In this episode of Modify with Trickfactory Customs, we sit down with Chris Ashton of Ruffian Cars to break down what it really takes to build modern hot rods at the highest level.

We get into Ruffian’s design-first approach, from CAD and digital modeling to carbon fiber bodywork, race-car-inspired chassis design, and integrating modern drivetrains into classic platforms. Chris walks us through how projects like their 800HP V10-powered ’35 Plymouth come together, and why Ruffian treats every build like a ground-up engineering exercise rather than a restoration.

In this episode, we sit down with the mind behind Smokedogg Customs to break down one of the wildest builds on the show floor — a 1000HP, tube-chassis Mercedes 300SEL widebody built to be driven hard.

What started as a neglected, rusty chassis turned into a full one-off race car, featuring a chopped roof, custom widebody, C6 Corvette suspension, and a twin-turbo setup pushing four-digit power. No CAD files. No off-the-shelf kits. Just raw fabrication, problem-solving, and years of experience packed into one build. -Follow Smokedogg Customs for updates on the build here: https://www.instagram.com/smokedogg_customs/

-Subscribe for more deep-dive custom car builds, podcasts, and behind-the-scenes fabrication

Ringbrothers’ latest builds, especially Octavia, have pushed custom car fabrication into a whole new league. In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Fielding, their lead fabricator, to break down what really goes into building cars at this level — from CAD and 3D printing to long nights, tight timelines, and the teamwork behind it all.

Follow Ryan: @fabguy_ryan

Follow us: @trickfactorycustoms

If you enjoy the episode, hit like and subscribe!

#ringbrothers #automotivepodcast #modifywithtfc #trickfactorycustoms

We’ve all seen the viral builds — a W12 in a WRX, a jet engine in a Civic, or some crazy exotic swap that looks amazing on paper. But here’s the reality: most of those projects end up unfinished, stuck in the shop, or burning way more time and money than anyone expected.

In this episode, we’re breaking down why exotic swaps and wild setups usually aren’t worth it. From impossible-to-find parts, endless wiring nightmares, custom fabrication, and tuning headaches, to the resale value that vanishes the second you cut the first mount — we cover it all.

If you actually want a car you can drive (and not just park for Instagram likes), proven platforms like LS, JZ, and K-series swaps are the way to go. They’re reliable, supported, and you’ll actually get to enjoy the build instead of fighting it forever.

👉 Tune in as we talk social media hype vs. real-world reliability, share shop stories, and explain why exotic swaps are more trouble than they’re worth

Email us at media@trickfactory.com for any questions, inquiries or sponsorship opportunities

HPA Academy Discount Code: TRICK50

HPA Academy Affiliate links:

Homepage: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc EFI Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-efi Engine Building: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-engine Wiring: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-wiring Suspension & Car Setup: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-setup Fabrication & Design: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-fab Diesel Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-diesel Driver Training: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-driver Electric Vehicles: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-ev VIP: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-vip

You can check out our Youtube channels here:

https://youtube.com/@TrickFactory https://youtube.com/@ModifywithTFC

Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/trickfactory_customs https://www.facebook.com/trickfactorycustoms/ https://www.tiktok.com/@trickfactorycustoms

#modifywithTFC #automotivepodcast #westcoastdreammachines

On this episode we discuss with Rob from RJFab on Building the Baddest Luxury Pre-Runners & Hot Rods in the Game

Email us at media@trickfactory.com for any questions, inquiries or sponsorship opportunities

HPA Academy Discount Code: TRICK50

HPA Academy Affiliate links:

Homepage: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc EFI Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-efi Engine Building: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-engine Wiring: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-wiring Suspension & Car Setup: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-setup Fabrication & Design: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-fab Diesel Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-diesel Driver Training: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-driver Electric Vehicles: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-ev VIP: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-vip

You can check out our Youtube channels here:

https://youtube.com/@TrickFactory https://youtube.com/@ModifywithTFC

Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/trickfactory_customs https://www.facebook.com/trickfactorycustoms/ https://www.tiktok.com/@trickfactorycustoms

#modifywithTFC #automotivepodcast #westcoastdreammachines

Tired of cookie-cutter car shows? We were too, so we built our own. In this episode, we share how the Curated Custom Car Show went from idea to reality, why we ditched “fast food” car culture, and how we put quality, passion, and stories first.

Email us at media@trickfactory.com for any questions, inquiries or sponsorship opportunities

HPA Academy Discount Code: TRICK50

HPA Academy Affiliate links:

Homepage: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc EFI Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-efi Engine Building: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-engine Wiring: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-wiring Suspension & Car Setup: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-setup Fabrication & Design: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-fab Diesel Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-diesel Driver Training: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-driver Electric Vehicles: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-ev VIP: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-vip

You can check out our Youtube channels here:

https://youtube.com/@TrickFactory https://youtube.com/@ModifywithTFC

Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/trickfactory_customs https://www.facebook.com/trickfactorycustoms/ https://www.tiktok.com/@trickfactorycustoms

On this episode we discuss with Westcoast Dream Machines on Modifying their 100+ Car Collection for Passion.

Check out Westcoast Dream Machine here: https://www.instagram.com/wc_dream_machines

Email us at media@trickfactory.com for any questions, inquiries or sponsorship opportunities

HPA Academy Discount Code: TRICK50

HPA Academy Affiliate links:

Homepage: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc EFI Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-efi Engine Building: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-engine Wiring: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-wiring Suspension & Car Setup: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-setup Fabrication & Design: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-fab Diesel Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-diesel Driver Training: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-driver Electric Vehicles: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-ev VIP: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-vip

You can check out our Youtube channels here:

https://youtube.com/@TrickFactory https://youtube.com/@ModifywithTFC

Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/trickfactory_customs https://www.facebook.com/trickfactorycustoms/ https://www.tiktok.com/@trickfactorycustoms

#modifywithTFC #automotivepodcast #westcoastdreammachines

On this episode we discuss the Biggest Challenges Faced When Building Custom Cars.

Email us at media@trickfactory.com for any questions, inquiries or sponsorship opportunities

HPA Academy Discount Code: TRICK50

HPA Academy Affiliate links:

• Homepage: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc
• EFI Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-efi
• Engine Building: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-engine
• Wiring: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-wiring
• Suspension & Car Setup: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-setup
• Fabrication & Design: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-fab
• Diesel Tuning: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-diesel
• Driver Training: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-driver
• Electric Vehicles: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-ev
• VIP: https://hpcdmy.co/tfc-vip

You can check out our Youtube channels here:

https://youtube.com/@TrickFactory https://youtube.com/@ModifywithTFC

Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/trickfactory_customs https://www.facebook.com/trickfactorycustoms/ https://www.tiktok.com/@trickfactorycustoms