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Articles by Ryan Manson
1967 Chevelle Steering Shaft Install
By Ryan Manson – Images by the Author When our buddy Adan Resendez relayed the steering plight that his newly built Chevelle had suffered, we were initially relieved that he was able to safely limp the car to the shoulder of a residential road near his home. After initial inspection, however, our relief turned to terror as we began to unravel the heinous acts of mechanical ineptitude that slowly unraveled.
Copmaro 3rd Gen Camaro Engine Swap
By Ryan Manson – Images by Ryan Foss Purchasing a running/driving vehicle can be huge step in the right direction when it comes to building or restoring a classic Chevy muscle car, but buyer’s remorse is a real thing and sometimes that sleek street machine turns out to be a bridge too far.
Third-Gen Camaro Five-Speed Transmission Swap
By Ryan Manson – Images by Ryan Foss – Video by Ryan Foss Productions There are few things that can make a muscle car come alive like a manual transmission swap. That visceral feeling connecting man with machine is unmatched when compared to the experience, or lack thereof, found in an automatic trans car.
How to Lower your 1928-1931 Model A
You want your Model A to take on the look of a vintage hot rodlower the stance The direction we wanted to go with this build was to first rid the stock coupe of all the gee-gaw Model A stuff. That meant the bumpers, spare tire, Route 66 license plate, and other myriad items of wont had to go. Next up, a later set of wire wheels (1935 Ford) would be added to give the Model A a more modern update. Finally, an altitude adjustment would go a long way to turn our stocker into a Pre-War hot rod.
Lower Door Patch Panel Fabrication for a 1940 Ford Coupe
Let's face it. Building a hot rod is as much an act of restoration as it is customization. You can't pull the body off the chassis without making it structurally sound, you can't gap the doors without repairing the cancer in the door pillars, and you can't do much of anything before those rotted-out floors and sills are repaired. Such was the case when we started working on our '40 Ford coupe. The lower 3 inches were rotten, and the inner and outer skins were effectively rusted apart.
How to Install a Serpentine System on a Chevy Small Block
Concept One has an accessory drive kit that locates all the accessories off a pair of brackets mounted under the water pump, something all Chevy small-blocks feature. It also pulls all the accessories in nice and tight, an important feature on a street rod, such as the 1940 Ford we are working on. That tight Front Engine Accessory Drive (FEAD) is driven by a single serpentine belt, another upgrade over the multiple V-belts that would have been present had we gone with something from the factory.
We Install a Skyjacker 4-inch Lift System to Our First-Generation 2008 Chevy Colorado 4x4
Wheels, Tires & Lift on a First-Gen Chevy Colorado To properly lift our 2008 Chevy Colorado, we opted for a Skyjacker 4-inch lift system, which consists of new front crossmembers, brackets, knuckles, brake lines, and hardware. The new steering knuckles ensure that the upper control arms retain the stock geometry, in addition to the front differential and rack-and-pinion steering box.
Haul Monitor: Future Primitive
Spoiler alert! The contents of this editorial might offend some sensibilities. That said, here we go … I saw a commercial the other day proclaiming electric cars as the “new normal.” OK. Sure. I guess the point of the commercial was to make the viewer aware that electric cars are, what? Accepted? OK. They’re not exactly on every driveway in my neighborhood, but when I see one driving around town it’s not as if it hovered past and blasted into the stratosphere. It’s a car, powered by electricity. Got it.
1962 Chevy E10 Connect and Cruise eCrate Details from SEMA 2019
A C10 that puts down an estimated 450 hp to the pavement isn’t exactly breaking news for classic truck fans, but for this orange first-gen, it’s not so much the power, but how it’s made that sets this pickup apart. For the 2019 SEMA Show, the engineers at General Motors developed a proof of concept based off a 1962 Chevy C10 powered by two 400-volt battery packs.
Classic Truck Gallery: Best Hot Rod and Custom Pickups at SEMA 2019
More SEMA Galleries! Hot Rods of All Shapes and Sizes Behinds the Scenes For those of you familiar with the SEMA Show, you already know that it's the bastion of hot rodding innovation. Every new idea, every new product, and every new build seems to originate from the famous show, started by a cadre of manufacturers in 1967. And for the classic truck market, the same rings true.
