Larry Way and Rick Hunter join the Driven Radio Show crew to talk World of Wheels and the craft behind hot rods. Before the guests, host Brett shares recent wrenching wins and frustrations on a Thunderbird, plus ongoing fixes on other projects. Larry breaks down how World of Wheels has evolved from Playboy-era shows to family-focused entertainment, and previews the Kansas City event with celebrity guests, awards, and charity auctions. Rick, from Hot Rod Express, highlights long-running custom work, notable builds (including Corvettes and a Packard limo), and what makes his shop customer-friendly and award-winning.
Brett and Mark welcome Larry Way of World of Wheels and Rick Hunter of Hot Rod Express to discuss the 66th Annual World of Wheels show in Kansas City, the special exhibits, celebrities who will be appearing, and all the cars that will be on display at the Hot Rod Express booth. All this and much more on Driven Radio Show!
"I'm going, wow, man, that's a really clean T-bird engine compartment. And the engine was running."
The engine compartment (engine bay) is the area under the hood where the engine and related components sit. For classic cars, a “clean” engine bay often suggests better prior care, fewer leaks, and less deferred maintenance.
"...in the various emails where I said, is everything working? And he said, yes. So but the the I got it to where it idols now at a decent rate."
To “idle” means the engine is running while the car is stopped, typically at a low RPM. If a car “idles now at a decent rate,” it usually indicates the fuel/air and ignition systems are closer to being properly tuned.
"So I've got a couple more things to do with the carpet and the air cleaner fit. [193.2s] I almost bought a slim line just off the bump because I'm like that."
The air cleaner is the part that filters the air before it goes into the engine. If it doesn’t fit right, the engine can breathe less cleanly or the carburetor setup won’t sit properly.
An air cleaner (air filter housing) sits between the intake and the carburetor/engine to filter dirt and debris. Fitment matters because the wrong shape or height can affect airflow and how well the carburetor sits or seals.
"That's a taller carburetor than I used to have it. [200.7s] Nope. [201.2s] It fits fine. [202.0s] It looks good."
A carburetor is how older engines mix fuel and air. If you change to a different carburetor (like a taller one), it can change how other parts fit around it.
A carburetor mixes fuel and air before it enters the engine. The speaker is comparing carburetor height/fit, which can affect hood clearance, air cleaner fit, and overall drivability.
"because I need a throttle linkage, an adjustable throttle linkage [212.2s] that I can put on the two little ball things that stick out and connect it. [218.0s] Because my current throttle linkage is in there with a kiss and a prayer."
Throttle linkage is the set of parts that connects your gas pedal to the carburetor. If it’s not adjusted right, the car may not respond smoothly when you press the gas.
Throttle linkage is the mechanical connection between the throttle pedal/lever and the carburetor throttle plate. If it’s misaligned or sloppy, you can get delayed response, uneven opening, or even sticking—so adjustable linkage is often used to dial in proper movement.
"They're like 40 bucks, you know, from summit racing, but I'm trying to find a less expensive or local place to go to."
Summit Racing is a store that sells car parts for performance and restoration projects. If a part is “from Summit Racing,” it’s likely an aftermarket part you order for your build.
Summit Racing is a major U.S. retailer for performance and restoration parts, especially for older cars and hot rods. When someone says a part is “from Summit Racing,” it usually means it’s an aftermarket component you can buy online rather than through a dealer.
"And then that's when I'll start working on the wipers, because the wipers don't work at all. And that's a problem in Missouri."
Wipers are the windshield wiper system used to clear rain and debris for visibility. If wipers “don’t work at all,” it can point to issues like a failed wiper motor, bad switch, broken linkage, or blown fuse—each is a different repair path.
"I ain't the first guy to wax a windshield, you know? Oh, yeah."
People sometimes put a special wax on the windshield so rain beads up instead of spreading out. That can make it easier to see when it’s wet and can help the wipers work better.
Waxing a windshield is a detailing technique meant to improve water beading and visibility in wet weather. It’s usually done with a dedicated glass-safe product and can help wipers glide more smoothly.
"So all these Harley's that keep following me home like stray dogs, and I work on them a little bit, fiddle around, try and make them look better..."
“Harleys” are Harley-Davidson motorcycles. People often tinker with them, fix them up, and then either keep one they love or sell it.
“Harleys” refers to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, a brand known for cruiser-style bikes and a large enthusiast community. The speaker describes working on them, improving appearance, and either keeping a bike or selling it onward.
"[371.4s] I called my guy over at Turkey Creek Cycles.
[375.0s] Paul, a big shout out to Turkey Creek Cycle,
[377.1s] because they've gotten my butt out of a lot of trouble."
Turkey Creek Cycles is the repair shop the speaker trusts to fix problems when they can’t get things working again. It’s a reminder that sometimes you need a professional to sort out the details.
Turkey Creek Cycles is referenced as the speaker’s go-to shop for help when a repair goes wrong. Local motorcycle repair shops like this often handle troubleshooting and parts installation that DIYers can struggle with.
