TMCP #651 – Rick Love on 50 Years of Vintage Air, Hot Rod Innovation & the Future of the Hobby
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.
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.
TMCP #645: John Kairys on AACF – Saving the Automotive Aftermarket When Life Hits Hard
In this episode of The MuscleCar Place, Robert Kibbe sits down with John Kairys, Executive Director of the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), to uncover one of the most impactful yet under-the-radar organizations in the industry. Since 1959, AACF has quietly provided financial assistance to individuals and families within the automotive aftermarket facing life’s toughest challenges—from illness and injury to natural disasters and unexpected hardship. With a fast and efficient process, they’re able to step in quickly and help people get back on their feet when it matters most.
What makes AACF truly special is its focus on community—helping the very people who keep the aftermarket moving every day. From technicians and warehouse workers to managers and corporate employees, AACF serves as a vital support system across the entire industry. This conversation highlights not only the organization’s mission, but also the real stories behind it, reminding us that at the heart of every build, every business, and every part is a person—and sometimes, that person needs help.
TMCP #644: Dr. Jamie Meyer on HPX’s Big Return – AI, Street Car Takeover, and the Future of Performance!
Dr. Jamie Meyer returns to preview year two of the High Performance Expo (HPX), coming June 2–4 to the Charlotte Convention Center—and this isn’t just another trade show. Built to unite the racing, aftermarket, OEM, dealer, off-road, and overlanding worlds, HPX is quickly becoming the East Coast hub the industry has been missing. After a surprisingly strong debut, year two expands with bigger leadership sessions from Hendrick Motorsports, a major focus on real-world AI applications (including insight from Amazon’s AI leadership), and new features like the invitation-only Shop Car Challenge and Car Show Collective. If you’re in the business—or want to be—this is where connections, ideas, and opportunities collide.
But HPX is more than just a show floor. It’s part of a full “Automotive Performance Week” in Charlotte, with Street Car Takeover joining the action and bringing live racing, culture, and energy to the experience. Whether you’re a shop owner, builder, racer, or serious enthusiast, HPX offers rare access to the people, parts, and conversations shaping the future of the industry. Be sure to also check out Dr. Meyer’s podcast, Automotive Advantage, for deeper insight into the business and innovation driving it all. Learn more and register at TheHPX.com—and don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
TMCP #642: Mike Finnegan Returns – Life After Roadkill & the YouTube Era
Mike Finnegan returns to The MuscleCar Place for a special edition episode, and as always, he brings the stories, honesty, and perspective that only he can deliver. From his early days on Roadkill to becoming a full-time YouTube creator with Finnegan’s Garage, Mike shares what life looks like after the 2024 shutdown of Motor Trend productions. What once felt uncertain turned into the perfect transition—giving him more time with family while opening the door to collaborate freely with friends and fellow creators in what he calls the “Wild Wild West” of YouTube.
We also dig into the fate of fan-favorite Roadkill cars, the reality behind automotive media today, and what’s next in Mike’s world—from wild shop builds to recovering from a recent dirt bike injury. Along the way, Mike shares his thoughts on Cletus McFarland’s impact on NASCAR, the future of shows like The Grand Tour, and why real chemistry—not scripted production—is what truly makes automotive content work.
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.
Kibbe & Friends Show #350: 2025 Christmas Spectacular with the Griswolds // Car Movie Review: Christmas Vacation – The Gift that Keeps on Giving the Whole Year!
Episode 350 is a Christmas-season milestone for The Kibbe & Friends Show, and the guys deliver exactly what the week before Christmas calls for: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with all the extra flavor only K&F can add. Rob, Corndog, and Bernie celebrate the “small block Chevy” episode number, clink moose mugs, share the good news that Holley is back for 2026, and recap a successful Toys for Tots push—setting the table for a holiday episode that feels equal parts tradition, gratitude, and pure fun.
From there, the crew dives into why Christmas Vacation still works no matter how many times you’ve seen it. They talk about aging from Rusty into Clark Griswold, revisit the scenes that still make them laugh every single time, and swap favorite moments that prove it’s not about the plot—it’s about delivery, timing, and how real the chaos feels. Along the way, they sprinkle in car-guy details, Vacation lore, and a killer behind-the-scenes nugget about a scripted ending that never made the final cut. If this movie is part of your yearly ritual, this episode will make you want to queue it up again as soon as the show ends.
TMCP #630: SEMA 2025 Show Spectacular Finale – Centerforce Clutch Tech, Holley’s LT-Swapped 4th Gen Camaro, and Meguiar’s Pro-Level Detailing for Real-World Builders
This episode delivers a packed finale to our SEMA 2025 coverage, featuring three can’t-miss conversations straight from the show floor. We kick things off with Trent McGee from Centerforce, breaking down real-world clutch selection for street, strip, and track — covering everything from classic muscle car setups to high-horsepower, twin-disc race applications. Then Mark Gearhart from Holley joins us to walk through their LT-swapped 4th-gen Camaro and the bigger picture of modern engine swaps, showing how builders can bring modern power and drivability into older platforms. We close out with Mike Pennington from Meguiar’s, who dives into their new pro-consumer detailing line, sharing practical tips on paint care, polishing, interior cleaning, and headlight restoration that everyday enthusiasts can actually use.
We wrap this episode proud — because this was, without a doubt, our best SEMA show and coverage to date. The depth of the interviews, the quality of the guests, and the real-world value packed into these conversations made this series something truly special. If you’re building, restoring, maintaining, or dreaming, this finale ties it all together and sends SEMA 2025 out the right way.
K&F Show #347: Thanksgiving Special Car Movie Review – “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!”
Few movies capture the chaos, heart, and humor of the holidays quite like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Steve Martin’s tightly wound Neal Page and John Candy’s endlessly lovable Del Griffith deliver one of the greatest odd-couple road trips ever put on film — a journey packed with missed flights, broken-down cars, and moments that somehow make you laugh uncontrollably and tear up at the same time. It’s loud, ridiculous, heartfelt, endlessly quotable, and somehow only gets better with age. This movie isn’t just a Thanksgiving watch; it’s a Thanksgiving tradition that reminds us that sometimes the people who drive us the most crazy are the ones we’re most grateful for.
From all of us here at Kibbe & Friends, we want to wish you and your family a warm, happy, and safe Thanksgiving. Whether you’re traveling across the country or just heading down the street, we hope your week is filled with good food, good laughs, and the kind of memories that only come from time spent with the people who matter most. Drive safe, hug your people, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.