Father-Daughter Restoration: Edelbrock Carburetors, Jeep YJ Builds & The Future of Hot Rodding with Riley's Rebuilds 🛠️🔥
About this episode
A captivating conversation with father-daughter duo Dane and Riley from Riley's Rebuilds, exploring their journey in automotive restoration. Riley shares her experiences running a carburetor rebuilding business while juggling college and soccer. The duo discusses their projects, including a Jeep YJ build and a 1957 Chevy Nomad restoration, along with the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry. They also touch on their involvement with the Jesse Combs Foundation and plans for future collaborations, emphasizing the importance of empowering the next generation in automotive fields.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
What happens when a 13-year-old girl wants to buy her first car but can't legally work? She starts rebuilding carburetors in her dad's garage—and accidentally builds a national brand. 🔧😲
In our 2026 Premiere, we sit down with Riley and her father Dane, the dynamic duo behind Riley’s Rebuilds. Riley went from being a high-level soccer player to a viral automotive sensation, restoring thousands of carburetors for enthusiasts worldwide and becoming an official rebuilder for Edelbrock Group.
We dive deep into their incredible journey, from scouring Facebook Marketplace across four states to building a Jurassic Park Jeep YJ and navigating the automotive industry as a young female entrepreneur.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- 🦖 The Jurassic Jeep: The story behind Riley's first car, a 1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ transformed into a movie-accurate Jurassic Park tribute (mud included!).
- 🔥 The Nitrous Incident: Dane’s "first car" story involving a 1977 Monte Carlo, a stoplight race with a Ford LTD police car, and a hidden nitrous plate.
- 📈 Viral Success: How a car accident and a single Facebook post led to 300+ free carburetors showing up at their doorstep.
- 🛠️ The Art of the Hustle: How Riley balances a triple major in college (Math, Physics, Mechanical Engineering) while running a business and managing a team of her best friends.
- 🤝 Women in Automotive: Riley's work with the Jessi Combs Foundation and her mission to bring the next generation into the trade.
Don't miss Riley and Dane's favorite episode with their good friends, father-daughter duo Caroline and James from HH Wheels: https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17960446
Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or just love a good story about grit and family, this episode is the perfect way to kick off the new year.
🔗 Links & Resources:
- Check out Riley's work: Instagram @rileysrebuilds
- Watch their builds on YouTube: Riley’s Rebuilds
- Listen to our 60+ episodes on LinkTree 🔗🌲 https://linktr.ee/carsloved
📢 Join the Conversation: What was your first "wrenching" experience? Did you learn from a parent or figure it out yourself? Let us know on Instagram @toallthecarsivelovedbefore
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Delorean DMC-12
"...sode. Even though we, you know, we talked to Kat DeLorean about her dad, who's no longer with us, but we w..."
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a cool-looking car known for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It became famous because it was featured in the 'Back to the Future' movies, making it a symbol of fun and adventure.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a sports car that became iconic for its unique stainless steel body and gullwing doors. It gained immense popularity due to its role in the 'Back to the Future' film franchise, symbolizing a blend of futuristic design and 1980s culture.
carburetors
"So we've definitely got down the way we flow the best as kids are working on carburetors as we're mailing."
A carburetor helps engines get the right mix of air and fuel to run properly. It's mostly found in older cars since newer ones use a different system called fuel injection.
A carburetor is a device in an internal combustion engine that mixes air with a fine spray of liquid fuel. It's essential for the engine's operation, especially in older vehicles that don't use fuel injection systems.
Mazda RX-7
"Because I came at him wanting like arc sevens. Oh, good, good choice, by the way, our seven."
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car that uses a special type of engine called a rotary engine. It's popular for being lightweight and fun to drive.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its rotary engine and agile handling. It has a cult following among car enthusiasts for its unique design and performance characteristics.
Jeep YJ
"...I made enough money for my car, COVID hit. So we stopped for a little bit and we ended up building the car. It's a 1995 YJ, it's Jurassic Park Jeep, which is really fun. It's beautiful."
