Modern Rodding Volume 6, Issue 56 - May 2025

As hot rodders, we embrace our passion for current and future projects, yet our hobby faces significant economic and regulatory challenges. Tariffs, inflation, supply shortages, and stricter government regulations are reshaping the landscape of our beloved pastime. The ways and places we drive our hot rods are becoming more significant to those in positions of power. Understanding the potential impacts of these factors is essential for us and our suppliers, advertisers, event organizers, and builders. If you’ve been following SEMA updates, you might feel we are on the brink of destruction—but only time will tell if this perception holds true. Tariffs have dramatically affected the automotive hobby, particularly for enthusiasts focused on hot rods and parts. Over the last decade, U.S. tariffs on foreign businesses have notably increased manufacturing costs…

Legacy We received a heartfelt letter at Modern Rodding sharing a story about the essence of rodding. At its core is the individual spirit of building and sharing dreams with loved ones. Alex Foth recounts the journey of his 1940 Chevy, illustrating how a young hot rodder embraced this hobby. Twenty years ago, Alex’s grandfather, Frank Gigantelli, a Vietnam veteran and lifelong Ford enthusiast, discovered a 1940 Chevy Special DeLuxe. Coated in white primer and needing restoration, Frank had found a gem he would nurture over the next decade. He scoured the country for parts while working on a shoestring budget to build his perfect hot rod. At 19, Alex dove into the classic car scene, even though he found few peers who shared his enthusiasm for engines and chrome.…

1. COKER’S EXCELSIOR ROADSTER BIAS-LOOK RADIAL TIRE Coker Tire is redefining the collector car market by introducing the Excelsior Roadster Bias-Look radial tire designed for traditional 16-inch wheels. This innovative tire combines the iconic appearance of vintage bias-ply tires with the comfort and performance of modern radials. Featuring five sizes—450/475R16, 600R16, 650R16, 700R16, and 750R16—the Excelsior Roadster caters to various applications, including 1935-48 Ford passenger cars and light-duty trucks. Its design allows for staggered fitments, which is ideal for hot rods. Both wide whitewall and traditional black sidewall options are available, perfect for hot rods or classic trucks. The tire’s narrow tread, tall sidewall, piecrust shoulder, and vintage-style lettering authentically mimic the look of original tires. The Excelsior Roadster’s zigzag tread, enhanced with subtle siping, effectively channels water while maintaining…

When we talk about hot rods from the 1930s, we often think of Fords. There’s little doubt that mid-’30s Fords are more popular as hot rod material compared to Chevrolets. However, when he built his 1935 Chevy Standard three-window coupe, Dale Brown hit the proverbial mark. Sometimes, we all need a “push” to get started or to finish our hot rod project. Dale was no different, and thanks to his wife, Kathy, he received the necessary nudge. We assume it was one winter night when it was cold outside and they were sitting around talking when Kathy asked, “What’s holding you back?” That was the jumpstart Dale needed to pursue his 40-year-long dream of building a 1935 Chevy Standard three-window coupe. He tells us that he had designed the hot…

Restorations are paused for many reasons, but the most common is a lack of time or money. Many resume when those resources become available again; this often happens multiple times during the project’s life. For some, though, their restoration project turns out to be far more involved than they ever imagined, and they realize they have bitten off more than they can chew. Too many of those end up as basket cases at a swap meet. However, not all of them do. The pause button was hit on this 1973 ’Cuda more than 20 years ago, but the owner never gave up on it. Instead, it was properly stored away, waiting for the right conditions to move forward again. It arrived at Muscle Car Restorations (MCR) as a bare shell,…

When discussing the concept of having or building an “early hot rod,” we often refer to the “appearance” of our envisioned history and translate it into our contemporary builds. Barron Guss of Hawaii is a hot rodder passionate about early hot rods and believes in constructing them using period-correct parts. In his quest to own a genuine early hot rod, he sought the expertise of Roy Brizio of Roy Brizio Street Rods, resulting in a valuable recreation of what an early hot rod might have looked like. Fortunately for all of us, Ford got it right with the 1932 Ford design. The 1932 Ford roadster body was developed by a team at Ford Motor Company, notably led by designer Bob Gregorie. Gregorie played a key role in shaping the legendary…