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D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

A 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Tribute Worth Its Weight in Lime Gold

Some Shelby Mustang tributes simply look the part. While others both look and act the part. This 1968 Shelby GT350 Mustang fastback clone both has the Shelby looks and is backed up by a prodigious Ford stroker small block V8 that packs quite a high-performance punch. There are also several enhancements to the pony car's suspension, wheels, tires, and brakes that are worth describing to let you know that you're not just looking at a nice-looking Shelby tribute.

Buyer’s Guide: Top Headlights for American Muscle Cars and Trucks

Upgrading your American muscle car or truck with a new set of headlights not only enhances the vehicle's visual appeal but also improves drivability and safety. Whether you're restoring a classic muscle car or giving your modern muscle truck a makeover, selecting the right headlights can make a big difference. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explore the features, advantages, and benefits of 10 top headlight brands for muscle cars and trucks: Dapper, Oracle, Delta, OER Authorized, Holley RetroBright, J.W. Speaker, Redline Lumtronix, United Pacific Antique Lights, Quake LED Headlights, and Octane Lighting Headlights. Each brand offers unique features to suit different needs, from sleek aesthetics to cutting-edge lighting technology.

A 1971 Ford Bronco Named the Death Trap

If you're handy with old vehicles, something like say a first-generation Ford Bronco could be your daily driver. They're simple and straightforward to work on. You don't have to be a computer genius. They're analog instruments of on- and off-road mayhem. With typically lots of access in the engine bay, within the interior, and underneath the truck, especially should there be enhanced ground clearance, there aren't really any tight spaces that make projects more difficult than they need to be to accomplish.

Video: It's Not the Batmobile – It's a 1960 Coupe de Ville

The Classic Industries employees working in the company's Retail Showroom weren't sure what the jet-black vehicle parked in the showroom's parking lot was. Someone said there's a Batmobile out there. Hearing this made several of us in the office quite curious. Some of us sneaked out to the parking lot to discover if we might get a glimpse of the Caped Crusaders, Batman and Robin exiting the vehicle, so we could find out what crimes might be occurring right under our noses in Surf City U.S.A. at Classic Industries.

Father and Son 1957 Chevy One-Fifty Two-Door Sedan Restoration Journey

Old car projects can take longer than you think. They may well cost more money than you've budgeted. You could certainly have some big challenges along the way, in terms of mistakes made, parts not fitting properly, must-have components on backorder, and having to acquire some items that might not be reproduced. The missing parts could well be unobtainium. In the end, you may need to make some parts yourself. In essence, restoring an old car is not the sort of hobby that's well suited for those who aren't willing to overcome many obstacles along the way. The terms labor of love and labor of lunacy come to mind.

Chevrolet/GMC Truck Restoration: Your Ultimate Parts Guide

For truck enthusiasts, restorers, and performance seekers, Classic Industries stands as a renowned name when it comes to quality Chevrolet/GMC truck parts and accessories. With a legacy of over 40 years in the restoration industry, Classic Industries has built a reputation for delivering top-tier parts designed to restore or enhance vehicles, whether you're working on a classic 1947 Chevrolet or a 2000 GMC Sierra. Their Chevrolet/GMC Truck Parts and Accessories Catalog is a comprehensive resource that spans several decades of truck production, offering everything from original restoration parts to modern upgrades for better performance and aesthetics.

Comprehensive Guide to 1958-1996 Chevrolet Parts by Classic Industries

For classic car enthusiasts, the 1958-1996 Chevrolet full-size vehicles and the iconic 1959-1960 El Camino represent an era of American automotive history marked by style, innovation, and performance. Restoring and maintaining these classic vehicles requires a reliable source for quality parts and accessories—enter Classic Industries, a leader in providing aftermarket and reproduction parts for classic Chevrolets. The Classic Industries 1958-1996 Chevrolet Parts and Accessories Catalog serves as a comprehensive guide for those working on full-size Chevrolet models from 1958 to 1996, including the unique 1959-1960 Chevrolet El Camino.

Classic Industries Parts Catalog: Your Ultimate Nova Restoration Guide

The Chevrolet Nova (originally called the Chevy II) is a cornerstone of American automotive history. Introduced in 1962, the Nova quickly became a symbol of performance, affordability, and style in the compact car market. Over the decades, the Nova has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts, with its popularity peaking during the muscle car era and continuing through the 1970s. Whether you’re restoring a vintage 1962 Chevy II, building a performance-oriented 1969 Nova SS, or customizing a 1974 Nova, the Classic Industries Nova / Chevy II Parts and Accessories Catalog is an indispensable resource for finding the right parts to bring your car back to its prime.

Classic Industries: Your Ultimate Firebird & Trans Am Parts Resource

When it comes to restoring, customizing, or upgrading a Pontiac Firebird or Trans Am, having access to high-quality parts is essential. Whether you're working on a first-generation 1967 Firebird or a late-model 2002 Trans Am, Classic Industries has been a trusted name in the restoration industry for decades, offering a comprehensive catalog of parts and accessories for every year of the Pontiac Firebird.

Comprehensive Guide to Classic Mopar Restoration and Customization

For Mopar enthusiasts, the 1960-1976 period represents a golden era of performance and design. Chrysler’s A, B, and E-body vehicles—spanning iconic models such as the Dodge Dart, Plymouth Barracuda, Dodge Charger, and the legendary Plymouth Road Runner—are among the most revered in automotive history. Restoring and customizing these vehicles requires access to quality, period-correct parts, which is where Classic Industries steps in. Known for offering high-quality reproduction and aftermarket parts for classic cars, Classic Industries provides an indispensable catalog that caters to the unique needs of A, B, and E-Body Mopar restorations.