Severed Down Under – Australia Making Moves

Accents [noun ak-sent; verb ak-sent, ak-sent] the unique speech patterns, inflections, choice of words, etc., that identify a particular individual. The distinctive style or tone characteristic of an author, composer, etc. One of the English language’s most unique characteristics is that it takes on such drastic differences in the way it’s spoken around the globe. Unmistakable from the rest of English speakers are the Aussies. Their unique culture and spirit are pronounced in their prominent cadence. Yet language is not all that the people of Australia apply their characterizing style too. For decades the custom car and truck scene Down Under has offered a bold and brash parallel to that in the states. Australian manufacturers have continued to produce iconic V8 monsters like the Holden Commodore, Ute, and Ford Falcon years after other countries have turned more economical. Words: Michael Phillips | Photos: Avit “Toasty” Chauhan & Mike Alexander This…Continue Reading

Event Coverage: 20th Anniversary Installment Forbidden Fantasy 2017

Words: Michael Phillips | Photos & Video: Sean French & Mike Alexander For the 20th Anniversary installment of the beloved Forbidden Fantasy show we knew it would be something extra special. Bringing back that old school river run vibe, mixed with our favorite Slam’d Mag motto “Quality Over Quantity” this show has recaptured that West Coast vibe and restored our faith in mixing old school and new school for a modern take on throwing a show–getaway. For the inhabitants of the custom Slam’d scene, this means lower, badder, radder builds as the years go on and it’s only right to showcase these builds in a setting fitting for the dedication taken to see the finish line of these masterpieces. For thousands of enthusiasts all across the globe, the annual Forbidden Fantasy Show N’ Shine held at the Avi Casino in Laughlin is now that perfect opportunity to enjoy the top…Continue Reading

Restomod Air’s NEW Thermal Insulation with Sound Dampening Material

Membrane by Restomod Air is the only true thermal insulator, sound dampening combination material. The need for a such a combination has become increasingly desperate amongst custom builders. While some solutions have offered either sound deadening, or some level of insulation, no product until now has combined them for an evening dampening and insulation that is impervious to outside element.s Full coverage insulation and dampening are the focus of Membrane. As opposed to flimsy and frustrating add-on “liners”, Membrane is a true fortification between your vehicle’s cabin and the outside world. Membrane’s four-layer material is like nothing else found on the market. Layer one is .05mm thick foil for durability, layer two is a 3mm thick closed cell insulation foam rubber for thermal protection, layer three is another .05mm thick foil layer for structural integrity, and layer four is a 2mm thick butyl layer for sound dampening. The 2 in…Continue Reading

Show Coverage: Lone Star Throwdown 2017

It’s been proven time and time again that the age-old adage “Everything’s bigger in Texas” holds true. Known for its rowdy presence, the Lone Star State is the home of true Americana soul. Equal to the bold and brashness, however, is a quiet love for the little things and the simple life. These two characteristics meet perfectly at the now world famous Lone Star Throwdown. This truck show is truly heaven on earth for those who miss the old days of the truck scene and who still prioritize a laid back approach to enjoying their projects in huge group settings. Lovers of all things low as well as Lift’d trucks travel from states near and far to converge upon Conroe, Texas. Many show-goers make it from the very edges of the US of A and further. In fact, the longest travel award for 2017 was given to Mary Davis, who traveled more than…Continue Reading

Life On Air Volume II: Max Edward’s 1978 Beetle

Max Edwards has built a rather unique little Beetle, taking inspiration from the land of motorsport, while somehow keeping it true to its classic Volkswagen Beetle heritage. Indeed, these are two very different styles, but they compliment each other oh so well when properly executed such as this genuine example. The idea first came to Max in February of 2011, and it had him searching high and low for an early-model Beetle. Eventually, Max stumbled upon an all original 1978 model that was in need of some TLC. After enjoying the car in its stock form for several years, Max knew it was time for his Beetle to reach its final form; a form that would include a complete body-off restoration. Words: Slam’d Mag Staff | Photos: Matt Clifford The suspension and chassis were the first element to be overhauled, adding a 2-inch narrow beam to get that perfect Beetle tuck. To…Continue Reading

Jet Black Cadillac: Lee Coleman’s 1953 Resto-Mod

The fine line between classic and custom is one that every enthusiast learns to toe. Some take a dogmatic stance on the side of classic, favoring all-original restorations. Their counterparts prefer to keep the soul of the classic alive, but replace and rebuild as much as possible of what physically remains. To be sure, there are stunning examples of both build philosophies, but a well executed resto-mod build is a sure-fire recipe for a beautiful result. This was the path that Lee Coleman chose when he planned to customize his 1953 Cadillac Coupe. The ’53 Coupe was a longtime favorite of Lee, who began his relationship with customs in the early ’70s. The PHX resident has previously applied his style to a ’58 Galaxy, ’55 Pontiac, and multiple classic Chevy trucks. For this project, he decided to borrow from the best of modern engineering to power his 1953 dream car.…Continue Reading

