







Ronnie Staples is simply a car guy—been one all his life. From that first Deuce coupe he built in high
Ronnie Staples is simply a car guy—been one all his life. From that first Deuce coupe he built in high school to award-winning rods and customs, Ronnie has built a lot of great cars over the years. But
When Joe Samperisi acquired this ’61 Chevrolet Impala, he knew he wanted to make some changes even before
When Joe Samperisi acquired this ’61 Chevrolet Impala, he knew he wanted to make some changes even before the money exchanged hands. Regardless of how much work has been done to a vehicle, a new owner
Meet Charles “Charlie” Tunnell, retired racecar driver, industrial engineer, street rod builder and armchair
Meet Charles “Charlie” Tunnell, retired racecar driver, industrial engineer, street rod builder and armchair philosopher. Now take a look at Charlie and Lavelle Tunnell’s all-steel, ZZ4-powered 1927 Model
Whether you’re a newcomer to street rodding or a long timer, the name Andy Brizio is almost certainly
Whether you’re a newcomer to street rodding or a long timer, the name Andy Brizio is almost certainly familiar, and for good reason. He has, in one way or another, been closely involved with this hobby
Through the years, Dave Lane has owned a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from Hyundais, Hondas and
Through the years, Dave Lane has owned a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from Hyundais, Hondas and MG Midgets to vintage Deuces and T-Birds. He’s also had his share of General Motors products, including
A big Chevy knows how to make an entrance. Long body lines, the right stance, and a clean set of wheels
A big Chevy knows how to make an entrance. Long body lines, the right stance, and a clean set of wheels do plenty of talking before you even open the door. Once you slide behind the wheel, though, what’s
There was a time when popping the hood at a car show was mostly about one thing: seeing what was making
There was a time when popping the hood at a car show was mostly about one thing: seeing what was making the horsepower. Small-block or big-block? Carburetors or injection? Blower or naturally aspirated?
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POPULAR READS
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The Auto Builder’s Hottest Product Picks from The Triple Crown of Rodding 2026
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Product Spotlight: Bill Mitchell Products Aluminum LS Engine Block
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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: 60-66 Chevy C10 Fresh Air Vent Block Off Plate
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Product Spotlight: Pyramid Optimized Design Sequential Aurora Taillight for 1964½–1966 Mustang
Featured


The Heart of GNRS 2026: Highlights from the ARP Booth

Bobby-Built

CAMARO COMPARO
As recognizable as the first-generation Camaro coupes and convertibles are, distinguishing a ’67, ’68 or even the extremely popular ’69 can be difficult for the uninformed. This can be especially true when considering the number of available options, including hoods, SS and RS option combinations and custom body modifications. However, making an accurate and quick identification of a potential project car, as well as tracking its history, options and drivetrain, is simple if you’re armed with the correct information and tools.

539HP 383 On Pump Gas
Time and time again, our advice to those interested in learning about stout-running engines is that it’s the total combination that makes it all happen—considering, of course, that components are prepped, cleaned and assembled as if in a “clean room.”

Road Warrior Tips for Surviving Bad Weather Driving
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, being prepared can make all the difference between a safe journey and a stressful one. From navigating slippery roads to maintaining visibility in heavy rain or snow, driving in bad weather demands extra caution and the right strategies. Whether you’re facing icy highways, foggy mornings, or downpours that limit your view, knowing how to prepare your vehicle and adjust your driving habits is key. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to stay safe and confident on the road, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

The Best New Products from Goodguys Columbus 2026
We spent the weekend exploring the newest releases from the companies driving the aftermarket forward. From Goodguys award winners to a few standout products that caught our attention, here are the parts and tools we think deserve a closer look from the 2026 Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals.

YORK ‘93
What began as a Mini-Nats in Rockville, Maryland in 1973, quickly blossomed into a full-fledged National Street Rod Association Regional Event. If you were an East Coast street rodder, the first weekend in June every year was (and still is), NSRA York, simply a must-attend event.

HIDING NOT FAR FROM HOME
Back in the days of hand-writing letters and lickin’ stamps, opening the mail at RODDER’S DIGEST was always interesting. In December of 1998 we received this letter and three photos of one very cool ’38 Ford Standard Coupe. While it is a great hot rod, the history of this coupe

Product Spotlight: Posies SuperSlide Springs
Let’s face it—old leaf springs don’t always deliver the smoothest ride. Between years of wear and the natural friction created as steel leaves slide against one another, it’s no surprise that many traditional hot rods and classic trucks can feel a little rough around the edges. That’s exactly the problem

Rearview Mirror
While AutoBuilder will supply you with all the latest and greatest happenings in the hot rod world, we felt looking back at how we got here would be fun and equally as important. The changes over the past sixty-plus years have been impressive.

The Ultimate Street Machine Showdown: Goodguys Crowns the 2026 Street Machine of the Year
The Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, has long been the proving ground for some of the finest builds in the country. Each year, the event brings together the builders, designers, and enthusiasts who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with classic American performance.

The Ultimate Street Rod Showdown: Goodguys Crowns the 2026 Street Rod of the Year
There’s no shortage of incredible hot rods rolling through the gates at the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio. With more than 6,000 of the country’s finest 1999-and-older hot rods, customs, trucks, classics, and muscle cars filling the Ohio Expo Center, the weekend once again delivered a showcase of

JOHNSON & JOHNSON ’CUDA
Say what you will, but function is back! We find more high-profile cars built to be driven, and driven hard. Everywhere you look, car owners and builders are searching out new ways to put the fun back into driving the wheels off the rides they build, and they’re looking to

Great News for Builders: EPA Recognizes SEMA Certified-Emissions
The agency has officially recognized SEMA Certified-Emissions as a legitimate way for manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with federal emissions standards. Translation? Companies now have another legal path to sell emissions-compliant performance parts in 49 states.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Dynamat Xtreme – The Upgrade You’ll Appreciate Every Time You Drive
For more than 35 years, Dynamat has been the #1 name in automotive sound deadening, helping enthusiasts build quieter, cooler, and better-sounding vehicles. Whether you’re restoring a classic, building a Pro Touring machine, finishing a street truck, or simply improving your daily driver, Dynamat Xtreme delivers a noticeable difference the







