Featured Builds

Squid's Rod Shop · Hickory, North Carolina

Our Work.
Built With Purpose.

Every project starts with a vision. From metal fabrication and engineering to precision bodywork, paint, wiring and final assembly, our team brings the details together to make it real.

Explore Current Builds →See Selected Projects →
On the Shop Floor

Current & Signature Builds

From the recently unveiled Vista Cruiser to custom builds still underway, these projects showcase the craftsmanship, fabrication and thoughtful integration behind our work. Explore each gallery for finished details and progress photographs.

Unveiled 1967 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser photographed outdoors, showing its side profile and custom PPG Hickory Black Cherry paint
2026 SEMA · Auto Metal Direct Best GM Car

1967 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser

Built for Jane and Larry Worthing, this one-of-a-kind Vista Cruiser debuted November 3 during the HRIA Opening Day Unveil and earned Auto Metal Direct's Best GM Car Award at the 2026 SEMA Show. It features a Roadster Shop REVO chassis, GM 6.6L L8T V8, W-30-inspired ram-air induction, extensive custom fabrication, and PPG “Hickory Black Cherry” paint. Explore the gallery for finished-car photographs and build details.

Explore Vista Cruiser Gallery →
1970 Dodge Charger on the chassis platform during fabrication and bodywork at Squid's Rod Shop
Vintage NASCAR-Inspired · In Progress

1970 Dodge Charger

An Arrington Speed Sport 426 Hemi, Silver Sport TKX transmission, Heidts suspension and custom NASCAR 9-inch rear end underpin this build. Custom Forgeline wheels, Wilwood brakes, hand-built stainless exhaust, and upcoming PPG paint with ghost graphics complete the vision.

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1971 Pontiac Trans Am on the frame table during custom fabrication work
Custom Performance · In Progress

1971 Pontiac Trans Am

A custom Dart-block 427 LS3 and TKX manual transmission meet Detroit Speed suspension and Wilwood brakes. Tucked bumpers, detailed fabrication, an HP Tuners CORE ECU and forthcoming custom PPG paint complete the package.

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Custom purple paint and painted gray stripe on the 1972 Ford F-100 fender
Custom Paint & Body · In Progress

1972 Ford F-100

This classic Ford pickup features extensive bodywork and a custom purple paint finish accented by a contrasting gray stripe. Painted directly into the finish rather than applied as vinyl, the stripe creates a clean, seamless design as the truck progresses toward final assembly.

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2026 SEMA Show · Award Recognition

Best GM Car — Auto Metal Direct

After its HRIA Opening Day Unveil in Las Vegas, the 1967 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser was honored with Auto Metal Direct's Best GM Car Award at the 2026 SEMA Show. Thank you to Auto Metal Direct for the recognition, to Jane and Larry Worthing for trusting us with their vision, and to the Squid's Rod Shop team whose craftsmanship brought the project to life.

1967 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser photographed in Las Vegas at dusk with Wynn and Encore hotel towers in the background
The finished Vista Cruiser in Las Vegas during SEMA week.
Squid's Rod Shop representatives with the Vista Cruiser and Auto Metal Direct Best GM Car Award at SEMA 2026
Squid's Rod Shop representatives with the Auto Metal Direct award at SEMA.
View the Award-Winning Vista Cruiser →View the Best GM Car Award
Selected Portfolio

Featured & Past Projects

From deep custom paint to rust repair, mechanical systems and full-vehicle integration, these projects show the range of work that comes through our shop.

Candy apple red 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle completed at Squid’s Rod Shop
Paint & Body · Featured Build

1967 Chevrolet Chevelle

Custom-mixed candy apple red paint defines this Chevelle, with comprehensive body preparation and upgrades that include a frame swap, disc brakes and refreshed interior.

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1970 Chevrolet Nova featured project photo
Metalwork & Restoration · Featured Build

1970 Chevrolet Nova

A transformation from a rusty white shell to a finished Nova, with substantial rust repair, metal fabrication, front suspension work, mechanical restoration and striking custom paint.

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Rear three-quarter view of the completed turquoise 1962 Chevrolet C10 at sunset
Completed Custom Truck · Featured Build

1962 Chevrolet C10

LS3 power, custom chassis and suspension, hand-fabricated body details and a period-correct custom dash housing Dakota Digital RTX gauges and Vintage Air. Heated power leather seats, wireless charging and a backup camera add modern comfort.

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Front three-quarter view of Foss’ turquoise 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air showing chrome grille, bumper and wheels
Tri-Five Chevrolet · Featured Build

1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

Foss’ Bel Air brings together unmistakable Tri-Five styling, a turquoise exterior, gleaming chrome and a purposeful stance. Explore the dedicated project gallery for additional views of this classic Chevrolet.

Explore Foss’ Bel Air Gallery →
More than seven projects to explore.

Browse the complete historical gallery organized by vehicle decade.

Browse All Past Projects →
Let's Build Yours

Have a Project in Mind?

Tell us about your vehicle, your goals and the work you're considering. We offer a free preliminary project estimate based on the information and photos you provide.

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