As the Pacific Northwest mist dripped off of the forlorn Camaro’s bumper, I vowed that I would make that trip. The first few years were hindered by a lack of a driver’s license or a useable car. Then there were the years where I had a car and license, but was poor enough that I was counting pennies to make sure I had dinner for the week. Then there were the military years, where I had the car and the money, but no free time to hit the road. Then school… then work… you know the story.

This year, I bit the bullet. Hot Rod’s Power Tour happened for the 30th round. I’m 41 now. With my ’76 Charger up and running with fresh gears and an Interstate-friendly transmission, there was no reasonable excuse why I couldn’t go. Haley was willing to co-pilot, I had nothing scheduled on the calendar. And for an added bonus, this year’s route was very close to home: Bowling Green, Nashville, Louisville, Columbus and Indy. PERFECT. Even the weather was looking great, with no rain in the forecast and temperatures in the upper-80s.

The icing on the cake was that Matt at American Powertrain hooked us up with sponsor parking passes, which meant that (A) I spent money on multi-day passes that weren’t required, and (B) I had guaranteed parking at the American Powertrain display on the midway so I could show off the TKX swap. We packed a cooler for drinks, some chairs, sunscreen and on Monday morning, parked up.

Monday and Tuesday were awesome. I was pleasantly surprised to see the reaction to the car and had the pleasure of talking with many people. Some had questions regarding the swap, others wanted to share the memories of cars like mine from the past. I was all about it. Every now and then we’d stretch our legs and go see what interesting rides had been brought to the Tour. We’d arrive early and leave before the traffic jam became insurmountable. We planned to return home until Wednesday, then we’d leave early Friday as we had a family event to attend on Saturday.

Things unraveled pretty fast after leaving Nashville Super Speedway. After exiting Interstate 40 to the country highways, it was clear that the Charger was seriously down on power. Hills that shouldn’t have been a blip on my radar were requiring more throttle to surmount. I suspected that the car was getting hot, so we stopped for dinner in Portland, Tennessee to give the 360 a chance to cool. It seemed to help a little, but by the time we were through Franklin, Kentucky it was evident that the issue was back. I hadn’t messed with anything, so what gives?

I got my answer on the last turn before my driveway: at a complete stop the oil pressure gauge dove to nearly zero and the engine was shaking the car like an earthquake. Sure enough, once I pulled in my driveway I checked the oil and got my answer: nearly none. We had topped off the fluids that morning before driving to Nashville. Not continuing on the Tour wasn’t an option, so the Charger was stuffed into the garage and our truck was employed for the remaining distance.

Aside from the one fly in the ointment, however, the Tour was great. We caught up with many friends throughout the week and got to tour some quieter parts of the middle of the country that we normally would just blast past on the Interstate. I will say that next time I drive the tour, I’m linking up with a group of friends to run with, because driving it on your own leaves something to be desired. Finding the local eateries is a must. Making a 1-2 pull in the tunnel leading into Nashville is a must. Hanging out in the bed of a truck sipping something cold while watching UPS jets taking off from from the airport in Louisville is a must.

Fixing my wounded Mopar for the next adventure isn’t a must. It’s a vow.

The post Unhinged: Power Tour 2024, From The Eyes Of A First-Timer appeared first on BangShift.com.

One of the show’s crown jewels is our 1973 Ford Bronco build. Sitting on a robust Kincer chassis, this Bronco’s focus is on reliability and drivability, with a 5.0L Coyote engine and 10-speed automatic combination. The addition of Tractive adaptive suspension takes ride quality to the next level, while the four-wheel disc brakes guarantee it stops on a dime. This Bronco isn’t just a rebuild; it’s a statement of modern engineering blended with classic charm.

And then there’s Dain’s ’68 Corvette, which is set to be an absolute show-stopper. Built on a SpeedTech chassis, this ‘Vette is getting a heart transplant in the form of a 427ci LST V8 from Mast Motorsports, cranking out a whopping 700 horsepower. It’s getting everything from massive brakes, to ABS, to traction control, to massive tires on all four corners. The cantilever IRS setup promises superb handling, while the Forgeline wheels and widebody design will add an aggressive stance that’s hard to ignore. The best of both worlds is the focus of this car. Form meets function.

A huge thanks to everyone who came out and made this show unforgettable. Your support means the world to us. Keep your eyes peeled because we’re doing it all over again this fall. More cars, more prizes, more fun—stay tuned!

CLICK ANY IMAGE BELOW TO SCROLL THROUGH THE SLIDE SHOW

The post Classic Car Liquidators Show Coverage: North Texas’ Gearhead Paradise Draws Some Seriously Cool Hot Rods, Classics, Muscle Cars, And More! appeared first on BangShift.com.

If you are a custom truck fan then you know the gang from GrinderTV and those dudes have been shooting awesome videos for years from all the best shows. Lone Star Throwdown is no different and so we’re glad to be able to share their video from this year’s Lone Star Throwdown. Check it out below.

