Featured Hot Rods and Other Roadkillers ~ Roadkill Customs

Hot rods, typically old, classic American cars with large engines modified for linear speed. Yep!

1933 Plymouth Hot Rod ~ Burnouts and Shredding Tires

October 21, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This incredible build is TJ Russell’s amazing ’33 Plymouth, hand-built from the ground up ~ Photo gallery, video, and hella burnouts. [More…]

66 Smoke ~ Cummins Powered 1966 Ford F-100

October 21, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This roadkillin’ muscle truck is an amalgamation of factory original parts, aftermarket goods, and Frankenstein modifications. [More…]

The origin of the term “hot rod” is unclear. For example, some claim that the term “hot” refers to the vehicle being stolen. Other origin stories include replacing the engine’s camshaft or “rod” with a higher performance version. Regardless, these are some of our favorites…

Barry Weiss’ Cowboy Cadillac

November 29, 2012 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Barry Weiss made his fortune selling wholesale produce and has used those resources to feed his collecting obsessions including his love of rare and unique automobiles, trucks and motorcycles. Barry has been a collector for most of his life, so he knows when he comes across something that’s the cream of the crop. [More…]

Charles Darmanjian’s ’47 Plymouth

November 7, 2017 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Charles is a one-man-show in a small three bay shop in North Troy, New York. He primarily designs and fabricates parts for cars that are far from rat rods, his project car is a 1947 Plymouth. While his business caters to newer cars, Charles admits that it’s the classics he really enjoys working on. [More…]

Rat Rod Lawn Mower

September 21, 2017 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Michael Snow from Horneytown, North Carolina saw our Farmer’s Chopper post and shared his old school rat rod lawn mower with us. He tells us that he had an old riding lawn mower sitting around for parts, and one day he just went crazy on it. He lowered the front end, chopped the hood and grill, and more. [More…]

Aaron Anderson’s True Home Grown Rat Rod

October 12, 2017 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

The story of Aaron’s Rat Rod goes like this: In 2007 I worked at a dealership in the local town that had a 1936 Dodge dump truck sitting in a grass lot behind a building. I’d have to trim weeds around it when the dealership got slow. I’ve always bought rat rod magazines and always thought about building one, but… [More…]

DELIVERANCE ~ 1947 Ford Pro-Street Rat Rod Pickup

October 15, 2017 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This is no ordinary Rat Rod. It was designed and built by an experienced Winston Cup race car builder. The build was completed with race-quality parts front-to-rear for superior performance and reliability. “DELIVERANCE” was completed in March, 2012. [More…]

The NewMad – 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Custom

October 10, 2012 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

24,000 – That’s how many man-hours it took to build the “NewMad”. 24,000 hours and 1.3 million dollars. Hot rod designer Chris Ito was commissioned to pen the redesign. The NewMad began its life as the first generation Chevrolet Nomad, the halo model wagon derived from the Motorama Corvette of 1953-54. [More…]

n2a Motors is a California based custom auto manufacturer with a mission of reviving the art of American coach building. Melding design elements from different Chevy models, the 789 shows the world that you really can't have enough of a good thing. Although the 789 looks instantly iconic, it is actually the best of three classics mounted atop a Le Mans-winning Corvette C6 chassis. Aptly named for the three years represented in the overall design, the 789 has the “hooded eyes” and chrome grille of a '57, a mid-section that's reminiscent of a '58 Impala and the "bird in flight" rear tailfins of a '59. These three vehicles are all instantly recognizable classics celebrated by people around the world. Owning and operating a classic car often proves difficult. Rarity of parts, expertise needed for installation, and potentially high upkeep or restoration costs are some of the problems with which collectors must deal. All of the money in the world spent to modify or modernize a vintage car will not change the reliability or performance problems associated with it. The 789 offers the best of both worlds: retro looks and styling, and it will fire up every time you turn the key. The body is constructed of lightweight composite panels. n2a Motors has developed a process of using 80% carbon composite with 20% fiberglass. This process gives a light-weight rigid part as if it was 100% carbon composite with the minimal properties of fiberglass that allows for show quality paint and finish. Customers can either provide n2a Motors with a donor C5 series (1997 -2004) or C6 series (2005-current) Corvette, which currently retails for approximately $65,000 (though used models can be had for less), or n2a Motors can locate one for you. After stripping the Corvette of its stock body, n2a Motors hand-grafts the retro body panels over the stock frame, suspension, and massive 440-horsepower, 6.0-liter aluminum-block V8 engine. A full range of upgrades are available, including up to 800 hp power trains, custom suspension, audio/video/navigation systems, interior customization, and more. n2a Motors will build each 789 to meet each customer's specifications. However, please note that no previously built combination of paint scheme and interior treatment will be duplicated.

