Road Rumblings

CHEVROLET PERFORMANCE CONTINUES SUPPORT OF CUSTOM CAR BUILDERS AT GOODGUYS EVENTS THROUGH 2024

Goodguys, the organizer of America's favorite car show, has announced the extension of a deal with General Motors to present the Chevrolet Performance GM Iron Builder of the Year and the Chevrolet Performance Retro Iron Builder of the Year awards through the 2024 show calendar. Each show season, Goodguys and Chevrolet Performance will recognize two professional builders with the top performance-built GM and GM-powered vehicles. Winners in each category will receive a Chevrolet Performance Connect & Cruise powertrain system.

The Chevrolet Performance Retro Iron Builder of the Year title recognizes an exceptional non-GM bodied build powered by a GM engine. The Chevrolet Performance GM Iron Builder of the Year award is given to an outstanding GM-bodied build with a GM drivetrain. Finalists for these awards will be chosen at each Goodguys show before selecting overall winners at the end of the season. The winning builders will be awarded an engine and transmission package with a value of $31,218 (GM Iron) and $21,349 (Retro Iron). The award-winning vehicles will be displayed at the Goodguys season finale event, the Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona, and featured in Goodguys’ print and digital media outlets.

“Chevrolet Performance is proud to continue the collaboration with Goodguys,” said Todd Gallant, Manager Chevrolet Performance COPO and Promotions. “The hotrodders, builders and enthusiasts of Goodguys truly exemplify our passion for performance.”

This year, the Chevrolet Performance Retro Iron Builder of the Year winner will take home an LT4 Connect & Cruise powertrain system. The Chevrolet Performance GM Iron Builder of the Year winner will win a ZZ6 EFI Connect & Cruise powertrain system. In addition, GM will sponsor the Goodguys Chevrolet Performance Builder’s Choice special parking area on Saturday at each event where some of the best builds in the country will register to go after Goodguys awards.

“Following a successful inaugural year in 2021, Chevrolet Performance sees great value in continuing their support of Goodguys and professional builders by extending the Chevrolet Performance Builder of the Year awards through 2024,” said Goodguys VP of sales Jason Snyder. “Recognizing these professionals for their design, engineering and craftsmanship is well deserved. They are the trendsetters who pump new energy into customs and hot rods that create a long-term impact on the industry that will carry forward for years to come. We can’t thank Chevrolet Performance enough for their goodwill and support.”

For more information about the Goodguys Chevrolet Performance Builder of the Year awards and other Goodguys Rod & Custom Association events and programs, visit www.good-guys.com.

DSE SpeedMAX Front Suspension System For 1973-1987 GM C/K Trucks

GM’s Squarebody C/K trucks turn 50 next year. After years of following in the shadow of the ’67-72 GM trucks, Square bodies are now the belle of the ball. With stout build quality and broadshouldered good looks, thousands of 1973-1987 GM trucks are being resurrected across the country. Although 50 is the new 30, Square bodies are essentially antique vehicles these days. If you want to restore your C/K suspension or take your big fella autocrossing, Detroit Speed & Engineering (DSE) has a great way to give your old Square body a rejuvenating drink from the fountain of youth. Well known in the aftermarket scene, DSE designs modern running gear to endow your Square body truck with modern-day levels of ride and handling. The company’s SpeedMAX front suspension system is engineered with exclusive DSE geometry that delivers better handling as well as lowered ride height. The best part is the SpeedMAX front suspension is a bolt-on affair that accepts OEMstyle GMT800 brakes, giving you a myriad of brake options. SpeedMax works with small and big block engines, and comes with rack-and-pinion steering, wheel hubs, and sway bars, making this system a one-stop affair. SpeedMAX suspensions are available with non-adjustable, single-adjustable, and dual-adjustable shocks as well. 100-percent bolt-on front suspension system that can be installed in your garage Body panels and engine do not need to be removed for ease of installation Features “Detroit Tuned” GMT800 rack-and-pinion for positive and smooth steering DSE “Detroit Tuned” aluminum body coilover shocks/springs with 650 lb/in springs (for big block Chevy engine) allow for ride height adjustment and spring-rate tuning without having to disassemble the control arms for a 4- to a 6-inch drop Features ADI (Austempered Ductile Iron) upper shock bracket that uses a special heat-treated highstrength cast iron for excellent wear resistance and fatigue strength Forged in the USA, DSE aluminum spindle assemblies feature a 5 x 5-inch or 5 x 4.75-inch dual bolt pattern hub pack wheel bearing designed to use modern GMT800 (1999-2006) GM Truck brakes (requires DSE 13-inch dual-drilled rotors) USA forged-steel steering arm bolts onto the spindle Includes sway bar with improved design/rate over optional factory bar using polyurethane bushings and low friction, modern aluminum end links to control sway Uses tubular upper and lower control arms with Delrin bushings that are designed for trucks Stainless steel upper control arm cross shafts feature caster tuner bushings for quick and easy caster changes independent of camber Kits available with non-adjustable, single-adjustable, or dual-adjustable shocks Accepts big-block Chevy engine mounts The required steering coupler kit (available separately) is designed to be used with SpeedMax kits and features high-quality U-joints for a smooth, positive steering feel.

