Dermie Close considers himself a student of hot rodding. He attended an automotive trade school to become a mechanic, but the learning continues decades after his graduation. Close says he’s always looking at Street Rodder and other magazines, watching the likes of Chip Foose and others on TV, and observing the work of other builders for inspiration.
Last night, we went back to where it all started. The very first Hot August Nights took place 30 years ago and was essentially a one-night concert with accompanying classic car cruise down Virginia Street. That cruise under the famous “Reno: The Biggest Little City in the World” arch was by far the most popular
It’s not a full General Motors sweep, but it’s close to it. July brought us heat and Chevys, apparently. While GM vehicles make up the largest percentage of classic cars, they disproportionately made up the largest percentage of Top July Fan Rides, based on your votes. We expanded the selection from the top 10 to
I have an Edelbrock 2×4 setup using the 500 cfm Endurashine carburetors for my 383ci small-block Chevy that I’m putting in a ’53 Chevy hot rod pickup. In a month or so I’m going to fire the new engine and I’m wondering if there are any changes I should make to the carburetors before I
[portfolio_slideshow id=55846] RENO, NV — Ford Thunderbirds are a popular car, especially at Hot August Nights. You’ll see a lot of really well done Thunderbirds around Reno, but there’s not a chance you’ll see another one like Alex Short’s ’58 Thunderbird. In fact, Short himself couldn’t envision how his Thunderbird would turn out when he took it to friend
RENO, NV — Day 2 of our coverage of Hot August Nights brought some serious heat — and some serious hot rods. We decided to venture out into the 95-degree heat and head away from the downtown area. Stops included the Hot August Nights Poker Run check-in at the Summit Racing Retail Store in nearby Sparks, NV,
[portfolio_slideshow id=55794] Like any bona fide Chrysler buff, members of the North Georgia Mopar Club (NGMC) know the majestic thunder of a HEMI roaring under the hoods of muscle cars. But beyond the Barracudas and Belvederes that bring these friends together, the group knows the immense power of a giving heart. Just ask Jess, one
Alvin Garnica has been coming to Hot August Nights almost since the show’s beginning in 1986. The San Jose, CA resident says he has attended 29 out of the show’s 30 years and has brought a few different cars and trucks over the years. For 2016 — the 30th anniversary of Hot August Nights — Garnica opted to officially
RENO, NV — The 30th edition of Hot August Nights is in full swing as vintage hot rods have taken over large sections of downtown Reno. We’ve seen everything from custom rat rods to traditional street rods…rare rides like an early 1930s Cord and some of America’s favorite 1960s muscle machines, including GTOs, Chevelles, and more. The
A parking lot is a parking lot is a parking lot—unless it’s the Summit Racing parking lot. On any given day or time, the lot outside a Summit Racing store can turn into an impromptu mini car show, depending on who’s stopped by the store. On Wednesdays, we’ll share our parking lot find of the
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