TMCP #634: The Ultimate Reunion // How 6 People Who Never Met Built a $400K Chevelle for SEMA on Friendship, Grit, and Faith!
About this episode
A heartfelt roundtable reunion at SEMA brings together the team behind a remarkable 64 Chevelle build, reflecting on their journey from concept to completion. Host Rob Kibbey and his friends, including Jeff Allison, Kirk Hansen, Danny Giustino, and Zip Simons, share stories of friendship, grit, and the challenges they faced during the build. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration and the bonds formed through a shared passion for cars, culminating in a stunning reveal at SEMA 2013. Listeners will appreciate the personal anecdotes and the camaraderie that made this project possible.
This week we’re doing something a little different, and honestly — something really special. For the first time ever, the original team behind my Chevelle build all sat down together to revisit the journey from 2011–2013. This wasn’t a “sponsored” build or a corporate project. It was a leap of faith between friends who believed we could pull off something big long before we knew how. We started in basements and small shops, fought rust, deadlines, wiring headaches, and fatigue — and somehow ended up rolling into SEMA together.
In this episode you’ll hear Jeff Allison, Danny Giustino, Zip Simons, Kirk Hansen, and producer Bernie all share their side of the story — the wins, the failures, the sleepless nights, the road trips, and the moments we’ll never forget. If you’ve ever dreamed of doing something way beyond your comfort zone, this one is for you. It’s a reminder that passion + good people can move mountains…and cars.
The post TMCP #634: The Ultimate Reunion // How 6 People Who Never Met Built a $400K Chevelle for SEMA on Friendship, Grit, and Faith! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.
SEMA 2025
"We have a unique moment here at SEMA 2025."
SEMA is a big car parts trade show where companies show off new accessories and gadgets for cars. The 2025 event is the next one happening this year.
SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is an annual trade show where automotive aftermarket companies showcase new parts, accessories, and technologies. The 2025 event refers to the upcoming edition of this industry gathering.
Zip Simon's, Street Metal Concepts
"Then we have Zip Simon's, Street Metal Concepts. Hi. Thank you."
Zip Simon's, Street Metal Concepts is a company that makes custom parts and changes to cars so they look cooler or run better.
Zip Simon's, Street Metal Concepts is a custom automotive body shop that specializes in aftermarket styling and performance upgrades for cars.
Cadillac
"Only Cadillacs. You're gonna love it. Yeah, all Caddys."
Cadillac makes fancy cars that are more expensive and have a lot of luxury features. It’s a well‑known brand from the U.S.
Cadillac is a luxury automobile brand owned by General Motors, known for its upscale vehicles and distinctive styling.
Volkswagen Caddys
"You're gonna love it. Yeah, all Caddys. Only Caddilacs."
The Caddy is a small van that’s great for carrying people or stuff. It’s known for being sturdy and easy to drive, which is why many families and small businesses choose it.
The Volkswagen Caddy is a compact van that blends practicality with the brand’s hallmark build quality. Widely used for commercial and family purposes, it offers a spacious interior, efficient engines, and a reputation for solid engineering that appeals to both businesses and everyday users.
Toyota Prius
"Only Caddilacs. Caddilacs and Prius. No, no, no."
The Prius is a car that runs on both gasoline and electricity, which helps you save gas and keep the air cleaner. It’s known for being very dependable and easy to find parts for, so it’s a popular choice for people who want an affordable, green car.
The Toyota Prius is a pioneering hybrid vehicle that blends an internal combustion engine with electric motors to deliver remarkable fuel efficiency and low emissions. Its long-standing reputation for reliability, combined with a robust aftermarket support network, makes it a staple in discussions about eco-friendly transportation.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"...han my own. So I had shared, like I have this 64 Chevelle, I'd love to pro touring it, I'd love to be a rac..."
The Chevelle is an old, powerful car from the 1970s that many people collect and restore. It’s famous for its big engine and classic look, which makes it a favorite among car hobbyists.
The Chevrolet Chevelle, produced from the late 1960s to early 1970s, is a classic American muscle car known for its robust V8 engines and distinctive styling. Its enduring popularity among collectors stems from its raw performance potential and the nostalgic appeal of 1970s automotive culture.
National Parts Depot
"You're the reason that it went forward because we sourced a lot of parts through NPD."
