Modern Rodding

George Poteet, a man of uncompromising character, was known by many as a true friend, a benefactor, and a guiding light. He and I were born the same week, and I always reminded him I was his elder. He would chuckle, and I would be in awe at his accomplishments. There is plenty to read about George and his life’s work, but that’s for others to put to paper. I imagine many hot rodders would like to know more about the man as a hot rodder and his interaction in our small corner of the world. His racing exploits and even those within our rodding world are well documented. Many associations thought so highly of George that they would reward him with well-deserved recognition. He was a longtime member of…

De Lorean The tale you thought you knew. In De Lorean: The Rise, Fall and Second Acts of the DeLorean Motor Company, auto journalist and author Matt Stone recounts the life and career of John Z. DeLorean, from his influential tenure at General Motors where he played a pivotal role launching the Pontiac GTO and igniting the 1960s muscle car phenomenon, to the founding in 1975 of the DeLorean Motor Company and its 1981 launch of the now-iconic sports car bearing his name. The DeLorean car gained a new following based on its starring role in the 1985 blockbuster Back to the Future and its two sequels. Since DeLorean Motor Company’s bankruptcy in 1982, various entities have persistently sought to revive the brand for modern times. The DeLorean has achieved pop-culture…

1. DUAL A-ARM IRS Schwartz Performance has expanded its line of Independent Rear Suspension options with a new Dual A-arm IRS system designed for its entire line of G-Machine chassis. The Dual A-arm IRS was designed for applications with a narrow track width, and the Schwartz unit measures only 54 inches from flange-to-flange. The Dual A-arm IRS is based around a Currie F9 rearend housing and 35-spline third member and heavy-duty axles rated to handle over 1,000 hp. Heavy-duty FK Heim and uniball joints provide a secure and quiet assembly with zero binds. The CNC-machined billet uprights accept a late-model Mustang or Corvette hub assembly. One important feature is that this system can be optioned with a standard inboard, vertically mounted coilover or cantilever setup. Both systems utilize Ridetech adjustable…

The 1959 Chevy Impala, owned by David and Robin Rush from Oklahoma, was teamed up with Steve Cook Creations (SCC) and inspirational art by Alan Childers (also part of SCC). The result is a work of art that captures the essence of what the Al Slonaker Award, presented by ARP, intended. This vehicle characterizes a perfect blend of vintage styling with modern performance and luxury. The distinctive body of the 1959 Impala was the perfect canvas for the Cook crew to work their magic. The raised and lengthened front wheel openings, extended fender body line, smoothed and tucked bumpers (by Childers), and recessed hood inserts all contribute to the sleek and refined look of the vehicle. The hood was modified, and the cowl and rockers were smoothed. Full belly pans…

Summit Racing Equipment has long been a leading supplier of automotive performance products. They also offer a comprehensive line of premium automotive refinishing products at affordable prices. So, when it came time to paint a long-neglected project, I turned to Summit for what I needed. For years I’ve had a 1956 DeSoto two-door hardtop that has repeatedly been put on the back burner as project cars go. Initially owned by my father, it came to me after his death in 1978. Truth be told, it was a little rough around the edges, but regardless, it was used for daily transportation until 1996. That’s when the Firedome Hemi made it clear with audible internal distress signals that it had gone as far as it would go. Ultimately, the DeSoto was stashed…

Extremes in either direction are often difficult to appreciate. Most of us find our comfort zone somewhere in the middle, whether with our hot rods or in life’s daily happenings. Not so for Dale DeBurger who has built plenty of hot rods over the years. Dale, with his friend Tom Culbertson, jumped in together and kicked off their latest project. Their combined effort is this 1930 Ford chopped and channeled sedan done in what is often referred to as the “rat rod style,” but this time he has taken it to extreme excellence. The body is a good old Model A. It’s a 1930 Ford vintage that has undergone a 5-inch top chop utilizing a 1957 Ford sedan delivery roof while maintaining an operational windshield. The steel grille shell is…