If you missed our photos, use the link below.

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISS ANY OF OUR LONE STAR THROWDOWN PICS 

Video Description:

LST 2024 was one for the record books. We can not stress enough…if you have never been…GO.

The post Lone Star Throwdown Video: This Show Is Epic, And Now Instead Of Just Having Photos We’ve Got This Great Video Of All The Cool That Was On Hand In Texas! appeared first on BangShift.com.

We’re much more about dragging, cruising, and hanging out. It’s the custom truck culture way.

So here are the photos from Damon and, along with videos from this event, they make me want to go next year with my own mini. We should start planning now.

The post MiniTruckin Nationals Photos From Maggie Valley North Carolina – Old School, New School, Mini’s And More! appeared first on BangShift.com.

(Words and Photos by Chad Reynolds) I hit the Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe Texas this weekend and as usual was blown away by the turnout. Lone Star Throwdown, or LST as it’s often referred to, is one of the premier custom truck shows in the country. It also happens to be one of a few of those that happen in the state of Texas. It’s also one of my favorites. This show draws folks from all over the country, along with Canada and Mexico. In previous years I’ve been joined by buddies, but nobody could get out of town for the show this year. Instead, I hit the road myself to check out all the awesome custom trucks, cars, and more that make up this amazing show. There were insane numbers of trucks and some really cool stuff we loved. As usual, we did our best to shoot a ton of photos so we have great galleries to share.

After getting up at 5:15 am, I hopped  in the Peep, my EG Civic Hatch, and made the 220 mile drive down to Conroe all by my lonesome. With the tunes cranked and the Civic sipping gas I made it there with just one stop for some breakfast at Buc-ees. Once there, it was time to get into the show, but not before using the small stature of the Peep to take advantage of a great “parking spot”, and just barely missed the huge rush at the gate. It was craziness from that moment on.

Enjoy, let us know which ones are your favorites, and check back for more tomorrow!

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISS ANY OF OUR LONE STAR THROWDOWN PICS 

The post Our Final Gallery Of Lone Star Throwdown Photos Is Right Here! LST Was Off The Chain, With Trucks Of Every Flavor On Display In Texas. appeared first on BangShift.com.

(Words and Photos by Chad Reynolds) I hit the Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe Texas this weekend and as usual was blown away by the turnout. Lone Star Throwdown, or LST as it’s often referred to, is one of the premier custom truck shows in the country. It also happens to be one of a few of those that happen in the state of Texas. It’s also one of my favorites. This show draws folks from all over the country, along with Canada and Mexico. In previous years I’ve been joined by buddies, but nobody could get out of town for the show this year. Instead, I hit the road myself to check out all the awesome custom trucks, cars, and more that make up this amazing show. There were insane numbers of trucks and some really cool stuff we loved. As usual, we did our best to shoot a ton of photos so we have great galleries to share.

After getting up at 5:15 am, I hopped  in the Peep, my EG Civic Hatch, and made the 220 mile drive down to Conroe all by my lonesome. With the tunes cranked and the Civic sipping gas I made it there with just one stop for some breakfast at Buc-ees. Once there, it was time to get into the show, but not before using the small stature of the Peep to take advantage of a great “parking spot”, and just barely missed the huge rush at the gate. It was craziness from that moment on.

Enjoy, let us know which ones are your favorites, and check back for more tomorrow!

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISS ANY OF OUR LONE STAR THROWDOWN PICS 

The post Nearing The End Of Our Lone Star Throwdown Photos! LST Did Not Disappoint. Trucks Of All Shapes And Sizes From Texas. appeared first on BangShift.com.

(Words and Photos by Chad Reynolds) I hit the Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe Texas this weekend and as usual was blown away by the turnout. Lone Star Throwdown, or LST as it’s often referred to, is one of the premier custom truck shows in the country. It also happens to be one of a few of those that happen in the state of Texas. It’s also one of my favorites. This show draws folks from all over the country, along with Canada and Mexico. In previous years I’ve been joined by buddies, but nobody could get out of town for the show this year. Instead, I hit the road myself to check out all the awesome custom trucks, cars, and more that make up this amazing show. There were insane numbers of trucks and some really cool stuff we loved. As usual, we did our best to shoot a ton of photos so we have great galleries to share.

After getting up at 5:15 am, I hopped  in the Peep, my EG Civic Hatch, and made the 220 mile drive down to Conroe all by my lonesome. With the tunes cranked and the Civic sipping gas I made it there with just one stop for some breakfast at Buc-ees. Once there, it was time to get into the show, but not before using the small stature of the Peep to take advantage of a great “parking spot”, and just barely missed the huge rush at the gate. It was craziness from that moment on.

Enjoy, let us know which ones are your favorites, and check back for more tomorrow!