"And so, because I found myself immediately out of my depth on the road glide, I went back to the warehouse and just polished on the heritage for a while, something I know how to do without breaking crap. That took apart the back end. I've got a 2012 Scion XD. That you drove today, so apparently it's running."
A 2012 Scion XD is a small hatchback. The speaker says they had to fix the brakes recently, which is why they’re driving it.
The Scion XD is a compact hatchback sold by Toyota’s Scion brand, and the 2012 model is part of that generation’s run. The speaker mentions it’s running and that they recently spent money fixing the brakes, tying it to day-to-day drivability.
"The rear end, I took that back bumper fascia off because, again, YouTube, I watched a number of videos about, hey, this is why they leaked because it was leaking."
The back bumper fascia is the plastic/outer cover on the rear bumper. They took it off because they were trying to stop a leak, likely caused by seals or fitment problems.
The “back bumper fascia” is the outer bumper cover/trim panel on the rear of the car. The speaker removes it to address a leak, which suggests water intrusion—often caused by failed seals, clips, or misaligned trim—can lead to interior or electrical issues.
"You could, every piece of chrome, even some that I've never seen, which is kind of wild"
Chrome is the shiny metal look on parts. When people restore bikes, they care a lot whether the chrome is still in good shape, because fixing or replacing it can cost money.
“Chrome” refers to shiny metal finishes commonly used on motorcycles for trim, covers, and decorative parts. In restoration conversations, chrome condition is a big deal because it can be expensive to replace and can be hard to match if it’s pitted or corroded.
"Yes, we do. We have Larry Way from World of Wheels and the good Rick Hunter from Hot Rod Express, who I've been harassing a lot lately."
Hot Rod Express is the custom car shop Rick Hunter owns. It’s where people bring cars to be modified and built into hot rods or custom projects.
Hot Rod Express is the custom shop Rick Hunter runs, described as Kansas City’s premier custom car shop. This matters because custom shops often shape what kinds of builds get made—street rods, hot rods, and other personalized projects.
"All right, Larry, the 66th annual O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels is back Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22 at the Kansas City Convention Center, aka Bartle Hall."
O'Reilly Auto Parts is a major U.S. automotive parts retailer and service brand. Its sponsorship ties the event to the aftermarket parts and enthusiast community.
"So now the International Showcar Association has probably 35 shows of which we have 16.
Okay. How long have you been involved with World of Wheels?"
The International Showcar Association is a group that helps organize and standardize showcar competitions. They’re talking about how many shows the association runs and how many they’re involved with.
The International Showcar Association (ISCA) is an organization that sanctions and supports showcar competitions. The guest mentions it to explain how many shows exist and how many their group participates in.
"So there are two outdoor shows that I do work at and one is in Eastern Canada. This is the largest outdoor car show in Eastern Canada and then it's a city called Moncton to Brunswick, Canada."
A car show is an event where people bring cars to display them. “Outdoor” just means it’s held outside, usually with lots of other activities and car fans.
An outdoor car show is an event where vehicles are displayed and judged or showcased, often with vendors and entertainment. In this segment, it’s described as a major regional gathering that has grown into a multi-day event, highlighting how car culture is built around these shows.
"It's not like working on an assembly line. Working with Catherine Bach, the original Daisy Duke and working with her and spending time with her. She is not a terrible job."
Catherine Bach is a TV actress. In this segment, she’s mentioned because she’s connected to a famous role, and the guest enjoys working with her during the show.
Catherine Bach is an entertainer best known for playing Daisy Duke on the TV series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Her mention here is relevant because celebrity appearances are a major draw at car shows, especially those with a strong pop-culture/collector angle.
"So I guess we're one of the first groups that changed family entertainment. So what we're trying to do is get mom and dad and the kids to come."
They’re talking about changing the event so families can attend together. The goal is to make it fun for kids too, not just adults.
The hosts describe shifting the show’s format toward “family entertainment,” meaning content designed to appeal to both adults and kids. Instead of focusing on adult-oriented attractions, they emphasize activities that let parents bring children along without needing a babysitter.
"America's Top Hot Rods Customs Trucks and Motorcycles Rod Teaks Award for $3,000, [1310.3s] Custom Award presented to Best in Show, the InGen Type 6 Utility Vehicle from Jurassic Park is going to be there."
“Best in Show” is the biggest prize at a car show. It means the judges picked that car as the overall best one there.
“Best in Show” is the top judging award at many car shows. It typically goes to the vehicle judged to be the overall best combination of build quality, presentation, and originality (depending on the show’s rules).
"Well, I got three. Number one, tell us about the Master Builder Award. [1331.5s] Yeah, well, the Master Builder Award, what we do, we depend on our local people for that... [1370.6s] he did the interior himself, he rebuilt the engine. That's what we want to get the Master Builder award."
The “Master Builder Award” is a prize for someone who built their car themselves. The idea is to reward real hands-on work, not just paying someone else to do everything.
