Posts Tagged ‘ Classic trucks ’

Dakota Digital Releases New 1960s & 1970s Chevy Truck Instrument Series

By Ashley Smissen , September 19, 2011 in Electrical, Products

A new series of instrumentation has been introduced by Dakota Digital. The VHX Series of Instrumentation is designed to fit 1960-1972 Chevy trucks. The instruments in the series feature lighted needles, backlit faces and a full character message center for all displays.

The instruments utilize solid-state sensors and precision stepper motors for increased accuracy. The VHX Series can be used with either a stock or aftermarket wiring harness and either a stock, modified or late-model drivetrain.

Systems are available with a blue or red display color and either a satin silver or carbon fiber-style face.

Featured Vehicle: Resurrecting Gene Winfield’s ‘Bronze Coated Beauty’

By Ashley Smissen , August 10, 2011 in E-News, Rod Shops

For years, it was nothing more than a beat-up old 1935 Ford pickup collecting dust in an Oregon barn. From the looks of it, no one would have guessed that the old pickup that wound up in a field in Mist, Oregon, was once the original work truck of a hot rodding legend. Nor would anyone have guessed at that time that the truck would one day be restored to its original glory. Enter the team at Hatfield Restorations.

The story of the truck begins in the late 1950s when legendary rod builder Gene Winfield and his friend Rick Lefelt built the truck and painted it its signature bronze color to be shown at a San Mateo, California, car show in January 1960 to help advertise Winfield’s custom shop. The truck was a hit, even landing an appearance in the October 1961 issue of Custom Rodder where it was called “The Bronze Coated Beauty.”

The truck was modified throughout the early 1960s by Winfield and was painted blue. In 1963, Winfield put the truck up for sale in the classified section of Hot Rod magazine, eventually working out a trade and selling it to an Oregon man who would go on to crash the vehicle and later sell it to Don Epling in 1965. After that, the truck essentially “disappeared” for the next 43 years, sitting in Epling’s barn. Winfield had no idea what had happened to his old shop truck.

Memorial Day Weekend Car Shows & Events

By Devlin Smith , May 23, 2011 in News & Events

The 29th Lone Star Classic Chevy Convention, billed as the biggest Tri-Five Chevy show in Texas, will take place this weekend in Irving, Texas.

This long weekend is a time to honor those who died in military service and marks the unofficial start of summer. This weekend you can check out stellar rides, show off your latest projects, connect with potential customers and support local organizations by spending the day at a car show. Here are 10 events that are happening around the country this weekend. Additional shows will be posted to HRR’s Twitter throughout the week.

The NSRA’s Mid-American Street Rod Nationals Plus takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Missouri. The event will feature a swap meet, commercial exhibits, a model car show, NSRA safety inspections, tech seminars, special vehicle displays, entertainment, drawings and an awards presentation. For more information, click here.

The 29^th Lone Star Classic Chevy Convention takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Sheraton Grand DFW Airport Hotel in Irving, Texas. Billed as the biggest Tri-Five Chevy show in Texas, the event will feature drag races, a show-and-shine, a swap meet, tours of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and Texas Motor Speedway, an Indy 500 watching party, a poker run, and a drive-in movie screening of “American Graffiti.” For more information, visit www.lonestarchevys.com.

1935 Ford Pickup & 1956 Olds 88 Named “Homebuilt Heaven” Winners

By Ashley Smissen , February 2, 2011 in News & Events

Goodguys has announced its two national winners for the Speedway Motors “Homebuilt Heaven” competition. The “Homebuilt Heaven” awards highlight rods, customs, classics and muscle cars that have been hand-built by their owners at home, in the garage, according to the Goodguys website.

The competition was divided into two categories: Homebuilt Heaven (for contemporary street rods, customs or trucks through 1972 vintage), and Traditional Homebuilt Heaven (for traditional pre-1973 hot rods, trucks or customs.)

The 2010 Homebuilt Heaven national winning car was Bob and Mitzi Provin’s pearl white 1956 Olds 88. The car features a 412 cid Olds motor, a custom beige interior, custom console, wide whites with Olds Fiesta hubcaps and plenty of chrome trim. The Newton, Iowa, couple’s car was originally chosen as a finalist at the Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale.

