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The Rise and Fall of Stepside Trucks

Classic trucks have curves, and that's one of the many reasons we love them. One of the main sources of this curvy appearance is their use of Stepside bed designs. Stepside trucks feature a narrow rectangular bed flanked by external fenders over the rear wheels, plus convenient step platforms behind the cab. Today, we think of this as an optional feature that fell out of favor, but in reality, the Stepside design was simply the default way trucks were made until the mid-1950s. A recent video from Rare Cars summarized the history of Stepside (a.k.a. Flareside or Utiline) truck beds and why they were eventually replaced by the Fleetside beds all modern trucks have today.

ICON 4x4 All-Electric Ford Bronco: A Polarizing Restomod

Within the classic car restoration community, you'll find a wide variety of opinions regarding engine swaps. Some restorers insist on keeping the numbers-matching drivetrain for complete originality, while others don't mind upgrading to a higher-performance V8 from the same model year. Then there are resto-modders who drop in a newer fuel-injected engine, or even an engine from a different manufacturer. But there's no engine swap more controversial than replacing a classic car's combustion engine with electric motors. That's exactly what ICON did with its new EV Bronco series, which combines timeless looks with an all-electric powertrain.

Grand National Truck Show Showcases Stunning Custom and Classic Trucks


The third annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Truck Show, presented by Classic Truck Performance magazine, once again brought an impressive gathering of classic and custom trucks, SUVs, and vans to the Fairplex in Pomona, California, on September 26–27, 2025. Produced by Rod Shows, the two-day event featured a packed schedule of exhibitions, curated displays, and awards presented across more than 65 judged classes.

Velocity "Re-Engineered" 1971 Ford Truck Restomod

For many of us, restoring a classic car or truck is a fun and rewarding process. We enjoy getting our hands dirty and overcoming all the challenges along the way. But for others, the main goal is to own and drive a restored vehicle, not necessarily to build it. In those cases, buying a turn-key, completed project may be the logical choice. High-end shops such as Ringbrothers and ICON have expert craftsmen who can build exactly what you want for a price. The subject of today's article, Velocity Restorations, also falls into that category. They built this restomodded '71 Ford truck with a 5.0L Coyote V8 and a ton of custom touches.

Videos: 10 Common Mistakes in Restoring Classic Ford Pickups 1957-1991


Restoring a 1957–1991 Ford pickup isn’t just a project - it’s a rite of passage. These trucks were born tough, worked hard, and survived decades of abuse, rust, and questionable “fixes” by shade-tree mechanics. Bringing one back from the dead is equal parts glory and headache and trust me — there are a few potholes you don’t want to hit along the way.

Here are the top 10 mistakes that’ll separate the weekend dreamers from the diehard wrench-turners. Avoid these, and your F-100 or F-150 will look good, drive better, and earn you that approving nod at the next cars-and-coffee.

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.

The Ford Heritage Vault: Unlocking Decades of Automotive Legacy

In a landmark move to celebrate and share its storied automotive history, the Ford Motor Company launched the Ford Heritage Vault in June 2022. This expansive digital archive grants public access to over a century’s worth of materials from Ford, Lincoln, and the now-retired Mercury brands. Created as part of Ford’s efforts to make its heritage more accessible and to commemorate the company’s 119th anniversary, the Heritage Vault is a goldmine for car enthusiasts, historians, collectors, educators, and anyone with a passion for American automotive culture.

1973 Ford F-350 Super Camper Special - Renewing with Skill and Heart

In July 2022, a vintage American powerhouse found a new lease on life when Matthew Alexander became the proud owner of a 1973 Ford F-350 Super Camper Special. The truck, purchased from a private seller who had acquired it in trade for some construction work, came without a clear history — but plenty of character. Driven by curiosity and a passion for classic vehicles, Alexander began researching the truck’s history and breathing new life into its well-worn frame.

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.

Celebrating 75 Years of Hot Rodding Excellence at the Grand National Roadster Show

The 75th Annual O'Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show, presented by Meguiar’s, celebrated America’s longest-running indoor car show. From January 31 to February 2, 2025, the Pomona Fairplex hosted hundreds of the nation’s finest hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks, and motorcycles for a weekend that showcased automotive artistry of the highest level.