National Parts Depot is a shop that sells parts for old cars, especially muscle cars like the Chevelle.
National Parts Depot (NPD) is a specialty parts supplier that focuses on classic and muscle cars, providing aftermarket components and restoration services.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...ou into putting together cars? Because you are a Camaro specialist when I met you. I mean, that's what y..."
The Camaro is a fast, sporty car that looks like it’s ready for the racetrack. It comes with powerful engines and a sleek design, which is why many people love it for driving fun.
The Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic American muscle car that has evolved from a 1960s performance icon to a modern, high‑tech sports coupe. It’s celebrated for its aggressive styling, powerful engine options, and track‑ready handling, making it a frequent topic among enthusiasts and collectors.
bolt-on
"So the bolt-on's not going to happen."
A bolt‑on is a part you can add to your car by just screwing it on, like a spoiler or an aftermarket exhaust.
A bolt‑on refers to a component that can be attached or removed by simply bolting it onto the vehicle, without extensive modifications.
body mounts
"And I think if I remember right, it was like two body mounts, bolts were still in it."
Body mounts are the parts that hold the car’s body to its frame; they keep everything in place and make sure the car stays solid.
Body mounts are the brackets or bolts that attach a car's body to its chassis, securing structural integrity and alignment.
radiator support mount
"So, and I think it was like a radiator support mount and like one rear or something."
The radiator support mount is the piece that holds the radiator in place so it doesn’t shift or get damaged while driving.
A radiator support mount is a bracket that secures the radiator to the vehicle’s frame, preventing movement and protecting cooling components.
cross weight
"I mean, I was like, yeah, you got a good cross weight going thing."
Think of a cross weight as a metal bar that holds the front and back parts of a car together, keeping the frame strong when you turn or hit bumps.
A cross weight is a structural brace that connects the front and rear sections of a vehicle’s chassis, helping to maintain rigidity and reduce flex during driving.
A pillar
"Part of the A pillar."
It’s the side frame that holds up the front window and keeps the car’s roof from collapsing.
The A pillar is the vertical support structure on either side of a vehicle’s windshield, running from the roof to the floor and providing structural integrity.
firewall
"It's like, up the firewall and there was so much metal to go that we had a discussion"
It’s the metal wall that separates the engine area from where you sit, keeping the heat and noise out of the car’s interior.
The firewall is a metal barrier between the engine compartment and the passenger cabin, protecting occupants from heat, noise, and potential fire.
full chassis
"The only thing that we really didn't do back then that we probably would do today is a full chassis."
Think of the chassis as the skeleton of a car. It holds everything together and keeps the vehicle stable.
A full chassis is a complete structural frame that supports the vehicle’s body, engine, suspension, and other components. It provides rigidity, safety, and a foundation for performance upgrades.
Art Morrison
"So if there was one, it was probably like an Art Morrison or something."
Art Morrison makes custom frames and parts that can upgrade a car’s handling and look, especially for classic models.
Art Morrison is a specialty automotive company that designs and manufactures high-performance chassis kits, suspension components, and other aftermarket parts for classic and modern cars.
full caged car
"So we've got a full caged car, like a capsule car."
A full caged car has a metal frame all around it to keep people safe if something bad happens.
A full caged car is a vehicle that has a complete roll cage and other safety structures integrated into its chassis, providing maximum protection.
capsule car
"So we've got a full caged car, like a capsule car."
A capsule car is a small, tightly packed vehicle that keeps everything inside it very close together.
A capsule car refers to a vehicle design that is heavily enclosed and compact, often used in racing or specialized applications where space and protection are critical.
roll cage
"like NASCAR, like the style of roll cage."
A roll cage is a metal frame inside the car that keeps people safe if the car flips over or crashes.
A roll cage is a steel framework installed inside a vehicle to protect occupants in the event of a rollover or collision by preventing the cabin from collapsing.
NASCAR
"like NASCAR, like the style of roll cage."
NASCAR is a big racing league in the U.S. where drivers race cars that look similar to everyday cars but are built for speed.
NASCAR is a popular American auto racing sanctioning body known for stock car racing on oval tracks.
LS3
"We've got an LS3 in it now."
The LS3 is a powerful engine made by Chevrolet that can give a car a lot of speed and strength.
