ROD ISSUE #3

ISSISSUE # 3

1962 VETTE

SCAN ME

On The Cover

STORY ON PAGE

29

On the Front Cover...

ADVERTISER INDEX ARMANDO LAW FIRM REAR PAGE

Photo Credits TWIN TURBSKEE PHOTOGRAPHY

ASANE DESIGN: 3 1962 CLASSIC CORVETTE: 27 AMERICAN CARCRAFT: 9 CROWN & DIAMOND JEWELERS: 26 OVER CASH HAULING: 24 1320 MOTORSPORTS: 6-7 TOUCH OF CLASS AUTOBODY: 31 Ride or Die Motorsports Magazine

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TJ Lombardo Jr..

(727) 418-1711

Publisher: Antonio Hernandez Email:rideordiemotorsportsmagazine@gmail.com] Co-Publisher:** Kathleen Hernandez Website:www.rideordiemotorsports.com (http://www.rideordiemotorsports.com) Phone: 727-944-6961

Connect with Us on Facebook!

The information contained herein is provided by Florida Ride or Die Magazine or by its advertisers. FLROD makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue. Florida Ride or Die Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Florida Ride or Die Magazine. Florida Ride or Die Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that my result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information obtained at www.floridarideordie.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copy write or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. FROD Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. No guarantees or warranties including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by FLROD Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site. © 2024 No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Florida Ride or Die Magazine.

2

RIDE OR DIE MOTORSPORTS MAGAZINE

3

4

SCAN & WATCH FREE ON TUBI

5

6

7

1970 AMC JAVELIN, SST Owners: Candice and Darron Bockmon Location: Homosassa, FL Vehicle: 1970 AMC Javelin, SST Engine: AMC 401 Transmission: 700R4 Differential: 3.73 Posi In 2019, we discovered the car nestled in a field in Northern California. The owner sold it to us for $4,500, including four tubs of parts and a 401 engine also found in that same field.

We loaded everything up and embarked on a ten-hour journey from Vancouver, Washington, to Northern California. After spending the night, we picked up the car and parts the following morning and began our trip back to Vancouver.

Since then, the car has traveled across the United States in an unfinished state three or four times. We started working on it during our spare time and, thankfully, with the support of friends and family, we were finally able to test drive it in December 2025.

Now, she’s officially on the road!

8

9

10

RIDEORDIEMOTORSPORTS@GMAIL.COM

RENEGADE

A JOURNEY TO BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH THE JEEP CJ Since the age of 15, I've always dreamed of owning a Jeep CJ. After many years and various vehicles, I finally found the perfect one at 55. In 2014, I founded the CCSOB4W and, by 2015, launched the SOB Shore Patrol Mentorship Program.

Originally, I purchased the Jeep for a friend and club member who thought owning one would be a great idea. After my friend and I checked it out, she decided to buy it. However, after some serious reflection, she realized that her age and disabilities made owning a Jeep impractical. As fate would have it, the Jeep became mine. Now, eight years later, with numerous rescues and shows under our belt, YUWISH N LIL Red continues to contribute positively to our environment and support those who find themselves in challenging situations.

My goal is to establish an organization that will be a valuable asset to the tens of thousands of members within the OHV community, much like the National Neighborhood Watch Program (NNWP). The U-Wish Jeep and Shore Patrol project will serve as a mobile membership drive ambassador, connecting with OHV communities and local sheriff agencies that oversee our activities, as well as state forestry and land management departments.

As I learn how these agencies wish to utilize our volunteer membership base, I aim to create points of contact for each area's Shore Patrol Division. This will enable us to assist with search and rescue transportation and backcountry logistics.

We are a vibrant OHV family of adventurers, and together we can leverage our knowledge of trails and years of experience in navigating the backcountry, from mountains to the sea (hence the title "Shore Patrol"). Our expertise in monitoring, documenting, and reporting can provide significant cost savings to these agencies.

We pay to play, and we want to demonstrate our responsibility when the need arises. By becoming a strong ally to local state and federal agencies, we can foster better working relationships.

I aspire to gain accreditation similar to the NNWP and to affiliate with the National Sheriffs Association. *CCSOB4W** Founder: Jay M. Pitman

11

This 1969 Firebird is equipped with a 454 big block Chevy engine, a Muncie 20 four-speed transmission, and a Holley Sniper EFI system.

I purchased this car two years ago, as the 1969 Firebird has always been my dream car. When I spotted it on Facebook Marketplace, I dropped everything, messaged the seller, and headed straight to St. Pete, Florida, to get it.

I completely overhauled the engine, replacing the automatic transmission with a manual one.

