The Bonneville Salt Flats need to be saved. They need your help, and your money. Put this event on your calendar... 

 ANNIVERSARY OF BONNEVILLE

“A CENTURY OF SPEED”

January 24-26, 2014 at the Fairplex, Pomona, Ca.
                                            

The past, present and future of Bonneville will all come to life as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats at the Grand National Roadster Show at the Fairplex in Pomona CA.   Help us honor the last 100 years and help preserve its future.  See the most elite gathering of the World’s Fastest Vehicles ever driven at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the special feature building at the 65th Grand National Roadster Show, January 24-26, 2014.
 
The “Century of Speed” exhibit will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of land speed racing at the Bonneville Salts Flats and raise awareness of the current “Save the Salt” campaign. It will feature 100 of the greatest Land Speed record cars and motorcycles of the past one hundred years. There will also be a special gathering Thursday for the vehicles owners to enjoy the exhibition before it is open to the public. A special book signing will take place every day, so please join us for the Fun, Flash and the Future of The Bonneville Salt Flats.  See our web sites listed below for all the information.                        
 
We wish to invite you to the 65th Grand National Roadster Show. The show theme is “The Quest for Speed”.  You will see over 500 show vehicles competing for awards inside all the other buildings. Another 400-500 show vehicles will join the show, and will be parked between the buildings as part of the show, making it the oldest and largest indoor Hot Rod show on the planet!

Also, The book “BONNEVILLE A CENTURY OF SPEED” will be premiering at the Grand National Roadster Show in the “CENTURY OF SPEED” building.
 
This Limited 1st edition of just 2,000 books will be produced in hard cover. Approximately 150 pages in full color with a dust jacket will be printed.  The books will be numbered 1 through 2000 and have a retail price of $24.95.  All 2,000 books will be donated free of charge to the Save the Salt Foundation.  The purpose is to promote and raise money for Save the Salt Foundation.
                  
There will be a Show special book price of a $20.00 donation to the Save the Salt Foundation and it will be offered to those who attend the Grand National Roadster Show at Pomona.  All of the $20.00 goes towards supporting Save the Salt Foundation. The book can also be ordered online for $24.95 plus shipping after the show.

Please make checks, corporate matches, or other gifts payable to:
 
Bonneville Century of Speed
1197 Los Angeles Ave. Suite C142
Simi Valley, Ca 93065
 
(818) 998-7848  Cell (818) 523-7005

www.bonnevillecenturyofspeed.com
Email rmain@canogarebar.com
www.speeddemon.us 

Fastrucks, Inc. (Santa Clarita, CA), a company that develops specialized big-rig trucks for hill-climb racing and motion picture work, and ChumpCar International LLC, owner of the ChumpCar World Series®, one of the fastest-growing segments in North American motorsports, announced today the formation of the ChumpTruck World Series, a road racing series for big-rig trucks. Each company is a 50% partner in the new entity. The announcement was made public at the 2013 Mid-America Trucking Show (Louisville, KY).
Modeled as a cross-section between FIA European Truck Racing and the ChumpCar World Series, ChumpTruck draws from both organizations to create a grassroots, low-cost truck racing series that will compete on some of North America’s most famous race tracks – Daytona International Speedway, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Road Atlanta, Texas Motor Speedway, Portland International Raceway, Road America and others across the United States and Canada.
Co-founder and Fastrucks CEO, Mike Ryan, stated, “Trucks competing in the Euro Series are a huge fan favorite; however, each truck can cost upwards of $250,000 to develop. Cars competing in the ChumpCar World Series cost about $2,500 to develop and go endurance racing for up to 36 hours! That low-cost and the tremendous race program they have are part of what has made ChumpCar the fastest growing and hottest ticket in car racing today. It was easy to see that if we could combine the excitement of big-rig road racing with the low-cost, no-hassle approach that ChumpCar uses, we’d have a winning product.”

