A New Breed of Classic Cars?

Using Subaru WRXs as drift cars only created more fans of these “youngtimer” candidates. (Photo by Jason R. Sakurai)

This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Are millennials and Gen Zers less interested in vehicle ownership and driving? Not according to a study conducted by Hagerty Insurance titled “Why Driving Matters,” which found that 81% of millennial drivers said they “like,” “love” or are “passionate about” driving, just… Continue reading A New Breed of Classic Cars?

Tonneau Covers

Today’s tonneau covers offer protection and functionality. (Photo courtesy EGR USA)

This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. When it comes to bed protection options for your truck-driving customers, tonneau manufacturers have you covered. Hard folding, roll-up, expandable and related models can fit any need, for work or play, while feature-rich offerings and quick installations allow shops to add a… Continue reading Tonneau Covers

World Party: Sport Compacts

Sport compact customers are looking to strongly modify their vehicles. (Photo courtesy Yokohama Tire)

This article originally appeared in the August 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Monty Python gave us the phrase, “And now for something completely different.” Sport compacts started off being just that, while today—well over 20 years since their raucous entry into the automotive world—they are still around and thriving. Small but packing a big… Continue reading World Party: Sport Compacts

Shock Value

Performance shock designs are keeping pace with the latest OEM models and features. (Photo courtesy FOX)

Literally and figuratively, these days we could all use a smoother ride, right? When it comes to aftermarket suspension upgrades, performance shocks help soften some bumps in the road. Whether at the track or on the trail, the proper shock setup provides the stability, control and safety customers seek. Add in specialized tasks such as… Continue reading Shock Value

Makerspaces: A Space for Business

Urban Workshop is a successful makerspace in Costa Mesa, California.

This article originally appeared in the July 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. There’s no doubt the industry desperately needs tradespeople of all stripes—everyone from CNC machinists to welders. We skipped a whole generation as we sent everybody off to college and university to get a degree, and that decision is now coming back to… Continue reading Makerspaces: A Space for Business

Saving the Species: Land Rover Defenders

In 2004, Stephen Ogletree stepped away from his day job in construction and founded Adventure Motor Cars in Birmingham, Alabama.

In the early 1990s, having already conquered Europe, Land Rover decided to bring its distinctive Defender SUVs stateside. Between 1993-97, the company sold approximately 7,000 NAS (North American Specification) Defenders complete with lefthand drive, fuel-injected gasoline engines and other amenities designed to appeal to an American audience. When they arrived, no one had to tell… Continue reading Saving the Species: Land Rover Defenders

Ceramic Coating

Ceramic coatings help make a vehicle’s paint depth and color pop like a freshly waxed car. (Photo courtesy XPEL)

This article originally appeared in the July 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Customers who view their accessorized vehicles as shining stars will want to keep them looking their best year after year. Enter ceramic coating, a long-term way to preserve and enhance paint finishes that can be offered as a professional service. Attractive to… Continue reading Ceramic Coating

Off-Road Bumper Sales: Part II

The latest aftermarket bumpers check all the boxes. (Photo courtesy ARB 4x4 Accessories)

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the July 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. It is the second in a two-part article highlighting trends and sales techniques related to aftermarket bumpers. Part I appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP. When selling aftermarket bumpers, the approach is simple—the products work better, look… Continue reading Off-Road Bumper Sales: Part II

20 Years of Drifting

The premier American drifting series, Formula DRIFT, turns 20 years old in 2023 and is stronger than ever.

This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Twenty years. Two decades. Time rips by when you’re having fun, and there’s no doubt the sport of drifting is fun. Amazingly, the premier American drifting series, Formula DRIFT, turns 20 years old in 2023 and is stronger than ever, with growing… Continue reading 20 Years of Drifting

Wiring Harnesses: Plug, Then Play

This main harness has an authentic look with braided cloth wire covers that have color patterns to match those in electrical diagrams in the original factory shop manual.

This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Automakers may be facing a chip shortage that’s hindering their production and hurting their sales. However, there’s no shortage of wiring harnesses for pre-computerized cars that may come into your shop for restoration work or a hot rod or custom build. In… Continue reading Wiring Harnesses: Plug, Then Play

Heightened Awareness: Lifts & Leveling Kits

Suspension upgrades are an off-roading staple. (Photo courtesy DPI Off-Road Brands – ToyTec Lifts)

This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Whether they’re planning to tackle the toughest trails or simply want to look good while driving around town, truck and SUV owners continue to enthusiastically support the lifts and leveling kits market. Offering sophisticated designs to match today’s high-tech vehicle innovations, lift… Continue reading Heightened Awareness: Lifts & Leveling Kits

Dialed In with Tuners & Programmers

The tuner market is evolving as computer systems become more complex. (Photo courtesy Hypertech)

This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Tuners and programmers are an important part of the specialty aftermarket, providing vehicle customization options for everything from track days to towing. Far beyond simple power enhancers, many of today’s products deliver a full menu of individualized settings to control everything from… Continue reading Dialed In with Tuners & Programmers

Inspiration & Empowerment: Inside the Austin Hatcher Foundation

The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer (AHF), headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, provides support services for young patients and their families nationwide. (Photo courtesy AHF)

This article originally appeared in the June 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. In October 2006, Austin Hatcher Osborn was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain and spinal tumors called atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). The oncologist explained to parents Jim and Amy Jo Osborn that the fatality rate was 100%. Currently, ATRT… Continue reading Inspiration & Empowerment: Inside the Austin Hatcher Foundation

Profile: Prestige Motorsports

The company’s Ultimate Turn-Key Package includes everything customers need to get out and enjoy their hot rod, race car or boat.

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. By Maura Keller For more than 14 years, Prestige Motorsports in Concord, North Carolina, has been building personalized performance crate engines tailored to each customer’s vision. As with many small companies, its journey began in a small, two-car garage. Starting with the… Continue reading Profile: Prestige Motorsports

Diesel Performance: Seven Days a Week

Provide recommendations based on prior experiences with different makes and models of performance diesel parts. (Photo courtesy Hot Shot’s Secret)

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Editor’s note: This discussion references the EPA and some of its positions, programs and policies regarding diesel vehicle emissions. Learn more at: epa.gov/dera. Performance diesel enthusiasts are a dedicated, active part of the aftermarket that love their vehicles and are excited by… Continue reading Diesel Performance: Seven Days a Week