







There’s always something new to discover at the Triple Crown of Rodding, and the fourth annual gathering
There’s always something new to discover at the Triple Crown of Rodding, and the fourth annual gathering was no exception. Held September 11–12, 2026, at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee,
The 2026 Triple Crown of Rodding delivered a winner’s circle loaded with horsepower, imagination, and
The 2026 Triple Crown of Rodding delivered a winner’s circle loaded with horsepower, imagination, and extraordinary craftsmanship. From a sparkling ’32 Ford roadster to a towering Squarebody Chevrolet,
Big horsepower gets expensive fast. Between the rotating assembly, cylinder heads, valvetrain and power
Big horsepower gets expensive fast. Between the rotating assembly, cylinder heads, valvetrain and power adder, an LS build can burn through a budget before the first bolt gets tightened. Your engine needs
For three wild days in August, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, didn’t just welcome the Jeep community—it was
For three wild days in August, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, didn’t just welcome the Jeep community—it was completely overrun by it. The 2026 Smoky Mountain Invasion stormed into the LeConte Center August 20–22,
It was summer of 1981 when the phone rang. On the other end was Bob Juliano, calling to tell me about
It was summer of 1981 when the phone rang. On the other end was Bob Juliano, calling to tell me about a car we might be interested in for Rodder’s Digest Magazine. The car was none other than the 1963
Hang out with your hot rod buddies and I guarantee talk will turn to days gone by. Some stories
Hang out with your hot rod buddies and I guarantee talk will turn to days gone by. Some stories are more complex than others, but all are fun and most are true. Our latest Rear View Mirror takes a
It seems that everyone with a talent for building something is finding a career in television these days.
It seems that everyone with a talent for building something is finding a career in television these days. Channels that were once dedicated to the preservation of rainforests and historic perspective have
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THE CHIEF OF NEW JERSEY
Native American Russell Youngblood is a man you’d love to powwow with. Bloomfield, New Jersey is the home and base camp for one of the coolest late-model classic Chevys you’ll ever see. Many feel that the 1994-1996 Impala SS models are to today what the 1955-1957 models were to the ’50s. Youngblood will certainly agree. His dark green-gray metallic is custom from stem to stern—so much so that we’d consider it one of a kind.

Caddy Stu
Richard Larson and his wife, Jane, have owned a number of custom cars and trucks in their time, but they never really thought they would have so much fun building and owning a custom 53 Studebaker pickup. There was no plan to find a Studebaker; the truck simply found him. I lived across the street from a friend who owned a repair shop in town, Larson told us. Over some time, he had collected six or seven cars and trucks that he hoped to restore some day. One weekend morning, his wife informed him that she planned to plant an orchard in the area where the vehicles were being stored…and in one week. He had to get rid of his collection. I asked about the Studebaker pickup and he said if he could get $200 for it, it was gone. Well, it was gone.

Drop It Right
The C10 series of Chevy pickups is generally accepted as being the best-looking early pickups from the land of Bow Ties. But the one problem is that the factory fit them with roughly the same ride height as a 4×4. We suppose the guys who bought and used these trucks as trucks liked them that way, but the rest of us prefer them down in front. Having read nothing but truck magazines all your adult life, you know that there are many ways to lower a truck, from melting the springs with a torch all the way to installing forged aluminum IFS A-arms. We’ve read a couple of magazines ourselves and can tell you the safest, most affordable and simplest way.

BARRY BULL SESSION
There are so many good-looking ’32 Ford street rods around, one might think that building a really nice one is easy, but it is not that simple. To begin with, the Deuce is an inherently good-looking car, which presents a two-edged sword. First, you have a great-looking piece to start

STORM WATCH
It seems as if only yesterday that the 2003 Ridler award was presented at the Detroit Autorama. Each year’s event is progressively a tougher call to make, because the cars continue to get better and better, and more expensive in their construction and detail. Some of the most beautiful vehicles

THE 2004 GREAT EIGHT
It was once said, “To aspire to perfection is the goal of all who create, as anything less confines us to conformity,” and never has this been more apparent than in the numerous rodding creations being shaped today. Never before has so much time, effort and expense been lavished on

River Rod Royalty
Inside the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show, the thunder didn’t stop at the hot rods. Tucked among the country’s finest customs and street machines was a killer lineup of vintage ski hydros, circle boats, and heirloom river runners that brought serious waterborne attitude to the show floor. Blown big-blocks, hand-laid

GNRS 2026 Truck Showcase
Hot rodders used to scoff at the idea of trucks stealing the show. Not anymore. The 2026 Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) proved that custom trucks aren’t just workhorses—they’re rolling showcases of power, design, and pure cool. From slammed classics to full-throttle modern bruisers, trucks dominated the floor, making it