 OPTIMA Batteries, a division of Johnson Controls Inc. based in Milwaukee, is the series sponsor for the ChumpCar World Series. Fastrucks is sponsored by Freightliner Trucks, Inc., headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
“Mike and I have been working on this program for about a year,” reports ChumpCar’s CEO, John Condren. “We are both huge fans of the Euro Truck Series but we also felt that this needed to be opened-up and made available to anyone… not just guys who can spend $250,000. Our target race truck will be 1975-1995 trucks that have seen their last over-the-road trip but still want to show that they’re not ready to retire. Mike and I feel that a truck, valued at less than $5,000, and about $5,000 - $10,000 in modifications and safety gear should provide one great ride. ChumpTruck is grassroots road racing – real racing, real tracks… and really big trucks!”

 We can hardly contain ourselves! Check this out...we're putting on our OWN event! Yep, Work Truck Review magazine is going to Tulsa, Oklahoma to put on a drag race, sled pull, dyno challenge, and a show 'n' shine!

 What better way to have fun with your truck? AND what better way to get a photo of your truck into the magazine? Make plans to be there!

 Willie Robertson of Duck Dynasty drives this half-ton Ford F-150 that was built with Skyjacker Suspension parts.

 As hard as those guys work, you know this is a WORK TRUCK!

Gale Banks and Mike Ryan are two men who know how to set records. This June 30th, at the Pikes Peak Annual Hill Climb, they plan to do just that! In their ongoing motorsports program, Banks Power has partnered with Mike Ryan to add Banks Racing equipment to Ryan’s Freightliner Cascadia racer. The Freightliner is debuting at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, KY, March 21-23. Mike Ryan has raced a Freightliner Class 8, at the famed Pikes Peak Hill Climb, since 1997. The addition of Banks Racing equipment will ensure that Ryan has a good chance at setting a new world record, at this year’s 12.4-mile “Race to the Clouds.”
 

 “I’m pumped up about this opportunity to partner with Mike on his latest Freightliner race truck,” Gale Banks said. “Mike is the master in Class 8 motorsports and I’m proud to run with him. Everyone at Banks believes we can help take Mike’s Detroit Diesel powered Freightliner to the next level.”
 
Banks intends to install their Banks Racing; Ram-Air® intake, TechniCooler® intercooler and intercooler spray system, StraightShot™ multistage-multipoint water injection system, Banks iQ Man-Machine Interface (MMI), Banks SpeedBrake™ system, and Monster® exhaust. The crowning touch, according to Banks, will be the addition of their new Banks Super-Turbo, altitude compensating, forced air induction and control system.
 
Ryan is not only a professional race driver; he has been a stunt driver and stunt coordinator in the film and entertainment industry since 1977. He has worked on over 500 feature films, television shows and commercials, including such hits as “Terminator II” and “Fast & Furious 5 & 6”.
 
“Gale and I have known each other for many years,” Ryan said. “I’ve always been impressed with his engineering expertise and motorsports success. They possess the ability to take the truck to the next level and validate every improvement along the way that few other companies could ever match.  I’m very excited about teaming with him and his company in this year’s competition.”   
 
Mike Ryan’s, Banks enhanced, Detroit Diesel powered Freightliner Cascadia will be seen at various trade shows and drifting events in addition to competing at this year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
 
For additional information please visit the following: Banks Power  www.bankspower.com, Mike Ryan www.mikeryanmotorsports.com , Pikes Peak www.ppihc.com
 
About Banks Power:
Since 1958, the legacy and technological leadership of Gale Banks Engineering™ in the automotive aftermarket is unquestioned. With its long history of breakthrough innovations (many patented) in high-performance gas and diesel engine development—including turbocharging and drive train—Banks has no rival. Today, divisions include Banks Power, Banks Technologies and Banks Powertrain. The systems developed by these divisions not only enhance performance, but also increase engine reliability as well as fuel economy. Time and time again, Banks has proven its design, engineering and manufacturing prowess with Banks powered vehicles holding numerous national and world speed records.
 
 

 Have you always wanted to get your truck into the pages of 8-Lug but didn't know how?

