Category: Features

The latest feature articles about the automotive aftermarket from THE SHOP.

F-150 Raptor Updates Include ‘Smarter’ Shocks, New Trail Control

The Ford F-150 Raptor has undergone upgrades for the 2019 model year. Chief among the upgrades is the electronically controlled FOX shocks, new Trail Control and Recaro sport seats, according to the company. To enhance Raptor’s internal bypass shocks, Ford Performance worked directly with FOX to develop all-new electronically controlled Live Valve technology for the new… Continue reading F-150 Raptor Updates Include ‘Smarter’ Shocks, New Trail Control

Understanding the Burgeoning Powersports Market

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following article excerpt from the upcoming July issue-mailing soon-is part of a three-part series investigating the burgeoning powersports market and its connections with the automotive aftermarket. See Part I in the May 2018 issue of THE SHOP magazine, and Part II in the June 2018 issue. The powersports market has exploded in… Continue reading Understanding the Burgeoning Powersports Market

Behind the Scenes of ICON 4×4’s Wagoneer Project

ICON 4×4 recently completed the newest of the company’s concours-inspired Reformer series: A 1965 Kaiser Jeep Wagoneer. ICON founder and lead designer Jonathan Ward posted a video (see it above) that provides insight and background on the project. The video gives an overview of the vehicle’s history and revival. In brief, the Jeep SJ Wagoneer… Continue reading Behind the Scenes of ICON 4×4’s Wagoneer Project

Air Design USA Updates DRL Light Installation Instructions

Air Design USA has released updated instructions for 2018+ Ford F-150 DRL light installation. “We identified that the previous DRL installation instructions weren’t applicable to 2018+ Ford F-150s and made changes accordingly,” said Billy Longfellow, vice president of design and engineering at Air Design USA. “These updated instructions will be included with purchased product going… Continue reading Air Design USA Updates DRL Light Installation Instructions

Shop Takes the Bumps Out of Camaro’s Ride

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following blog was written by John Gunnell, owner of Gunner’s Great Garage Restoration Shop in Manawa, Wisconsin. Gunnell regularly contributes articles and industry-driven observations for THE SHOP magazine and eNewsletter. … John Diermeier of John’s Custom Auto in Manawa, Wisconsin wasn’t wild about the mono-leaf suspension on a 1968 Camaro he was doing for… Continue reading Shop Takes the Bumps Out of Camaro’s Ride

Saleen 1 Expected This Fall

Saleen Automotive Inc. plans to finish its first Saleen 1 this fall. The two-seater, mid-engine sports car was introduced at the LA Auto Show last year. The Saleen 1 features a 2.5-liter, inline four, high output, turbocharged, Saleen-designed engine that generates 450 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque and a top speed of 180 mph.… Continue reading Saleen 1 Expected This Fall

Mercedes-Maybach Showcases Vision of Ultimate Luxury

*See photos above Mercedes-Benz presented its Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury vehicle at Auto China 2018. The high-end sedan-SUV crossover is an electric vehicle with four compact permanent-magnet synchronous motors and fully variable all-wheel drive. The show car merges Western and Far Eastern influences to deliver an appealing automotive cultural dialogue, according to the company. For… Continue reading Mercedes-Maybach Showcases Vision of Ultimate Luxury

Owner of New Speed Shop Embraces Change

*See additional photos above Greg Steise is one specialty shop owner who embraces change. In his 46 years, Steise has transitioned from shade tree mechanic, to drag racer, to trucking company owner and now his latest venture: Greg’s Speed Shop. The Waupaca, Wisconsin-based shop builds cars and builds performance into them. Steise’s overall goal, however,… Continue reading Owner of New Speed Shop Embraces Change

Small Town Auction Gets Big Bucks for Resto-Mod Pickup

A 1949 Chevrolet Resto-Mod pickup with a $145,000 professional build by Limeworks Speed Shop of Carson City, California, sold for the top price of $65,000 at a Wisconsin auction in the small town of Wautoma. The glossy black truck had a fuel-injected crate engine, five-speed electronic transmission, power windows, Currie 9-inch rear end, four-link coil… Continue reading Small Town Auction Gets Big Bucks for Resto-Mod Pickup

Shop Owner Up Against Tight Deadline

*See photos below Shop owner John Diermeier hasn’t been sleeping much the past week or so. Like many small businessmen, Diermeier understands the meaning of the customer is always right. Diermeier, owner of Manawa, Wisconsin-based John’s Custom Auto, has been working on one particular customer’s 1968 Camaro convertible for nearly a year. Now, it’s car… Continue reading Shop Owner Up Against Tight Deadline

Using Technology to Improve Your Customers’ Car Convenience

Technology and convenience features in automobiles has taken the industry by storm, and the options available could be overwhelming to customers. To make these technologies easier to explain, we’ve compiled a list of profitable methods for shop owners to add to their customer’s cars that aid in both convenience and safety. According to Consumer Reports,… Continue reading Using Technology to Improve Your Customers’ Car Convenience

These Classic Car Shop Requests Come with a Hitch

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following blog was written by John Gunnell, owner of Gunner’s Great Garage Restoration Shop in Manawa, Wisconsin. Gunnell regularly contributes articles and industry-driven observations for THE SHOP magazine and eNewsletter. Several shops that restore old cars have been getting requests to redo travel trailers that match the era of the vintage cars. The motivation… Continue reading These Classic Car Shop Requests Come with a Hitch

Veteran Restyler Offers Advice on New Car Shows

*See photos above from Perfetti’s car show display Automotive Concepts ran The Custom Garage powered by Automotive Concepts display at this year’s Twin Cities Auto Show. In an article being printed in THE SHOP‘s June 2018 issue, Automotive Concepts’ sales manager Dino Perfetti reviews the company’s Custom Garage display and offers advice to restylers on attracting attention at new car shows.… Continue reading Veteran Restyler Offers Advice on New Car Shows