The 789 from n2a Motors

August 26, 2012 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

N2a Motors is a California based custom auto manufacturer with a mission of reviving the art of American coach building. Melding design elements from different Chevy models, the 789 shows the world that you really can’t have enough of a good thing. [More…]

The Roadkill Customs 1949 Studebaker Shop Truck

February 14, 2018 Roadkill Customs Builds and Examples, Low Budget Builds, Rides & Roadkillers

Build a Hot Rod in 30 Days for $1,000? This truck has been built twice — with a tear-down and cross-country move in between. The first build section documents the build mating the ’49 Studebaker [More…]

Big Bertha by South Texas Performance

November 16, 2017 Roadkill Customs Builds and Examples, Rides & Roadkillers

This Turbo Diesel Rat Rod Truck from South Texas Performance, based in Victoria, Texas was built as the shop faced some top rat rod builders in The Rat Hard Build-Off. The contest, sponsored by Rat Hard [More…]

Mr. Chevy ~ A Period Perfect Chevy Gasser

September 14, 2017 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

“Mr. Chevy” is a period-perfect example of a 1955 Chevy Hardtop gasser raced from 1968 through 1976 where it was parked. Larry Frees knew the original owner and rescued Mr. Chevy at an estate sale. Today, he shares the car with enthusiasts wherever he goes… [More…]

1959 Chevrolet Apache 4WD - B-Body Chassis Swap

1959 Chevrolet Apache Sleeper ~ B-Body Chassis Swap

March 7, 2018 Roadkill Customs Builds and Examples, DIY Projects, Rides & Roadkillers

The gentleman that purchased the 1959 GMC Fleetside, our first B-Body chassis / body swap came back to us an basically asked for a clone. He brought us a running 125K mile Chevrolet Caprice [More…]

El Gringo Sucio ~ Billy Toledo’s 1955 Chevy 3100 5-Window

October 14, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

El Gringo Sucio (or “Dirty White Boy”) is Billy Toledo’s 8 year labor of love, a 1955 (1st Series) Chevrolet 3100 5-Window. And Billy has turned this symbol of Americana into a frame-laying, bad ass [More…]

Kenny Hauk’s Wild West '48 Willys ~ Hauk .45

Kenny Hauk’s Wild ’48 Willys ~ Hauk .45

December 12, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers, Roadkill Offroad

Kenny Hauk’s Hauk .45 combines the gun-slinging history of the Colt .45 with an old workhorse, a vintage 1948 Willys pickup truck. [More…]

The World’s Most Advanced Hot Rod?

January 14, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

The Multimatic-designed ’32 Ford hot rod with in-wheel front suspension, Ford Racing motor, and, well, a pile of other goodies. [More…]

CORRUPTT ~ Ferrari Twin Turbo Powered 1968 Ford Mustang UPDATE

March 29, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers, Roadkill Muscle

Built by American Legends, CORRUPTT is a fully customized ’68 Mustang muscle car that packs a twin turbo Ferrari engine… See the Build… Also of Interest: CORRUPTT ~ Ferrari Twin Turbo Powered 1968 Ford Mustang [More…]

1966 International Scout Pickup ~ Junkyard Rescue Home-Built Hot Rod

July 26, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This rare ’66 IH Scout was rescued from a junkyard 49 years ago and was restored at home over the course of nearly two generations. [More…]