 Here's one way to do it: show up this weekend (Saturday, March 16, 2013) at Rudy's Diesel Performance's event at the Piedmont Dragway in Greensboro, North Carolina! There's a drag race, a sled pull, dyno challenge and a SHOW 'N' SHINE! Enter your truck in the Show 'n' Shine and I'm sure to get a picture of it for the event coverage!

Coady Dawson (wait, don't you think it's probably spelled "Cody"? Well, that's the way we saw it in the email, so we're going with it) sent in this photo of his truck along with two more trucks owned by buddies.

 Aren't buddy stories cool?

 PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer, now available in an 8 oz. cup holder bottle, is specifically designed for cup holder storage and use in a car or truck.

To quote from the GOJO announcement: ""The dermatologist-tested PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer formula works in a little as 15 seconds and kills more than 99% of common germs without the need for water or towels," said Kathleen Hooker, Marketing Director at GOJO.  "Our new 8 oz. Cup Holder design is ideal for on-the-go germ killing, whether drivers keep it in the car for use after gas station fill-ups or use it and share with passengers before eating fast food from the drive-through.  The bottle is also a great addition to company work trucks to help stop the spread of germs among employees.""

This auto-friendly hand sanitizer design makes me wonder: how do you handle grimy, germy hands when you get in your truck? Do you gunk up the interior? Or do you meticulously clean you hands beforehand? Do you keep cleaning and sanitizing wipes handy (no pun intended)? What does your hand washing/sanitizing "system" look like? Does this change depending on if it's your truck or a shared company work truck?     

 ON SALE NOW!

Features

32 Lifted to Luxury
Lots of upgrades make this F-450 the perfect road trip ride

52 Guide: Cargo Hold
Ways to pack more stuff into your work truck

62 Driven to Success
Race car drivers know eight-lug trucks are the way to go

76 Work Truck Heaven
Immersing yourself in work trucks is inspiring

98 Welding Office
This Chevy carries all the work tools needed for onsite repair

114 The Black Beast
Performance N Customs built an awesome work truck

Productivity

42 Winch of Prey
Testing the new Talon Performance series winch from Superwinch

70 Swing Case Toolbox Install
Two toolboxes to save room and provide great storage

86 Workhorse Upgrade
This race-day hauler needed new wheels, tires, and shocks

108 More MPG, Lower EGT
Water-methanol injection is a great idea for your tow rig

Departments

Garage 12

Lug Nuts 16

Work Products 22

Mailbag 28

Readers' Rides 129

On The Cover: Kathy Therrien photographed her son Cory's Chevy Silverado in Canada.

 These guys are INSANE!

 Watch for coverage of the H&S Fall Fuel Fest in an upcoming issue...

But for now, enjoy a few web exclusive pictures!

Online now - the October 2012 Work Truck Review, presented by 8-Lug

Features

48 Style Points
Jonathan Roberts rolls up to job sites in Texas with a big advantage

58 Build it Right and You Can Tow Anything
Loaded with aerodynamic drag, this swamp buggy proved to be quite a towing challenge

68 Wreck on the Highway
Greg Hostetler's tow truck cleans up the mess in style

92 Tow Like a Boss
How to build your own professional tow kit

106 Trailering Tips
Avoid headaches by steering clear of mistakes

114 Cheap Fuel
This CNG-powered pickup can save big bucks

122 The Super Hauler
Factory options just weren't enough for this Fummins owner

Productivity

28 No Such Thing as Bad Data
The DashBoss does it all

34 Winch Time
The ultimate tow and work truck gets new bumpers and winches

76 GM Transfer Case Pump Rub Repair
Installing Merchant Automotive's upgrade kit

84 Build Your Own Dump Truck
That's just what Jim Springer did with his Dodge 2500

Departments

GARAGE 10

LUG NUTS 14

WORK PRODUCTS 20

MAILBAG 24

READERS' RIDES 137

ON THE COVER: We're thrilled to have the photographic work of Texan Brad Stillwell on our cover. He shot Jonathan Roberts' Ford F-350 in Katy, Texas.

 The editors of Hot Rod, Lowrider, european car, and Four Wheeler are in the process now of building SEMA projects sourcing not only the car, but every single last part needed exclusively on eBay Motors.

