Free Horsepower Tips
April 5, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Oval Exhaust Components from Stainless Headers Mfg. Inc.
When it comes to squeezing every ounce of power and performance out of your ride, the details make the difference. Headers and mufflers might steal the show, but let’s not overlook a serious player in the game: oval exhaust tubing. And if you’re in the know, you’ve probably heard of Stainless Headers Mfg. Inc.—a company we respect for their top-notch craftsmanship and American-made quality.
The Ugly Duckling
Experience the remarkable metamorphosis of a 1954 Dodge pickup as it evolves from a utilitarian workhorse to an award-winning showstopper. Immerse yourself in the meticulous craftsmanship by Hot Rod Garage, featuring a Mopar 360 crate engine, custom bodywork, and a DuPont Super Jet Black exterior. Marvel at the interior’s camel Ultraleather, Budnik steering wheel, and Vintage Air Gen III system. Discover how Charles Black’s once-overlooked ’54 Dodge became a masterpiece, earning accolades and recognition at events nationwide.
The Alien
When firefighter Joe Chavez of Irving, Texas, was a senior in high school, he grew up in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, and drove a ’66 Chevrolet Nova. “I had a lot of fun with that car. I called it the “Alien,” and everybody in town knew whose car it was,” Chavez says. Unfortunately, when Chavez relocated to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area in 1985, he couldn’t afford to take his prized Nova along with him. As the years went by, he found himself regretting the decision more and more.
Spotlighter
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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