Additionally, I installed Wilwood brakes and RideTech suspension. This Pontiac is powered by a big block Chevy motor featuring a monster cam, and the 1969 Firebird was a unique one-year model.

12

The 1969 Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car, marking the final model year of the first generation. It is celebrated for its aggressive styling and powerful performance options. The redesign included a more prominent split grille and sleek body lines, distinguishing it from its counterpart, the Chevrolet Camaro.

13

14

15

16

A Unique Creation** 223 of 1303 produced in '06) Cadillac STS-V featuring a supercharged growl, captivating sound, and undeniable showroom charisma.

Some builds whisper luxury, while others shout performance. This one? It masterfully combines both — and then leaves its mark on the pavement.

Introducing the “V8 Villain” — a flawless 2006 Cadillac STS-V, reimagined as a wicked fusion of American muscle and exquisite craftsmanship.

Already a rarity from the factory, with fewer than 2,500 units ever made, this particular STSV pushes the boundaries of Cadillac's V-series legacy where performance meets precision artistry.

A supercharged 4.4L V8 pushing 469 hp gives this STS‑V its fierce personality, paired with a smooth 6‑speed auto and rear‑drive power.

Lowered on an Eibach V2 kit and equipped with 20‑inch Signature Wheels, it sits low and confident. Smoked tint and a clean rear spoiler finish the look.

Inside, bright red seatbelts add a bold spark.

The engine bay shines with polished panels, a glossy supercharger cover, and red LED accents. Built as a modern take on Cadillac performance, it’s sharp, fast, and fearless.

o r a m a C 1968 SS In December 2023, we purchased a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS as a Christmas gift from Daytona Beach. That’s why my wife, Debbie, named the car “Daytona.”

🎁

Upgrades and Modifications Wheels and Tires: Swapped the rally wheels and lettered tires for Foose Legend chrome wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich g-Force Comp 2 tires.

Braking System: Installed a four-wheel Wilwood brake conversion with drilled and slotted rotors, along with new rear shocks.

Under the Hood: Removed the hood insulation and upgraded the air cleaner and valve covers with new Chevrolet valve covers.

Added Mallory ceramic-coated plug wires, an MSD ignition system, and a new 600 cfm Edelbrock carburetor.

Replaced hood hinges and latches, as well as trunk hinges.

Installed a new starter and steering box, along with painting and cleaning the engine compartment.

Exterior Enhancements: The exterior paint was wet sanded, buffed, polished, and treated with a lifetime ceramic coating.

Installed all new chrome badges and painted the rear spoiler to match the trunk jambs, along with a new weather seal.

Recently added a new back window with chrome trim and a new chin spoiler.

Interior Upgrades Updated door panels, dash bezel, and radio.

New floor mats and seat belts have also been installed.

Community Engagement Daytona has participated in several Festival of Speed shows around the state and has received excellent feedback locally. We are excited to be registered for the Festival of Speed in St. Petersburg next month. We hope to see you there!

Thank you for your time, Ron and Debbie Mahnke

17

My name is Ileana, and I am originally from Puerto Rico, currently residing in Riverview, Florida. I own a 2004 Toyota Celica, affectionately named La Celi.

Car Customizations Engine upgraded from a GT to a Yamaha GTS 2ZZ VVTL 6-speed manual transmission Full body and paint job Airlift air suspension Tires and rims Illuminated headliner Light-up floor mats Customized front and back seats Hood wrap Interior wrap Customized door panels Customized trunk Front bumper lip I have been driving since I was 17 and have enjoyed La Celi for the past seven years. My interest in the car scene was sparked when I met people on the street who admired my car.

Hobbies and Advice In addition to my passion for cars, I also enjoy taking care of my saltwater fish tanks.

My advice to fellow car enthusiasts is to **never say never**—it’s never too late to pursue what you love. Always keep dreaming, as dreams can come true. My dream was to own a Celica, and ten years later, I made it happen!

18

DEXTERS

REVENGE

Diane Reese Age: 57 Background: Raised in an Air Force family, Diane was born in Vietnam and has lived globally. She has settled in New Tampa, Florida, for the past eight years.

Vehicle:** 2022 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, “Dexter’s Revenge” Features Include: Barricade HD Trail Force front bumper LED fender flares and pod lights Gloss black and red wheels with Toyo all-terrain tires Custom decals, sound bar, and various off-road enhancements 3.5-inch Metal Cloak lift and more Passion for Driving:** A car enthusiast since 15, Diane enjoys participating in parades and convoys honoring law enforcement and first responders, relishing the joy her Jeep brings to others.

Hobbies and Advice:** Enjoys photography, boating, off-roading, and kayaking. Her motto: “Live your life to the fullest!” promotes positivity and kindness.

