Vintage Build Threads

One thing that has remained consistent since cars first came into production is that guys simply can’t keep themselves from cutting them up and showing off their work. Before blogs and forums, there was black & white photos and car magazines. Rikster from Rik Hoving Kustoms posted up an amazing thread on The H.A.M.B. full of scans detailing the work done by Valley Customs in the late 40’s to early 60’s. Luckily for us, not only did he post pictures of finished cars, but also some rare in-the-build shots. If anyone tells you that modifying cars is just a phase or a fad, show them these pictures.

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Show Style GTS-T R33 Skyline

Lately in the car scene we’re so used to seeing cars that you could describe as “rough & ready”. Drift pigs, hood ride, and rat style modifications are so popular these days that we tend to forget the people out there who still like to have a top notch paint job with perfect fit & finish (a show car if you will), a style that some could say has now had it’s time. The following car might seem like it’s a bit dated in the exterior styling and wheel choice departments by today’s standards, but the owner’s passion and dedication to his car shines above and beyond any fashion based concerns. Watch as he resprays his car, then takes it back to bare metal and paints it a second time, playing close attention to panel gaps and shaping fiberglass parts to perfection, all while maintaining an enthusiastic attitude and enjoying the journey with his mates and girlfriend.

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Crate Cars

You’ve heard of crate engines, but what about a whole crate car? For a few years now, Dynacorn Classic Bodies have been producing all-steel replacement bodies for the ’67 & ’69 Chevy Camaro, ’47-’50 & ’52-’54 Chevy pickup (cab only), and the 67-’70 Ford Mustang.

This means no more buying rusted out shells from the junkyard or a second hand car full of suprises and spending thousands of dollars and man-hours on restorations, you simply start with a brand new shell and build from there. Prices start from $8,995 for the pickup cab, up to $16,500 for the ’70 Mustang (USD).

So which would you prefer, an original muscle car with history or a brand new re-make? Each have their pros and cons, but are they really classic muscle cars?

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Twin Turbo Duramax Diesel Chevelle

I was reading about this car in Street Machine Magazine and I decided to do a bit of research to see if I could dig up some build pictures.

Pacific Performance Engineering and Muscle Factory teamed up to customise a 1970 SS Chevelle by slotting in a 6.6L Duramax diesel V8 from a H1 Hummer with a turbo strapped to each side. The magic numbers? How does 900-1200hp and 32mpg sound?

It’s refreshing to see someone taking a different approach instead of the usual big-block crate-motor route.

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Electric Mighty Boy

Mike from Sp33dy sent me the link to this left-of-field build. An electric engine swap is a slight change of pace from the hot rods, drifters, and turbocharged animals we’re used to reading about. In a world were sustainability and environmental consciousness are the dominant issues of society, maybe this is something we’re going to see more of in the future?

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Ill-Touring

The guys over at My Ride Is Me have brought up an interesting discussion. What do you get if you mix the styles of pro-touring with hella-flush wheel fitment? Ill-Touring of course! It’s a mash-up of two of the most prevalent styles in the car scene today.

Here’s my rough rendition based on the pictures featured in their story…

What do you think of the whole idea? Let them know over at http://www.myrideisme.com/Blog/pro-touring-hellaflush-ill-touring/

Ken Block Gymkhana 2 build up

After the global success of Ken Blocks first gymkhana video that engulfed every website/blog/email in the world, everyone will be happy to know that Mr Block, DC Shoes, and Subaru are planning a sequel. This time it’s being much more publisised in the lead-up to the event, and to our delight a video showcasing the build of the new car has surfaced, perfect for us build thread addicts!