A Look Inside Issue #83

The wait is over! Rodder’s Journal #83 has shipped. Weighing in at 168 pages, it’s filled with a diverse mix of hot rods, customs and racecars from coast to coast and beyond. Best of all, it’s printed with pride right here in the United States. Every issue of TRJ is a labor of love, and this one is no exception. This time around, we photographed a Deuce coupe survivor and explored the saga of “The Uncertain-T.”

We road-tripped across Missouri in a ’39 Ford sedan, shared the tale of customizing pioneer Jimmy Summers, and took a closer look at a sliced and diced Model A coupe inspired by the Chrisman Brothers’ record setter. On top of that, we have nostalgia drag racing, an axle-dropping tutorial and a gallery of customs from our friends at Deadend.

We’re happy with how it turned out, and we hope that you feel the same.

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Done Dirt Cheap | By Joey Ukrop

Jack Fuller is a hot rodder’s hot rodder. He builds low-buck early Fords in his Hampton, Virginia, garage, and in this issue we zero in on his trusty Deuce highboy and survivor ’32 three-window from the ’50s.

Summers of Hollywood | By Sondre Kvipt

Jimmy Summers was at the forefront of the American custom car movement. But until now his story was somewhat of a mystery. That’s changing thanks to Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama. With the help of Jimmy’s family and their scrapbooks, he sheds new light on Summers’ life, cars and legacy.

“The Uncertain-T” Continues | By Curt Iseli

We’ve always been intrigued by the famed ’60s show rod “The Uncertain-T,” so we were very excited when we learned of New Zealand hot rodder Martin Bennett’s unbelievable tribute. With the help of the T’s original builder, Steve Scott, we’ve uncovered more history about the original—including some never-before-published images—which, combined with the tale of Martin Bennett’s version, make for one wild tale.

Mr. Blue Sky | By Curt Iseli

Jimmy Smith loves to push cars to their limits, and in this issue’s Artist Profile we enter his world of spindle-mounts, slicks, wild paint and wilder proportions. We highlight our favorite pieces from his portfolio and talk with him about his inspiration, techniques and ever-evolving ’37 Ford pickup.

Feeling Lucky | By Joey Ukrop

Lucky Burton started building his Model A coupe for Bonneville 14 years ago. Then in 2018 things kicked into high gear, and after a yearlong thrash he finished it just in time for 2019 Speed Week. We have the full story, which is complemented by Tim Sutton’s dynamic photography out on the dry lakes.

Deadend Cruisers | By Curt Iseli

Deadend shines a unique light on the world of customs, lowriders and hot rods in a way like never before. Founded by brothers Jesus and Juan Espinoza Jr. in 2004, what began as a website quickly grew into a global brand. Our feature tells their story and shares some of the photography that’s come to define the Deadend style.

Off to the Races | By Joey Ukrop

Nothing beats a road trip. Over the summer, we tagged rode along in 22-year-old hot rodder Michael Starr’s ’39 Ford Standard for a drive across Missouri to the H.A.M.B. Drags. It was a weekend filled with racing, rain and roadside Americana—and we capture it all in “Off to the Races.”

Down in Front | By Curt Iseli

While we were visiting Jack Fuller to photograph his pair of Deuces, we documented his process of dropping Henry Ford’s I-beam axles. It’s a service he’s offered for years out of his backyard shop, Fuller’s Frame & Axle, and he was able to share some of the tips and tricks he employs when practicing this time-honored rodding tradition.

Bonus Foldout!

Featuring Connie Kalitta’s SOHC Ford-powered Bounty Hunter AA/Fuel Dragster and Midwestern drag racing history