Oddball, Orphaned, and Overlooked Trucks
There’s no disputing the fact that the majority of trucks seen at events and in the pages of Classic Trucks are Chevys and Fords of the post World War II variety. The reasons for that are simple enough; those trucks are readily available, good looking, and are easy to build, thanks to the abundance of aftermarket parts that are available.
2020 C10 Nationals Update: Make Plans Now!
The C10 Nationals event is proud to announce Classic Parts of America as the new title sponsor starting in 2020. The ClassicParts.com C10 Nationals is the world’s largest 1947+ Chevrolet/GMC Truck & SUV event. This premier truck event takes place at the Texas Motor Speedway on May 29–30, 2020 and features activities like autocross, chassis dyno testing, drag racing, a burnout contest, vendor midway, swap meet, NASCAR rides, track cruise, trophies, giveaways, and much more.
Haul Monitor: It’s the (Global) Economy, Stupid
Restoring, driving, and enjoying old trucks is a truly American-centric hobby. In fact, that’s true about car culture in general. We’re Americans and we like our cars. That’s been true since Henry Ford rolled the first Model T off the assembly line and into our collective hearts. Cars have been the underlying subject matter in a number of historical events that have shaped our nation.
2020 Classic Trucks Holiday Gift Guide
Kinekt makes interactive jewelry for men and women. Tug on your heartstrings with the Gear Necklace by sliding the pendant along its chain and setting the gears in motion. Spin in style with the Gear Ring by turning the outer rims so that all the gears rotate in unison. Patented. Lifetime warranty. Free shipping.
Haul Monitor: Late Model Left for Dead
If there’s ever a time when I appreciate my old truck, it’s never more prevalent than when I’m working on my new truck. Knock sensors, ABS sensors, computer-controlled this, that, and the other, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, on and on and on. Every single one of those items is a great luxury to have when they’re working at 100 percent. But anytime something fails, hello 12-hour worm hole, goodbye weekend.
Metalworking Boot Camp Part 6: Hammerforming
This is the final article in our six-part series, and this time we’ll cover the versatile world of hammerforming! I’m using the word “hammerforming” in a very particular manner here. Some people think the term applies to any part formed with a hammer. In my definition, hammerforming involves using a form made from a durable material, which could be wood, metal, or plastic.
Haul Monitor - Hot Rod Network
Being fairly engaged in all things automotive, I’ve dipped my toes in a variety of different motorsports. Nothing professional, mind you, I’m more of an amateur, a hobbyist, if you will. But I’ve had enough experience in those things that I’ve participated in to know that I love them all. From the drags to the dry lakes, autocross to road course racing, if it involves a high-performance vehicle and lots of right pedal, I’m into it. The only limit being my own pocketbook and talent.
A Truck Show Inside the Show at the 2019 NSRA Street Rod Nats
While there is no shortage of classic trucks amongst the thousands of street rods surrounding the Kentucky Expo Center, inside the air-conditioned building sit some of the finest pickups at the event. Whether to promote a particular part being offered by a particular company or simply stationed to draw in curious onlookers, the trucks on display in the midway are arguably some of the finest in the show.
Pros Pick-Ups from the 50th Annual Street Rod Nats
For those who want to see only the best of the best, the place to be at the 50th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals is the Classic Instrument’s Pros Pick area. Open to all registered entrants of the show, the vehicles entered into the cordoned off area are judged by a cadre of builders, media, and industry professionals, with only the cream of the crop getting chosen for a coveted Pros Pick Award.
Odd Rods, Orphan Makes, and Otherwise Unpopular Trucks From The 50th Annual Street Rod Nats
We get quite a bit of flack regarding our editorial skew towards the more popular Ford and Chevy pickups. Suffice to say, we don’t have a particular favorite, so we can’t even play that card. It just seems that the majority of pickups built to a feature vehicle quality tends to be one of those two makes.
