THE AUTO BUILDER

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: DieselSite’s High-Performance Turbocharger for Ford 7.3L Trucks

June 27, 2023

COAST-TO-COAST 482ci STREET 409

September 22, 2022

ADVANCED ALTERNATOR

December 7, 2022

Poole-Adams Racing Doubles Down at HPX 2026

Daren Poole-Adams doesn’t chase trends—he builds what makes sense, then lets the results speak. That philosophy was on full display at last year’s HPX, where his reengineered Gen 5 Toyota Supra debuted as a ground-up NHRA Stock Eliminator concept. Built from a bare shell and developed in collaboration with NHRA, the project quickly became one of the most talked-about builds on the show floor.

Truck Takeover at the Triple Crown of Rodding

Custom trucks have bulldozed their way into the hot rod world, turning what were once old workhorses from the ’30s through the ’90s into show-stopping, tire-shredding machines. These trucks aren’t just about hauling gear anymore—they’re packing serious muscle under the hood, killer suspension setups, and sleek designs that demand attention at events like the Triple Crown of Rodding.

Beyond the Lift: Navigating New Heights with Upgraded Steering

Steering is one of the two most important systems on any vehicle, along with the brakes. Unfortunately, steering is often neglected for modifications that yield more visual impact, such as suspension lifts and larger tires. These are the exact modifications, however, that make attention to steering so important. Suspension lifts can alter steering geometry while big, heavy tires may cause increased wear to steering components, particularly if the tires are out of balance.

After a springover conversion was performed on the Dana 44 front axle in our ’67 Toyota Land Cruiser, the new spring location interfered with the steering geometry. The draglink was then bent as a temporary fix, but this sacrificed strength and resulted in poor steering angles.

Hidden Gems and Head-Turners at the Erwin Marine Sales Car Show

Proof that the best builds don’t always show up at the biggest events

Think you have to attend a giant national event to see world-class builds? Think again. The Erwin Marine Sales Car Show was proof that some of the baddest rides around show up at the smallest gatherings. Tucked along Chattanooga's scenic waterfront, this laid-back event delivered far more than anyone would expect from a Saturday morning cruise-in.

Author

Jamie Dent

Photography by Scott Killeen

Quality Over Quantity

Held on June 20, 2026, after being pushed back by bad weather, the Erwin Marine Sales Car Show packed the marina with an impressive lineup of classic cars, custom builds, lifted trucks, street machines, and unique one-off projects. Every row had something worth stopping for, whether it was a flawlessly restored cruiser, a high-dollar custom, or a home-built machine that turned heads with pure attitude.

These weren’t just cars parked in a lot—they were the result of countless hours spent in garages, shops, and driveways, with owners proudly sharing the stories behind every modification, every paint job, and every horsepower upgrade.

The Heart of the Hobby

That’s what makes local car shows so special. Without the pressure of trophies or national attention, builders come out simply because they love the hobby. The conversations are genuine, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can get up close with vehicles you’d never expect to find at a neighborhood event.

The Erwin Marine Sales Car Show reminded everyone that passion doesn’t depend on the size of the venue. Sometimes the coolest builds aren’t under bright convention center lights—they’re parked along the waterfront at a hometown gathering where the only requirement is bringing something you’re proud to drive.

If this year’s turnout was any indication, Chattanooga’s local automotive scene is alive, well, and packed with builders who know how to create something unforgettable.