Episodes
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 t...
Published 05/14/24
Published 05/14/24
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...
Published 04/09/24
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...
Published 03/12/24
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...
Published 02/13/24
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 the...
Published 01/09/24
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...
Published 12/12/23
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...
Published 12/05/23
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...
Published 11/28/23
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...
Published 11/21/23
On this episode, Chris and Brian reconvene to discuss the do's, dont's and tips to successfully sell your collector classic, custom and modified trucks and 4x4s.  Buying a truck or 4x4 is fun, but selling one is not.  This episodes guides our listeners to understand what it takes to successfully sell a truck or 4x4. Classic 4x4 handles every aspect of the sale of your classic, custom, and modified truck or 4x4. Your truck is prepared for sale, brought to market and sold, all while it sits in...
Published 11/14/23
On this episode, Chris and Joe discuss how a family owned body shop became one of the most prominent Jeep and Bronco custom shops in the country and how the synergies between a mother, father and son have lead to their success.  This special interview hits "close to home" for Chris, as Urban Jeep Outfitters happens to be a mile from him and he has the pleasure of being personally acquainted with their amazing family and shop. From their state of the art shop in the picturesque beach town,...
Published 11/07/23
On this episode, Chris and Erik officially debunk the myth that his and his brother Kris' last name is Maxlider, the wild story that lead to the Barnlund brothers becoming known as the Maxlider brothers and how they built the premier official Ford Bronco custom up fitting program. After the band Maxlider broke up, Erik and Kris decided to re-launch the Maxlider brand and focus on their love for vintage Broncos and old Ford trucks into a business.  Out of their 25,000 sq. foot shop in...
Published 10/31/23
On this episode, Chris and Drew discuss some of The Jeep Farm's iconic builds, Drew's Willys, Kaiser and AMC era Jeep obsession and how it all started as a hobby that grew into a thriving business. The Jeep Farm understands that every Jeep owner has unique needs and preferences, and they take pride in tailoring their services to meet those needs.  One thing that sets The Jeep Farm apart is their eye for detail.  They approach every project with the same level of care and attention to detail,...
Published 10/24/23
On this episode, Chris and Chris discuss how growing up around trucks spawned Chris Swenson's passion for collecting and restoring Ford trucks and eventually sharing his fondness for the "Bumpside" generation with the world.  They also run through all the Ford generations and the origination of their nicknames. Ford trucks are known for their generational nicknames, but the fifth generation 1967 - 1972 Ford F-Series are known for their unique three-dimensional spear or "bump" that runs from...
Published 10/17/23
On this episode, Chris and Dan discuss the emergence of classic JDM 4x4 trucks and how their popularity has grown amongst classic 4x4 enthusiasts.  They also chat about the import process, which models have gained prominence and the models that are under appreciated.  Based in Richmond, VA, Japanese Classics is the premier importer and largest US dealer of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles.  They select only the best right-hand drive (RHD) cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks from their base...
Published 10/10/23
On this episode, Chris and Sean discuss how Sean turned an overpriced cell phone and garage full of International Harvester parts into the premier International Harvester light line parts retailer, pioneered the Scout drivability conversion and became the preeminent investment quality Scout builder.   Since 1993, Anything Scout has been the premier International Harvester light line parts retailer and go to destination for Scout enthusiasts.  In 2003, Sean and his wife, Heather, bought...
Published 10/03/23
On this episode, Chris and the Classic.com Team reconvene to discuss the winners and losers and the volatility in the classic 4x4 and truck markets so far this year.  They also peak into their crystal balls and chat about where they think the markets are going. Juan Calle, CEO and co Founder, Pablo Esguerra, Market Data Guru, Max Monaghan, Business Development and Joey Pomerenke, Classic.com Pro from Classic.com join to share their insights and updates.  Classic.com was founded in 2017 as...
Published 07/18/23
The tables turn with Brian Ellis, Co-Founder of Fourbie Exchange, stepping into the host seat and interviewing Chris.  After receiving several listener requests to hear more about Chris and his collection, Chris hopped into the guest seat and enrolled Brian as the host for this episode.     On this episode, Brian and Chris trace his life from getting his driver's license at 17 to the present day at 42 through the cars and trucks he has owned and collected throughout the different phases of...
Published 05/23/23
Proper brings excitement to the classic car market by transforming awesome vehicles with modern EV technology.  In addition to classic vehicle EV conversions, Proper provides full classic vehicle restoration services and custom active exhaust fabrication and installation for fossil fuel burning classics.  On this episode, Chris and Nate explore the electric vehicle conversion process, required systems and modification and the component technology that enables a retrofitted classic EV...
Published 05/16/23
Mike Cashman and his father, Jim, have been working together on their Jeeps and 4x4s from an early age.  One year for Christmas Mike received a Craftsman tool set, and a project soon followed.  Jim and Mike enjoyed working together lifting their Jeeps in the driveway, going on weekend offroad adventures, and reading the next issue of 4Wheel and Offroad Magazine. Through those priceless father and son experiences, Mike and Jim founded Mount Zion Offroad in June of 2004 out of their shared...
Published 05/09/23
Rob Ida and his team at Rob Ida Concepts transform classics into art on wheels.  The Ida team creates custom vehicles in the collectible, show car, hot rod and racing world that will be admired for years to come.  With more than 40 years of experience, Ida has transformed dozens of high-end vehicles into award-winning showstoppers. You could say it’s in his blood. Rob’s passion for impeccable design and workmanship started at age 7.  He grew up in his father’s autobody shop where he...
Published 05/02/23
The home of International Harvester, Fort Wayne, Indiana, was once dubbed "The Truck Capital of the World".  Ryan Duvall is not only a dedicated International Harvester enthusiast and collector but the Founder of Harvester Homecoming.  Harvester Homecoming is a dedicated group of locals, including many former International Harvester employees, working to establish the Fort Wayne Harvester Historical Fund and host the largest annual International Harvester truck show in the world to bring the...
Published 04/25/23
Though 4x4 trucks gained prominence in the 1950s, 4x4 history dates back a century prior to the 1800s.  Innovators like Burstall, Hall, Diplock, Zachow and Coleman first experimented with and eventually patented the earliest forms of transfer cases and gearing that enabled early four wheel drive vehicles.  Today, four or all wheel drive is available on everything from lawnmowers to electric vehicles as a result of innovations that date back nearly 200 years.  Steve Skurnowicz is the Vice...
Published 04/18/23
The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution was one of the hottest trucks in 2022, experiencing a 74% year over year price increase.  Second to only the Land Rover Defender 110's chart topping 84% year over year price increase.  The difference?  Most are familiar with the Defender and expected its stellar price performance, but are still trying to figure out what a Pajero is and how it became so popular so quickly.  Mitsubishi collector and enthusiast, Dan Perkins, has those answers and more.  Dan...
Published 04/11/23