Where Do Car Culture And Car Money Meet
About this episode
Car culture meets car money with a packed show: the crew maps out major hot-rod and muscle-car events across the country, from Goodguys Del Mar and Pigeon Forge to Hot Rod Tour of Texas, Hot Rod Power Tour, and the big Goodguys Summit. After that, it’s recall chatter and a “spin the wheel” game using real Hemmings-style sale prices for classic cars (Corvette, Mustang, TR6, Jaguar, and more). The news segment covers EV battery recalls, factory/tech investment, and a debate over Ford CEO compensation tied to “quality” metrics.
Seven big events can shape your whole driving year if you know what you’re looking for. We lay out a coast-to-coast hot rod and classic car travel plan, starting with the Goodguys Del Mar Nationals and the Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run, then moving into the Hot Rod Tour of Texas, the massive Hot Rod Power Tour, the Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Ohio, the NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, and the bucket-list Woodward Dream Cruise. If you’ve been searching for the best hot rod events, street rod nationals, or classic car road trips, we give you the quick “why it matters” for each stop so you can pick the one that fits your style and your schedule.
Then we get practical with weekly automotive news you can use, running through current vehicle recalls across major brands. From wiring and seat frame issues to EV battery module concerns and moonroof hardware, we translate the headlines into clear owner takeaways so you know what to watch and what to fix.
To keep the fun rolling, we play “what it sold for” and test our instincts on real collector car prices, from a 1964 Corvette and a classic Mustang to a Triumph TR6 and a risky Jaguar XKR. We also share a Texas cruise-in calendar, plus a personal story about custom automotive artwork that turns a beloved car into something you can hang on the wall.
Subscribe for more real-world car talk, share this with a friend who’s planning their next road trip, and leave a review with the one event you’d drive to first.
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recalls
"[24.8s] We'regonnahaverecalls. [26.4s] We'regonnaplaynamethatprice,whatitsoldfor."
A recall means the car company found a problem that could affect safety. They tell owners to bring the car in (often for free) to get it fixed.
A vehicle recall is when a manufacturer (or regulator) identifies a safety-related problem and issues a fix, usually at no cost to the owner. Recalls can range from software updates to replacing parts, and they’re important for both safety and resale value.
torque wrench
"[63.0s] Well,itcouldbeitcouldbeuhcottoncandy,couldbeotherthings. [67.7s] OrGeorgesaysuseyourtorquewrenchtocramitallinthere. [71.1s] Thereyougo."
A torque wrench is a tool that tightens bolts to an exact “tightness” level. That matters because too loose can be dangerous, and too tight can damage parts.
A torque wrench is a tool used to tighten fasteners to a specific torque value (measured in units like ft-lb or N·m). Using the correct torque helps prevent stripped threads, loose components, and uneven clamping forces—especially on wheels and critical engine/drivetrain hardware.
hot rod
"Andtheandthesubjectuhtodayisgoingtobesevennationalhotrodeventstoputonyourcalendar."
A “hot rod” is a car that’s been modified to be more fun and often looks cooler. At car events, you’ll usually see hot rods alongside other custom and classic cars.
“Hot rod” refers to modified cars—often older American cars—built for driving enjoyment and style. In car culture events, hot rods are usually part of the mix alongside classics and custom builds.
Goodguys Del Mar Nationals
"Sowe'regoingtostartwiththeGoodGuysDelMarNationals. Now,thisisinSouthernCalifornia."
Goodguys Del Mar Nationals is a big car event in California focused on hot rods and classic cars. The host mentions it because it draws a lot of cars from Southern California.
Goodguys Del Mar Nationals is a major hot-rod and classic-car event associated with Goodguys, held in Del Mar, California. The segment highlights it as a strong Southern California turnout event that kicks off the broader national calendar.
cruising
"So it's a great place. They do a lot of cruising, there'salotofshowing..."