The Jeep YJ is a type of Jeep Wrangler made in the early 1990s. It's known for its rugged look and ability to drive off-road, which makes it fun for adventures.
The Jeep YJ is a model of the Jeep Wrangler produced from 1987 to 1995. It is known for its boxy design and off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts.
Edelbrock
"...I ended up getting in contact with Edelbrock as a company. So now we are Edelbrock's official rebuilding service."
Edelbrock makes parts that help cars go faster and perform better. They are a trusted brand for people who want to upgrade their engines.
Edelbrock is a well-known aftermarket automotive company that specializes in performance parts for cars, including intake manifolds, carburetors, and other engine components. They are popular among car enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle's performance.
bleeding brakes
"...like bleeding brakes, come in here and pump the brake pedal for me and things like that. But when she wanted her first car..."
When you bleed brakes, you're getting rid of air that can get trapped in the brake system. This helps the brakes work better and feel firmer when you press the pedal.
Bleeding brakes is the process of removing air bubbles from the brake lines to ensure proper brake function. Air in the brake lines can lead to a spongy brake pedal and reduced braking efficiency.
350
"...my first car was a 1977 Monte Carlo with a 350. And I did everything I could do on..."
The '350' is a type of engine size that means it has a capacity of 350 cubic inches. It's a popular engine in many cars, especially older American ones, and is known for being powerful.
The '350' refers to a 350 cubic inch (5.7 liter) V8 engine, which was a common engine choice for many American cars, including the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. This engine is known for its balance of power and reliability.
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
"...ngry for some speed. And my first car was a 1977 Monte Carlo with a 350. And I did everything I could do on t..."
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a type of car that was made to be both comfortable and fast. Many people liked it because it had strong engines and a nice design, making it a fun car to drive.
The Chevrolet Monte Carlo is a personal luxury coupe that was popular in the 1970s and 80s, known for its powerful engines and comfortable ride. It became a favorite among car enthusiasts for its performance and style, especially the models equipped with V8 engines.
nitrous
"...including putting nitrous on it, which ended up being the end of that car. Okay. Oops. Yeah, yeah, it was..."
Nitrous is a gas that can help cars go faster by giving them extra power for a short time. It's like a shot of energy for the engine.
Nitrous, or nitrous oxide (N2O), is often used in racing to increase engine power by allowing more fuel to burn. It provides a temporary boost in horsepower, making cars faster during acceleration.
racing
"...going stoplight to stoplight with an LTD and did three or four of them in a row. And then he pulled behind me..."
Racing is when cars compete to see which one can go the fastest. Sometimes people do this on the streets, which can be illegal.
Racing involves competing against others in vehicles to see who can go the fastest over a set distance. It can take place on public roads or closed tracks and is often associated with illegal street racing or organized motorsport events.
Ford LTD
"...especially when you're racing Ford LTDs, police cars. And, and of course I had..."
The Ford LTD is a large car that was made by Ford. It was popular for families and was also used by police because it had a lot of space.
The Ford LTD was a full-size car produced by Ford from the late 1960s to the 1990s. It was known for its spacious interior and was often used as a police vehicle during its production years.
Ford Ltds
"...ar anything. Yeah, especially when you're racing Ford LTDs, police cars. And, and of course I had, you know..."
The Ford LTD II is a large car that was made to be comfortable for families. It was also used by police because it was tough and reliable.
The Ford LTD II is a full-size car produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. It was often used as a family car and was popular among law enforcement agencies for its durability.
Jeep Wrangler
"...ned a few Jeeps. I got a 94 was probably the last Wrangler I had. And you remember a Christian? Absolutely...."
Willys Jeeps
"You know, I owned a few Jeeps. I got a 94 was probably the last Wrangler I had."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that's great for adventure. The 1994 version is known for its classic design and ability to handle rough terrains.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and versatility. The 1994 model is part of the YJ generation, which was produced from 1987 to 1995.
Dodge Little Red Express
"...one of the cars we have is a Dodge Little Red Express drag race truck. And so we did, we did a bunch of testing on that."
