CORVETTE GRAND SPORT FANS:
August 2, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Hydro-Boost Brakes
Nothing is more terrifying than cruising down the street to the fairgrounds when some idiot pulls out in front of you and you have to jump on the binders. Making a panic stop can be difficult when you are trying to stop 800 throbbing horsepower with a set of 9-inch rotors and single-piston calipers. You might even wonder if it will stop as you mash the brake pedal. When it comes to street rods with big motors, one braking concern is vacuum pressure. Is there enough? Many high-performance camshafts add power to the motor but produce low vacuum levels. This is something to consider when selecting your engine components. Of course, if the motor fails, you will have no vacuum, so stopping will be a real problem.
34 Expert Restoration Tips for Classic Car Enthusiasts
Every detail matters when it comes to restoring or customizing a vehicle. Whether you’re smoothing out seams, fine-tuning trim, or upgrading outdated systems, the right techniques can make the difference between a show-stopping build and a project that falls flat. We’ve compiled 34 expert tips to help you refine your restoration skills, sourced directly from the pros at Jeff Lilly Restorations. Dive in and discover actionable advice that will streamline your workflow, enhance your results, and help you achieve the classic car of your dreams.
THE ART FORM OF THE ENGINE BAY
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? Ford, Chevy, Mopar—or something completely unexpected? Those questions still matter. But take a look at the Triple Crown of Rodding engine bays from 2026 and it becomes obvious that what surrounds the engine can be every bit as impressive as the engine itself. On today’s highest-level builds, the engine bay has become its own art form.
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Red, White, and Chrome: Dayton’s Strawberry Festival Cruise-In Drives Home the Spirit of Community
A Growing Highlight of the Strawberry Festival Draws Crowds and Classics Alike
On Friday, May 9, the streets of downtown Dayton filled with the rumble of engines, the shine of polished chrome, and the unmistakable buzz of community. As part of the 78th Annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival, the Cruise-In Car Show once again proved to be more than a car show — it was a meeting place for car lovers, families, and locals who know small towns shine brightest when they come together.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Words & Photography
This year’s Cruise-In was the biggest yet. Every corner around the courthouse square had something different to offer — from fresh restorations and spotless muscle cars to weathered rat rods and lifted trucks still wearing the dirt they were built for. The best part? Nobody cared what your car was — they cared about the story behind it.
We love how small-town car shows like this bring everyone together. Young kids, retired gearheads, and everyone in between lined the streets, sharing memories and snapping photos. Some came to show, some just to walk the rows and talk shop. Everyone left with a grin.
Something for Everyone
There’s something special about a show that doesn’t play favorites, and the Cruise-In nailed it. Antique Fords and Chevys rolled in like pieces of living history, while 4x4s and trail rigs stood tall, looking like they’d just come off the mountain. Classic muscle cars brought the unmistakable rumble of V8 power, parked right alongside late-model builds and clean daily drivers. And then there were the custom oddballs — the project cars, the home-built rides — each with its own story and personality. This wasn’t about awards or flawless paint jobs. It was about showing up, sharing what you’ve built (or found), and being part of something real.
No Pretense, Just Passion
The Cruise-In was low-key, welcoming, and buzzing with energy. What stood out wasn’t just the vehicles — it was the people. Locals catching up over fenders. Kids pointing out their favorites. First-time visitors getting pulled into conversations with complete strangers swapping stories like old friends.
This wasn’t just a display — it was a hangout. The kind of event where a guy with a slammed S10 can park next to a ’67 Camaro and both draw a crowd.
More Than a Show
As the sun set and headlights started to glow, the streets of Dayton felt like a scene out of a postcard. It’s not hard to see why this event keeps growing every year. It’s simple, honest, and full of soul — everything that makes small-town America feel like home.
The Cruise-In isn’t just part of the Strawberry Festival — it’s the heartbeat. Not because it’s flashy, but because it’s authentic. And in a world where that’s getting harder to find, Dayton proves year after year that it still knows how to do it right.
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