K&F Show #372: Dukes Review S2E3 “The Rustlers” – Mel Tillis & Rosco’s Future Wife
Season 2 continues with “The Rustlers,” as the Duke Boys team up with country music legend Mel Tillis to protect his prized racehorse from Boss Hogg, horse rustlers, and one crooked horse dealer. While the General Lee doesn’t get as much screen time as usual, this episode delivers plenty of memorable moments—including a race between the General Lee and a thoroughbred, Uncle Jesse’s now-famous climb out of the General, and Boss Hogg’s hilarious attempts to impress Lulu.
In this review, Rob, Corndog, and Bernie discuss Mel Tillis’ unforgettable guest appearance, the real-life story behind his famous stutter, and the surprising appearance of Dorothy Collier, who would later marry James Best and become Dorothy Best. Corndog also breaks down several production details, including one of the rare General Lees without a roll bar, continuity clues, classic vehicle sightings, and hidden details that longtime Dukes fans will appreciate.
The crew also plays another round of the Automotive Celebrity Birthday Game, Bernie brings the latest automotive news, and everyone debates one important question: Could the General Lee really outrun a racehorse? Whether you’re a longtime Dukes fan or simply love classic TV and vintage muscle cars, there’s plenty to enjoy in this week’s review.
K&F Show #371: Dodge’s NASCAR Return, Ford’s AI Problem, and Why “Gold Fever” Is Peak Dukes of Hazzard
This week on The Kibbe & Friends Show, the guys kick things off by discussing the growing rumors that Dodge could return to NASCAR competition in 2027. With new reports suggesting progress on both the race car and engine program, Rob, Corndog, and Bernie debate what Dodge’s return could look like, how manufacturer-supported engines compare to the competition, and whether NASCAR has become too standardized compared to the glory days of stock car racing.
Next up is another hilarious edition of the Automotive Celebrity Birthday Game, featuring movie and television trivia from Ghostbusters, Risky Business, Apollo 13, Friends, Herbie: Fully Loaded, and more before Bernie delivers this week’s news, including Ford’s efforts to improve quality control, a wild Costco tequila sampling story, and a few Fourth of July laughs courtesy of National Parts Depot.
Finally, the crew heads back to Hazzard County for Season 2, Episode 2: “Gold Fever.” They revisit the fake gold bar scheme, Boss Hogg’s latest bad investment, the unforgettable mobile dentist, and one of the early episodes that truly established the fun, action-packed formula that made The Dukes of Hazzard a television classic. Along the way they break down Al Wyatt’s incredible stunt driving, General Lee trivia, production bloopers, and the behind-the-scenes details that only lifelong Dukes fans tend to notice.
TMCP #653: Ask Rick – Leno’s Law, The Future of the Collector Car Hobby, and Rick’s Summer Car Challenge
July means Independence Day, fireworks, and finding any excuse to put an old car on the road. This month on Ask Rick, Rick Schmidt from National Parts Depot and I kick things off by reminiscing about Fourth of July celebrations, childhood memories of America’s Bicentennial, and the famous Freedom Train before turning our attention to a much bigger question: what does the future of the collector car hobby actually look like?
From there, we dive into California’s proposed Leno’s Law, the growing challenge of restoring electronically controlled vehicles, and why collector car insurance remains one of the smartest investments enthusiasts can make. As today’s performance cars become increasingly dependent on computers, digital displays, and proprietary electronics, Rick shares why tomorrow’s restorations may look very different from the classics we’ve restored for decades.
We wrap things up with two of our favorite collector car challenges. First, Rick picks his ideal enthusiast car under $25,000 that he could enjoy for a year without losing money. Then, with the budget removed entirely, he chooses between a Galen Govier-certified 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II Hemi, an original-paint 1969 AMC AMX 390 Go Pack, and a stunning Shelby 289 Continuation Cobra. As always, Rick doesn’t simply pick favorites—he explains exactly what makes a collector car worth buying, owning, and preserving for the next generation.
K&F Show #370: Uncle Jesse vs. Boss Hogg! // Dukes of Hazzard S2E1 “Days of Shine and Roses” Review
Season 2 of The Dukes of Hazzard gets underway with “Days of Shine and Roses,” an episode that takes fans back to the moonshine-running days of Uncle Jesse and Boss Hogg. What starts with a collection of old “home movies” quickly turns into one last Ridge Runner race as two longtime rivals settle an old score the only way they know how—with fast cars, back roads, and plenty of Hazzard County chaos.