1950 Chevrolet 3100 with NASCAR Roots

June 22, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This 1950 Chevrolet 3100 pick-up retains little more than the sheet metal, much of which has been modified to accommodate a NASCAR chassis and drive-train — the truck’s original suspension, brakes, engine, gearbox, electrical and frame have all been ditched. [More…]

How To Build A Sleeper Volkswagen

October 25, 2015 Roadkill Customs Hood Rides & Hoopties, How To & DIY, Rides & Roadkillers, Volkswagen and Volksrods

The Mighty Car Mods boys embark on an ambitious project to build an epic sleeper with a 1000% increase in power. [More…]

Keith Charvonia’s 1951 Kaiser Drag’n Home-Built Custom

December 19, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Industrial designer Keith Charvonia stops by Jay Leno’s Garage with his amazing RestoMod it took eight years to build by himself in his home garage… [More…]

Rides & Roadkillers

550HP LS7 Powered 1958 Rolls Royce ~ ICON Derelict

February 5, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Jonathan Ward showa us a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a 1958 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud with the Icon Derelict RestoMod treatment. [More…]

The Cherry Bomb ’68 Camaro

April 15, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers, Roadkill Muscle

Cherry Bomb’s 1968 Chevy Camaro ~ 800 hp from is LSX 427 engine and in true Cherry Bomb style, it disturbs the peace everywhere it goes. [More…]

707HP Hellcat Powered Dodge Coronet Cop Car

Supercharged Cop Car ~ 1968 Dodge Coronet Hellcat Swap

August 21, 2019 Mad Scientist Garage Rides & Roadkillers

Build breakdown with builder Paul Terlosky of House of Mouse Racing and his crazy, one of a kind Hellcat-powered 1968 Dodge Coronet cop car. [More…]

1939 Plymouth Air Radial Truck

March 20, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Colorado Auto & Parts is home to the famous “Plymouth Air Radial Truck” — A 1939 Plymouth PT-81 truck with a seven-cylinder, air-cooled, radial engine from a 1954 Cessna 195 Airplane. [More…]

Survivor: 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 LTD

October 4, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This beautiful, all original > 70K mile 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 sat at the back of our lot for a lot of years — but it didn’t belong to us. We’d asked about it, wanted [More…]

Ford Victoria Breaks Donut Garage World Record

November 28, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

In this Build Breakdown, Manny F. brings his small block 51′ Ford Victoria by the Donut Garage — and he didn’t come to talk. [More…]

Coby Gewertz’s 1963 Ford Econoline “VanGo”

April 7, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Jon brings in Coby Gewertz, who shows us “VanGo,” his wild custom 1963 Ford Econoline van. [More…]

Life Size Hot Wheels Cars ~ The Red Baron

Life Size Hot Wheels Cars ~ Fireball 500 and The Red Baron

March 2, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Dennis goes for a spin in the George Barris built Fireball 500 and the Tom Daniel’s designed Red Baron built by Chuck Miller. [More…]

Rides & Roadkillers

1967 Volkswagen Bus ICON Derelict ~ Video Tour

May 13, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers, Volkswagen and Volksrods

Why ICON does what they do; revisit classic transportation in a modern context. This 1967 Volkswagen Bus is ready for adventure. [More…]

A Pretty Dead Girl ~ Valentino's Rat Rod

A Pretty Dead Girl ~ Valentino’s Cummins Turbo Diesel Rat Rod

September 18, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Joe Valentino home-built his rat rod with a Craigslist ’89 Dodge RAM donor truck and very little money. Here’s what came of it. [More…]

Patrick and Ethel’s 1946 Chevrolet Pickup

November 6, 2017 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

One of our roving hot rod hunters caught up with Patrick and Ethel from Illinois and their unique 1946 Chevrolet truck. This beauty was acquired in January 2013 and has been worked over from the ground up. Patrick dropped and chopped the truck and so much more. [More…]

1933 Ford Roadster ~ Steampunk Hot Rod

June 16, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Some art hauls ass. Mike Musto gets up close and personal with a 1933 Ford Roadster that started out as a Factory Five replica. [More…]

