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TMCP #632: The Full Business of “Give Away Sweepstakes” with Hodson Motors — Riley Hodson on Building, Giving Away, and Growing the World of Classic 4×4’s Sweepstakes

TMCP #632: The Full Business of “Give Away Sweepstakes” with Hodson Motors — Riley Hodson on Building, Giving Away, and Growing the World of Classic 4×4’s Sweepstakes

The MuscleCar Place Dec 12, 2025 41 min
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About this episode

Riley Hodson from Hodson Motors dives into the world of vehicle sweepstakes, focusing on classic 4x4s. He shares his journey from hobbyist to a successful giveaway business, detailing the challenges and rewards of running sweepstakes. With insights on building and promoting vehicles, Hodson discusses the importance of transparency and trust in this niche market. He also touches on the risks involved, the balance between customer builds and giveaways, and the strategies that have led to his success. This candid conversation reveals the intricacies of a unique automotive business model.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Company

Hodson Motors

"Our guest is Riley Hodson of Hodson Motors. You four by four enthusiasts know this guy and his company."

Hodson Motors is a business that focuses on modifying trucks and Jeeps, especially older models from the 70s to the 90s. They make these vehicles more off-road capable and unique.

Concept

four by four

"Their niche is four by four modded trucks and Jeep 70s through 90s, lifted trucks, stuff like that."

A 'four by four' is a type of vehicle that can drive all four of its wheels at the same time. This helps it handle rough terrain and off-road conditions better than regular cars.

Term

lifted trucks

"Their niche is four by four modded trucks and Jeep 70s through 90s, lifted trucks, stuff like that."

A 'lifted truck' is a truck that has been made taller than normal. This helps it go over obstacles better when driving off-road and allows for bigger tires.

Company

Fanatec

"...the drift, those are all from Fanatec."

Fanatec makes gear for racing video games, like steering wheels and pedals that help make the experience feel more real. Many people who race online use their products because they are very good quality.

Company

TrackRacer

"I ended up buying a kit from TrackRacer, TRAK Racer. It's one of their 160 wall kits."

TrackRacer makes equipment for people who enjoy racing video games, helping them set up a more realistic experience with better seats and frames.

Concept

fab up

"And I'm just going to fab up everything that isn't there that I want or need."

'Fab up' means to make or build parts that you need for a project, especially when they aren't available in stores. It's about creating custom solutions.

Part

Kierke seat

"I got his Kierke seat out of his old race car, the one he wrecked. I got a steering wheel out of his old race car, it's an MPI wheel, drilled it out..."

A Kierke seat is a special seat used in race cars to keep drivers safe and comfortable. It's built to be strong and light, which helps during fast driving.

Part

MPI wheel

"I got a steering wheel out of his old race car, it's an MPI wheel, drilled it out to mount it on the Fanatec."

An MPI wheel is a type of steering wheel used in race cars. It's made to help drivers have a better grip and control while driving fast.

Car

Cupra Born

"My name is Riley Hodson. I am a Las Vegas, Nevada born and raised native. I have been in the classic tru..."

The Cupra Born is a new electric car that is designed to be fast and fun to drive. It’s part of a brand that focuses on making sporty cars, but this one is also good for the environment because it runs on electricity.

Concept

classic crew cab scene

"We were real big in the classic crew cab scene. So crew cab forwards and Chevy's and Dodges, but also big in the Jeep scene."

The classic crew cab scene is about people who love and restore older trucks that have extra space for passengers. These trucks are popular among collectors and enthusiasts.

Car

Dodge trucks

"So crew cab forwards and Chevy's and Dodges, but also big in the Jeep scene."

Dodge trucks are tough vehicles made by the Dodge brand. They're great for work and are loved by many truck fans.

Car

Chevrolet trucks

"So crew cab forwards and Chevy's and Dodges, but also big in the Jeep scene."

Chevrolet trucks are strong and reliable vehicles made by the Chevrolet brand. They're often used for work and are popular among truck lovers.

