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D. Brian Smith

Recent Posts by D. Brian Smith:

Restoring v Restomodding a ’66–’74 Dodge Charger: A Gearhead’s Dilemma

The Dodge Charger models of 1966–1974 are some of the most iconic muscle cars ever to roll out of Detroit. Whether you’re drooling over the Coke-bottle curves of a ’68 R/T, the hidden headlights of a ’70 SE, or the long and low profile of a ’74, the Charger oozes character. But when it comes to bringing one back to life, the age-old debate pops up: do you restore it to bone-stock glory, or do you go the restomod route and blend old-school attitude with modern tech? Let’s break it down, muscle car enthusiast style.

Videos: Top 10 Restoration Mistakes on the 1966–1974 Dodge Charger


Especially the second-generation Dodge Charger is one of the crown jewels of the Mopar world, with the ’68–’70 models commanding center stage at every car show and auction block. Whether you’re working on an early ’66–’67 “Coke bottle” fastback, a winged Daytona, or a smog-era ’74 R/T, restoration blunders can tank both the car’s value and its drivability. Below are the ten most common mistakes restorers make when reviving a classic Charger.

Top 10 Restoration & Modification Mistakes on Ford Trucks 1932–1956

Ford’s light-duty trucks transitioned quickly from car-based haulers (1932–1947) to the first-generation F-Series (1948–1952) and the improved second generation (1953–1956, with the birth of the F-100). Collectors love them, builders customize them, and enthusiasts hot rod them. But whether you’re doing a faithful restoration, a period street rod, or a modernized restomod, the same 10 pitfalls keep showing up - with extra risks when blending old steel and new tech.

Video: A Wooden Wonder Wins Pebble Beach’s Top Prize

A one-of-a-kind Hispano-Suiza with an aviation-inspired design stole the spotlight at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, taking home the coveted Best of Show award.

Out of 229 cars from around the world - 55 of them shipped in from 22 different countries - the winning entry was a 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo, lovingly presented by Penny and Lee Anderson Sr. of Naples, Florida.

Concorso Italiano 2025: A Celebration of Italian Automotive Excellence

This year, gearheads and classic car fans took over the Bayonet Black Horse Golf Course in Seaside, California to mark the 40th anniversary of Concorso Italiano. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM, the Monterey Peninsula rumbled with the sights and sounds of Italian automotive legends. Now under the International Car Week banner, the show keeps true to its heritage—only with more horsepower, chrome, and car camaraderie than ever.

Videos: Reliving the Glory of Vintage Racing at Laguna Seca Raceway

Every year in mid-August, the crew of Monterey Car Week enjoys a vacation in Central California for the goings on in Carmel by the Sea, Laguna Seca, Seaside, Monterey, and Pebble Beach. For automotive enthusiasts, the moniker of Monterey Car Week and the listing of those magnificent Central California towns should give you a clue as to what the MCW crew is doing during this glorious week. 

From Chance Find to Showpiece: Denny Ruan’s 1987 GMC Sierra R10

For many enthusiasts, building a classic truck begins with months - sometimes years - of searching for the perfect project. For Denny Ruan, it began with a single phone call. Today, nearly three years after that moment, his 1987 GMC Sierra R10 stands as a lowered, tastefully modified cruiser that blends late-’80s squarebody style with personal touches and family craftsmanship.

Classic Industries Launches Great New Digital Buick Regal Catalog

Classic Industries has released a brand‑new digital version of its full‑color Buick Regal parts and accessories catalog for the 1978–1987 era, with full support for all Buick Regal and Grand National variants (Grand National, GNX, T‑Type, Turbo‑T, and Sport). You can now download the catalog as a PDF or request a free printed copy, making the entire restoration resource instantly accessible on desktop, tablet, or mobile.

Top 10 Restoration Mistakes on the First-Generation 1965–73 Ford Mustang

Restoring a classic Mustang from the first generation (1965 - 1973) is both a rewarding journey and a technical challenge. These cars - ranging from early 1965 models to the muscular 1973 fastbacks - are classics of American automotive history. However, many restorers fall into common traps that undermine both the integrity and value of the final build.

Whether you're tackling a numbers-matching 1966 GT coupe or a 1970 Boss 302, here's a thorough guide to the 10 most common and costly restoration mistakes, complete with historical context and technical insight.

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Restoring a 1967–1969 Camaro

The first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, produced from 1967 to 1969, holds an iconic place in American muscle car history. Whether it’s the aggressive stance of the ‘69 RS/SS or the elegant simplicity of the ‘67 base coupe, restoring one of these classics is a dream project for many car enthusiasts. However, bringing a vintage Camaro back to life is no small task. Restorers, especially first-timers, often make critical errors that can cost time, money, and value.