This episode is packed with memorable automotive moments, including Uncle Jesse’s blacked-out Mustang, Boss Hogg’s Camaro, the return of a familiar blown big-block Chevy engine, and some fantastic stunt driving throughout. From Buzz Bundy’s smooth two-wheel driving to Luke’s daring mid-race transfer between the General Lee, Uncle Jesse’s Mustang, and Cooter’s tow truck, there’s no shortage of behind-the-scenes details for the guys to dive into.
Join Rob, CornDog, and Bernie as they break down the episode, point out filming mistakes and continuity quirks, discuss one of the wildest General Lee landings of the early seasons, and share the kind of observations that only lifelong Dukes of Hazzard fans can appreciate. If you love classic television, vintage muscle cars, and practical stunt work, this is another fun trip back to Hazzard County.
TMCP #652: Double Bonus Racing Show! | Brandon Setzer on Late Model Racing | Tyler West on RacingJunk & Grassroots Motorsports
This week on The Muscle Car Place Podcast, we’re bringing you a Double Bonus Racing Show featuring two guests who are helping shape the future of grassroots motorsports from very different angles. First, Robert sits down with Brandon Setzer of Setzer Racing and Development to discuss the world of Late Model racing, driver development, and what it really takes to climb the ladder toward NASCAR. As the son of NASCAR Truck Series veteran Dennis Setzer, Brandon grew up in racing and now dedicates his career to helping young drivers accelerate their learning curve behind the wheel.
Brandon explains the differences between Pro Late Models, Super Late Models, and Late Model Stocks while sharing insights from coaching some of the sport’s rising stars. He also discusses how his program balances performance, affordability, and long-term driver growth. For listeners following Dallas Kibbe’s racing journey, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the team helping him make the transition into Late Model competition.
In the second feature interview, Robert catches up with Tyler West of RacingJunk at the 2026 High Performance Expo. While RacingJunk is widely known as the go-to marketplace for race cars, trailers, engines, and performance equipment, Tyler’s passion extends far beyond classifieds. The conversation explores the challenges facing local racetracks, the importance of grassroots motorsports, and how facilities are adapting to attract new fans and remain viable in a rapidly changing world.
Together, these interviews provide a fascinating look at the people working behind the scenes to develop drivers, support racetracks, and keep grassroots racing thriving for future generations.
K&F Show #369: The Love Bug Movie Review // The Car That Started It All
Disney’s The Love Bug wasn’t just a hit movie—it created one of the most recognizable automotive stars in entertainment history. Long before KITT, the General Lee, or Lightning McQueen, a little Volkswagen Beetle named Herbie captured audiences with personality, charm, and a racing spirit that made generations of car enthusiasts believe their own vehicles might have a soul.
In this episode, Rob, Corn Dog, and Bernie revisit the original 1969 classic that launched an entire franchise. From Dean Jones’ role as struggling racer Jim Douglas to the villainous Peter Thorndyke and the practical effects that brought Herbie to life, the crew explores what made this Disney film such a phenomenon. They also discuss the movie’s racing action, behind-the-scenes movie magic, and why Herbie remains one of the most beloved automotive characters ever created.
The Love Bug was a massive box office success, earning more than ten times its production budget and becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 1969. Nearly sixty years later, it still holds up as a fun, family-friendly movie that combines racing, comedy, and heart in a way few automotive films ever have. Join the guys as they celebrate the movie that started it all and revisit one of the greatest car stars ever put on the silver screen.
TMCP #651 – Rick Love on 50 Years of Vintage Air, Hot Rod Innovation & the Future of the Hobby (plus A/C for S-10’s)!
Vintage Air is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and in this special episode, Robert Kibbe welcomes Vintage Air President Rick Love for an in-depth conversation about the company’s remarkable journey from a small hot rod air conditioning supplier to an industry leader. Rick shares how a chance meeting with founder Jack Chisenhall in the early 1980s led to a friendship, collaboration, and eventually a career helping shape one of the most respected brands in the automotive aftermarket. Along the way, he reflects on the family-oriented culture that has helped Vintage Air grow from fewer than 30 employees to nearly 160 today.
The discussion explores how technology has transformed both the company and the hobby itself. Rick explains how 3D scanning, CAD design, rapid prototyping, and Gen V climate control systems have dramatically improved product development while making modern air conditioning easier than ever to integrate into classic cars. From Tri-Five Chevys and Camaros to Japanese imports, Broncos, Scouts, and custom one-off builds, Vintage Air continues expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of enthusiasts.
