On this episode, Chris, Stephen and Willie discuss how two brothers from the Texas hill country with nothing to loose went from fixing diesel trucks in a cow barn to a brand new massive build shop that produces epic trucks.  They also chat about how their humble upbringing and creativity has been instrumental in their success and lead them to a nationally syndicated TV show, Holden Bros. Restos on MotorTrend TV.

A decade ago, Stephen and Willie Holden founded Holden Brothers Diesel in the face of adversity in a cow barn.  Eventually, their adversity turned into success which lead them from that cow barn to their current brand new state of the art massive build shop, with a few shops in between.  Willie's relentless drive and Stephen's creative vision have driven their success to become one of the top truck builders in the country! 

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris and Adam discuss how a former professional skateboarder developed the first of it's kind scalable classic truck and 4x4 EV conversion platform.  They also talk about how Mike D. from the Beastie Boys made a unique and almost tragic impact on the development of the Zero Labs EV platform that has been applied to classic Ford Broncos, Land Rover Series 3s, International Scouts, Chevy K5s, Jeep Wagoneers and Ford trucks.

Founded in 2016, Zero Labs set out on a mission to develop the world's first scalable platform to electrify millions of existing combustion vehicles, starting with classic trucks and 4x4s.  Their premium classic electric trucks are restored and handcrafted to investment quality seamlessly powered by a covert all-electric drive system. Designed to be low maintenance, environment-friendly, at superior luxury and refinement.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris and Joe get real about LS swaps!  They discuss why the LS platform is an amazing option for a classic truck powertrain swap and which LS engine, transmission and transfer case combination are optimal for classic 4x4s.  They also chat about how two engineering students founded PSI in their dorm room and the personal connection that links Joe and Chris.

PSI has been the industry leader providing out of the box and custom harness and module solutions for LS swaps.   A PSI harness is tailored to each engine application, which means that you don't change your engine combination to match their harness, PSI builds the harness around your engine combination.

PSI harnesses are proudly made in the USA, in Brick, New Jersey, with top quality materials, to standards equal or better than OEM.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris and Austin chat about transforming mundane classic Toyota Land Cruisers into investment quality restored and rowdy, yet comfortable and refined, LS swapped FJs.  They also discuss how a Land Cruiser obsessed former boss and business trips to South America evolved into Black Dog Traders, a premier Land Cruiser restoration shop.

Black Dogs' evolution began years ago as a small Father/Son team buying/selling Toyota Land Cruisers of all makes and models.  They spent so much time driving & repairing them that we eventually began to restore them from the ground up.

This evolution brought Black Dog Traders to the point they are at now.  Their vehicles are constructed of brand new parts to much higher specifications and tolerances than the factory ever intended.  Some prefer the old hum of an original 125hp 2F motor, they prefer more power, fuel efficiency and comfort.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris and Jonathan discuss the evolution of collector vehicle marketplaces, Hemmings milestone 70th anniversary and their perspectives on the future of marketplaces and the collector vehicle markets.  In addition, they talk about Jonathan's 1976 Chevrolet K5 restoration and his passion for classic 4x4s.

Hemmings lives for the collector vehicle community.  Celebrating their 70th anniversary, they are the oldest and largest collector vehicle marketplace.  That doesn't mean they are stuck in the past.  As the innovators of the first full service frictionless marketplace, Hemmings empowers collector vehicle buyers and sellers with classified, make offer and auction marketplaces.  Hemmings valuation, pay and title, transportation and insurance services provide a frictionless buying and selling experience in those marketplaces.  Hemmings frictionless marketplace empowers buyers and sellers with a secure transaction and transfer of ownership while properly insuring and safely transporting their collector vehicles.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris reviews the 2023 collector vehicle, truck and 4x4 markets and which trucks and 4x4s were hot and not in 2023.  Also, he discusses the trends that will drive the 2024 collector vehicle, truck and 4x4 markets and predicts which trucks and 4x4s will be hot and not in 2024.

After 5 years of strong performance in the collector truck and 4x4 markets, 2023 proved to be a challenging year.  Trends are indicating that 2024 could be more promising, but volatile.   

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris and Charlie reconvene to discuss the wild adventure Charlie and his crew went on to save a rare 1941 Diesel 3 Ton Dodge truck resting for decades in the remote California wilderness.  It all started with a lead from Don Scott (@donscottwheels), lead to a few desperate calls to celebrity chefs Frank Falcinelli (@frankfalcinelli) and Matty Matheson (@mattymatheson), included some near death experiences and ended with Charlie (@metalbycharlie), Jake (@snowneck), Matt (@matt_hutch152) and Cord (@dicks_diesel_garage) saving a piece of the past for the future. 

Not yet 30 years old and with a shop founded 6 years ago, Charlie Pitcher has gained prominence as the premier classic Dodge truck restorer and fabricator.  Starting with a passion that turned into a profession, Charlie and his team at Metal by Charlie build bespoke classic Dodge trucks that maintain their original character while incorporating modern engineering and amenities.

Thank you Nate Anderson (@natander2ksometime) for requesting this episodes guest and topic!

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris and Mike discuss how Riptide 4x4 went from being "the new kid on the block" to selling one of their iconic Scout II builds to Scout Motors.  They discuss in detail the Scout Motors Scout II build and a few of Riptide's other epic Scout II builds.

Located in Lincoln, DE, Riptide 4X4 was born out of a love for all things vintage 4x4.  They are a small outfit with a handful of guys doing what they want to do, keeping classic trucks on the road.  Surf trips, family camping vacations or whatever your interest, their goal is to create the reliable and capable vehicles their client's always wanted.

Thank you Jesse "JJ" Louis ( @appalachian_4wd ) for requesting Mike for this episode!

 

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris and Todd discuss the origin of Kei vehicles, the differences between the makes and models and their platform variations.  In addition, they discuss how the import US Kei truck market has exploded in recent years and what the future holds as more unique JDM vehicles hit the "25 year import rule".   

Kei, roughly translated to "light automobile", refers to the Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway legal passenger vehicles, with restricted dimensions and engine capacity.  The Kei category was created by the Japanese government in 1949 and the regulations have been revised several times since. These regulations specify a maximum vehicle size, engine capacity and power output, so that Japanese owners could enjoy both tax and insurance benefits. Now that these unique JDM vehicles are available for import, they have gained prominence in the US markets.

HVNY Imports is NY’s largest minitruck dealer and one of the largest Kei vehicle importers in the United States.  Located an hour from NYC in Goshen, NY, HVNY Imports carries a large inventory of minitrucks, microvans and full size RHD JDM imports. 

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris and Stacey discuss Stacey's iconic truck builds and TV and media career.  It all started in the 90s with the iconic show Trucks! and has evolved to the hit show television show Gearz and Tales of a Gearhead podcast.

With decades of experience working in restoration and hot rod shops, and over 20 years on national television on two hit TV shows, Stacey David has been showing people how to build cool cars and trucks for a long time. His mechanical abilities and fabrication skills have made him one of the most trusted and respected custom car builders in the world today. His incredible work and positive influence have earned him many awards and accolades from the automotive industry over the years, and he continues to work hand in hand with the OEM’s and aftermarket to keep new vehicles and parts in front of the gearhead public. Also well known for building wild, trend-setting custom vehicles like Copperhead, The V8 Interceptor, and Sgt. Rock, Stacey has inspired legions of gearheads all across the nation to “get out there and build something”. 

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!