Project Brodillac: Stop, Drop, and Roll

Our 1962 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Series is a special car. Being a factory Limo, it’s a little different than most other cars on the road and even most old Cadillacs. They only made roughly 900 of them back in 1962, so they are pretty scarce today. We first saw this specimen while doing our weekly Craigslist browsing a few years back and picked it up to build something big, badass and out of the ordinary with style for miles. While thoroughly loved, the car was put on the back burner for some other projects we had going on at the time. The Limo did run and drive but it was in a sad state being 100% original. We first started by ditching the factory 390 and trans in favor of a modern LQ4 and 4L80e transmission. A set of Dakota Digital gauges updated the vitals for us. The engine purred…Continue Reading

Sinister Coupe DeVille: The Abate’s 1967 Cadillac

Countless enthusiasts struggle to balance their passion for customs with the obligations of normal life. Projects can be costly, time-consuming, stressful and sometimes a giant pain in the @ss. However, many are able to strike harmony in this tension, integrating their love for customs with home-life and sharing their passion with their loved ones. Very few, however, have found the remarkable rhythm that Rick and Tempie Abate have found in their mutual love for customs. The dynamic husband and wife duo have spent the last fifteen years of their life in Orange, California building classic after classic – together. Their general arrangement has left the exterior and mechanics to Rick and placed the color scheme and interior in Tempie’s capable hands. With a history that includes multiple Impalas, classic Fords, two corvettes, and 12 Cadillacs, the Abates’ system seems to be working out quite well. For their most recent endeavor together,…Continue Reading

Show Coverage: New Zealand Gets LAID

Laid Out At The Lake is New Zealand’s little slice of the worldwide minitruck scene and is the only minitruck and customs show held annually on the island. This go round was the fifth year of the event, and while it doesn’t pull the huge 1,000 vehicle counts like our friends in the states, for a small population island with some of the strictest vehicle modification laws – we go alright and have a great time as a custom community! Photos: Avit “Toasty” Chauhan | Words: Ben Wolferstan, Kirk Lyons & Mike Alexander The weather gods played their part, as leading up to the big day the weather in Taupo was not the best, making for a slight venue change at the 11th hour. But with a slight audible and help from family and friends the local event still went off without a hitch. The event has come leaps and bounds from…Continue Reading

Shop Profile: Up Close & Personal With Kindig-It Design

Being immersed in the custom automotive industry has its perks, including traveling to events around the globe, seeing the SEMA Show firsthand and being able to work with some of the most amazing people this industry has to offer – one big automotive FAMILY. But what is probably one of the main highlights is documenting truly passionate people and getting to experience the inner workings of their life’s passion – it’s truly inspirational to work with such passionate people on a daily basis. On the way out to yet another event, we were able to do just that and spend a day with Dave Kindig and the crew at Kindig-It Design. Photos & Words: Lindsey Fisher Now, you may know Dave and his custom creations from Velocity Channel’s Bitchin’ Rides television program, but Kindig-It Design was cranking out some of the most magnificent automotive masterpieces long before Dave’s TV celebrity status kicked in. In fact, what…Continue Reading

Event Coverage: 2017 Temecula Rod Run

The year of 2017 in beautiful Southern California has thus far been an excellent one. With the drought-breaking rain storms, the inland empire has experienced even more of the cool breeze and sunshine combo that it’s famous for. Spring is in the air, and the Temecula Valley is sure of two things: pleasantly warmer weather, and the historic Temecula Rod Run. An event many count on to kick off their spring each year, the Rod Run is a staple show for Team Slam’d as it takes place in our own backyard. Photos & Words: Michael Phillips Photos & Words: Michael Phillips The year of 2017 in beautiful Southern California has thus far been an excellent one. With the drought-breaking rain storms, the inland empire has experienced even more of the cool breeze and sunshine combo that it’s famous for. Spring is in the air, and the Temecula Valley is sure of two things:…Continue Reading

The Buff: Donny Johnson’s 1965 C10

From enthusiast to enthusiast, the automotive experience is as unique as the individual. Circumstances surrounding the one’s relationship with hot rods, customs, and other auto genres, vary heavily because the experiences are so personally intimate. For many, the automotive passion takes root early in life, while for others it catches fire later years. A truly unique story is that of someone whose passion for the same vehicle has not waivered for 50 years but, has only grown deeper as time moves along. Donny Johnson, a man who has spent half a century with his 1965 Chevrolet C10 Stepside, has such a story. Originally purchased by Donny’s father, the 1965 Chevy became a member of the family in 1968, when he was just seven years old. The C10 was first rebuilt in 1977, when Donny’s father gave his son a present which all teenagers hope for on their 16th birthday: a set of wheels to…Continue Reading