Take a Truck Home from the 2019 NSRA Street Rod Nationals
It’s a common conversation to be had between the staff members of Classic Trucks, the idea of flying out to an event, buying a truck, and driving it home. The likely trials and tribulations of driving a vehicle half-way across the country makes for an editorial dream. The heartache, headache, and likely full body ache that might result from trying to road trip a truck that was probably best left on the side of the road is another story.
An Elite Gathering of Trucks in Commercial Way at the 50th Annual Street Rod Nationals
Commercial Way returned to the 50th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals for the 16th year in a row. Sponsored by UPS, this small section of the larger Nats, is open to any OEM-intended commercial vehicle (trucks) and judged by a panel of professionals selected by the sponsor. Between the hours of noon and three pm on the first day of the show, that’s Thursday, the finest haulers are gathered where only the very finest will be garnered a coveted UPS Commercial Way Award on Sunday.
Tons of New Truck Parts at the 50th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals
When you gather a million-plus square feet of car part vendors, you’re bound to run into some cool stuff. Thankfully for us, the NSRA has a specific hall carved out of the giant Expo Center where any and all of the manufacturers in attendance at the Street Rod Nationals can display their latest and greatest wares, saving our already weary feet from walking the entire building.
Truck Swappin’ at the 50th Annual Street Rod Nationals
Hidden amongst the sea of street rods, muscle cars, and street machines every year at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals sits one great swap meet. This year, being the event’s 50th anniversary, the swap meet is not only bigger than ever, there’s more truck stuff than we’ve ever seen. Fenders, tailgates, cabs, bumpers, trim parts, base projects, or turn key drivers, there’s something for everyone, no matter your budget or your project’s needs.
Swappin’ at the 50th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals
The National Street Rod Association is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their cornerstone event, the Street Rod Nationals. Held throughout various locations over the years, the Nats have become a permanent fixture in Louisville, Kentucky the first week of August. Known affectionately around the office as our “Summer vacation” destination, there are a wide variety of things that only the Nats have to offer.
Metalworking Boot Camp Part 5: Metalfinishing
In the last installment of this series we went through the process of shaping a patch panel, welding it into place, and doing the initial straightening. This time we’ll cover the process of metalfinishing: getting the ultimate smoothness on the panel, using only hand tools. You might ask, is metalfinishing required when working with patch panels? In many cases, it’s not.
Upgrading a Stock Model A to a 12V system
For most of us, purchasing a vehicle and leaving things untouched is nigh on impossible. Apparently it’s ingrained in our hot rod DNA to mess with things better left alone. Sometimes, however, it’s necessary to tinker with that new purchase for reasons due to safety or personal preference. In the case of my newly purchased, stock Model A, it’s all of the above. Upon taking delivery of the coupe, I immediately attempted to take her on a joyride around the neighborhood.
Swapping Early Ford Stuff at the Long Beach Model T Swap Meet
Five bucks doesn’t get you much these days in the way of entertainment. But, if you’re like me and you like old Ford stuff, it will get you in to one of the oldest and most revered swap meets in all of Southern California, the Long Beach Model T Club Swap Meet. And while the swap is put on by the Long Beach Model T Club, that doesn’t mean the wares of those who be a’swappin’ are limited to Henry’s Tin Lizzys.
United Pacific Week to Wicked presented by Classic Performance Products
Transforming a tired truck into a true hot rod in five days is not the way most builds go. But come July 22nd, the staff of Classic Trucks is going to do just that! Starting with a solid ’71 Chevy, we’ll be blasting through the suspension, brakes, and drivetrain, upgrading the stock components with performance-minded equipment. Big brakes, power steering, and improved suspension components will come first, courtesy of Classic Performance Products.
Classic Trucks Archives - Hot Rod Network
Strope can take anything with four wheels and build it into something cool. Peter Freedman’s… Read More
Haul Monitor - Hot Rod Network
Seems like I get a note from a frustrated reader at least once a week asking, “why do you guys only run Chevy and Ford content?!” It’s a legit question with a legit answer that’s been discussed at nauseam. The simple answer is, we run what’s been done. Our cadre of photographers travel across the country, searching for truck features throughout the year, and shoot the best ones. Since the production numbers for Ford and Chevy trucks dwarf all other makes, that’s typically what we find.