Cruising means driving around with other car people, usually together as a group. It’s often about the vibe and meeting others, not just parking and looking.
Cruising is when car enthusiasts drive together in a planned group route, often as part of an event. It’s a major part of many hot-rod and classic-car gatherings, emphasizing community as much as the cars themselves.
car show
"Theydoalotofcruising,there'salotofshowing,butyoujustit'snotreallyaformalshow,butapparentlyit'saprettyinformalshow,andit'ssomeplacetoplanifyouwanttogotoCaliforniaforacarshow."
A car show is an event where people bring cars to display and talk about them. Some are more casual and focus on cruising and hanging out.
A car show is an event where vehicles are displayed and judged or showcased, sometimes with cruising and vendor areas. The segment contrasts more informal “show” formats with formal judging-style events.
Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run
"Then,thenextonewe'regoingtolookatcomingupinAprilisthePigeonForgeSpringRodRun. Now,ofcourse,thisisinTennessee,andyou'regoingtogetthousandsofclassiccarsandstreetrodsandcustoms come in..."
The Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run is a car event in Tennessee. The idea is that lots of cars show up and the whole town feels like a moving car show.
The Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run is a hot-rod/classic-car event in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The host describes it as a “rolling car show” with thousands of classic cars, street rods, and customs filling the town.
swap meet
"Uhtocruisetheparkwaytocheckoutsomeofthevendorumplaces,theswapmeet. It'sjustthere'sawholelotofstuff."
A swap meet is an event where people buy, sell, and trade parts and accessories—often including used or hard-to-find components. It’s especially common at classic and hot-rod events because many attendees are sourcing upgrades or restoration parts.
Woodward Dream Cruise
"Now, the um Woodward Dream Cruise is one that I've always liked. I've always wanted to go... Historic Woodward Avenue becomes a rolling museum of horsepower and heritage..."
The Woodward Dream Cruise is a famous car event where lots of cars drive along Woodward Avenue. It’s known for being a big celebration of classic cars and performance.
The Woodward Dream Cruise is a large automotive celebration centered on Woodward Avenue. The segment describes it as a rolling display of horsepower and heritage, with manufacturers setting up displays along the route.
Volkswagen
"Volkswagen,loosetransmissiongroundwire,maycauseafireintheVolkswagenJetta2025and2026."
Volkswagen is the brand tied to the problem they’re discussing. They’re saying there’s a potential safety issue on certain Jettas.
Volkswagen is called out in the segment as the automaker associated with the described fire-risk issue. It’s part of a “recalls/recall-like” news rundown.
Stellantis
"ItshouldbeStilantisbecausetheJeepWagonhere,Sfor24through26,theliftgatehingecovermaydetach."
Stellantis is the newer company that owns brands like Jeep. They’re using it to update the corporate name from the older FCA label.
Stellantis is the current parent company formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. The speaker uses it to correct the corporate name while discussing Jeep-related issues.
Hyundai Palisade
"...along with the Hyundai Palisade and Palisade Hybrid for 2026 because the power rear seats may trap somebody back there."
The Hyundai Palisade is a family SUV with three rows. They’re talking about a recall for 2026 because the power rear seats may create a safety hazard.
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row midsize SUV. Here, it’s mentioned in connection with a recall affecting 2026 models due to a power seat issue that could trap someone.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette
"because I'm a Corvette guy, I thought that we would find out how much the 1964 Chevrolet Corvettes sold for... It looks like an original... But uh so what do you think that that cars sold for?"
A 1964 Chevrolet Corvette is a vintage Corvette from the mid-60s. Older Corvettes can be worth a lot, and the price depends heavily on how original and well-preserved the car is. Here, they’re debating the sale price for a specific 1964 example.
The 1964 Chevrolet Corvette is a classic American sports car, and it’s often discussed in the context of collector value and “car money” because prices can vary widely based on originality. In this segment, the hosts are trying to estimate what a 1964 Corvette sold for based on how original it looks (like paint condition).
restored and it's modified
"That would be called a restomod. It's restored and it's modified. Okay."
