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.
BBRENNAN@INTHEGARAGEMEDIA.COM In the early days of car books, they were all-inclusive, covering a myriad of topics. Then, as magazines became more popular, especially in the 1980s, the books became highly specific (industry term, “vertical”) in their approach. We had books on Ford, Chevy, and Corvette, and it became a very targeted market. That was great for the enthusiast. However, that eventually led to the downfall of all the magazines; there were too many, and the industry couldn’t support all—readers’ choices regarding how they got their information changed. The electronic age changed that. Now we have websites devoted to whatever topic you want to discuss. We talk about the evolution of our hot rods, but what about the evolution of early car magazines? Heck, all of us read them. Over the…
Dakota Digital Jackpot at SEMA For the past three decades, the South Dakota–based Dakota Digital has attended the SEMA Show, displaying the products they design, market, and manufacture to this unique enthusiast market. For 2024, Dakota Digital released several new products, including their groundbreaking cruise control system for drive-by-wire throttle configurations and various instrument system fitment applications for classic vehicles and motorcycles. With over 1,600 products gunning for the top spot in their respective product categories, Dakota Digital is proud to have brought home the top honor across two categories as well as two runner-up product segments. All Dakota Digital members have worked diligently to achieve these accolades, including the award for Best Engineered Product of the 2024 show. Goodguys 2024 Final Top 12 Winners Goodguys Rod & Custom Association,…
1. EXPANDED WHEEL STUDS FROM ARP ARP hardware is manufactured from 8740 chromoly steel and precision heat-treated in-house to a tensile strength of 190,000 psi. The threads are rolled after heat treatment to provide significantly improved fatigue strength. All studs are cadmium plated for extra protection and the unique bullet-nosed Speed Studs are given a baked-on dry film lubricant. Replacement press-in wheel studs are available for over three dozen OEM axles and hubs, including longer studs that facilitate use with aftermarket wheels. Screw-in studs have lengths ranging from 1.950 to 3.470 inches for aftermarket axles. They feature rounded noses for easy wheel and lug nut installations. For more info, check out ARP by calling (800) 826-3045 or visiting arp-bolts.com. 2. MUSTANG BORGESON POWER STEERING CONVERSION BOX Driving a classic Mustang…
There are several iconic marques in our world of hot rods. Regardless of your affinity for one make or model over another, one always appears on every rodder’s list of “I wish I had …”. The 1957 Buick Special Riviera, the Model 46R, is just such a choice. If you want to see just how cool one of these highway cruisers can be, look no further than Eric Clapton (yes, that Eric) of London, England, and his 1957 Buick Special Riviera built at the shop of Roy Brizio Street Rods (RBSR). A composite of striking features of the 1957 Buick Special Riviera lies in its sleek, aerodynamic silhouette, characterized by curvy lines and a streamlined profile. The design is accentuated by a low stance and distinctive fins that were becoming…
As LS engine swaps continue to dominate almost all areas of hot rodding, Pro Touring, and more, one of the more creative and fast-evolving trends is dressing modern engines with accessories and components that give them a vintage appearance. A few vintage-appearing accessories have been offered for the past few years, but momentum with the trend has accelerated so quickly lately that we felt it was worth examining and outlining the options. Thanks to retailers such as Speedway Motors and manufacturers including Lokar—with its LS Classic Series range of dress-up components—disguising an LS is easier than ever and can be uncannily authentic-appearing. That can include everything from valve covers and air cleaners designed to look like those from vintage Chevy small- and big-block engines to kits to hide or disguise…
Listen to Nathan Curry of Missouri; he will tell you what you must know about his chopped and channeled 1928 Ford sedan. “I wanted something unique. My goal was to build as much as I could so no one else would have the same thing. It was a father-son-son-fiancé project with my dad, Tony Curry, my 15-year-old son Cam, and my fiancé Stevie Varney. We started with a one-off designed frame and from here we did everything for this car except build the motor and do the upholstery.” The six-year project came together, and the “family affair” is a true example of working shoulder-to-shoulder, handling a great deal of the build, such as the metal fabrication, body- and paintwork, artwork, assembly, and more. All that was left to the outside…
