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1958 Chevy Stepside - Timeless Lines

Chrome Cragar 390 Street Pro wheels with "spinner" center caps fit the truck's lightly modified style perfectly.

One of our favorite aspects of classic trucks is the diversity of their designs. Unlike today's trucks, which seem to have become relatively boxy and homogeneous, these vintage models often feature distinctive styling cues and sleek aircraft-inspired lines. Now that trucks have become all about masculinity and "tough" looks, observing the smooth curves of a 1950s pickup is like a breath of fresh air.

1971 Chevy C20 Pickup - Fixer-Upper

One of the biggest difficulties with classic cars is the fact that they're rarely viewed as classics until most of them are already gone. That seemingly ordinary beater rusting away in a scrap yard may someday become something priceless, but by that point, the elements will have already taken their toll on it. This catch-22 is especially applicable to pickup trucks, many of which are viewed as boring, utilitarian work vehicles—until they eventually gain appreciation as classics. Then, suddenly everyone is scrambling to find clean examples to restore and show off.

How Do Lightweight Wheels Affect Your Car's Performance?

There's no question about it — one of the most important parts of any classic car project is choosing the right set of wheels. First of all, you've got to pick the right style. Do you want vintage rallye wheels, classic mag five-spokes, or something more aggressive and modern? Then, you've got to select the right bolt pattern and size, and make sure the offset and backspacing are correct for your vehicle. However, there's one more crucial point to consider before making your decision — wheel weight. A set of lightweight wheels can noticeably improve your car's performance.

'65 Impala SS - Super Sport Origins

The vibrant red paint and sweeping lines of this Super Sport are simply timeless.
Red and white seem to be a match made in heaven, as illustrated by this Chevy's beautifully restored interior.

No matter what your automotive background is, the term "SS" is immediately recognizable as a sign of high performance. Super Sport—it's a name that means exactly what it says. Everyone knows and loves the Camaro SS, Nova SS, Chevelle SS, and El Camino SS, but none of these models were the first to bear the designation. In fact, it was a model that many at the time would have considered to be more luxury cruiser than sports coupe—the Impala.

Custom Wheels 101: What are Wheel Backspacing and Offset?

The perfect set of wheels is an essential element of any classic car build, but choosing wheels isn't always as easy as it might seem. There are many technical variables that must be considered, including bolt pattern, diameter, width, backspacing, and offset. Once you've established the wheel specs you need, you'll have to shop for an appropriate set of wheels with an appealing design and finish. In this article, we'll provide some info and diagrams to help you answer the question "what are wheel backspacing and offset?"

'68 Pontiac Firebird - Serious Sleeper

 

You might walk right by this clean Firebird without realizing the extensive modifications that lie beneath its factory bodywork.

Celebrating the Dog Days of Summer for a Good Cause

Cars and dogs just seem to go together. Whether you're washing your classic car in the driveway, wrenching late at night in the garage, or going for a top-down cruise to the beach, your four-legged best friend will always be there by your side. The onset of the dog days of summer reminded us of this connection between man, machine, and dog, and got us thinking about a way to help the dog lovers among us.

Clear Vue Valve Covers - PowerNation TV

The term "torture test" is thrown around a lot in the automotive aftermarket, but what does it really mean? A torture-tested part is used in an extreme scenario that shows what it's truly made of, and whether it can stand up to the abuse. Here at Classic Industries, we like seeing our parts pushed to the limit on cutting-edge builds, so when PowerNation told us they wanted to try our Clear Vue valve covers on their 1000hp turbocharged LS engine build, we gladly accepted.

'71 K5 Blazer - Legendary Legacy

Kenneth came by our Huntington Beach showroom to pick up some Chevy Blazer parts for his '71 K5. Other than a missing tailgate, the truck is nearly finished.
A 350 small-block, four-wheel-drive, and plenty of ground clearance make this compact SUV so much fun off-road.

'69 Camaro RS/SS - Green Machine

You don't see green cars on the road very often, and this gorgeous hue had us wondering why that is.

If you're anything like us, you didn't become a car guy overnight. You probably grew up around cars, and they've been a part of your life since childhood. A true passion for classic cars often begins while wrenching in the garage with Dad, cruising the streets with your best friends, or blasting down the drag strip on weekends. Then, over many years, it becomes an integral part of who you are.