Check Out AMD’s New ’73-’87 Square Body Bed Floor

With the growing popularity of early trucks, enterprising enthusiasts are clamoring to get parts to help them modify their rides? To help those hot rodders, Auto Metal Direct (AMD) is now offering allnew ‘73-‘87 Chevy and GMC square body bed floor pieces for the short bed, Fleetside trucks. But this isn’t just any standard bed floor, it is ready to accommodate 4-inch wider wheel tubs — which are also available separately from AMD. This new floor eliminates the need to modify the bed floor to install the wider tubs, now you can purchase the all-new bed floor and directly bolt in the wider tubs! This saves a huge amount of time and money not having to fabricate the floor. But in the words of a late-night infomercial, wait, there’s more. AMD went one step further, and the bed floors feature a one-piece construction just like the original. AMD has reproduced these new parts to GM spec. We’re told they feature a one-piece floor stamping, and all the braces underneath are OE correct bed floor. If you’re not looking for a new square body bed floor to fit wider tires and need OE dimensions, AMD is developing the same OE-style quality bed floors in stock form as well. They are working through the production schedule, so stay tuned for more info on these as well. Why not make it a complete bed floor by adding the 4-inch-wider wheel tubs? AMD continues to support C/K Truck enthusiasts and restoration professionals in the continued growth of their truck product line. These OE quality components from AMD are the perfect touch for your restoration. Call 1-877.575.3586 today for full details or visit online at www.AutoMetalDirect.com PN: 790-4073-64S Bed Floor Assembly For 4-inch Wider Tubs – ’73-’87 Chevy GMC C/K Short Bed Fleetside Pickup

PN: 760-4073-4 Bed Wheel Tubs – 4-inches Wider – Pair – 73-87 Chevy GMC C/K Fleetside Pickup; ’73-’91 Blazer Jimmy

What Does Ford’s Absence Mean for SEMA 2022?

For attendees of the annual Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) Show, the Ford booth often serves as the north star of the event. Located smack in the middle of central hall, it has always dominated the main show area with its blue glow and ever present announcements, not to mention show vehicles demonstrating the latest efforts from the Blue Oval. But this year, show goers — and those who play along at home — will be left without the blow glue. Ford, and fellow big dog Honda, have decided that they will not be SEMA staples this year. According to SEMA’s latest press release, “Due to a change in corporate strategy, Ford and Honda will not be displaying at the 2022 SEMA Show. We appreciate their long-time support, and while many of us are going to miss their participation at this year’s Show, we are excited to see the Show take on a new look in Central Hall. SEMA will continue to collaborate with both Ford and Honda on various SEMA programs, such as Tech Transfer and Measuring Sessions in 2022 and beyond.” Two major OEMs pulling out of the event will definitely signal a sea change as other manufacturers look around and try to interpret what it means for the auto industry as a whole? Is it the end times? Is it really Ford restructuring and Honda trying to save money? Is it an industry looking at how marketing an ever expanding electric space should be handled? Is there better value to be had with a presence at smaller, more specialized events? Or is it a combination of all three and more, including a response to 2021’s more sparsely attended show in comparison to pre-pandemic numbers?

While speculation runs rampant, the show will go on. Chevrolet, Stellantis and Toyota will returns amongst others, and Volkswagen is taking the opportunity to display as a newcomer. For actual show attendees — buyers, media and industry personnel there to spot trends — Ford and Honda’s absence may not make much difference. While obviously offering show pieces (including the epic outside exhibits showcasing the vehicles in action), the large OEM booths are often simply that — Show Pieces. The real business of SEMA happens between buyers and smaller manufacturers trying to get their name out. “With more than 1 million sq. ft. of exhibitor space already committed, enthusiasm for the 2022 Show continues to be stronger than last year as “confirmed spaces are running 25% above 2021” explained Warren Kosikov, SEMA vice president of sales. It may mean more literal and metaphorical space for new products and manufacturers, new events, and new faces entering the automotive aftermarket space. The potential is there. Still, it’s hard to envision a celebration of the aftermarket without Ford’s presence, particularly as the company continues to innovate in the EV, hybrid and aftermarket space. The blue glow will be missed, even as media and manufacturers speculate on who and what will fill the gap.