The “Master Builder Award” is a car-show honor focused on workmanship and hands-on effort. In this segment, the host explains it’s meant for builders who did most of the work themselves (e.g., interior work and rebuilding the engine).
"Cassie Cup, Cassie Cup. Championship Auto Shows Incorporated, which is our parent company."
They mention “Championship Auto Shows Incorporated” as the organization behind the event. It’s basically the parent company that runs the show.
“Championship Auto Shows Incorporated” is identified as the parent company behind the show organization. This matters because it can indicate how the awards are structured and who runs the event series.
"Tell us about the pinstripe auction hosted by Shrunkin Heads Car Club to benefit Dream Factory."
Shrunkin Heads Car Club is the group putting on the event. Car clubs like this often organize charity activities and community meetups.
This is the car club hosting the pinstripe auction. Car clubs often organize community events like charity auctions and bring together pinstripers, artists, and vehicle owners.
"How many years have you been building hot rods, Rick? Oh, probably about 40-some, something like that since back in the 70s."
A “hot rod” is an older car that someone modifies to make it faster and more fun to drive. People often build them themselves or with a small shop.
“Hot rods” are modified cars built for performance and style, usually starting from older or cheaper vehicles. The key idea is personalizing the car with upgrades rather than buying something new off the showroom floor.
"This year, and not too long ago, you painted my dad's 2003 Ford F-150 Harley anniversary edition. But there are so many cool cars in your display this year."
That’s a Ford F-150 truck from 2003 with a Harley-Davidson themed package. People like it because it looks special, but it’s still basically a normal F-150 you can use every day.
This is a 2003 Ford F-150 pickup in a Harley-Davidson-themed “Harley anniversary edition” trim. It’s a popular style of truck because it combines the F-150’s everyday practicality with Harley branding and typically appearance-focused upgrades.
"So it's back straight as. No, it's just, it's all original. Original pinstripe, original color, original interior. I mean, it's, that's what he wanted was original."
“All original” means the car’s key components and appearance are preserved as they were from the factory. Here, the host stresses original pinstripe, original color, and original interior—important for authenticity and judging at shows.
"It's got third row jump seats. I think the most talked about car could be that one, because man, 1937 Kansas city politics."
“Third row jump seats” refers to extra, foldable or removable seating in the rear of a limousine. Limousines often use these for flexible passenger capacity, and it’s a detail that helps listeners understand how the car was intended to be used (more people, more occasions).
"...grew up as car guy, more or less, you know, doing this on the weekend hanging out, you know, grew up as car guy, more or less, you know, doing this on the weekend hanging out, drag strips, but he inherited this car..."
A drag strip is a racing track where cars race in a straight line. It’s usually about quick acceleration over a short distance.
Drag strips are purpose-built tracks for straight-line racing, where cars accelerate over a short distance and compete on elapsed time or speed. Mentioning them signals the car owner’s background in performance culture and possibly how they use or modify the car.
“Wide-body” means the car’s body has been modified to look wider, usually to fit bigger tires. It often changes the fenders and how the car sits.
A wide-body conversion widens the car’s fenders and bodywork to fit larger tires and create a more aggressive stance. It’s commonly done on classic sports cars to improve visual presence and sometimes grip, though it requires careful fabrication and alignment.
"But a 65 roaster with seven inch tires on it and 630 horses. Yeah. It's fun."
“Horses” means horsepower—how much power the engine makes. More horsepower usually means the car can accelerate harder.
“Horses” is shorthand for horsepower, a measure of engine output. The speaker uses it to frame what they consider “big power,” especially in the context of a classic car with modern power and traction.
"you're taking a set of saddlebags off one of my Harleys and I showed them to you last week and I was thinking, okay, we're going to have to sand these down, re-shoot them, re-clear them."
Harleys are Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The shop is working on motorcycle parts too, like saddlebags, not just car bodywork.
“Harleys” refers to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which the shop is also working on (saddlebags and paint/clearcoat repair). This is relevant because it shows the shop’s cross-discipline paint and fabrication skills beyond cars.
"But sometimes it's about more about the restoration just like starting from scratch every time you do something."
Restoration is when someone takes a car or truck and fixes it up so it looks and works like it should again. Sometimes that means tearing things down and rebuilding, not just doing a small repair.
In this context, “restoration” means bringing a vehicle back to a like-new or refreshed condition, often by repairing worn parts and correcting prior damage. The speaker also frames it as a process that can start from scratch when needed, rather than doing quick fixes.
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Quiet. I'm Skulls. I'm broadcasting. Hey, all you Gear Heads and Car Fiends, welcome
to Driven Radio Show, your weekly automotive happy hour. I am Brett Hatfield, here with
my co-host and engineer extraordinaire, Mr. Mark Groves.
That's me.
And our studio guest, live in studio, Mr. Rick Hunter.
Live in person.
We are coming to you from Driven Radio Studios. Hey, I saw something online this week.
Oh, yeah, I posted it.
And as soon as I saw it, I didn't look at who posted it.
I just saw this thing and it popped up in my feed on Facebook and I'm looking at it.
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