Best of all, you can vote for your favorite and at the same time enter to win a $5,000 Dream Garage.

The effort is BUILT from eBay® – A web series that takes four automotive magazines and their selected garages and creates a competition to showcase eBay Motors amazing selection. Each team starts with the purchase of a niche-enthusiast vehicle, and then searches out and purchases each and every part to go with them. Whether those parts be new, retro, performance or new-old-stock, these four teams are being tested to pull it off.

So whether you’re into rally, racing, off-road, or showcars, this competition has everything to offer so join in the fun and pick your favorite. See the entire video series now at www.builtfromebay.com.

 If you're reading the September issue of 8-Lug you know that the cover featured Marlon Reyes' truck with the question "Awesome or Ugly? You decide". Well...what do you think?

 Just post on here whether or not you like the NorCal look.

 The September 2012 issue is now completely online!

FEATURES

Wishful Thinking 28
Orphan eight-lugs that never were: '63 Gladiator

Big Dog 32
This truck is showbound - again

Outlaw Weekend 42
The TS Performance event is a must-attend

Business Proposition 62
When Marlon Reyes wants to build a truck, he just does it

Desert Drags 72
5th Annual Desert Diesel Drags

The People's Truck 82
When the boss builds a truck, people notice

Lone Star Throwdown 104
Doing it big, Texas style

Spoiled Nasty 114
Shane Hayward wanted something big, mean, and nasty

8-LUG TECH

Super Duty Redo 92
New life for an F-250

DEPARTMENTS

The Garage 10

Lug Nuts 14

Product Profile 20

Mailbag 26

Bragging Rights 129

On the Cover: Marlon Reyes drove 250 miles round trip to have his truck shot in our studio. Photography by Bob Carpenter.

Find the August 2012 issue online!

FEATURES

Wish List 28
This solder always wanted to build a SEMA truck

Fine Wine 64
Mike Wine's '10 Dodge keeps getting better and better

BFF 72
Three friends use their trucks as a family hobby

Hammond Hammer 80
Tracy Tichenor's '11 Ford gets driven hard

Something Special 90
Tim Nicolau's '11 Dodge has the utmost attention to detail

Ad Campaign 108
Rob Melo found a better way to get the word out about his granite company

Florida Flyer 116
Scott Lemelin's '02 Ford is ready for anything

8-LUG TECH

Fixing the Front Axle 40
Upgrading your Dodge Dana 60 to handle serious power

Banks Intercooler Install 52
Keeping it cool with a Banks Techni-Cooler bolt-on kit!

Hanson Heavy Duty 100
Installing a Hanson Heavy Duty front bumper on an '01 Ford F-250 Super Duty

DEPARTMENTS

The Garage 12

Lug Nuts 14

Product Profile 20

Mailbag 26

Bragging Rights 130

ON THE COVER: Austin Stevenot shot Tim Nicolau's '11 Dodge in NorCal for this month's cover.

 Check out the July 2012 issue by clicking on the links below!

FEATURES

All For Show 26
Keaton Machado's Dodge is polished, chromed, and powdercoated

Quick Visit: LMC Truck 36
Mail-order parts from the biggest of the big

Size Matters 42
This towering F-250 sports 30 inches of lift!

White Knight 60
Tyler Wood's '09 Chevy is never done

Charity Run 68
The Texas Road House served as the venue to help kids in need

Best of All Worlds 74
Eric Ramsey drives his show truck every day

Tooele Tornado 94
Marc Gonzales tools through Toole, Utah, in this '07 Dodge

The 16th Annual Lay-N-Out 104
Moving on (but not that far)

8-LUG TECH

BedStep2 Install 52
Amp Research steps get you into the bed easier

Extended Range 84
Transfer Flow's 58-gallon replacement tank for the Ford Super Duty

DEPARTMENTS

The Garage 10

Lug Nuts 14

Product Profile 20

Mailbag 24

Bragging Rights 121

ON THE COVER: Bob Carpenter photographed Keaton Machado's '07 Dodge at the Modesto airport with help from Sky Trek Aviation.

