Category: Features

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

Building Your Restyling Business in 2023

Lessons learned over the past couple of years will strengthen your shop and the industry as a whole.

This article originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. So, how was your 2022? I would venture to guess that, like many shops I’ve encountered, overall business was pretty good. One thing I have always been fascinated by is how well we as restylers, along with our manufacturer partners, manage to… Continue reading Building Your Restyling Business in 2023

Odd Overlanders

There’s nothing quite like a 1955 DeSoto overlander built on a 1980s Ford F-250 chassis.

Story & Photos by Jason R. Sakurai (This article originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine) Looking around at an overlanding event, what you may not notice right away are the alternatives to late-model Toyotas, Jeeps, Fords or Rams, which are currently the most popular rigs. Some uncommon builds, however, are… Continue reading Odd Overlanders

A Hard Look at Drag Racing

Kelly Anderson has fun and entertains fans with her wheel-standing “Stacy 2.0” Camaro at events like the weekly Thursday Night Thunder at Irwindale Drag Strip.

This article originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. “Is drag racing dying or is it dead?” That’s a real question, believe it or not, I often get asked and it’s darn hard to answer. After attending the opening night of the weekly Thursday Night Thunder at Irwindale Drag Strip in… Continue reading A Hard Look at Drag Racing

Window Film: True or False?

Quality tint products are moving the industry forward. (Photo courtesy Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions)

This article originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of THE SHOP. It’s not just consumers who have questions when it comes to choosing the right window film for their vehicles. Professionals may not always have all the answers, either. To help, tint manufacturers and suppliers clear up some common misconceptions and separate fact from… Continue reading Window Film: True or False?

Make It Work: Serving Commercial Customers

Recently, there has been more of a focus on safety and limiting vehicle downtime. (Photo courtesy Lippert/LUVERNE)

This article originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of THE SHOP. While much is made of how the specialty automotive aftermarket brings joy and personalization to consumer vehicle owners, there’s another part of the industry that just wants to work smarter, not harder. Commercial customers appreciate accessories and packages that improve utility, safety and… Continue reading Make It Work: Serving Commercial Customers

KPI — January 2023: State of the Economy

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) declined 0.1% in December on a seasonally adjusted basis, after increasing 0.1% in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 6.5% before seasonal adjustment. Important Takeaways, Courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: The… Continue reading KPI — January 2023: State of the Economy