We’re proud to report and happy to say that apparently it doesn’t matter how the economy is doing or what’s going on around the world, street machine enthusiasts still love their rides.

Many have claimed, “If you’re into hot rods and street machines long enough, you’ll no doubt own a hot rod truck at some point.” Of course, the form that truck takes can vary widely, from vintage to late-model and everything in between.

“I like shoebox Ford customs.” That statement is nothing more than a straightforward declaration that bears great truth, courtesy of NSMC Member Jim Thompson when asked what led him to build this extraordinary ’49 Ford custom.

Recently, when lifelong hot rodders Janine and Jim Butler stopped to visit Doug Jerger at his shop, Squeeg’s Kustoms in Mesa, AZ, to see one of the nationally known hot rods Doug completed, Janine spied Doug’s personal Deuce roadster in the back of the shop and just had to take a closer look.

In preparation for our Ford Y-Block engine build story in the July/August 2009 issue, we discovered a great deal of conflicting information in regards to using Holley 94 series carburetors in multi-carb setups.

Let’s face it: Even in a recession, cars are still cool. Companies are closing down and outsourcing left and right, yet Saturday nights on the strip are as high octane as ever.

Taking care of the paint on your beloved street machine should fall in line right behind taking care of the skin on your beloved body in terms of importance. While washing both is a good start to proper exterior care, for the best results you need to work harder to ensure both your paint finish and your skin remain as clean and healthy as possible.

Automotive enthusiasts can be a resourceful bunch, adapting techniques and ideas typically unrelated to the hobby, and using them for their benefit. Recently, we came across an at-home process derived from creating custom electronic circuit boards.

Hot rod projects take twists and turns during the entire buildup process. Our project ’54 Ford F100 is no exception. Known to the Street Thunder staff as the "Toaster," it gained its name one mid-summer day when the lack of interior insulation quickly elevated its inside-cab temperature to well above the outside air.

Terms like “hot rod” and “early ford” just naturally go together, and this year’s selection for the Great 8, is no exception. The list of cars competeing for the Ridler included five early Fords, two ’41 Willys, and one ’56 Shoebox Chevy.