Featured Hot Rods and Other Roadkillers ~ Roadkill Customs

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

1954 Chevrolet 3100 Pickup Truck ~ ICON Thriftmaster

June 20, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Come along for a ride with Jonathan Ward as he explains this truck — It is a sports car hiding under vintage pickup truck sheet metal. [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 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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

Redneck Repo ~ 1954 Chevrolet 3100

January 7, 2017 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

The Redneck Repo shop truck is a 1954 Chevrolet 3100 with a 1953 front clip. The wrecker box is handmade and features a 1930’s hand crank boom. A 1962 327 powers the truck and sports an Edlebrock aluminum intake and Edlebrock AFB style carberator, original ’60’s Cal Custom aluminum valve covers and more. [More…]

G28T 4-banger Model A Hot Rod Woody - The Coffin Shaker

The Coffin Shaker ~ G28T 4-Banger Model A Hot Rod

June 13, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This G28T 4-Banger Model A hot rod woody was built almost entirely from scratch by Henry van Uden of the Netherlands over a period of two years. Henry is a welder by trade and he teamed [More…]

Don Wickstrum’s 1946 Dodge Turbo Diesel Truck

October 29, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Don Wickstrum gives us the run down and a ride along in “Joe”, his ’46 Dodge Cummins turbo diesel powered Rat Rod Truck built as a tribute to his uncle… [More…]

Rustic Nail & Co.’s 1948 Dodge 1-1/2 Ton Pilot House Shop Truck

December 16, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Kyle Cochran from Rustic Nail & Co. gives us a tour of his custom 1948 Dodge 1-1/2 Ton Pilot House shop truck. [More…]

1966 Ford Mustero ~ True Story of the Mustang Pickup

1966 Ford Mustero ~ The True Story of the Mustang Pickup

January 26, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

There’s no more unique Ford Mustang than the 1966 Mustero — It was a Mustang pickup and here’s the true story of how it came to be. [More…]

Supercharged Big Block 1968 Chevrolet C10

April 9, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Want to know what it’s like to drive a Chevy C10 shortbed with a 640WHP supercharged 502 big block in it? So did we. [More…]

Argentinean 1938 Ford Roadster Pick Up

April 7, 2011 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

The 1938 Ford roadster pick up features a car front-end, car fenders and modified running boards, and a factory produced bed of some sort. [More…]

Homebuilt 1949 Ford Turbo Diesel Dually Hot Rod

September 27, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

In this episode of Build Biology, Mitchell Allread brings by his 1949 Ford F5, a true hot rod truck custom built from 3 different trucks… More Shots of Mitchell Allread’s ’49 Ford Turbo Diesel Dually [More…]

Hellcat KILLER ~ 1953 Chevy Bel Air Sleeper

November 25, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Besides the intercooler out front, the old green patina on top along and old smoothie wheels — this 1953 Bel Air is very unsuspecting. [More…]

Original Unrestored ’59 Chevy Impala

September 13, 2016 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Kevin Tetz takes a very rare 1959 Chevrolet Impala spotted at Wheels In Motion in Pottstown, PA. for a drive talks to owner Mike Yannessa. [More…]

Extreme Widebody 1967 Ford Mustang Meets C5 Corvette Build

February 16, 2019 Roadkill Customs Builds and Examples, Rides & Roadkillers

Mustang Kyle’s ’67 Mustang underwent an extreme widebody modification and now tops a ’99 C5 Corvette with 5.7-liter LS1 V-8 engine. [More…]

A New Life for an Old Truck

May 1, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

For Andy, driving a 66-year-old truck isn’t a hassle, it’s an experience in itself. Watch how Andy modified his truck into his dream ride. [More…]

The Siren Of TI Chopper

October 13, 2014 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

A two-part project by Metropolitan Choppers and metal sculptor Scott Cawood, The “Siren Of TI” Chopper is a 900 pound master piece constructed with nearly 250 pounds of scrap iron and steel as a tribute to the beautiful Sirens of Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. [More…]