Rick also shares his thoughts on AI, tariffs, SEMA’s ongoing legislative efforts to protect automotive enthusiasts, and the growing market for reproduction vehicles and low-volume production cars. Whether you’re restoring a classic, building a pro-touring machine, or simply enjoy hearing stories from one of the hobby’s most respected leaders, this episode offers a fascinating look at where the automotive aftermarket has been—and where it’s headed next.
K&F Show #368: The Greatest General Lee Jump? // Dukes of Hazzard S1E13 “Double Sting” Review
The Season 1 finale of The Dukes of Hazzard may be one of the most important episodes in the entire series. “Double Sting” takes everything that made those first 12 episodes special and blends it into the formula that would define the show for years to come. You’ve got out-of-town crooks, a clever scheme, Rosco and Boss caught in the middle of the chaos, Daisy stepping up to save the day, and of course plenty of General Lee action. Looking back, this episode feels like the blueprint for what The Dukes of Hazzard would become.
The story centers around a fake quarantine that traps nearly everyone inside the Hazard County jail while a pair of bank robbers disguised as Laurel and Hardy pull off their heist. That leaves Daisy and Cooter carrying much of the action outside the jailhouse, leading to some genuinely fun and memorable moments. Along the way, we get rare nighttime footage of the General Lee with its headlights on, plenty of comedy from the guest stars, and one of the most recognizable stunts of the entire series.
Most importantly, this episode features what may be the greatest General Lee jump of Season 1—and one that even non-Dukes fans have to admit is impressive. From the action to the humor to the unforgettable stunt work, “Double Sting” closes out the first season in style. Join us as we break down the episode, uncover behind-the-scenes details, and revisit a true Dukes of Hazzard classic.
TMCP #650: Ask Rick – Father’s Day Car Shows, Summer Cruise Nights, and Patriotic Auction Temptations
Father’s Day is right around the corner, and on this month’s Ask Rick, Rob Kibbe welcomes National Parts Depot CEO Rick Schmidt for a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from car show planning to collector car buying strategy. Drawing from more than twenty years of experience producing NPD’s legendary Silver Springs Ford and GM shows, Rick shares what makes a great event, why most car shows overcomplicate things, and how creating an experience for the entire family is often more important than the cars themselves.
The discussion also dives into the evolving world of reproduction bodies and restoration parts. Rick offers an insider’s perspective on the quality improvements seen in replacement Camaro and Firebird bodies, the challenges of manufacturing and licensing, and why some projects help preserve the hobby while others raise serious questions. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into bringing reproduction sheet metal and complete bodies to market, this segment is packed with fascinating insight.
Of course, no Ask Rick episode would be complete without auction picks. This month Rick evaluates six vehicles ranging from a 1968 El Camino SS 396, 1969 Mercury Cougar Convertible, and 1962 Chrysler 300, to a modern Shelby GT350R Heritage Edition, a stunning 1950 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible, and a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T. Along the way he reveals which cars he’d happily cruise all summer, which ones he’d avoid entirely, and why some of the hobby’s most interesting opportunities aren’t always the most obvious choices.
K&F Show #367: Cletus Hogg Arrives // Dukes VIDEO Review S1E11 “Money to Burn”
In this episode of The Dukes of Hazzard, Boss Hogg cooks up one of his most ambitious scams yet when he’s tasked with turning over a million dollars in worn-out currency to be destroyed and replaced with fresh cash. Rather than follow the rules, Boss devises a plan to keep the money, collect the replacement funds, and cash in on an insurance claim at the same time. To pull it off, he recruits his second cousin twice removed, Cletus Hogg, making this the memorable first appearance of the lovable deputy-to-be who would become a longtime fan favorite.
Rob Kibbe, Corndog, and Bernie McPartland revisit this classic Season 1 episode and break down Boss Hogg’s elaborate fraud scheme, the introduction of Rick Hurst as Cletus Hogg, and the impressive General Lee action that fills the episode from start to finish. The guys also discuss the unique charm of the early California-filmed episodes, including the rough-and-tumble stunt work, real driving footage, and the debut of Daisy Duke’s updated Road Runner that would become a familiar sight throughout the series.
Filled with crooked politics, million-dollar schemes, moonshine mix-ups, and plenty of Hazzard County chaos, “Money to Burn” captures everything that made the first season of The Dukes of Hazzard special. It’s an important milestone episode for longtime fans, not only because of Cletus Hogg’s debut, but also because it showcases the grounded action, memorable characters, and lighthearted storytelling that helped turn the series into a television classic.