Heat & Sound Control: In the Comfort Zone

Take every opportunity to make your customers comfortable. (Photo courtesy Design Engineering Inc.)

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. For many drivers, there’s no place better than behind the wheel of their favorite vehicle. Is it possible for custom shops to further enhance that experience? Heat and sound control products deliver a safer, more comfortable cruise. Separately or combined, thermal and… Continue reading Heat & Sound Control: In the Comfort Zone

CES 2023: Technology & the Automobile

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas highlights the space where automobiles and technology converge. (Photo courtesy Consumer Technology Association)

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. There’s no doubt that as cars go electric and become laden with more tech, it may be more accurate to consider them electronic devices with tires. That’s why the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is such a hotbed for automakers. While… Continue reading CES 2023: Technology & the Automobile

Off-Road Bumper Sales: Part I

Established manufacturers provide a wide range of choices for consumers. (Photo courtesy Fab Fours Inc.)

This article originally appeared in the May 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. When selling aftermarket bumpers, the approach is simple—the products work better, look better and offer a touch of personalization over stock options. Available for the front and rear of a wide variety of off-road, 4×4 and daily-driver trucks and SUVs, aftermarket bumpers… Continue reading Off-Road Bumper Sales: Part I

Rim Repair Rx: Fixed Wheels Keep on Turning

The Rim Repair Rx mobile fleet consists of four vans that cover the Phoenix area.

This article originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. As a car wash owner, Ryan Stewart was frustrated with having to pay for damaged car rims at his sites. That led him to learn the art of wheel repair, and it blossomed after a long journey into the mobile business Rim… Continue reading Rim Repair Rx: Fixed Wheels Keep on Turning

Reimagine That

World Touring Car champion Cyan Racing of Mölndal, Sweden, decided to revisit the svelte Volvo P1800 and create a reimagined, more exotic offering.

This article originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of THE SHOP. “Reimagining” is a fancy way of describing forming a new concept of something already established. I don’t think the word was really in common use in automotive circles until Rob Dickinson, founder of Singer Vehicle Design in Torrance, California, used it to describe… Continue reading Reimagine That

Anchor Points: Selling Aftermarket Winches

Spend extra time with drivers new to off-roading so they are safe and confident when they hit the trail. (Photo courtesy Warn Industries)

This article originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of THE SHOP. Increased interest in off-roading and overlanding means increased interest in the accessories that make trips on the trail safer and more enjoyable. Recovery winches fit that description. Available for a wide range of vehicles and with various features and accessories, winches are a… Continue reading Anchor Points: Selling Aftermarket Winches

Living Legends: Pre-War Projects On the Rise

With cars like this selling for less than $15,000, many owners are having shops restore them as police or fire chief vehicles to have a little more fun with them.

This article originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of THE SHOP. We recently bought an original 1927 Oakland for $9,500—that was $6,500 more than we paid for a 1917 Oakland in the fall of 2016. Our “new” car had its original paint and upholstery and 28,000 original miles. It also came to us with… Continue reading Living Legends: Pre-War Projects On the Rise

Hold Me Tight: Performance Clutch Systems

Establish a strong relationship with your clutch suppliers. (Photo courtesy mcleodracing.com)

This article originally appeared in the April 2023 issue of THE SHOP. The continued excitement around manual shifting from a loyal group of racers and street enthusiasts means the clutch market remains strong, even amid all the new developments happening with automatic transmissions. In fact, the clutch market is seeing plenty of advancements of its… Continue reading Hold Me Tight: Performance Clutch Systems

Carrying On With Overland Racks

Overland racks have brought function and styling that enhances the look of modern pickups. (Photo courtesy Leitner Designs)

This article originally appeared in the March 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. There are a few staples of any self-respecting overland rig. Oversized wheels and tires. A recovery winch. And a versatile, dependable rack system for hauling and storage. Today’s overland rack market is overflowing with innovative, versatile products to take just about anything… Continue reading Carrying On With Overland Racks

Steady Flow: Fuel Pumps & Systems

Today’s high-horsepower builds rely on the latest fuel system advancements. (Photo courtesy Aeromotive)

The article originally appeared in the March 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Performance fuel pumps and systems are a vital part of today’s high-horsepower engine builds. Whether on the street or at the track, drivers expect the fuel they need when they need it to get them where they’re going. These days that fuel… Continue reading Steady Flow: Fuel Pumps & Systems

Red Clay Graphics & Signs: Sending a Message

Red Clay Graphics serves the vehicle wrap and signage needs of Moultrie, Georgia and the surrounding areas.

This article originally appeared in the March 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. In a market heavily saturated with competition, it’s personal touches and unique offerings that can help set a business apart and create lasting connections. This approach has helped Erin Ricks, owner and lead designer of Red Clay Graphics & Signs, create a… Continue reading Red Clay Graphics & Signs: Sending a Message

Three-for-One: The Benefits of Performance Exhausts

Axle-back and cat-back aftermarket exhaust systems are always safe options for a shop to recommend. (Photo courtesy SpeedFX)

This article originally appeared in the March 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. With a performance exhaust system, drivers get to check off three boxes on their personalization lists at the same time—performance, appearance and sound. For shops looking at product lines that can help sell themselves, performance exhausts are a smart place to start.… Continue reading Three-for-One: The Benefits of Performance Exhausts

Interior Lighting: A Glow From Within

Shops can look to emulate top luxury models with aftermarket products and kits. (Photo courtesy Mercedes-Benz)

This article originally appeared in the March 2023 issue of THE SHOP magazine. Automotive interiors are getting brighter. Ambient lighting has become a selling point. Perhaps the one manufacturer most famous for leading the pack in interior lighting is Mercedes-Benz. Its ambient lighting packages are among the brightest and most prolific, and other automakers have… Continue reading Interior Lighting: A Glow From Within

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