The Dodge Little Red Express is a classic truck that was popular in the late 1970s. It was known for being fast and had a cool look that made it stand out from other trucks.
The Dodge Little Red Express is a unique pickup truck from the late 1970s known for its performance and distinctive styling. It was one of the fastest production trucks of its time, featuring a powerful V8 engine and a sporty design.
Chevrolet Express
"...ave one of the cars we have is a Dodge Little Red Express drag race truck. And so we did, we did a bunch o..."
The Chevrolet Express is a big van that can be used for many things, like carrying people or cargo. It's known for being reliable and having a lot of space inside.
The Chevrolet Express is a full-size van known for its versatility and reliability, often used for commercial purposes or as a family vehicle. It offers ample cargo space and a range of engine options, making it a practical choice for various needs.
fuel injection
"...when all the cars were moving to fuel injection. And I remember him saying, man, I don't want to move to fuel injection..."
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into a car's engine. It works better than older systems called carburetors, helping cars use less fuel and produce less pollution.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel to an engine in a more precise manner than carburetors, improving efficiency and performance. It has largely replaced carburetors in modern vehicles due to its advantages in fuel economy and emissions control.
Hyundai Excel
"...said, Dad, I think the only car you buy now is a Hyundai Excel. It still has a carburetor. He's like, maybe not...."
The Hyundai Excel 3 Doors is a small, budget-friendly car that was popular for being easy to drive and affordable. It has three doors, making it convenient for getting in and out.
The Hyundai Excel 3 Doors is a compact hatchback that gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s for its affordability and practicality. It was one of the first models that helped establish Hyundai's presence in the global automotive market.
Lotus Excel
"...d, I think the only car you buy now is a Hyundai Excel. It still has a carburetor. He's like, maybe not...."
project cars
"But when we do project cars, we try to buy something that is, you know, Georgia, Tennessee South. We can do rust like Riley's Feraline, right?"
A project car is a car that someone buys to fix up or make better. It's usually not in perfect condition and needs a lot of work.
Project cars are vehicles that enthusiasts buy to restore, modify, or improve over time. They often require significant work, which can include mechanical repairs, bodywork, or upgrades.
rust
"We can do rust like Riley's Feraline, right? I feel like I'm stealing your thunder, but we did all the panel work."
Rust is what happens when metal gets wet and starts to break down. It can make cars weak and look bad if not fixed.
Rust is a form of corrosion that occurs when iron or its alloys, like steel, are exposed to moisture and oxygen. It can significantly damage a vehicle's body and structural integrity if not addressed.
four-wheel drive
"Yeah, I definitely learned really quickly that you can't have nice cars up here and they can't beat wheel. They have to be four wheel."
Four-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car can move at the same time. This helps the car drive better in tough conditions like snow or mud.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain configuration that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously. This is particularly useful for off-road driving or in slippery conditions, such as snow or mud.
Mercury Villager
"...least favorite, Ruth? How about your 2000 Mercury Villager? Is that helpful? Listen, I love Ruth. Okay, tha..."
The Mercury Villager is a family van that was made to carry lots of people and their stuff comfortably. It has a lot of space inside, making it great for family trips.
The Mercury Villager is a minivan that was produced in the 1990s, known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It was designed to compete with other minivans of the era, offering comfort and versatility for families.
Chevrolet Corvette
"So what was yours? The corvette that we worked on on Repair to Rev, it was a C3. C4."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car that is known for being fast and stylish. It has been around for many years and comes in different versions.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and powerful engines. It has been produced in multiple generations since 1953.
C3 and C4 Corvette
"it was a C3. C4. Just the engineering of the bay was so strange."
C3 and C4 are names for different versions of the Chevrolet Corvette. The C3 was made from 1968 to 1982, and the C4 was made from 1984 to 1996.
C3 and C4 refer to the third and fourth generations of the Chevrolet Corvette, produced from 1968 to 1982 and 1984 to 1996, respectively. Each generation brought distinct design and engineering changes.
water pump
"They had the water pump on top of electrical. The distributor. So it's the water pump ever leaked."
