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Bright Idea
Keith Bright was driving through tiny Basin, Wyoming (population just over 1,000), when he saw a ’58 Buick station wagon drive by in the opposite direction. “That’s strange,” he remembers thinking to himself. He could remember seeing only two other examples in his entire life. He had to have that car, but there was no time to follow the driver or flag him down. Bright returned to his home in Salina, Kansas, where he heads Bright Built Street Rods & Restoration, and occupied his time working on other people’s super rods. But he couldn’t get that ’58 wagon out of his mind.

SEMA 2023 Product Showcase
Explore the highlights of SEMA Show 2023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, featuring exclusive videos of the latest automotive performance products, vehicle trends, and expert-led sessions from this premier event for car enthusiasts and industry pros, only on The Auto Builder.

Are You Master of Your Terrain?
Ok, you’ve lifted your rig so you can put those big tires on, and you take it out on it’s maiden wheelin’ trip. The first thing you notice is how the terrain seems to guide the tires while fighting your biceps. If this sounds familiar then you probably have manual steering. Many of the older rigs on the trail only came from the factory with a manual steering box. There are several options to remedy the manual steering blues. Upgrading to a power steering setup is the most basic route, then there are a number of companies specializing in hydraulic ram setups. There are also many combinations using common power steering boxes in addition to a hydraulic ram assist. With the vast variety of power steering system components available, the possibilities are quite endless.
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Horseless Carriages Roar Through Monkey-Town
The HCCA Wraps up It’s Annual National Convention and Tour with a Stop in Dayton, TN
Author
The AutoBuilder Staff
2024 HCCA National Convention and Tour in Chattanooga, Tennessee
No, it’s not the plot for a new Planet of the Apes movie. This year, the 2024 HCCA National Convention and Tour made its way through Chattanooga, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. The AutoBuilder staff was treated to an unofficial car show just outside our windows when the club stopped in Dayton, Tennessee, for lunch and shopping. Dayton is also known as “Monkey Town” for being the location of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial. What better way is there to spend a nice spring day than enjoying classic cars?
The Horseless Carriage Club of America (HCCA)
The Horseless Carriage Club of America (HCCA), founded in 1937, is a prestigious institution headquartered in La Mesa, California, devoted to conserving, restoring, and enjoying vintage automobiles predating 1916. As automotive technology rapidly evolved during the first half of the 20th century, a group of enthusiasts recognized the importance of preserving the legacy of these pioneering vehicles. In response, the HCCA was formed, initially as a small community of like-minded individuals united by their love for vintage cars. Over the decades, the club has grown significantly, attracting members from all walks of life who share a common enthusiasm for early automotive engineering and design. Over its history, the HCCA has been pivotal in orchestrating events, rallies, and exhibitions spotlighting antique automobiles, offering a platform for enthusiasts to exhibit their cherished vehicles, exchange expertise, and cultivate enduring connections.
Appreciation for Early Automobiles
While pre-1916 automobiles aren’t our typical focus, we here at AutoBuilder still appreciate these mechanical marvels. These early cars are integral to our car culture heritage and are cherished by enthusiasts. Take a journey back in time with us through our photo gallery, showcasing a sampling of the vintage rides that cruised through downtown Dayton, Tennessee.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Horseless Carriage Club Of America (HCCA)
3109 Fish Canyon Rd.
Duarte, CA 91010
(626) 287-HCCA (4222)






