Modern Rodding

parts department

1. SLICKING UP A SHOEBOX Dakota Digital is now offering a new RTX application fitting the 1949-1950 Ford passenger car (PN RTX-49F-X, 1949-1950 Ford Car RTX system; there are also metric/custom variations). This instrument system attaches directly into the stock metal dash opening, including an all-new machined aluminum (chromed) housing. Styled after the original equipment found in the 1949-1950, all backlight options are user-selectable within the RTX Series. For more info, contact Dakota Digital by calling (800) 852-3228 or visit dakotadigital.com. 2. ENSURE A COOL DRIVE If you’re finishing up a late-model engine swap into your classic, Duralast offers a Water Pump Fan Clutch Kit to help you bolt in a cooling system that was engineered to work together—ideal for LS engine swaps. Each kit is supplied with a new water pump, fan clutch, serpentine…

starting over editorial

This is our July ’21 issue and that makes Modern Rodding 1 year old. It’s hard to believe that a year has gone by, but then again this past year has been like no other—regardless of how you measure time! The July issue represents our anniversary and the beginning of our second year producing the best in the world of hot rodding to car guys, and gals, the world over in both print and digital format. And we would be remiss if we didn’t have social outlets such as Facebook and Instagram along with a website (InTheGarageMedia.com) for each brand. It was back in March of 2020 on Friday the 13th that In The Garage Media (ITGM) opened its doors for business. We’ve been told we have impeccable business timing as…

installing four-wheel disc brakes

When it comes to the immediate prewar Ford passenger cars, it could be argued that they have more in common with the later, fullsize passenger cars from the ’50s and beyond than the preceding models that came out earlier in the decade. Comparing a 1930 Ford Model A coupe and a 1940 Ford DeLuxe coupe, aside from their similar suspension design, the two bear almost no similarities. Like comparing a Neanderthal to a modern Homo sapien, the Model A was rudimentary in design and simple in sophistication while the 1940 Ford was a more refined design, showcasing the evolution that happened within a single decade while the nation was knee-deep in the greatest depression in the history of the industrial world. Upgrades were continually made to the Ford line throughout…

rodding around industry news

✿ John McLeod of Classic Instruments is Inducted into the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame Since 1977 Classic Instruments instrumentation has continually been handcrafted in America. Owner John McLeod attended the 57th Annual Darryl Starbird National Rod and Custom Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was inducted into the Darryl Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. McLeod received the award for the impact that Classic Instruments has had on the hot rod industry. “To join the ranks of industry icons such as Boyd Coddington, Troy Trepanier, George Barris, and Posie, just to name a few, is certainly an honor that I never would have expected,” John says. The entire team at Classic Instruments congratulates Dan Woods, Chris Ryan, Ron Covell, Eric Geisert, and Penny Pichette for their entry…

1966 buick skylark

The Buick Skylark began its run in 1953 to mark the 50th anniversary of Buick. Then in 1961 General Motors introduced a trio of compact cars: the Tempest (Pontiac), F-85 (Olds), and the Skylark (Buick) that ran for several years through 1963. Then in 1964 the Skylark, because of its success, became its own line, which brings us to the 1966 Buick Skylark belonging to Steve and Faye Mitchell out of Oklahoma that was oh-so neatly put together by Kyle Gambrell at Laid Back Recreations (LBR) in McLoud, Oklahoma. There were three generations of Buick Skylarks that were produced from 1964-1979. The 1966 Buick Skylark that we will be looking at here is a first-gen Skylark that ran from 1964-1967, the second-gen ran from 1968-1972, and the third-gen ran from 1973-1979.…

sophisticated suspension for tri-five chevys

Over the years American manufacturers have produced a number of automobiles that quickly reached icon status with enthusiasts. Remarkably General Motors managed to do it three years in a row with the 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevrolets. With outstanding performance and crisp, clean styling, these cars were instant hits with hot rodders and remain so today. While the styling of Tri-Five Chevys is timeless, the same can’t be said for their performance. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to update components like the running gear, steering, and brakes and now Aldan American has done the same for the suspension system. With their bolt-on Direct Fit Road Comp (PN 300119) front coilover and rear shock kits, those beloved Bowties can have improved ride and handling with a ride height from stock…