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Editorials & Opinions

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Rod Authority’s Top 10 Rods from the Goodguys Colorado Nationals

Walking into the 16th Goodguys Colorado Nationals in Loveland, Colorado this last weekend, we knew we’d have our work cut out for us in choosing Rod Authority’s top 10 hot rods and customs. But despite the painstaking judging, it was an experience in hot rod love and loyalty we will not soon forget.

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What’s In A Label: Why We Name Cars and What Inspires Us

What’s in a name? Whether it’s family ties, celebrities we adore or inspirational messages like Hope and Faith, what we choose to name individuals who are important to us, like our children and pets, always have some underlying reason behind them. The names we give our vehicles are no different.

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Hot Rodding: A Culture For All Colors, Genders, And Generations

I will admit, I started out in the industry primarily focused on performance cars, American muscle and anything that could compete for titles like “World’s Fastest Production Car.” But over the last couple of years, I’ve come to realize that history lies in the hot rod, and I’ve been hooked!

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BJ Kimbrough: US Government, Please Stop Helping Us

Have you ever gotten the feeling that Federal Government help simply hurts too much to accept. Our Tech Editor talks about that issue and explains what you can do to prevent it.

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Are the Kids Alright? Getting the Next Generation Involved in Cars!

Every generation pegs the one that comes after as being lazy, dependent, pampered, spoiled, and even entitled. But is it really the kids fault that there’s so much stacked against them to keep them from enjoying our hobby? What can we do to get more young people involved?

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OCD: The Ultimate Tow Combos

Have you ever day dreamed about the Ultimate Tow Combo and thought to yourself what you would build if neither time nor money were a factor? Well, we have and we gathered up some of the coolest ones we could find and put them all in one place for your enjoyment!

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OCD: Mike Alexander – Garage Greatness

While my garage just happens to be an ever-changing metamorphosis of whatever crazy idea or vehicle I have in my head at that given moment in time, one thing remains constant – it is a sort of safe-haven and sanctuary where even the very smell calms my nerves and brings me back to a mindset of simpler times.

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OCD: Old Cars Disorder – Editor Introduction From Mike Alexander

In this interview we welcome Rod Authority’s new Editor – Mike Alexander. Mike explores his custom auto and publishing history and some of his latest exciting projects coming to the Rod Authority and Power Automedia family.

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BJ Kimbrough: Take That Salad Bar and Shove It

There’s nothing I like to do more, other than a good old fashioned rat killin’ at the local dump, than to meet the legends and old timers that are heroes in our hobby and the automotive industry. I was lucky enough to meet Gene Winfield down at the Edelbrock show and went home with some words of wisdom.

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BJ Kimbrough: Goodbye Columbus

Rod Authority experienced the loss of it’s first and only editor (until now), when he decided to make a change in lifestyle and move away from the urban sprawl of Southern California to the home-town friendliness of Tennessee. But not to worry, we will soon be announcing our newest Editor soon.

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Lindsey Fisher: Don’t Let Problems Keep You From Enjoying The Hobby

We’ve talked a lot about the start of the 2012 race and show season here lately, and while that is exciting for most, not having your project car up and running and able to take part in the starting season can put a damper on things.

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Kevin Shaw: Why Not All Stock Is Boring

While a stock ’56 Bel Air doesn’t exactly make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, I can appreciate the car for being what it is, an example of American history, and that’s why factory stock just can’t be all that bad.

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Kevin Shaw: Why I Don’t Want To Ever Buy A Smart Phone

Don’t confuse me for one of those who hate technology. I don’t necessarily hate technology, I merely fear what it’ll bring, namely people who tune their cars with iPhone software and call themselves a “car builder.”

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Kevin Shaw: Soulless Zombies And Susie The Little Blue Coupe

While there are countless talented fabricators and coach builders creating gorgeous one-off hot rods for those willing to shell out the money, I’ve never seen any soul when looking over a checkbook-built street rod. Does your car have “soul?”

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Kevin Shaw: You Owe It To Yourself To Build Your Own Hot Rod

In the case of building one’s own car, the experience of pawing over every inch of the car by their lonesome immediately familiarizes themselves with every nut, bolt and screw, unifying them through a rich and long term relationship gained no way otherwise.

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