Car

Jeep J10S

"So like the full size Jeeps and the J10s and the Wagoneers, stuff like that."

The Jeep J10 is a pickup truck made by Jeep. It's known for being good off-road and has a special look that many people like.

Car

Jeep Wagoneers

"So like the full size Jeeps and the J10s and the Wagoneers, stuff like that."

The Jeep Wagoneer is a big SUV known for being good off-road and having lots of space inside. It's a favorite among people who like classic vehicles.

Concept

restomod

"...doing classic muscle cars like Resto mods are awesome company and"

A restomod is a classic car that has been updated with new parts to make it better to drive. It keeps the old look but has modern features like better engines and brakes.

Part

AMC 360

"It had a rebuild AMC 360 four speed manual fuel injected."

The AMC 360 is a type of V8 engine that was used in some Jeep trucks. It's known for being powerful and reliable.

Car

Ford Bronco

"of my clients, I take care of his old Bronco. But Mike had gone to this"

The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that people love for going off-road and exploring. It has a long history and is often talked about because many people have great memories associated with it.

Car

Chevrolet Suburban

"that I found you was through the suburban. How deep was that in your"

The Chevrolet Suburban is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's been around for a very long time and is popular for families or anyone who needs extra space.

Part

4L80E

"...had a 12 Elf Cummins and a four L 80"

The 4L80E is a type of automatic transmission that helps the vehicle change gears smoothly. It's designed to be very strong, so it can handle heavy loads and towing.

Part

NP 205 transfer case

"[1142.7s] transmission and an NP 205 transfer case. [1144.6s] No, a 261 transfer case, but..."

The NP 205 is a part that helps distribute power from the transmission to the front and rear axles in four-wheel drive vehicles. It has two settings for different driving conditions, like off-roading or regular driving.

Part

261 transfer case

"[1146.0s] No, a 261 transfer case, but..."

The 261 transfer case is another part that helps send power to the wheels in four-wheel drive vehicles. It's newer and lighter than some older models, making it more efficient.

Part

Ford Dana 60

"[1147.7s] it had a Ford Dana 60 Snowfighter front axle. [1149.7s] So the best front axle you could get."

The Ford Dana 60 is a strong part that connects the wheels to the vehicle, making it great for heavy-duty use and off-roading. It's often chosen for its ability to handle tough conditions.

Part

roof rack

"baseline overland roof rack and there's a couple at SEMA of these baseline overlaid roof racks for these suburbans."

A roof rack is a frame that sits on top of a car to hold extra things like bags or bikes. It helps you carry more stuff when you're traveling.

Company

KC Lights

"That's a cool KC headlight roof rack and it was a really"

KC Lights makes special lights for cars that help you see better when driving off-road at night. They're often used by people who like to go on adventures in their vehicles.

Car

K5

"...I just sold my K5. It was lifted on thirty sevens, you know, still all stock running gear and all..."

The K5 is a type of SUV made by Chevrolet that is great for off-roading. It was built for tough conditions and has a strong reputation for being durable.

Term

thirty sevens

"...It was lifted on thirty sevens, you know, still all stock running gear and all..."

'Thirty sevens' means the tires are 37 inches tall. Bigger tires help vehicles drive better on rough or uneven ground.

Car

Toyota Land Cruiser

"You know, so for $50, he won a 1984 Land Cruiser BJ 60."

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a fancy SUV that can go anywhere, even on rough roads. People like it because it lasts a long time and is very comfortable to drive.

Car

Dodge Ram

"but it is the most bone stock second gen Cummins...I could find four wheel drive second gen Cummins."

Cummins is a brand of diesel engine that is often used in Dodge Ram trucks. The second generation refers to the models made between 1994 and 2002, which are known for being strong and reliable.

Car

Chevrolet C30

"Eileen was a 79 Chevy C30 Dually crew cab. It had a Duramax and an Allison in it."

The Chevrolet C30 is a strong pickup truck designed for heavy work. It has two wheels on each side at the back, which helps it carry heavier loads more safely.

9 cars featured

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