The water pump is a part of the car's engine that helps keep it cool by moving a liquid called coolant around. If it breaks, the engine can get too hot.
The water pump is a crucial component in an engine's cooling system, responsible for circulating coolant to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Its failure can lead to overheating and engine damage.
Alfa Romeo Spider
"...o the garage, opens it up, little red Alfa Romeo spider, like not from the graduate, but like a couple ge..."
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a small, sporty car from Italy that looks really stylish and fun to drive. It became popular because it was in a famous movie, and many people love its classic design.
The Alfa Romeo Spider is a classic Italian sports car known for its stylish design and engaging driving experience. It gained fame in the 1960s and 70s, particularly after being featured in the film 'The Graduate', and remains a symbol of Italian automotive passion.
clutch safety switch
"they didn't realize that there was a clutch safety switch that you had to have the clutch depressed to start the car. It fired right off."
The clutch safety switch is a part that keeps the car from starting unless you press the clutch pedal. This is to make sure the car doesn't move unexpectedly when you start it.
A clutch safety switch is a safety feature in manual transmission vehicles that prevents the engine from starting unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed. This ensures that the car cannot be accidentally started while in gear, reducing the risk of accidents.
Chevy Nomad
"Now on a car that you worked on, how about the Chevy Nomad? I like that you wrote that it was an amazing historic car that nearly destroyed"
The Chevy Nomad is a vintage car from the 1950s that looks like a mix between a wagon and a sports car. It's loved by many car fans for its cool style and history.
The Chevy Nomad is a classic car that was produced by Chevrolet in the 1950s. It is known for its unique design, combining the features of a station wagon and a coupe, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and collectors.
frame-off restoration
"it was a full frame off restoration. Every single button bolt was restored..."
Frame-off restoration means taking a car apart completely to fix or replace everything, then putting it back together. It's a big job that takes a lot of time and effort.
A frame-off restoration involves completely disassembling a vehicle down to its frame, restoring or replacing every component, and then reassembling it. This process is thorough and often very time-consuming.
SEMA
"the Armo Council at SEMA, which is the automotive restoration council..."
SEMA is a big car show in Las Vegas where companies show off new car parts and custom cars. It's a popular event for people who love cars.
SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts an annual trade show in Las Vegas showcasing automotive aftermarket products and custom vehicles. It's a significant event for car enthusiasts and industry professionals.
OBS
"Yeah, an OBS. It's an old body style truck. I've been really into them as a younger age..."
OBS means 'Old Body Style,' which is a term used for certain older trucks that have a classic look. People like them because they are simple and have a nostalgic design.
OBS stands for 'Old Body Style,' referring to a specific generation of trucks, particularly from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s. These trucks are popular among enthusiasts for their classic styling and simplicity.
Ford Bronco (1973)
"I also have a little spot in my heart for like a 73s Bronco, like an orange Bronco..."
The 1973 Ford Bronco is an older SUV that many people love for its tough look and ability to drive off-road. It's especially popular when painted in bright colors like orange.
The 1973 Ford Bronco is a classic SUV known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. It has gained popularity among collectors and enthusiasts, especially in vibrant colors like orange.
Jensen Interceptor
"... the biggest and the best was the Mad Max Jensen interceptor, black with the blower out the hood. I mean, God ..."
The Jensen Interceptor is a fancy sports car that was made a long time ago. It looks really cool and is known for being fast and powerful, combining British style with American engines.
The Jensen Interceptor is a luxury sports car produced in the 1960s and 70s, known for its stylish design and powerful performance. It features a unique combination of British craftsmanship and American muscle, making it a rare and desirable classic.
Ford Fairlane
"... the Great Brace. So that's going to be with the Fairlane. And we were thinking about it when we originally..."
The Ford Fairlane is an older car that many people love for its cool look and good performance. It has been around for a long time and is considered a classic in American car history.
The Ford Fairlane is a classic car that was produced from the 1950s to the 1970s, known for its stylish design and performance. It has a strong following among classic car enthusiasts and is often celebrated for its role in American automotive history.
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