Detroit Riddles
Why is it we build top-end hot rods? We all have many different reasons, but the underlying one will always be to get a little attention. Even though it may not be your sole intent, there is a part of you that wants people to tell you “nice car” or,

Curves, Chrome, and Legacy: Fat Attack 2026
The Fat Attack exhibit at GNRS 2026 rolled in with curves, chrome, and attitude, and at the heart of it all was the undeniable legacy of Pete & Jake’s Hot Rod Parts. Pete Chapouris and Jim Jacobs didn’t just make parts — they made a movement, showing the world that

The Heart of GNRS 2026: Highlights from the ARP Booth
At GNRS 2026, the ARP Booth was a centerpiece of precision, passion, and performance. Automotive Racing Products (ARP Fasteners) has long been a cornerstone of the Grand National Roadster Show, sponsoring iconic awards like the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Each award offers

BUILT TO WIN: The Battle for the Al Slonaker Memorial Award 2026
The 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award wasn’t just about who won—it was about twelve extraordinary contenders, each showcasing craftsmanship, vision, and execution. From paint and stance to metalwork and mechanical finesse, every build pushed the limits and demanded attention.

Chasing Immortality: The 2026 AMBR Competition at the Grand National Roadster Show
The nine-foot AMBR trophy doesn’t celebrate excess. It rewards builders who understand proportion, restraint, and craftsmanship at the highest level—where every decision carries weight and every imperfection is amplified. Under the scrutiny of an expert judging panel, the 2026 AMBR contenders were evaluated on the fundamentals that have always defined
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KING OF THE ROAD

BOSS LADY

Honoring Steve Frisbie: A Legend in Metal and Vision

Product Spotlight: Brian Tooley Racing’s GEN III & IV TRUCK NORRIS CAM
Are you ready to give your GM truck the performance boost it deserves? Look no further than the BTR Gen III/IV Truck Norris Camshaft from Brian Tooley Racing. Designed specifically for 1999-2013 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, this camshaft is engineered to deliver a significant increase in horsepower and torque, transforming your daily driver into a powerhouse.

XTREME LEE
To the uninitiated, this may look like the General Lee ’69 Charger featured in varying numbers on “The Dukes of Hazzard” television show. A closer review tells of an even greater historical connection. Xtreme Lee is as much a statement of intent as it is the car’s moniker, and when you’re pressed into the seats, there’s little question it lives up to its name.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: UCoat-It’s UCoat with UFlek-AF
It’s time to bring your garage floor from zero to hero with the UCoat with UFlek-AF System. If you’re like me, you know that a well-done garage floor is more than just eye candy—it’s a badge of honor. Here’s why UCoat with UFlek-AF should be your go-to.
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BARRY BULL SESSION
There are so many good-looking ’32 Ford street rods around, one might think that building a really nice one is easy, but it is not that simple. To begin with, the Deuce is an inherently good-looking car, which presents a two-edged sword. First, you have a great-looking piece to start

STORM WATCH
It seems as if only yesterday that the 2003 Ridler award was presented at the Detroit Autorama. Each year’s event is progressively a tougher call to make, because the cars continue to get better and better, and more expensive in their construction and detail. Some of the most beautiful vehicles

THE 2004 GREAT EIGHT
It was once said, “To aspire to perfection is the goal of all who create, as anything less confines us to conformity,” and never has this been more apparent than in the numerous rodding creations being shaped today. Never before has so much time, effort and expense been lavished on

River Rod Royalty
Inside the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show, the thunder didn’t stop at the hot rods. Tucked among the country’s finest customs and street machines was a killer lineup of vintage ski hydros, circle boats, and heirloom river runners that brought serious waterborne attitude to the show floor. Blown big-blocks, hand-laid

GNRS 2026 Truck Showcase
Hot rodders used to scoff at the idea of trucks stealing the show. Not anymore. The 2026 Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) proved that custom trucks aren’t just workhorses—they’re rolling showcases of power, design, and pure cool. From slammed classics to full-throttle modern bruisers, trucks dominated the floor, making it

Detroit Riddles
Why is it we build top-end hot rods? We all have many different reasons, but the underlying one will always be to get a little attention. Even though it may not be your sole intent, there is a part of you that wants people to tell you “nice car” or,

Curves, Chrome, and Legacy: Fat Attack 2026
The Fat Attack exhibit at GNRS 2026 rolled in with curves, chrome, and attitude, and at the heart of it all was the undeniable legacy of Pete & Jake’s Hot Rod Parts. Pete Chapouris and Jim Jacobs didn’t just make parts — they made a movement, showing the world that

The Heart of GNRS 2026: Highlights from the ARP Booth
At GNRS 2026, the ARP Booth was a centerpiece of precision, passion, and performance. Automotive Racing Products (ARP Fasteners) has long been a cornerstone of the Grand National Roadster Show, sponsoring iconic awards like the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Each award offers

BUILT TO WIN: The Battle for the Al Slonaker Memorial Award 2026
The 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award wasn’t just about who won—it was about twelve extraordinary contenders, each showcasing craftsmanship, vision, and execution. From paint and stance to metalwork and mechanical finesse, every build pushed the limits and demanded attention.

