TMCP #641: Scott Bowers – Ron Francis Wiring – Wiring a Hot Rod the Right Way

Scott Bowers from Ron Francis Wiring returns to The MuscleCar Place to talk about the art—and reality—of wiring hot rods the right way. With decades of experience helping builders bring everything from garage projects to award-winning show cars to life, Scott shares why thoughtful wiring design makes all the difference. Instead of generic “universal” kits, Ron Francis Wiring focuses on engineered systems built around real-world setups, ensuring builders get harnesses that make sense and actually work the way they should.

Along the way, Scott shares behind-the-scenes stories from the SEMA Show, dives into the surprising rise of the Ford Crown Victoria as a hot-rodding platform, and busts one of the most common electrical myths in the hobby—why installing a high-amp alternator won’t “overcharge” your system. It’s a fun and practical conversation filled with real-world tech knowledge that every builder—from first-time project owners to seasoned fabricators—can appreciate.

K&F Show #359: Spring Break Confusion, “This Week vs Next Week” // Dukes VIDEO Review S1E7 “Luke’s Love Story”

In Episode 359 of The Kibbe & Friends Show, the guys head back to The Dukes of Hazzard Season 1 with a review of Episode 7, “Luke’s Love Story.” The story centers around the annual Hazard County Obstacle Derby, where Luke enters the General Lee against a new challenger — Amy Creevy and her black Mustang, “Lucifer.” The episode blends racing, romance, and sabotage as Amy’s jealous ex-boyfriend attempts to take her out of the race while Luke struggles with his own misguided ideas about relationships. The result is a strange mix of love story and demolition-style stock car racing that only early-season Dukes could deliver.

Despite the awkward romance storyline, the crew finds plenty to enjoy in the episode thanks to the racing action and early California production style. The Hazard Derby delivers some great car footage, including the General Lee battling through the obstacle course and plenty of raw stunt driving that helped define the show’s early seasons. Rob, Corndog, and Bernie also dig into behind-the-scenes details, including the surviving Georgia-built General Lees still being used during these early California episodes and the unique cars created for the race. In the end, the episode earns mixed reactions from the crew, but the racing and stunt work keep it memorable for Dukes fans.

TMCP #637: Tom Maxwell of Velocity Restorations // Classic Cars and Trucks Made on Modern Day “Small-Mass Production Line”

Velocity Restorations serves a unique space in the restoration world — for enthusiasts who want a classic vehicle that captures the memories of their past without spending years in a garage or navigating endless custom decisions. Rather than operating as a boutique, one-off shop, Velocity takes an a la carte, production-driven approach. Customers choose from a curated range of options that fit within a carefully planned build system, allowing Velocity to deliver consistently high-quality restorations at scale. Their process is engineered for repeatability, efficiency, and continuous improvement, resulting in vehicles that are designed to be driven, not just displayed.

Unlike companies producing brand-new replicas, Velocity Restorations starts with authentic, original vehicles, restoring them through a refined production line that preserves history while delivering modern reliability. With a growing inventory of sourced vehicles and demand that continues to rise, Velocity offers everything from classic and Fox-body Mustangs to Broncos, Ford trucks, Chevy Blazers, C10s, K10s, and Scouts. The result is a restoration experience that delivers peace of mind, a rare industry warranty, and a vehicle ready for road trips, memories, and real-world use. You can see Velocity’s impressive builds at YouTube.com/@VelocityRestorations and explore build options at VelocityRestorations.com.

TMCP #635: ASK RICK! – FIFTY YEARS of National Parts Depot! The REAL Story of Surviving and Thriving in Restoration Parts

National Parts Depot is celebrating an incredible milestone — 50 years in business — and we’re sitting down with Rick Schmidt for a special Ask Rick episode to talk about the journey that built one of the most respected names in classic car restoration. From its humble beginnings in a family basement to becoming a global leader in restoration parts, Rick shares the story of how his father Jim Schmidt built NPD through hard work, vision, and a relentless commitment to serving enthusiasts. We also dive into Rick’s leadership philosophy, the evolution of the restoration market, and what the next fifty years may hold.