They’re saying the car has been brought back (restored), but also changed from how it originally was (modified). That combination is why people call it a restomod.
The phrase describes the core distinction behind many collector categories: a restored car aims to return to a factory-like condition, while a modified car changes parts or appearance from stock. Together, “restored and modified” is essentially the practical definition of a restomod.
Triumph TR6
"Next up is the 71 Triumph TR6. Oh, these are these are cool cars... trying to make sure that the carburetor and the distributor stuff is gonna work all the time."
The Triumph TR6 is a classic British sports car. The 1971 one is the kind of car where you may need to keep the fuel and ignition systems tuned so it runs well.
The Triumph TR6 is a classic British sports car, and the episode specifically mentions a 1971 example. It’s known for its period-correct mechanicals—often including carburetors and an older-style ignition setup—so owners have to stay on top of tuning and maintenance to keep it reliable.
10-foot pole
"[833.8s] Allright,nextup. [835.3s] Here'sonethatIwouldn'ttouchwitha10-footpole. [837.8s] Uh-oh."
“Wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole” means “I wouldn’t deal with it at all.” In this case, they’re saying the car looks too risky or too expensive to fix.
“Wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole” is an idiom meaning someone wants nothing to do with a situation or object. Here it signals strong reluctance to buy the car due to the visible damage.
2015 Jaguar XKR
"Uh2015JaguarXKR. [845.1s] Itlooksgood. [846.7s] Okay. [849.0s] ButohmyGod,canyouimaginethepriceitwouldcosttogetthatthingfixed?"
A 2015 Jaguar XKR is a sporty Jaguar coupe. The conversation is basically saying it looks nice, but fixing it can get very expensive if it’s been damaged.
The Jaguar XKR is a performance-focused coupe from Jaguar, known for its supercharged V8 and grand-touring character. In this segment, the hosts are discussing a specific 2015 example and how expensive it would be to repair after damage.
two-door
"[862.1s] 14. [862.9s] That'satwo-door,right? [866.3s] Yes. [867.0s] 14,000."
“Two-door” just means the car has two doors for passengers, like a coupe. They’re confirming the Jaguar’s body style as part of the pricing discussion.
“Two-door” describes a body style with two passenger doors, typically a coupe. The hosts confirm the Jaguar XKR is a two-door when discussing its sale price.
A 1965 Ford Mustang
"Now,thisisacollectorcarinmymind. A1965FordMustang. Okay."
A 1965 Ford Mustang is an old-school Mustang from the early days of the model. People collect them because they’re classic and because the details matter a lot for value.
The 1965 Ford Mustang is a first-generation Mustang (the original “pony car” era) that became a cultural icon in the mid-1960s. In collector circles, details like period-correct trim and accessories can strongly affect how desirable a car is.
wheel covers
"It'sevengotthethesehubcapsonthiscar. Well,they'rewheelcovers. Theyweresocool..."
Wheel covers are the decorative pieces you can see on the outside of the wheel. They’re mainly for looks and to help protect the wheel surface.
Wheel covers are decorative caps that sit over the wheel face. They’re different from full wheels or hubcaps in how they’re designed, but in everyday talk people often use the terms interchangeably.
wide whites
"Now,thislookImean,Idon'tthink thatthatcarevercamewithwide whites. Itwasn'tevenanoption. Andthegrillhasbeenpainted"
“Wide whites” are tires that have a thick white stripe on the side. People often use them to make a classic vehicle look more period-correct.
“Wide whites” usually refers to tires with a broad white sidewall stripe. On classic cars and trucks, wide-white tires are a visual style choice and can affect authenticity if you’re trying to match a particular factory look.
car cruise
"It's a cruise in like you've never attended before. With the donation to Shirley's Kids, you'll get a free Loopy Tortilla breakfast taco. ... Just bring it ride and the kids."
