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Typically, winter isn’t the time of year when we are thinking about a car’s air-conditioning system…or is it? It’s understandable that we would tend to think about “fixing” the A/C during the dog days of summer, July or August, but once the car is put up for the winter, those hot and humid days are often forgotten. And short of those comfortable windows-down driving months, when we first pull out the car again for the next season, it’s smart to think about giving the A/C system the attention it needs. So, we think this is a great time to present to you troubleshooting highlights so that you can rip into the car and upgrade the necessary areas before the cycle continues.

SUREFOOTED MUSTANG

As much as it rankles Blue Oval fans, the early Mustangs used the same suspension as the Falcon and the Comet. It brings to mind cars powered by little six-bangers, dubbed “economy cars,” and not meant for the performance-minded-like a ’60s version of a Geo Metro or Yugo. Those who drove them loved and abused them, and quickly determined the limits of the factory suspension—especially with any power under the hood.

Meet the Legends of Hot Rodding at the Triple Crown of Rodding

This isn’t just a lineup—it’s a living hall of fame. We’re talking the visionaries whose cars dominate the Ridler, the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR), and the Goodguys Top 12. The innovators who set the trends that every other shop follows. The craftsmen whose names carry weight in any serious shop conversation, even if they aren’t on reality TV every week.

Spotlighter

Triple Crown of Rodding 2025: Top 30 Review

Bold, badass, and built to wow—these are the Top 30 Winners that made Triple Crown 2025 unforgettable.

In its third year, the Triple Crown of Rodding keeps getting smoother, stronger, and more refined—like a finely aged bourbon, each year’s competition distills the craft down to its boldest, most balanced builds. The 2025 event brought a level of intensity and talent that proved just how far the hobby has come. Builders came prepared, and the competition was fierce, with every entry pushing boundaries in creativity, engineering, and execution. This wasn’t just a show—it was a proving ground where only the most exceptional rides could shine.

Author

Jamie Dent

Photography by Scott Killeen & The Auto Builder Staff

Distilled Excellence on Display

In its third year, the Triple Crown of Rodding keeps getting smoother, stronger, and more refined—like a finely aged bourbon, each year’s competition distills the craft down to its boldest, most complex flavors. The 2025 event brought a level of intensity and talent that proved just how far the hobby has come. Builders came prepared, and the competition was fierce, with every entry pushing boundaries in creativity, engineering, and execution. This wasn’t just a show—it was a proving ground where only the most exceptional rides could rise to the top.

Introducing the Top 30 Builds

We’re proud to introduce the Top 30 builds from this year’s Triple Crown—a photo feature showcasing the cream of the crop. From jaw-dropping custom finishes to meticulously engineered powertrains, each build represents the pinnacle of rodding craftsmanship, the distilled essence of what makes this hobby so thrilling.

Spotlight on Winners and Celebrity Picks

For an up-close look at the winners who took home top honors, check out our Top 6 Winners article for a deeper dive. And don’t miss the builds that caught celebrity attention in our Celebrity Pick Awards feature—these standout rides get the full in-depth treatment, showing why they captured the spotlight and everyone’s imagination.