It’s also auction season, and Rick is ready to help us make some money. We break down what it takes to buy right, sell smart, and turn a profit with a quick flip. With a goal of keeping the upfront cost under $30K, Rick walks us through which cars make sense to chase at the January auctions — and which ones to leave on the block. If you’re looking to sharpen your auction strategy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

TMCP #631: Ask Rick – The Year In Reivew and the Year to Come: Restoration Parts Prices, Online Auctions, and Great Cars for Investment!

In this Christmas edition of Ask Rick, we sit down with Rick Schmidt to talk holiday traditions, family time, and how he celebrates the biggest day of the year. Rick shares what Christmas looks like in the Schmidt household—good food, classic movies, and quality time with the people who matter most. As we wrap up 2025, it’s the perfect moment to slow down, reflect, and appreciate another great year in the world of Muscle Cars.

Rick also gives his year-end perspective on the shifting automotive landscape, from the sharp rise in restoration part prices to the evolving future of EVs, hybrids, and traditional fuels. He weighs in on the booming online auction scene and whether the growing number of platforms is helping or hurting sellers. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at where the hobby is heading as we roll into 2026—one that every enthusiast will want to hear.

TMCP #627: SEMA 2025 Show Spectacular #1 – Steve and Kenly with RetroSound Radio, – Dave Kass with QA1/Speedtech/Detroit Speed, Todd Andrews new ’67 GT500’s with Superformance/High Tech Legends, Jason and Matt with Coker Group / Coker Tires!

SEMA 2025 delivered big moments, bigger stories, and some truly unforgettable conversations—and in this episode, we’re bringing you the first wave of highlights straight from the show floor. Rob and the TMCP team hit Vegas wide open, reconnecting with industry friends and discovering new innovators pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive world. From modern tech hidden inside classic radio faces to the future of suspension engineering, to a brand-new ’67 Shelby GT500 built entirely from fresh parts, the range of insights and creativity on display this year was off the charts.

You’ll hear directly from the people building, engineering, and preserving the cars we love—Steve and Kenley from Retro Manufacturing, Dave Cass from QA1 and Detroit Speed, Todd Andrews from Superformance/High Tech Legends, and Jason and Matt from the Coker Group. Each brings a unique perspective on where the industry is heading and how today’s products are reshaping the driving experience for classic-car enthusiasts. This episode is packed with stories, passion, and behind-the-scenes details that set the stage for a multi-part SEMA series you won’t want to miss.

TMCP #619: Ask Rick — OEMs, Politics, and Profits; Plus Cars You Can Flip for Fun (and $$) at Football Tailgates

In this episode of The Muscle Car Place, Rick takes us inside the impossible yet fascinating world of OEM leadership—where shifting politics and billion-dollar bets make or break the future of the industry. Then, in true “Rick’s Take” fashion, he shifts gears to the fun side: which ’90s icons and classic rides make the best tailgate companions—and the smartest flips for ROI. From Corvettes and Cobras to Broncos and Foxbody Mustangs, Rick breaks down which cars will impress your buddies, hold value, and maybe even make you money after football season.

TMCP #581: ASK RICK – Independence Day Special Edition! Growing Up Inside an All American Business – $25K American Investment Cars

It is JULY and time for another riveting Ask Rick segment where I ask him the tough questions! Happy Independence Day and make sure you stay safe with the fireworks. The Fourth is when we celebrate our independence and our freedom from oppression of the English monarchy by blowing up some stuff! This month I askeded Rick what his most memorable family tradition around this holiday and then I traveled with him down memory lane where he recalled his younger days and the early start of NPD. Growing up inside the All American business wasn’t always what it appears to be on the outside…and there are lessons to learn here about tenacity and the true cost of success. We also reviewed about all American vehicles to buy (for lest that $25,000) and hold for the best ROI in 5 years. Here’s a hint: Lil’ Red Express!