The 57

October 14, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Dubbed simply “The 57”, this Steve Darnell/Welderup built tri-five Chevrolet is no stranger to tire melting burn-outs… Also of Interest: Mr. Chevy ~ A Period Perfect Chevy Gasser Graham Smith’s Street-Legal 1957 Chevrolet ~ Snow [More…]

Ken Block’s AWD, Twin Turbo, 914hp Hoonitruck is Ready to Party

December 14, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This thing was built by the fine gentlemen at Detroit Speed – JUST for Gymkhana. Using lessons learned from Ken Block’s Ford Mustang Hoonicorn, it was made to be the ultimate AWD vehicle to shred in Gymkhana TEN. [More…]

16 Mutant Vehicles That Define Crazy

January 28, 2019 Roadkill Customs Ideas, Rides & Roadkillers

From Minds Eye Design ~ Here’s our list of 16 Mutant Vehicles That Define Crazy. [More…]

This VW Karmann Ghia is a Turbocharged Ice Scraper

April 1, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers, Roadkill Imports, Volkswagen and Volksrods

This Volkswagen Karmann Ghia dubbed “the Ghiaru” was once headed towards the scrap heap. It was saved and got some Subaru power. [More…]

Josh Mazerolle’s 1977 Twin Turbo LS Toyota Hilux

September 14, 2019 Mad Scientist Garage Rides & Roadkillers, Roadkill Imports

Josh Mazerolle paid $250 for a 1977 Hilux that had spent 15-years in the desert. He ended up creating one of the wildest mini trucks ever… [More…]

Wheels of History ~ 1960 Plymouth XNR Concept Car

March 15, 2008 Roadkill Customs Concept Cars & Design, Rides & Roadkillers

Designed by Virgil Exner Sr., the 1960 Plymouth XNR concept car was built on a modified Valiant chassis to rival Corvettes of the late 50s. [More…]

This 1963 Corvette Destroys Super Cars!

June 6, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This 1963 Corvette Destroys Super Cars! In this episode, we test out Superformance’s 1963 Corvette Grand Sport! It is insane. [More…]

Junkyard Rescue! Saving a 1950 GMC Truck

September 8, 2015 Roadkill Customs Builds and Examples, Rides & Roadkillers

One of the most incredible junkyards in the history of junk is Turner’s Auto Wrecking in Fresno, California — and on this episode of Roadkill, Freiburger and Finnegan hit those 100 acres of vintage sheet [More…]

1953 LS Powered Country Club Nash Rambler

December 19, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Get up close and personal with Dennis Quinn’s 1953 LS Powered Country Club Nash Rambler spotted at Holley LS Fest. [More…]

Tim Allen's1953 Ford F-100 Custom Pickup - FR100

Tim Allen’s New Toy ~ 1953 Ford F-100 Custom Pickup: FR100

February 6, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Meet FR100 ~ Tim Allen’s New Toy, a 1953 Ford F-100 Custom Pickup purchased at Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona 2019 [More…]

Junk Car to Drag Car ~ Jon Chase's '55 Tri 5 by Fire

Junk Car to Drag Car ~ Jon Chase’s 1955 Chevrolet

April 19, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Jon saved this 1955 Chevrolet from a life on blocks to being NHRA certified drag car, able to run 8.50 in the quarter mile. [More…]

Standing Mile Racing ~ A 2000hp Camaro and an Empty Airfield

August 22, 2019 Roadkill Customs Hot Rod Lifestyle, Rides & Roadkillers, Roadkill Muscle

The guys from Hoonigan heads out to the ECTA standing mile race in Arkansas to see what this series is all about. [More…]

Erin Francis’ 1956 Ford F-100

January 7, 2013 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Erin Francis of Langley, BC, Canada shared this 1956 Ford F-100 truck with us. Erin found the truck in Portland, OR in near stock condition. In just 5 months, the truck was restored and modified with independent front suspension and a four-link rear with coil overs on all corners, plus some more custom touches. [More…]