1956 Ford COE C-600 Body / E-350 Chassis Swap

February 16, 2018 Roadkill Customs Builds and Examples, DIY Projects, Rides & Roadkillers

Project: 1956 Ford C-600 COE Drive Train / Chassis Donor: 1990 Ford E-350 7.3l Diesel (ex-U-Haul box truck) The chassis donor for this project, a 1990 Ford E-350 was used to retrieve it’s own [More…]

1934 Plymouth Hidden in Basement for 30 Years

1934 Plymouth Hot Rod Hidden for 30 Years

October 11, 2018 Roadkill Customs Builds and Examples, Rides & Roadkillers

This 1934 Plymouth hot rod, built by Charles Berry in 1965, has been rescued and put back on the road after more than 30 years — follow the journey as we rescue a historic hot [More…]

Rollin’ In a Woody ~ Jack Dick’s Surf Wagon

December 8, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This 1926 Hudson was hand fabricated into a woody surf wagon by Ben McCloy and Scott Satteria of Jack Dick Custom’s in Martinez, CA. [More…]

Wee-Man’s 1962 Chevy Impala

January 10, 2019 Roadkill Customs Lifestyle, Rides & Roadkillers

Wee-Man and his 1962 Chevrolet Impala in long beach — hear a good story, shred a local skate park, and grub up on some quality Mexican food. [More…]

“Old Blue” After the Build ~ Coyote Powered 1968 F100

March 25, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Grenade Motorsports and the 1968 F100 Coyote powered pickup six months after the build — How is it now? It’s pretty kickass actually. [More…]

1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SE ~ The Blau Coupe

May 31, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers, Roadkill Imports

This is the ultimate cruiser, a leather-swaddled land yacht that is equal parts engineering triumph and sensory indulgence. [More…]

Graham Smith’s Street-Legal 1957 Chevrolet ~ Snow White

May 5, 2013 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Snow White ~ Graham Smith’s Street-Legal 1957 Chevrolet makes is debut at Shakespeare County Raceway, Warwickshire, UK. [More…]

The Dirty Bird ~ 2,600 HP Ford Falcon

April 28, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This 1968 Ford Falcon running on 275 Drag Radials lays down around 2600 HP through its 449 CI Small Block Ford with a pair of 88mm Turbos. Watch it tear down the track at the North Star Dragway… [More…]

Ken Block’s 914-HP Hoonitruck

October 29, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Based on a 1977 Ford F-150, the Ken Block’s 914-HP Hoonitruck makes its massive 914 hp and 702 lb-ft of torque thanks to a custom-tuned V6 EcoBoost turbo motor taken straight from the Ford GT Le Mans development program. [More…]

Ken Block’s GYMKHANA TEN: The Ultimate Tire Slaying Tour

December 17, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Ken Block and Hoonigan are pleased to present the latest and biggest video project of his career, Gymkhana TEN: Ultimate Tire Slaying Tour… [More…]

Gary Kollofski’s V12 Powered 1955 Chevrolet

January 29, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Gary Kollofski went way outside the box on his Tri-five Chevrolet, opting for a 730 CI V12 marine motor. [More…]

No Bottle. No Blower. No Bull. ~ Barry Clemons’ 1964 Ford Fairlane

April 10, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Life In The Fairlane ~ Barry Clemons’ 1964 Ford Fairlane at the Holley Hot Rod Reunion ~ No Bottle. No Blower. No Bull. [More…]

1946-1964 Willys Jeep Pickup Truck

October 2, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Willys Trucks (Production Total: Over 200,000) are not as well known as the ubiquitous and familiar “Jeep” (CJ Universal) or Station Wagon, but Willys did produce a number of different truck models, including the Pickup, [More…]

Never Judge a Wagon by its Rust…

November 25, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Taking 8 months of spare time and some help from close friends, Richie took this old Chevrolet wagon and made it a truly unique build! [More…]

Rides & Roadkillers

Jonathan Ward’s ICON Chevy Thriftmaster Truck

January 2, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Automotive designer Jonathan Ward gives us an inside peek into the ICON 4×4 brand and his latest creation, the ICON Chevy Thriftmaster truck.
[More…]