Catch the June 2012 issue of 8-Lug online! Click on the story titles below to see the full story!

Features

Kelderman Kruiser 28
The boss's truck has to be cool!

Scrapin' The Smokies 52
One outstanding show in Fletcher, North Carolina

The Company Truck 58
Jesse Rohr puts 35,000 miles a year on his truck, driving from shop to shop

Twinkie Time! 64
Brandon Darby's '05 Dodge is no cream puff

Surprise, Surprise! 70
A proud son asks for a photo of his dad's truck to run in 8-Lug

The 8th Annual Southeast Showdown 90
A hot time in the old town!

Mind If I Smoke? 96
Well, since you asked...this F-250 is going to anyway

Step Back In Time 102
A vintage look at a Chevy with a modern twist

Quick Visit 118
8-Lug checks out Show Off Motorsports in Riverdale, California

8-Lug Tech

Total Rebuild 38
This Ford was torn down to the frame and improved step by step

Right-Sized Lift 78
McGaughy's 7-inch suspension lift for GM's new HD trucks

Tools & Things 110
The safety mode: shields, aprons, gloves, and more

Departments

The Garage 12

Lug Nuts 14

Product Profile 20

Mailbag 26

Bragging Rights 130

On The Cover: Bob Carpenter photographed Brandon Darby's Dodge on the San Diego Bay.

 $20 Million Available for Clean Diesel Projects


WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of up to $20 million in FY 2012 grant funding to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing harmful pollution from the nation's existing fleet of diesel engines and improving air quality and Americans’ health. In addition to these grants, approximately $9 million will be available through direct state allocations. EPA estimates that for every $1 spent on clean diesel funding up to $13 of public health benefit is realized.

"Technology has evolved to make diesel engines more efficient and cleaner than ever," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. "These grants enable owners of older diesel vehicles to make investments that modernize their vehicles while making the air in their communities cleaner and healthier to breathe.”

This is the first competition since the Diesel Emission Reduction Program, also known as DERA, was reauthorized in 2011. The program cleans up existing diesel vehicles, many of which can be operated for decades, by targeting projects that utilize the most cost-effective clean diesel strategies. By reducing diesel emissions in areas that have significant air quality issues the program can have a direct impact on community health.

Diesel engines are durable, fuel efficient workhorses in the American economy. EPA has standards in place that make new diesels more than 90 percent cleaner. However, older diesels that predate these standards emit large amounts of air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants are linked to health problems, including asthma, lung and heart disease, and even premature death. Nearly 11 million older diesels still operate throughout the nation's transportation system.

States, tribes, local governments, and non-profits are eligible to apply for these grants. Projects can reduce air pollution from older school buses, transit buses, heavy-duty diesel trucks, marine engines, locomotives, and other diesel engines. The closing date for receipt of proposals is June 4, 2012.

DERA was enacted in 2005 and since it was first funded in FY 2008, EPA has awarded over 500 grants nationwide. These projects have reduced hundreds of thousands of tons of air pollution and saved millions of gallons of fuel. As part of EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign, many of these projects fund cleaner diesel engines that operate in economically disadvantaged communities whose residents suffer from higher-than-average instances of respiratory ailments.

Request for Proposals forms and related documents: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/diesel/prgnational.htm

 The May 2012 issue of 8-Lug is all on the web!

Features

Quick Visit 32
8-Lug checks out Dynomite Diesel Performance in Monroe, Washington

Quick Visit 34
8-Lug stops by the Electronic Injection Service shop

Quick Visit 36
8-Lug checks out Imler Diesel Performance

Thumping Special 50
One of the hardest trucks in San Diego

Sleeper Super Duty 60
Mike Dillehay's '08 Ford cranks out 1,232 lb-ft of torque

Personalized to Perfection 70
Here's a truck that can win a stereo contest halfway up the side of Mount Everest!

The Beast 96
Building an airbrushed masterpiece with Mike O'Brien

The GXV Turtle 102
Global Expedition Vehicles makes the move to American eight-lug HD pickups

8-LUG TECH

Tools & Things 28
Porter Cable 8-inch bench grinder

Project Winch Revival 40
One bad Duramax gets a new cable on life!