Kicking off Summer with the 21st Annual Brothers Trucks Show & Shine
Sold out! That was the news presented on the Brothers Truck Parts website for the past month or so. Seems that even after relocating their Show & Shine from the increasingly packed Canyon RV Park to the much larger Oak Canyon Park, the boys are still attracting Chevy trucks in huge numbers. Registration for the July 7th show went live on May 6th with only 650 coveted spots which were soon sold out.
Haul Monitor - Hot Rod Network
To me, that title reads like a cover blurb lifted from one of those more “refined” automotive publications. You know the kind, where the editorial staff wear blazers, slacks, and loafers while espousing about how a $300,000 car is the ultimate motoring experience. Is it really necessary to wear leather-driving gloves while commuting to work? I guess that’s the difference between “motoring” and just driving a friggin’ car. Now, where was I?
Metalworking Boot Camp Part 4: Fitting and Welding Patch Panels
In the first three parts of this series we covered the fundamentals of metallurgy, looked at the tools used for doing bodywork, and went through the basics of hammer and dolly work, showing how to shrink, stretch, and bend metal. The last article featured an in-depth look at various ways to cut metal. Now we’ll pull all this together and show how to make patch panels—including shaping, fitting, tacking, and finish welding.
2019 Classic Trucks Chassis and Suspension Guide
Fatman Fabrications A really nice hot rod project deserves a top-quality chassis from Fatman Fabrications! Why weld, repair, and fill pits on an old chassis when a very affordable new one can be built to your specs? Fatman’s new line of chassis for the ’60-’87 GM PU and panels are bringing a whole new level of detail, handling, and hot rod stance to these trucks. Complete new frames for ’35-’79 Ford trucks and ’34-’87 Chevy trucks are available.
Metalworking Boot Camp Part 3: Cutting Metal
If you’re working on a classic truck, sooner or later you’ll need to cut metal. There are lots of tools designed for these tasks, and many beginners don’t know which tools are essential and which ones they can probably do without. I’ll review several metal-cutting tools in this article, and share my opinions on each one. My favorite tools for accurately cutting sheetmetal are aircraft shears. These are available in most hardware or big-box stores, and are quite affordable.
2019 LMC Truck C10 Nationals
One of the first events to pop up on our truck calendar, now for the second time, is the LMC Truck C10 Nationals during the first weekend in May. Set amongst the infield of the Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth, Texas, was a gathering of Chevy and GMC trucks ranging from 1947 to 2019, not to be surpassed at any other national event. With a registration count nearing 1,000 trucks by Saturday’s end, the second annual C10 Nats had cemented itself as one of the leading truck shows in the country.
Haul Monitor: LS is More? Or is it too much?
Suffice it to say, there are more than a few options when it comes to powering an old pickup; that is, if we only look at those engine options that were originally available from the factory. Flathead Fords, Y-block Fords, and the venerable small-block Chevy, to name a few, get us through the first decade or so immediately following the war; and that’s not to mention the variety of six-cylinder options that were also offered. For this conversation, however, we’ll be focusing on the V-8 variety.
Metalworking Boot Camp Part 1: Metallurgy, Hammers, and Dollies
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to the headquarters of Classic Trucks magazine to give a private workshop for Ryan Manson, the editor, and his assistant, Christian Arriero. I’ve been teaching people metalworking skills for over 20 years, and I always enjoy helping people to improve their metalworking knowledge and abilities.
Haul Monitor—We Want to Hear From You - Hot Rod Network
One of the hardest aspects of my position is trying to best determine the editorial coverage when it comes to tech stories. The easy solution is to just run what I think might be cool, but then I have to remember that not all of us are into the same thing. Some guys dig C10s that lay their rockers in the weeds while others won’t look at anything unless it’s a straight-axle’d Ford. I like to think I’m somewhere in the middle; I dig just about anything that’s lowered and overpowered.