1964 Mercury Marauder ~ The Odyssey

February 19, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

The distinctively American sound of the Mercury’s V8 is enough to make you nostalgic or deaf depending on how close you are. [More…]

Chevy Impala ~ Everything You Need to Know

May 3, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Join James as he explores this landmark car, from the Bel Air Impala, to the legendary 409, to the 90s SS and beyond. [More…]

820 HP Chevrolet Rat Rod Pickup Truck

October 23, 2017 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Back in the 40s, this once innocent Chevrolet pickup truck left a dealership’s lot and began a lifetime of hard work and faithful service. But after it’s rebirth, it can live life with a bit more horsepower as a Chevrolet Rat Rod Truck. [More…]

1959 GMC Fleetside Truck / B-Body Chassis Swap

February 17, 2018 Roadkill Customs Builds and Examples, DIY Projects, Rides & Roadkillers

Project: 1959 GMC Truck / B-Body Swap and Cut to Short-bed Chassis and Drive-Train Donor: 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Classic A customer that had recently purchased a 1959 GMC Truck, running, came to us wanting to [More…]

The Bug ~ The Iconic Hot Rod of Icon Dick Kraft

October 11, 2018 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

“The Bug” is a flathead Ford V8-powered 1927 Model T built and driven by hot rod icon Dick Kraft — stripped to the bare frame rails and running essentials, in 1950, The Bug had become the “daddy” of modern dragsters. [More…]

This 1927 Oakland Racer Fits Just Perfectly

December 7, 2018 Roadkill Customs Lifestyle, Rides & Roadkillers

Brian uses his Oakland as his surf wagon, driving it to San Onofre to catch waves. He also makes his own 1920s and ’30s style surfboards. [More…]

1941 International Cummins Diesel Powered Rat Rod

January 10, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

This 1941 International Harvester KB5 2-Ton Truck is a Dodge Cummins Diesel 91 powered Rat Rod. [More…]

Ignore the Internet ~ Build a “Pro Daily” Camaro

March 26, 2019 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Ignore the Internet. Build a “Pro Daily” Camaro – Here is why you don’t need 1,000HP [More…]

Rey Payumo’s 1963 Chevrolet Impala

April 3, 2013 Roadkill Customs Rides & Roadkillers

Rey Payumo of Kailua, Hawaii found this 1963 Chevrolet Impala packed with junk in a garage in Hayward, California. Rey tells us “It had an previous restoration, the color used to be lowrider purple and it used to be totally lowridered out. After buying it, my lil’ brother Roy and I towed it South… [More…]

2600hp Ford Falcon??? The DIRTY BIRD

Jay Leno's Room of the Giants

Wheelstanding Dump Truck! Stubby Bob’s Comeback - Roadkill Ep. 52

Blastolene's Piss'd Off Pete - Jay Leno's Garage

1927 Ford: Double-Trouble -- /BIG MUSCLE

Satan's Rat-Rod: 1931 Ford - /BIG MUSCLE

1939 Plymouth Radial Air - Jay Leno's Garage

1942 Dodge Power Wagon Restomod - Jay Leno's Garage

A Steampunk Hot Rod That...Turns? - /BIG MUSCLE

Not a Rat-Rod: 1922 Ford Roadster -/BIG MUSCLE

You Must Drive This - /BIG MUSCLE

A Scratch-Built Hot Rod / Rat Rod from Cutworm Specialties

1951 Ford Coupe - Jay Leno's Garage

1951 Kaiser Drag'n - Jay Leno's Garage

Rat Rod vs Lamborghini Aventador! Roadkill Episode 5

Badass Diesel Turbo RAT ROD Pickup

New Skool Rat Rod

INSANE 57 Chevy Wagon RAT ROD!

PRIUS REPELLANT - 1,000hp Diesel Rat Rod

BAD A$$ Custom Peterbilt HOT ROD SEMI

Rat Rods that will blow your mind-street machines,hot rods,Better buy insurance before watch.