Axle Conversion: One Less Nut
July 25, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Zap-A-Jack
We know youʼve already checked out the photos or you wouldnʼt be reading this. You obviously wish to know a little more about this jack, so weʼll cut to the bottom line: If you get one of these for your very own, youʼd better not tell any of your buddies about it, or you will have to make room in the safe to store it. If they spot it in your trunk, just laugh about how you got it as a gift and hope none of them reads this article, or you will have to tape a cell phone to it to find out where it is this weekend–just when you need it!
Star Bright
Have you heard of a company called Street Concepts? If you haven’t, get ready, as this month’s cover car belongs to its founder, Shawn Williams. But before we get into the story of this Mitsubishi EVO VIII, we have a couple questions for you.
In Memory of Tom Prufer (1940–2025): A True Craftsman of the Hot Rod World
On May 19, 2025, the hot rod community lost one of its most respected and beloved figures—Tom Prufer. For those familiar with polished frames, hand-fabricated parts, and the unmistakable smell of hot oil on cold mornings, Tom was more than just a builder—he was a quiet giant in the world of traditional rods and custom craftsmanship.
Spotlighter
The Cavalcade of Customs Thrills at the 2025 Detroit Autorama
Stunning Builds, Fierce Competition, and Pure Automotive Passion
If you weren’t at the 2025 Detroit Autorama, you missed out on a pure, unfiltered dose of horsepower, chrome, and custom car insanity. From February 28 to March 2, Huntington Place (yeah, the old Cobo Hall) became ground zero for everything loud, fast, and meticulously built. And smack in the middle of it all? The Cavalcade of Customs—a no-holds-barred showcase of the wildest, cleanest, and most mind-blowing custom rides the country has to offer.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Julie & John Aschenberg
A Showroom Full of Dreams (and Horsepower)
Walking through the Cavalcade of Customs was like stepping into a gearhead fever dream. Every car on display had something special—whether it was an over-the-top candy paint job, some wicked metal fabrication, or a fire-breathing big-block crammed under the hood. The lineup had everything from old-school hot rods to cutting-edge builds, all dialed in to perfection. If you’ve ever spent hours in the garage, dreaming up the ultimate custom machine, this was the place to see those dreams turned into reality.
Awards, Glory, and Bragging Rights
Of course, it wouldn’t be Autorama without competition, and the Cavalcade of Customs brought out some of the best builds vying for top honors. The Ridler Award? Yeah, that’s the big one, and the competition was as brutal as ever. Every builder brought their A-game, hoping to take home a trophy—and eternal bragging rights.
More Than Just Cars—It’s a Culture
But here’s the thing—Autorama isn’t just about cars. It’s about the people who build, drive, and love them. The Cavalcade of Customs isn’t just a show floor full of metal and rubber; it’s a gathering of the hardcore, the obsessed, and the passionate. Swapping stories, sharing techniques, and getting inspired for the next big build is what this scene is all about.
Until Next Year…
As the last engines rumbled out of Huntington Place, one thing was clear—the 2025 Detroit Autorama delivered once again. If this year’s Cavalcade of Customs was any indication, 2026 is going to be even bigger, wilder, and packed with more horsepower than ever. So if you missed it this time, don’t make that mistake again. See you in Detroit next year!
