Modern Rodding

By now, all of us have heard about, asked questions, and maybe even sampled “Artificial Intelligence,” commonly known as AI. But what exactly is AI? The quick answer is: AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. AI can be used across many fields, allowing machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing new styles, designing upcoming hot rod projects, and, importantly, making decisions. Does it influence our lives as hot rodders? More importantly, will it affect or take over our hobby of “hot rodding”? Will it make things better or just more predictable? Will it impact design and trends, report history accurately, or change the narrative and rewrite history? Will it replace the human element of our hobby—those of us…

Art Morrison Enterprises Wins Big … Twice! Art Morrison Enterprises (AME) is having one heck of a year; first they celebrated the shipping of its 2,000th Tri-Five chassis and then the recipient of the 2025 World Trade Center Globe Award. AME, a pioneer of bolt-on chassis technology, has received the esteemed 2025 World Trade Center Globe Award—an honor that celebrates excellence in international trade and fosters global commerce for Washington State. Presented at WTC Tacoma’s premier annual event, the award honors companies that enhance Washington State’s role in global business while making a worldwide impact. AME has transformed the restomod and performance market by designing precision-engineered chassis that improve the driving experience for enthusiasts worldwide. Known for innovation, craftsmanship, and performance, AME continues to set the standard for builders and…

1. EVOLUTION OF STYLE The vintage-inspired Knuckle wheel resets the bar in hot rod wheel design. Three distinctive profiles are available to help achieve that perfect look and stance. Each wheel is precision-machined and finished to absolute perfection. Available in 18-, 19-, and 20-inch diameters and in 5x4.5, 5x4.75, and 5x5 bolt patterns. The latest from Billet Specialties is the Knuckle 2. The model VDR75 Knuckle 2 Extreme is shown here, representing Billet Specialties’ “Evolution of Style.” Shown here with the custom finish option in Gunmetal Gloss with polished windows, there is also the Knuckle 2 with a bronze matte with polished windows and the Knuckle 2 DISH option in Gunmetal Matte with polished windows. (Note: polished is the standard finish.) For more info, check out Billet Specialties at (800)…

It’s always fun to imagine what might have been. That’s especially true for the 1968 Mercury Cougar. Back in the day, the Ford Mustang was a huge success. Interestingly, it may be considered even more popular today with hot rodders. The fastback version of the early Mustangs is currently a favorite among hot rodders. So, what happened to Mercury’s Cougar fastback? Well, it never materialized, but it should have! Released in 1967 and named Motor Trend Car of the Year, the first-generation Cougar, internally known as the T-7, shared its chassis with the 1967 Ford Mustang revision. The first-gen Cougar had a 3-inch-longer wheelbase, bringing its length to 111 inches. Interestingly, both the Mustang and the Cougar were based on the Ford Falcon of that era. The 1968 Cougar included…

Let’s be honest, vintage Corvettes look much better than they drive. The C2 (1963-67) and C3 (1968-82) generations marked a huge improvement in handling, thanks to their independent rear suspensions, but they certainly weren’t perfect. The transverse leaf springs in the rear suspension had their limits, and although the front suspensions were fine in their day, they’re now as outdated as the Yellow Pages and TV repair shops—with performance and comfort levels to match. Upgrades for the front and rear suspensions have been around for decades, but more recently Detroit Speed (DSE) has introduced coilover conversion systems. They include the SpeedRay front suspension kit and the DECAlink rear suspension setup. Both replace the original systems’ springs and shocks with coilovers as well as other enhancements, including rack-and-pinion steering for the…

Some builds take a weekend. Some take a few years. Greg Zulim’s jaw-dropping 1931 Ford five-window coupe? Try six decades. Greg first got his hands on this steel Model A back in 1964 as a high schooler, driving it daily for five years straight through college. But like any true hot rodder, he never stopped tinkering. After 42 years of blood, sweat, and plenty of late nights in the shop, Greg finally called it “done” in 2006. Greg works with his son, Russell, who is a bodyman, painter, and fabricator, which is the nucleus of Double Z Rods. A well-built hot rod is timeless and ageless—and this Model A proves that. The result? Pure perfection. This year alone, his 1931 Ford coupe earned First Place at the Grand National Roadster…