Power Steering Upgrade 78
The most important part of your truck!

Departments

The Garage 10

Lug Nuts 14

Product Profile 20

Mailbag 26

Bragging Rights 121

On the Cover: Mike Dillehay has campaigned for a cover for quite a long time. It finally worked. Studio photography by Bob Carpenter.

 DYNOMAX(r) 'POWER SURGE' PROMO GIVES ENTHUSIASTS A $75 PRE-PAID DEBIT CARD FOR EXHAUST PURCHASE

MONROE, Mi. - The DynoMax "Power Surge" promotion that offers enthusiasts a $75 mail-in rebate for the purchase of a qualifying cat-back system will be available this spring and summer at leading performance exhaust retailers nationwide.

The "Power Surge" promotion will run from March 1 through June 30, 2012. Consumers who purchase a qualifying performance exhaust system during the promotional period will be eligible to receive up to a $75 pre-paid debit card.

"The 'Power Surge' promotion will give enthusiasts an opportunity to choose from several high-flow powerful exhaust system series including the DynoMax VT, Ultra Flo Welded, Super Turbo and Race Bullet mufflers," said Joe Pase, director, performance products, Tenneco. "It's a great time to buy the ideal exhaust system to suit your vehicle, sound preferences and desired flow characteristics."

DynoMax performance exhaust systems are available for a complete range of muscle cars, diesel and gas trucks, Jeeps, sport utility vehicles and sport compact cars. DynoMax exhaust systems often feature full stainless steel construction in high-grade stainless steel to provide protection against corrosion and permanent discoloration. Every DynoMax system is application engineered to deliver the most power and the preferred sound characteristics for each specific vehicle platform.

All DynoMax exhaust systems are covered by a limited lifetime warranty and stainless steel systems are also covered by an exclusive 90-day Performance and Sound Guarantee, an offer that lets enthusiasts try the product for 90 days. Consumers can return the product within 90 days for a full refund of its purchase price. Additional restrictions apply and can be found at www.DynoMax.com.

One of North America's leading brands of dyno-proven exhaust technologies for late-model and classic muscle cars, diesel and gas trucks and SUVs, DynoMax Performance Exhaust products are manufactured and marketed by Tenneco (NYSE: TEN).

For program details and necessary forms, please visit www.dynomax.com after March 1, 2012. All completed rebate forms and copied sales receipts must be postmarked by Aug. 1, 2012.

For additional information about the DynoMax "Power Surge" promotion, qualifying product lists, mail-in promotion forms and more, please visit www.dynomax.com after March 1, 2012. For more information regarding DynoMax products, check the website, contact your nearest DynoMax dealer or call 1-734-384-7806. To locate your nearest DynoMax authorized dealer, please use the "Dealer Locator" at www.dynomax.com to generate a list of nearby retailer stores in your selected region and other online retailers.

Tenneco is a $7.2 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 24,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment markets and the aftermarket. Tenneco markets its products principally under the Monroe(r), Walker(r), Gillet(tm) and Clevite(r) Elastomer brand names.

 More than One-Third of Vehicle Owners Plan to Spend a Portion of Tax Refund on Their Car, Truck or Motorcycle, According to eBay Motors Survey

Results indicate refund dollars most likely to be used for maintenance, repairs, or buying a vehicle.
 
SAN JOSE - April 3, 2012 - As Tax Day fast approaches and refunds begin making their way into the bank accounts of many Americans, a new survey commissioned by eBay Motors found that more than one-third of vehicle owners anticipating tax refunds will spend a portion of their newly found cash on something related to a car, truck, or motorcycle, and the parts to repair and maintain them. The data is based on a recent survey conducted for eBay Motors by Harris Interactive, which polled more than 2,200 adults across the United States*.
 
