compact yet powerful, the Tilt Steering Column boasts a total unit length of just 5 1/8 inches. With five different tilt positions and approximately 40 degrees of total tilt, you’ll find the perfect angle for your comfort and convenience.

One-Stop Collector Car Shopping

This year marks Hemmings’ 70th anniversary. Hemmings has been dedicated since 1954 to simplifying and securing the buying and selling process for classic cars. Their latest breakthrough, “Hemmings Pay + Title,” aims to revolutionize the experience, serving as a comprehensive solution for consumers. Powered by KeySavvy, Pay + Title addresses the complexities of payment and title transfers, particularly across state borders. It’s designed to alleviate the burdensome tasks for enthusiasts who cherish purchasing and selling remarkable automobiles. Jonathan Shaw, Hemmings’ president, describes Pay + Title as a groundbreaking service, prioritizing the secure and efficient handling of payments and vehicle titling. This innovation underscores Hemmings’ dedication to fostering trust and enhancing the collector car community’s experience in a seamless marketplace.

The Grand National Roadster Show 2024

“The Grand Daddy of Them All,” The Grand National Roadster Show just took place this last weekend. Held annually in Pomona, California, is a premier event celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship of custom automobiles. Established in 1949, it has earned a reputation as one of the longest-running and most prestigious car shows in the world. Spanning multiple days, the show features an eclectic mix of meticulously restored classic cars, innovative hot rods, and custom-built vehicles, showcasing the creativity and passion of automotive enthusiasts. Attendees can marvel at the intricate details of each vehicle, from flawless paint jobs to finely tuned engines, and interact with passionate owners and builders.

Lincoln Electric Sparks a New Era: Velion™ Chargers Ignite the Hot Rod Industry’s Electric Revolution

If a hot rodder were to have built an EV charging station, we think it would have looked like the heavy-duty version Lincoln Electric has built. Now for the nuts and bolts information from Lincoln Electric themselves on the new single and dual Velion™ Chargers. Like ourselves most people reading this article may have a hard time comprehending all the abbreviated terminology listed below but here it is to inform you on the knowledge of Lincoln Electric’s EV chargers.

The Sights of SEMA 2023

Explore the standout rides and jaw-dropping innovations at SEMA 2023! Join us as we revisit the show’s hottest builds, from the iconic 1957 Nash Metropolitan to the cutting-edge Arrington Hydrogen Monster Truck. Get an exclusive look at the custom creations, unique body kits, and powerhouse engines that stole the spotlight at the premier automotive aftermarket event of the year. Don’t miss out on the highlights captured by The Auto Builder Staff and photographers Wendy Miles & Kim Cooley. Feast your eyes on the unforgettable designs and ingenious engineering that left a lasting impression at SEMA 2023!

A Tough Act to Follow

Though clutches rank below power-adders on the desirability scale, they are every bit as important. In fact, you’d be better off not spending the time and money on a trick blower or turbo kit if you do not plan on upgrading the stock clutch assembly. Sure, it is possible on some applications to improve the performance of your motor without a clutch and pressure plate upgrade, but you can only take things so far. Eventually, the engine will let you know by racing to the moon when you least expect it. Your clutch will likely slip under full throttle, and most probably at the highest load. Better hope you have a rev limiter or things can really get ugly. But have no fear … Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) has come up with a variety of effective combinations to cater to the needs of performance enthusiasts and racers.

HISTORY RECOVERED

Having already gathered a number of special Fords in his collection, Tennessee’s Kayo Erwin was more than pleased when he first located a ’63 Ford Galaxie lightweight. It was in relatively good condition and certainly ready for a complete restoration, although not all was as it seemed. What Erwin didn’t realize was that beneath the numerous layers of paint were the remnants of true history, and if not for the vision of Erwin’s wife, Brenda, the dramatic finding could have been wiped away forever. Ready to chemically strip the body of its outer layers, Brenda’s concern over what might be hidden beneath led Erwin’s restoration team to take a more involved path that would eventually uncover a truly amazing discovery. Slowly but surely, with each pass of the dual-action sander, a little more evidence came to light, first with one word, then another, and then three words that would prove to be very informative: “South Bend, Indiana.”

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CHILL OUT

Be Cool is no newcomer to cooling heavy metal. For years it has provided cooling solutions for some of the most impressive high-performance engines to rumble down the streets and dragstrips of America. The folks at Be Cool understand that having the proper cooling components in any car or truck is vital to keep an engine safely within its operating temperature range. They also understand that to make cooling and installation easier, they had to design a full bolt-in system, a system that would fit hundreds of applications for classic cars and trucks, as well as more modern vehicles that also need cooling help.

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SPRING TO ACTION

Dean Brown, a longtime rodder, was in the market for a new project car and stumbled across this ’52 Chevy panel truck, which turned out to be one of the original Helms trucks. The bakery cabinets had been removed but the body was in good condition, and it was still running with the original six-cylinder engine. Brown thought the truck was very cool, so he made a deal with its owner and drove it home. He formulated a plan of attack and started acquiring the parts he needed to turn it into a hot Chevy panel. The parts included a strong-running V-8 engine, a Turbo 350 transmission, a Fat Man Fabrications IFS front suspension and a new rear suspension that would provide a softer ride quality.

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