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 seen changes to our car world over the past half century and the way I currently see it there is more to come. I can remember when sitting down to write in the “old days” or going to an event I would think, “Wow, these Model As or Deuces were really old cars.” Well, they were then, and they’re really old cars by today’s standard. Heck they were 40 or more years old then. I get a bit of a chuckle now when I think the same thoughts. A 40-year-old car now wouldn’t even be considered hot rod material, or would it? Something that I have observed over the past 10 years or so is the influx of later model cars into our hot rod ranks. It’s been…
Goodguys Names the 2023 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year Goodguys Rod & Custom Association congratulates Jon Hall and his ’27 Track T Roadster for being named their 2023 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year. This sought-after award was announced during the Goodguys 25th Summit Racing Nationals presented by PPG in Columbus, Ohio, July 8, 2023. Hall’s roadster graced the July ’23 cover of Modern Rodding and has been featured in several build stories. The all-steel ’27 Model T body and frame from Shadow Rods of Saginaw, Michigan, is also where much of the initial sheetmetal and machinework took place. The project then went to Greening Auto Company, in Cullman, Alabama, for more details and custom components. The heavily modified Model T features a unique track-nose grille, providing…
1. BUCKLE DOWN Reduce underhood weight or solve a packaging problem with Detroit Speed’s battery relocation kit that comes with (PN 120107DS) or without (PN 120106DS) hardware. It includes stainless steel fasteners and height adjustability to fit your battery. This kit is designed to relocate your battery to the trunk while providing a lateral removal method rather than needing to lift the battery out of a recess. It accommodates Optima, Odyssey, and Group 34/78 batteries. CNC machined out of 6061-T6 billet aluminum, the entire battery mount is a simple, strong, and great-looking way to hold your battery anywhere. Six mounting holes provide added flexibility. The dimensions of the battery mount are 11-1/2 x 8-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches tall. For more info, check out Detroit Speed and Engineering by calling (704)…
The ’65 Buick Riviera GS is one of the most coveted starting points for any hot rod. Now, to this add some creative thinking to improve on an already award-winning design and apply today’s advancements in powertrain and suspension and you drive away with the best of all. The ’65 Buick is part of the first of eight generations. There were 34,586 Rivieras produced but only 3,354 carried the GS option. From here the Buick was thought of as both a muscle and a luxury car that could also be transformed into a remarkable custom. The Rivi succeeded at everything a hot rodder wanted and this GS hit all the marks. Jeff Mosing, of Austin, Texas, has spent a lifetime enjoying all kinds of cars, but we dare say that…
When Alan Johnson builds a hot rod he takes design and functionality into account with every component on the car. Most of the Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop creations are built to be driven. Johnson has faithfully used Walker Radiator Works because of their durable construction and reliable performance. Vernon Walker revolutionized the street rod world with traditional brass and copper radiators that were guaranteed to cool. When Walker Radiator Works closed its doors, Johnson bought the entire operation. All the machines, patterns, and notes came with the purchase, but the name was not available, so he renamed it Johnson’s Radiator Works and moved the operation to a facility near his hot rod shop in Gadsden, Alabama. Although there has been a learning curve, Johnson and his staff have devoted many…
In part I we tallied the prodigious Tommy Hrones’ body of work, his apprentice years in his uncle’s autobody shop, his roots in Oakland, and his early customs. Here, the Tommy Show unfolds with theatrical flourishes, his collaboration with builders like Joe Bailon, and a gallery of cars bearing his unique accents. December 1994. Tommy is closing his shop in East Oakland. There’s one last car being masked for final spray. “Oh, hell, he can wait,” Tommy growls. His office is bare, with an unvarnished desk and a filing cabinet. He pulls out the desk drawer, spreading out dozens of snapshots—all young, very attractive women in ’40s-style Betty Grable swimsuits. Wistfully, he sighs. “Yeah, we had a good time in those days. Go down to Forest Pool in the Santa…