According to the survey, 34 percent of current vehicle owners expecting tax refunds said they will spend part of their refund money to buy new or used cars or trucks, or spruce up their current vehicles. The categories in which the most people intend to put their tax refund dollars toward are:
 
1.       Maintenance (49 percent)
2.       Repairs (32 percent)
3.       Buying a new or used vehicle (21 percent)
4.       Tires (19 percent)
5.       Cleaning or detailing (14 percent)
        ** Survey respondents were able to select multiple options
        
On average, respondents who expect to spend at least some of their refund on a vehicle or parts and accessories plan to put 31 percent of this year's refund toward a vehicle-related expense. In addition, 42 percent of respondents say they plan to take automotive-related deductions when they file their taxes.
 
"The survey findings support the trends we have seen over the past few years in relation to sales and search increases on eBay Motors over the course of the Tax Season," said Gregory Boutte, vice president of eBay Motors and Electronics in North America. "This increased activity speaks to the selection and value people have come to associate with eBay Motors. With more than 22 million parts available on the site at any given time, eBay Motors is the place where people looking to spend refund dollars can find just about anything they need for their vehicle, whether they're shopping online or from their mobile devices."  
 
In 2010 and 2011, total searches for parts & accessories on eBay Motors during Tax Season (March and April) grew 17 percent and 23 percent, respectively, when compared to the average number of searches in other months of the year. As a result, sales of parts and accessories have also shown growth during the tax season in prior years. Tires and wheels have traditionally been the most popular tax-season accessories eBay shoppers purchase for their vehicles. Other popular items include grilles, motorcycle parts, and motorcycle accessories, including jackets, leathers and helmets.
 
In addition to parts, people appear to be putting their tax refunds toward their summer pastimes. In 2011, top non-traditional and motorsports vehicle sales on eBay Motors during tax season included Honda ATVs, Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles, and Bass fishing boats.
 
Further, Americans appear to view tax refunds as opportunities to make purchases of vehicles associated with the joys of driving. The search terms on eBay Motors that have shown the greatest increase in frequency during the past two tax seasons are motorcycle, sports car and exotic-related vehicles, such as: Harley-Davidson, Corvette and Mustang.
 
People will also be shopping eBay Motors via their mobile devices this tax season. More than 173,000 parts and accessories and 3,400 vehicles are sold each week through eBay mobile applications. These purchases include high-ticket items - the most expensive motors related mobile purchase on eBay mobile applications in the U.S. in 2011 was a Lamborghini Gallardo, purchased for $249,999. People can visit Mobile.eBay.com to learn more, and download eBay applications, including the eBay Motors iPhone app.
 
People who plan to spend part of their refund on their vehicle this tax season can get even more for their tax refund dollars by visiting eBay's Uncle Sam's Garage, a site offering rebates and sales on wheels, rims, tires, turbo kits and more throughout the tax season. The garage is open now through April 17.  
 
*The Harris Interactive online survey was conducted February 13 and 15, 2012, and was weighted to reflect the composition of the adult population and to adjust for the respondents' propensity to be online.
 
About eBay Motors
eBay Motors, a part of eBay Inc., is the Internet's largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive. The site offers everyday cars for everyday drivers, as well as collector cars, motorcycles, auto parts and accessories. Nearly 4.5 million new and used vehicles have been sold on eBay Motors, and there are more than 22 million automotive parts and accessories available on eBay Motors at any given time.

 American Force's newest line of direct bolt-on super singles.

MIAMI, Fla. - Leading custom-built wheel manufacturer American Force offers the Hero SS direct bolt-on wheels for 8-lug single rear wheel trucks, including 2001-2012 Chevrolet/GMC 2500; 2003-2007 Hummer H2; 1993-2012 Dodge 2500, 1999-2012 Ford F250 and 2000-2006 Ford Excursion.
    
Designed to deliver a bold, aggressive look, the built-to-order Hero SS wheels are made from 6061 forged aluminum and feature a polished or black powder coated finish.  Custom finishes are also available.  
    
"As 8 lug specialists who understand that style and function are inseparable, we created our popular Hero SS wheels with aggressive offsets and massive Lips to complement today's lifted trucks, both on or off the road," said General Manager Robert Martell.  "In addition to style, we manufacture our wheels using state-of-the-art forging processes to deliver the high load capabilities and reliability that truck owners demand."
    