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISS ANY OF OUR LONE STAR THROWDOWN PICS 

The post Lone Star Throwdown 2024: Trucks, Trucks, and More Trucks! We’ve Still Got Tons of Photos to Share! appeared first on BangShift.com.

(Words and Photos by Chad Reynolds) I hit the Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe Texas this weekend and as usual was blown away by the turnout. Lone Star Throwdown, or LST as it’s often referred to, is one of the premier custom truck shows in the country. It also happens to be one of a few of those that happen in the state of Texas. It’s also one of my favorites. This show draws folks from all over the country, along with Canada and Mexico. In previous years I’ve been joined by buddies, but nobody could get out of town for the show this year. Instead, I hit the road myself to check out all the awesome custom trucks, cars, and more that make up this amazing show. There were insane numbers of trucks and some really cool stuff we loved. As usual, we did our best to shoot a ton of photos so we have great galleries to share.

After getting up at 5:15 am, I hopped  in the Peep, my EG Civic Hatch, and made the 220 mile drive down to Conroe all by my lonesome. With the tunes cranked and the Civic sipping gas I made it there with just one stop for some breakfast at Buc-ees. Once there, it was time to get into the show, but not before using the small stature of the Peep to take advantage of a great “parking spot”, and just barely missed the huge rush at the gate. It was craziness from that moment on.

Enjoy, let us know which ones are your favorites, and check back for more tomorrow!

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISS ANY OF OUR LONE STAR THROWDOWN PICS 

The post We’ve Got More Lone Star Throwdown 2024 Photos: If You Have Missed Any Of The Custom Trucks, Cars, And More From This Bad Ass Show, Click Here! appeared first on BangShift.com.

(Words and Photos by Chad Reynolds) I hit the Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe Texas this weekend and as usual was blown away by the turnout. Lone Star Throwdown, or LST as it’s often referred to, is one of the premier custom truck shows in the country. It also happens to be one of a few of those that happen in the state of Texas. It’s also one of my favorites. This show draws folks from all over the country, along with Canada and Mexico. In previous years I’ve been joined by buddies, but nobody could get out of town for the show this year. Instead, I hit the road myself to check out all the awesome custom trucks, cars, and more that make up this amazing show. There were insane numbers of trucks and some really cool stuff we loved. As usual, we did our best to shoot a ton of photos so we have great galleries to share.

After getting up at 5:15 am, I hopped  in the Peep, my EG Civic Hatch, and made the 220 mile drive down to Conroe all by my lonesome. With the tunes cranked and the Civic sipping gas I made it there with just one stop for some breakfast at Buc-ees. Once there, it was time to get into the show, but not before using the small stature of the Peep to take advantage of a great “parking spot”, and just barely missed the huge rush at the gate. It was craziness from that moment on.

So, here is your first gallery. I’ll have more coming over the next several days, and have all the photos in the order that I shot them while walking the show. So you guys and gals get to see what I saw as I went through. We’ll have show galleries, and I might even do some lifted vs lowered or brand galleries too.

Enjoy, let us know which ones are your favorites, and check back for more tomorrow!

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISS ANY OF OUR LONE STAR THROWDOWN PICS 

The post Lone Star Throwdown Photos 2024: More Custom Trucks, Cars, And More From This Bad Ass Must Attend Show. appeared first on BangShift.com.

(Words and Photos by Chad Reynolds) I hit the Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe Texas this weekend and as usual was blown away by the turnout. Lone Star Throwdown, or LST as it’s often referred to, is one of the premier custom truck shows in the country. It also happens to be one of a few of those that happen in the state of Texas. It’s also one of my favorites. This show draws folks from all over the country, along with Canada and Mexico. In previous years I’ve been joined by buddies, but nobody could get out of town for the show this year. Instead, I hit the road myself to check out all the awesome custom trucks, cars, and more that make up this amazing show. There were insane numbers of trucks and some really cool stuff we loved. As usual, we did our best to shoot a ton of photos so we have great galleries to share.

After getting up at 5:15 am, I hopped  in the Peep, my EG Civic Hatch, and made the 220 mile drive down to Conroe all by my lonesome. With the tunes cranked and the Civic sipping gas I made it there with just one stop for some breakfast at Buc-ees. Once there, it was time to get into the show, but not before using the small stature of the Peep to take advantage of a great “parking spot”, and just barely missed the huge rush at the gate. It was craziness from that moment on.

So, here is your first gallery. I’ll have more coming over the next several days, and have all the photos in the order that I shot them while walking the show. So you guys and gals get to see what I saw as I went through. We’ll have show galleries, and I might even do some lifted vs lowered or brand galleries too.

Enjoy, let us know which ones are your favorites, and check back for more tomorrow!

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISS ANY OF OUR LONE STAR THROWDOWN PICS 

The post Lone Star Throwdown Photos 2024: Custom Trucks, Cars, And More From This Bad Ass Must Attend Show. appeared first on BangShift.com.