Chasing Immortality: The 2026 AMBR Competition at the Grand National Roadster Show
The nine-foot AMBR trophy doesn’t celebrate excess. It rewards builders who understand proportion, restraint, and craftsmanship at the highest level—where every decision carries weight and every imperfection is amplified. Under the scrutiny of an expert judging panel, the 2026 AMBR contenders were evaluated on the fundamentals that have always defined
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FAMILY CRUISER
Langston, a longtime rodder and home builder, has owned several awesome rides in the past, including a ’63 Vette convertible, a ’51 Chevy pickup and an ’84 Chevy street truck. The only problem with all of these cars is that they are two-seaters—one driver and one passenger. Alan and his wife, Amy, have three boys who absolutely love hanging with their dad at the rod shows. Since Alan and Amy needed room for Sam, Jacob and Trace to ride when going to and from the local rod runs, they decided to build a vehicle that would provide enough room for five, and plenty of room to load up and go on trips. Alan decided that since he’d previously owned a ’51 and loved it, the ride would be an Advanced Design Chevrolet.

Tuning A Marine Carburetor
There’s no escaping the fact that gasoline prices are out of sight. This has many boat owners wondering how to tune their engines so they can get more hours out of a tank of fuel, while at the same time improving overall efficiency. A properly tuned fuel and ignition system will allow your marine engine to perform at its potential and will be more enjoyable to use because it’s efficient and reliable.
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POPULAR READS

BARRY BULL SESSION
There are so many good-looking ’32 Ford street rods around, one might think that building a really nice one is easy, but it is not that simple. To begin with, the Deuce is an inherently good-looking car, which presents a two-edged sword. First, you have a great-looking piece to start

STORM WATCH
It seems as if only yesterday that the 2003 Ridler award was presented at the Detroit Autorama. Each year’s event is progressively a tougher call to make, because the cars continue to get better and better, and more expensive in their construction and detail. Some of the most beautiful vehicles

THE 2004 GREAT EIGHT
It was once said, “To aspire to perfection is the goal of all who create, as anything less confines us to conformity,” and never has this been more apparent than in the numerous rodding creations being shaped today. Never before has so much time, effort and expense been lavished on

River Rod Royalty
Inside the 2026 Grand National Roadster Show, the thunder didn’t stop at the hot rods. Tucked among the country’s finest customs and street machines was a killer lineup of vintage ski hydros, circle boats, and heirloom river runners that brought serious waterborne attitude to the show floor. Blown big-blocks, hand-laid

GNRS 2026 Truck Showcase
Hot rodders used to scoff at the idea of trucks stealing the show. Not anymore. The 2026 Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) proved that custom trucks aren’t just workhorses—they’re rolling showcases of power, design, and pure cool. From slammed classics to full-throttle modern bruisers, trucks dominated the floor, making it

Detroit Riddles
Why is it we build top-end hot rods? We all have many different reasons, but the underlying one will always be to get a little attention. Even though it may not be your sole intent, there is a part of you that wants people to tell you “nice car” or,

Curves, Chrome, and Legacy: Fat Attack 2026
The Fat Attack exhibit at GNRS 2026 rolled in with curves, chrome, and attitude, and at the heart of it all was the undeniable legacy of Pete & Jake’s Hot Rod Parts. Pete Chapouris and Jim Jacobs didn’t just make parts — they made a movement, showing the world that

The Heart of GNRS 2026: Highlights from the ARP Booth
At GNRS 2026, the ARP Booth was a centerpiece of precision, passion, and performance. Automotive Racing Products (ARP Fasteners) has long been a cornerstone of the Grand National Roadster Show, sponsoring iconic awards like the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) Award and the Al Slonaker Memorial Award. Each award offers

BUILT TO WIN: The Battle for the Al Slonaker Memorial Award 2026
The 2026 Al Slonaker Memorial Award wasn’t just about who won—it was about twelve extraordinary contenders, each showcasing craftsmanship, vision, and execution. From paint and stance to metalwork and mechanical finesse, every build pushed the limits and demanded attention.

Chasing Immortality: The 2026 AMBR Competition at the Grand National Roadster Show
The nine-foot AMBR trophy doesn’t celebrate excess. It rewards builders who understand proportion, restraint, and craftsmanship at the highest level—where every decision carries weight and every imperfection is amplified. Under the scrutiny of an expert judging panel, the 2026 AMBR contenders were evaluated on the fundamentals that have always defined