American Force's Hero SS wheels are available in the following sizes:
22"X10" - 25 ET Offset, 4.5" Backspacing, Lip 5"
20"X12" - 40 ET Offset, 5" Backspacing, Lip 7.5"
20"X14" - 73 ET Offset, 5" Backspacing, Lip 9.5"
22"X12" - 40 ET Offset, 5" Backspacing, Lip 7.5"
22"X14" - 73 ET Offset, 5" Backspacing, Lip 9.5"
24"X12" - 40 ET Offset, 5" Backspacing, Lip 7.5"
24"X14" - 73 ET Offset, 5" Backspacing, Lip 9.5"
 
Since 2004, American Force Wheels, Inc. has been using the latest technologies and finest materials to manufacture custom wheels for truck enthusiasts.  With a reputation for creating radical wheel designs that deliver real-world functionality, American Force develops innovative products for custom truck builders.  All American Force wheels come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.  For more information, write to 12027 SW 114 Pl. Miami, FL 33176; call 786.345.6301 or 800.620.6259; email sales@americanforcewheels.com; or visit www.americanforcewheels.com.

A lot of times we'll grab a shot of the truck owner next to their vehicle while we're doing a photo shoot. When we run the photo along with the feature of the truck we think it looks good, adds some humanity to the whole thing.

 What do you think? Here's a shot of Tyler Wood in front of his Chevy. Photo by Isaac Mion.

 Check out what's inside the April 2012 issue!

FEATURES

Diesels on the Mountain 36
ATS puts on a heck of an event year in and year out

Not Just for Show 60
This F-250 sparkles and shines-but it gets down and dirty, too

Scheid Diesel Extravaganza 68
8-Lug attends the legendary event

Weekend on the Edge 78
You can't have more fun than this

Workin' and Playin' Rolled Into One! 98
This slammed Chevy is a true multipurpose rig

MyLevel 106
Building a truck that's just right

8-LUG TECH

Gauge Swap 28
Custom instruments add the "Wow" factor

Exhausting All Possibilities 50
Better sound, better flow with dB Performance Exhaust by Corsa

Fuel For All 88
Transfer Flow's replacement tank for the LMM Duramax

DEPARTMENTS

The Garage 12

Lug Nuts 14

Product Profile 20

Mailbag 24

Bragging Rights 121

ON THE COVER: Our dual cover features two F-250s-one built for Enrique Chiang by ATF Motorsports and the other built by Taylor Teltschick. Photography by the twin pillars of truck magazines, Bob Carpenter and Dan Ward.

Click on the March 2012 stories, below!

FEATURES

Wishful Thinking 26
Orphan eight-lugs that never were: This month it's a Studebaker Transtar

If Speed is an Addiction 30
We're not interested in the cure!

Fusion 40
Definition: The process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity

Bring on the Power! 44
A quick visit to H&S Performance shows dedication and fun

Double the Fun! 48
The same-but decidedly different

Hard Worker 56
This '11 Chevy works every day for West Virginia's Matt Lupardus

Land Barge 84
Room is as important as style in this high-quality road trip machine

Bigger is Better 102
And way bigger is better yet!

Two-wheel-drive Terror 110
This '97 F-250 looks stock but a killer 7.3L Power Stroke provides big-time power

8-LUG TECH

Lost? 68
Not if you have the Banks NAV for the Banks iQ

Install a Heated Windshield Washer Kit 70
Never get frozen out again!

Protecting Your Rearend 74
ATS differential cover installation

Rock Tamers Install 78
The ultimate tow and work vehicle project continues

Project KR 92
Part VII sees the Ford get AMP Research PowerSteps

DEPARTMENTS

The Garage 10

Lug Nuts 14

Product Profile 18

Mailbag 24

Bragging Rights 122

On the Cover: West Virginia's Matt Lupardus arranged for his own photos with Ed Connors of Edsphotogenics.com to get his truck in 8-Lug. Paid off, didn't it?