
THE AUTO BUILDER
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Homebuilt Hauler With An Attitude
It often takes a serious challenge to test a person’s capabilities. After years of driving a string of performance cars, Terry Short wanted something different sitting in his North Tonawanda, New York, garage. So, he set out and found this ’55 Chevy big-window pickup in an apple orchard. He just knew he had met his challenge.
Terry Short’s ’55 Chevy pickup has a just-right rake, a monochromatic finish on a super-smooth body and a potent big-block Chevy. All these elements combine to make this Hot Rod Red truck a perfect cruising machine. Short’s goal was to build a truck that if you couldn’t see it, then you could certainly hear it coming. Though the roof went unchopped, the remainder of the body was extensively reworked and is devoid of chrome accessories.

Hot Rods Dirt Cheap
Jack Fuller has been at this hot rod game for a long time, and while he builds hot rods for a living, make no mistake—this is a man who loves his work. As a matter of fact, the mantra of the garage is, “When the fun stops, the doors close for good.” It’s pretty simple stuff, and oddly enough, that seems to be the specialty of the house—basic hot rods that look cool and work well. Jump in a Jack Fuller hot rod, and you’ll know it was designed to be driven. Jack’s own ’32 cabriolet has seen untold miles over the years, as have most of the other hot rods he has built.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 6.5L DIESELSITE 2011-2016 Ford 6.7L Fuel Filter / Water Separator
The Ford 6.7L engine was outfitted with a completely new type of common rail system from the lift pump, high pressure fuel pump, injectors and fuel filters. What we have discovered (and so have many others at their expense) is that the fuel system components are very sensitive to water and debris, much more so than previous fuel system designs. The Dieselsite 2011-2016 Ford 6.7l Fuel Filter/Water Separator protects your fuel system from being damaged by water and debris.
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Gear, Grit, & The Great Outdoors
Overland Expo Mountain West 2024
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Wendy Miles
The Epicenter of Overlanding
Picture this: the Ranch Events Complex packed with over 300 exhibitors showing off the latest and greatest in overlanding rigs and gear. From fully kitted-out 4x4s to the most rugged camping setups, this place was like Disneyland for anyone who loves the dirt. The array of hardcore off-road rigs and innovative gear on display made the experience truly unforgettable.
Learn from the Pros
If you thought you knew everything about overlanding, think again. The expo’s educational lineup was next level. With over 175 classes, slideshows, and demos, you could brush up on everything from vehicle recovery to campfire cooking. And with more than 100 experts dropping knowledge, even the most seasoned overlander picked up a new trick or two.
Get Your Hands Dirty
This wasn’t just a sit-and-listen kind of event. There were motorcycle demos, a RAM Ride & Drive Course to push your skills, and a storytelling pavilion where people swapped tales of adventure gone right—and wrong. The Backcountry & Culinary Skills Area, sponsored by Tacoma Lifestyle, had everyone from greenhorns to grizzled vets perfecting their camp cooking chops. It was all about getting in the thick of it and seeing what your gear—and you—are made of.
It’s All About the People
Overlanding isn’t just about the gear; it’s about the people. The expo was packed with chances to connect—happy hours, fireside chats, and even a few charity raffles to bring everyone together. The Women Who Wander Fireside Chats were a huge hit, giving the women of the overlanding world a chance to share their stories and connect with each other. This was more than an event; it was a community.
Until Next Year…
As the dust settled and the last rig rolled out, there was no doubt—Overland Expo Mountain West 2024 was one for the books. Whether you left with a shopping list for new gear or just some new friends, this weekend was all about embracing the overlanding lifestyle. And with next year’s event already on the horizon, it’s safe to say the overlanding community is only getting stronger. So, if you missed out, don’t make the same mistake twice. Check out the Overland Expo website to learn more or register for next year. Mark your calendars and start gearing up for the next adventure!
In the meantime, check out our coverage below.
Project Baobab, The Ultimate Overland Expedition Vehicle
This was one of the most popular builds at the show. The base vehicle is a 1994 Stewart & Stevenson M1079, former American Army communications truck. Built by Michael Ladden, its powered by a 6.6L Caterpillar turbo diesel engine that is mated to an Alison 7 speed automatic transmission. You can find out all about this beast machine on the DrivetheGlobe.com website. Be sure to check out the Drive the Globe YouTube Channel also to see much more of this vehicle in action and how this build came together.
Smoothies, Café Racer Style
That’s Not a 4-Runner
Family Fun with Furry Friends
Paws and smiles all around! The Overland Expo Mtn West 2024 isn’t just for adventure enthusiasts—it’s a family affair, where even the four-legged explorers join in the fun. The welcoming atmosphere ensures that every member of the family, including your furry companions, can enjoy the adventure-filled weekend together.
More than we could Photograph
Here’s a sampling of some of the coolest products that we spotted at the show.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Overland Expo
(317) 207-0557
info@overlandexpo.com





