Modern Rodding is dedicated to early and late hot rodes - from Model Ts to GTOs and everything in-between. It features the latest in custom builds, technical articles, new products, and special features.
I have always been a roadster fan. Sure, I like coupes and sedans, but I seem to have a real affinity for open hot rods—especially roadsters, roadster pickups, and phaetons … wait I think that makes up all the styles of roadsters? Among the multitude of roadsters out there I do have a real fascination with the ’28-29 Ford roadsters, but the fact is I would drive any year roadster as they are all cool. Oh well, you get the idea; I am a roadster fan. Technically my first hot rod event that I covered with a camera in hand for a magazine was the Roadster Roundup (the L.A. Roadsters and the Bay Area Roadsters gathering) from back in the early ’70s–I think it was 1971. Maybe that was the…
GUNIWHEEL Supports Operative Talent GUNIWHEEL is proud to announce its $20,000 in-kind donation to Operative Talent, underscoring a shared commitment to empowering the next generation in the vast world of automotive careers. This significant contribution highlights GUNIWHEEL’s leadership in not only recognizing but also actively supporting Operative Talent’s dedication to youth involvement and education within the automotive sector. As Operative Talent champions initiatives to introduce young minds to the myriad of opportunities in automotive professions, GUNIWHEEL’s support plays a crucial role in driving these efforts forward. Operative Talent acknowledges the impact of collective strength and passion in shaping the future of the industry. This collaboration with GUNIWHEEL exemplifies the adage “built by the industry, for the industry,” and cements both organizations’ commitments to #drivingtalentforward. Addressing this challenge, GUNIWHEEL developed the…
1. EASY READING Auto Metal Direct (AMD) now offers its all-new Mopar Restoration Parts Catalog, which includes an extensive range of high-quality parts for A-, B-, and E-body Dodge and Plymouth models. This comprehensive digital catalog is designed for enthusiasts and professionals alike seeking reliable and precise restoration solutions for their classic Dodge and Plymouth vehicles. Whether it’s a minor repair or a full-scale restoration, AMD’s catalog provides a detailed and easy-to-navigate collection of parts, ensuring that every restoration project is a success. With AMD, restoring the glory of your classic Mopar muscle car has never been easier or more accessible. For more info, check out Auto Metal Direct by calling (833) 404-4777 or visit https://www.autometaldirect.com/images/catalogs/Mopar_Catalog/. 2. PERFECT SOLUTION Bowler Performance Transmissions has released its Universal Brake Line Clip, which…
Regardless of your age, if you are into old-timey hot rods then you know of and understand the look of many of the dry lakes–era hot rods. Dale Grau of Minnesota has been around modified cars for many decades and appreciates the hot rods of the dry lakes era. Presented on these pages is his Brookville Roadster–bodied ’32 Ford three-window highboy coupe, one of 19 Deuce hot rods he owns. He built this one to honor the classic dry lakes imagery as well as to drive and enjoy. Dale enjoyed working with Darin Lenk of Lenksters Custom Garage (LCG) out of St. Cloud, Minnesota, for the “added” expertise required to build a hot rod to this level of creativity, workmanship, and fit and finish. While the Deuce coupe does look…
Construction is moving at a rapid pace at Rad Rides by Troy on Ross Myers’ scratch-built ’36 Ford fenderless roadster. In this installment, we’ll look at the construction of the decklid, the rear wheelwells, and the floor. Building a complete body from new metal is a daunting project, but the crew at Rad Rides decided it was the best way to go; when you look at the caliber of the work being performed, we think you’ll agree. The work rivals the best you’ll see at any coachbuilding shop around. Adam Banks, the main fabricator for the project, uses a somewhat unconventional technique for forming the panels from 18-gauge steel. Shrinking dies are used on a power Eckold machine, starting at the edge of each panel and working progressively toward the…
Ford Motor Company produced “only” slightly more than 45,000 pickups in 1940, making it one of the rarer Fords. That’s a shame, as all of us can see it truly is a good-looking pickup and one many a hot rodder awould truly enjoy having as a daily driver. Joe Gregorio, of SoCal, owned this ’40 Ford pickup for some time before deciding to “make it run.” After a visit to Bryan Wheeler of Wheeler’s Speed Shop in Huntington Beach, California, a plan was worked out. Wheeler opted to use a custom Total Cost Involved chassis that features their IFS, which is comprised of TCI spindles, coilover shocks, rack-and-pinion, and Wilwood disc brakes. The brakes are made up of drilled rotors and Dynalite calipers in both the front and the rear…