The LS3 is a 6.2‑liter V8 engine produced by Chevrolet, known for its high horsepower and torque output in performance cars.
RS Chevelle
"And you were making those cool RS Chevelle."
The RS Chevelle is a sporty version of Chevrolet’s mid‑size car from the 1970s, known for its strong engine and cool look.
The Chevrolet Chevelle RS (Road Sport) was a high‑performance trim of the mid‑size Chevelle produced in the 1970s, featuring a powerful V8 engine and aggressive styling.
Dodge
"We were working on my buddy's dodge that truck that he wrecked."
Dodge is a car company that makes trucks and muscle cars. It’s part of the Chrysler family.
Dodge is an American automotive brand known for producing trucks, SUVs, and performance cars.
Baja makeover
"And we were doing a Baja makeover on it."
A Baja makeover is when people change a truck or SUV so it can drive in tough desert races. They add big wheels, lift the car up, and put on strong parts to protect it.
A Baja makeover refers to modifying a vehicle, often a truck or SUV, for off‑road desert racing like the Baja 1000. It typically involves adding a lift kit, larger tires, and protective body panels.
rubber parts
"You sent a bunch of like rubber parts and stuff."
These are pieces of rubber that fit into a car to keep things tight and quiet, like the seals around doors or windows.
Rubber parts refer to various components made of rubber used in a vehicle, such as seals, gaskets, or hoses that help prevent leaks and reduce noise.
weather stripping
"And when, you know, weather stripping."
It’s the strip you see around a car door that keeps wind and water from getting in when you close it.
Weather stripping is a rubber or foam seal installed around doors, windows, and other openings to block wind, rain, dust, and noise from entering the vehicle.
Ferrari
"[1642.5s] I remember feeling, oh my Lord, I'm going to hell for this. [1645.8s] This is Ferrari caliber quality. [1651.3s] I thought they were just painting it."
Ferrari makes very fast, fancy cars that are expensive and only a few people can own. They’re famous for racing and look very special.
Ferrari is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles, iconic design, and racing heritage. The brand is synonymous with exclusivity and cutting‑edge engineering.
chassis harness
"We had taken a stock harness and modified it in a Ron Francis chassis harness and modified that to get everything in the car."
A chassis harness is a bundle of wires that runs along the car’s frame, connecting parts like brakes and sensors. People often change it when they build a custom or race car.
A chassis harness refers to the wiring system that runs along the vehicle’s frame, connecting various components such as brakes, suspension sensors, and power distribution units. It is often customized for aftermarket or racing builds.
stock harness
"We had taken a stock harness and modified it in a Ron Francis chassis harness and modified that to get everything in the car."
A stock harness is the set of wires and plugs that a car comes with straight from the factory. It’s what lets all the electrical parts like lights, radio, and engine sensors work.
A stock harness is the original wiring and electrical connector setup that comes with a vehicle from the factory. It includes all the cables, connectors, and fuses needed for the car’s electronics to function.
wheel fitment
"[2363.1s] And, you know, we had the wheel fitment issues and stuff."
It means putting the wheels on a car so they fit right and work well.
Wheel fitment refers to the process of installing wheels on a vehicle, ensuring they are properly aligned, sized, and secured for optimal performance and safety.
camber
"[2366.6s] And like you said, let's just jack the camber out of it."
It’s how much the wheel leans toward or away from the car when you look at it front to back.
Camber is the angle of a wheel relative to vertical when viewed from the front or rear; positive camber tilts the top of the wheel outward, while negative camber tilts it inward.
inset wheels
"[2372.0s] If I have one regret, like those wheels look so cool because they were inset."
These wheels sit a bit deeper inside the car’s wheel opening, giving a tighter look.
Inset wheels have a smaller diameter than the wheel well, creating a recessed look that can improve handling and aesthetics.
flat face wheels
"[2378.6s] They weren't flat face wheels."
These wheels have a flat outer edge instead of a curved or indented one.
Flat face wheels have a smooth, non-dished rim surface, providing a more traditional look compared to dished or concave designs.
bumper
"Aaron's standing there with his knee in the bumper of the car because we, for some reason, we wanted to keep it rolling."
A bumper is the part of a car that sticks out at the front or back. It helps keep the car safe if it bumps into something.
The bumper is the front or rear protective panel of a vehicle that absorbs impact and protects the body and occupants.
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