New 1955-1959 Chevy Truck Instrumentation Released by Dakota Digital

By Ashley Smissen , January 10, 2011 in Electrical, Products

Dakota Digital has introduced a new application in its VHX Series of Instrumentation for 1955-1959 Chevy trucks. The instruments feature lighted needles, backlit faces and a full character message center for all displays.

The VHX Series utilizes solid-state sensors and precision stepper motors to help to increase accuracy, according to the company. The VHX-55C-PU uses either a stock or aftermarket wiring harness, and either a stock, aftermarket, modified or late-model drivetrain.

ididit Introduces new 1967-1972 Ford Truck Steering Columns

By Ashley Smissen , January 3, 2011 in Interior, Products

ididit has introduced the newest addition to its Ford Truck Retrofit Made-to-Fit line of steering columns. The Made-to-Fit Ford Steering Columns are especially made for 1967-1972 Ford trucks. The all new floor shift, Ford top shaft and Ford wire plug steering columns are ready to be installed and are a direct bolt-in application that will connect to a stock box or rack.

The new columns are 100-percent American-made and feature an eight-position tilt and a Ford top shaft to enable the user to attach it to a stock Ford steering wheel on top. They feature a Ford wire plug and era-specific knobs and handles to match the originals.

O’Brien Truckers Introduces New Nostalgic Disc Brake Conversion Kit

By Ashley Smissen , December 28, 2010 in Brakes, Products

O’Brien Truckers has released a new front disc brake kit designed for rodders who are want a nostalgic, classic look. The kit uses a traditional-looking front backing plate with a fully functional cooling scoop and a Buick-style finned brake drum.

New 1965-1966 Ford Truck Steering Columns Released by ididit

By Ashley Smissen , November 19, 2010 in Interior, Products

New Floor Shift Steering Columns have been introduced by ididit inc. for 1965-1966 Ford trucks. The new Ford columns are a direct bolt-in and will connect to the stock box or rack, according to the company.

The columns feature an eight-position tilt and a Ford top shaft which allows it to be attached to a stock Ford steering wheel on top. The columns also feature a Ford wire plug and era-specific knobs and handles.

This Weekend’s Car Show & Event Roundup

By Devlin Smith , August 18, 2010 in News & Events, Rod Shops

The 40th Annual North-South F-100 Run will take place this weekend in San Luis Obispo, California. The event highlights 1953–1956 Ford F-100 pickups and panels.

Communities, businesses, car clubs and local organizations are hosting car shows and cruises around the country this weekend. Here’s information on 10 events you can attend to show off your latest projects, meet with potential customers and support worthy causes. Additional car shows and events will be posted on Hotrod & Restoration’s Twitter (http://twitter.com/HRRMag) throughout the week.

The Oregon Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council is hosting a cruise-in and barbecue Thursday in Ridgefield, Washington. This event gives attendees a chance to show off their personal projects, bikes, hot rods and much more. The fee is $10 and proceeds go to the OTA TMC. Advanced registration is requested. For more information, visit http://www.ortrucking.org/.

This Weekend’s Car Show & Event Roundup

By Ashley Smissen , August 3, 2010 in News & Events

Car show season is in full swing, with many important events happening around the country this weekend. These events allow you to network with other builders, showcase your work and attract new potential customers.

Here are nine car shows happening this weekend that you can attend to promote your business.

The 41^st annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals Plus will take place August 5-8 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. According to the NSRA, it is one of the world’s largest automotive participation events. Between 10,000-11,000 street rods, customs, muscle cars and special interest vehicles are expected. For the first time ever, there will be vehicles from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s at the Street Rod Nationals Plus. The event will feature a special Builder’s Showcase that will include vehicles built by some of America’s premier car builders, and many of the builders will be in attendance, including Chip Foose and Darryl Starbird. A trade show of over 350 manufacturers and dealers of specialty automotive equipment will take place over the four days. The event will also include educational seminars, a special section for Mopar vehicles, entertainment, a church service and a special “Circle of Winners” on Sunday that will include 40 Outstanding Vehicles on display. Hours for the event are: Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults, $5 for kids.

For more information, go to www.nsra-usa.com.