A car cruise is when a bunch of car people meet up and drive together for fun. It’s usually more about the community and vibes than racing.
A car cruise is a casual group ride where enthusiasts meet up and drive together, often stopping for photos or a social event. It’s a common part of local car culture, especially for themed events like “tailpipes and tacos.”
SiriusXM Podcasts
"Check us out on SiriusXM Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or while you're shopping on Amazon through Amazon Music."
SiriusXM is a major satellite radio and streaming audio provider, and its “Podcasts” platform distributes shows to subscribers and listeners. Mentioning it signals where the podcast is available beyond its own website.
monthly cruise
"UhtheTempleMaltsandMotorsmonthlycruiseinatBold. ThisisuhnextSaturday."
A “cruise” is when a bunch of car people drive together as a group. It usually happens at the same time each month so everyone can plan to show up.
A “cruise” is a casual group drive where car enthusiasts meet up, roll out together, and often end at a venue for socializing. In car culture, monthly cruises help build local communities and keep attendance consistent.
General Motors
"...provide General Motors with central compute units for the automaker's next-generation vehicle architecture."
General Motors is the car company behind the vehicles being discussed. In this segment, GM is planning future cars that rely on new centralized computer hardware.
General Motors (GM) is the automaker that’s described as receiving the compute hardware for its next vehicle platform. The segment ties GM’s future tech plans to specific production timing and a new centralized computing strategy.
Ford Motor Company
"Very frustrating. Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley's total compensation jumped nearly 11% last year to $27,519,558.69."
Ford is the automaker being discussed here. They’re talking about leadership pay and how it lines up with quality and recall results.
Ford Motor Company is brought up in the context of executive compensation and quality/recall performance. The segment uses Ford’s metrics to question how “quality targets” relate to real-world issues.
Jim Farley
"Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley's total compensation jumped nearly 11% last year to $27,519,558.69... The highest totals since he became CEO in 2020."
Jim Farley is Ford’s top executive. The hosts are pointing out how his pay changed and how it’s tied to company performance goals.
Jim Farley is Ford’s CEO in this segment, and the discussion focuses on his compensation and incentive structure. The episode uses his pay changes to highlight how corporate targets are measured and rewarded.
GulfCoastAutoShield
"Well,whynotletGulfCoastAutoShieldprotectit? ... GulfCoastAutoShieldiswhereHouston'scarpeoplego."
GulfCoastAutoShield is a local car shop that helps protect a car’s outside. They do things like coatings and protective films to help the paint and glass stay looking better.
GulfCoastAutoShield is an aftermarket shop offering exterior protection and appearance services for cars. In this segment, they’re pitching options like ceramic coatings, paint protection film, window tint, and windshield protection.
ceramic coating
"Whether you're looking to massage your original paint to a like new appearance, apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film..."
A ceramic coating is a protective layer put on your car’s paint. It helps water bead up and can make dirt easier to wash off.
A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer/silica-based protective layer applied to paint. It’s designed to add hydrophobic water beading and make the surface easier to clean, helping reduce minor staining and oxidation.
paint protection film
"...apply a ceramic coating, install a paint protection film, nanoceramic window tint, or new windshield protection called ExoShield..."
Paint protection film is a clear sheet that you put on the car’s paint where it gets hit most. It helps prevent chips and scuffs from things on the road.
Paint protection film (PPF) is a clear, durable film applied to high-impact areas like the front bumper, hood, and fenders. It’s meant to protect against rock chips, light scratches, and road debris while staying optically clear.
radar detector
"How about a professionally installed radar detector? GulfCoastAutoShield does that too."
A radar detector is a device that warns you if it senses police radar. It’s basically an alert system to help you know when enforcement equipment might be nearby.
A radar detector is an electronic device that alerts the driver when it detects radar signals used by law enforcement. Many modern detectors also include features like GPS-based alerts and filtering to reduce false alarms.
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