DIY '52 Ford F1 Cab Restoration
The best part of any build, for me at least, is when all those plated, painted, and polished parts start going back together for the final time. Whether it’s bolting new accessories on a freshly painted engine block or hanging new suspension components on a chassis, final assembly time is one of my favorites. Not only is that long-winded project finally starting to take shape for good, but it seems as each component is installed a slight uptick of excitement is experienced.
How To Do An EFI Conversion - From Carburetor to Contemporary
It should come as no surprise that we’re pretty big proponents of EFI. The reliability, the increased performance, the improved efficiency, there’s really no reason to make the jump from carburetion to injection in this day and age. Even when a budget-minded build is considered, with a large number of EFI systems offered under $2,000, you’d be hard pressed to buy all the components necessary to construct a traditional carbureted setup.
Finding Treasure at the Big 3 Parts Exchange
For the last 53 years, hot rodders, car guys, and any self-respecting swap meet hound in Southern California has rung in Spring with a fling at the Big 3 Parts Exchange in San Diego. Held annually since 1966, the “Big 3” has become one of the largest old car parts gatherings in the United States. The Antique Automobile Club of America, the Horseless Carriage Club of America, and the Early Ford V8 Club of America are the three organizations responsible for the name, hence the Big 3.
Early Season Treasure Huntin’ at the Big 3 Parts Exchange
Believe it or not, Southern California does have four seasons. Ok, maybe two. Nevertheless, one of the signs that it’s time to put away that raincoat and dust off that hibernated truck project is the Big 3 weekend. Held annually in February since 1966, the Big 3 Parts Exchange officially signals the start of Spring and the start of the swap meet season.
Trucks of SEMA 2018
While everybody knows SEMA is like a beacon for every car builder wanting to make a name for themself, it should come as no surprise that the same rings true for those of us who are into classic trucks. Builders from across the globe have been thrashing day and night getting their project SEMA-ready in time for the 2018 show. And once the show doors open Tuesday morning, we were there, bright and early, to check out what’s been brought out.
Haul Monitor: Built to Last
Building a custom vehicle in five days seems silly to me. Might sound silly to you as well. I’ve never heard of anybody doing it, outside of TV come to think of it. So, it only made sense for us to do just that: build a truck in a week. But what would we call it? Resto Presto? Bang Out a Build? Project Fortnight? One-Twenty Turnaround? Five Days to Donuts? Nah, we’ll call it Week to Wicked. Two years and four builds later and we haven’t not resulted in an un-wicked build yet.
2018 LMC Truck C10 Nationals Week to Wicked C10
When it comes to bolting a truck together in five days, it helps to have a formula, of sorts. But as they say, the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Thankfully, lead tech Jason Scudellari and his righthand man Christian Arriero have done enough of these builds that the 40-hour imposition has little to no effect on their abilities to get in and get things done.
Prepping the LMC Truck C10 Nationals Week to Wicked 1972 C10
A lot can hide under a decent paintjob. Looks can be deceiving. And when it comes to buying a used truck, it’s best to not judge a book by its cover. We found out the hard way that those things and more are all too true when it comes to buying what appears to be a solid project. What looked like a pretty decent restoration ended up needing just about every patch panel and sheetmetal component offered in LMC Truck’s catalog.
Truck Coverage from the 2019 Grand National Roadster Show
Ignoring the building full of Model As, the topless rides competing for the coveted America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award, the kandy-colored Lowriders, the Suede Palace, the Pinstriper’s Reunion, the food, the vendors, and the Grandaddy Drive-in, there’s a good chance you might come across a very nice truck or ten every year at the Grand National Roadster Show. In fact, there’s something for just about every type of gearheaded person. For us, it’s like automotive heaven.
Haul Monitor: 'Tis The Season
Is it car show season yet?! I’m sure some of you are still digging out of the snow while others are eager to tell me the season never ends in their neck of the woods. Truth be told, it doesn’t really come to an end in my ’hood either, but rather stalls for a moment. What with the holidays and the family gatherings coupled with a few days of rain, we park our trucks for a week or two as well.
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