Social Media: Facebook: Diane Reese-Marie Instagram: DexterJeeplife

19

Meet The Yeti: Tom Rimos' Pride and Joy My name is Tom Rimos, and I’m from Port Richey. I proudly own “The Yeti,” a name inspired by her impressive stature as a BIG white beast. My Gladiator embodies hard work, creativity, and passion—not just aesthetics. From the 7” lift to the meticulous custom details, every aspect has been crafted with care. The name “The Yeti” fits perfectly, reflecting her bold white paint, lifted stance, and rugged appearance, ensuring she turns heads wherever she goes. At shows, I feel immense pride as people stop to admire her, take photos, and ask questions.

From the moment I acquired my 2023 Rubicon 3.6L V6 Gladiator, I equipped it with a 6” Rough Country lift paired with 1” Teraflex spacers, Red Axe Compression 26” rims, and 37x15.5” Venom Power tires, topped off with a Rough Country front bumper. I also performed a Yukon 5:13 regear, installed Metalcloak coil correction pads, added a Z Automotive Tazer Mini, and front and rear locker sensors. Upgrades include Steer Smart Yeti series track bars (front and rear), Core 4x4 control arms (front upper and lower), a Rough Country high steer kit, and Hook Road side steps. For some extra flair, I added hood struts, a custom license plate, grill, and hood latches. The interior features a red Carbon Fiber kit with six Paracord handles, red interior lights, 30 white pod lights, a set of four RGBW 17.5” wheel lights, and custom vinyl decals designed by my wife, Richeal Rimos.

For me, The Yeti represents more than just driving a Jeep; it symbolizes being part of a community, sharing a passion for custom builds, and taking pride in my ride. This isn’t just my show Jeep; it’s also my family’s everyday driver. As a construction worker, I wanted a vehicle that didn’t remind me of the job site when I came home.

Follow our journey on Instagram @npr_the_yeti!

20

21

22

Ol Dirty More Than Just a Car Ol Dirty isn’t merely a vehicle—it’s a bold declaration.

This 1930 Model A chopped 3-window coupe was crafted with a singular goal: to deliver power you can feel and road-worthiness you can rely on. Weighing in at just 2,200 pounds, this machine is designed for efficiency and relentless performance.

Unmatched Performance Beneath its exterior, Ol Dirty is all about business. With a dropped clutch and supercharged horsepower, it offers a brutal and instantaneous response that propels you forward with lightning speed. This isn’t a vehicle meant for show; it’s built to run hard, stretch its legs, and earn every mile.

A Nod to Originality Inside, simplicity is key. The interior pays homage to originality, offering a respectful tribute to the roots of hot rodding. Here, you don’t need flashy decor when the foundation is so robust. It’s raw, purposeful, and genuine—just like the build itself.

Ol Dirty strikes the ideal balance between an old soul and rebellious spirit. It’s crafted for driving, designed to endure, and serves as a reminder that true legends are not polished—they're earned!

23

Overcash Trucking LLC is a reliable vehicle transport company in Tampa Bay, specializing in RV transport and nationwide delivery.

Known for safety, efficiency, and excellent customer service, they operate a fleet of enclosed and open trailers for various transport needs. Their experienced team ensures careful handling of cars, trucks, RVs, and equipment. Committed to customer satisfaction, they provide clear communication throughout the process and deliver anywhere in the U.S. Overcash Trucking is a trusted partner for dealerships, contractors, and vehicle owners, ensuring timely and safe transport solutions.

24

My name is Joe Hopper, and I reside in New Port Richey, Florida. I grew up in Kentucky and owned a Trans Am in 1978, a car I was incredibly proud of. However, as my family grew, I parted ways with it in 1985. I always knew that I would get another one someday.

Finally, in June 2024, I found a Trans Am with the same stunning burgundy interior, in excellent condition, complete with T-tops. From there, I had it repainted and installed an LSX engine, which delivers nearly 600 horsepower. I also upgraded the air conditioning, exhaust system, gas tank, gauges, transmission, and rims, which were reconditioned and painted burgundy. Every aspect of the exterior has been restored.

Additionally, I enhanced the stereo system with two amplifiers and nine speakers. I love taking it to car shows, and driving it brings back wonderful memories from my childhood in the 1970s. Thank you for your time! Feel free to reach me at my cell: 727-992-5435.

25

26

Step right up and meet the pride and joy of my garage—a ‘62 powerhouse, owned and finely tuned by none other than Mike Trimble for the last 8 years. Strap in, because here’s the rundown on the custom muscle I’ve packed into this beast.

I dropped in a formidable 383 stroker crate motor that unleashes 468 hp, complete with a roller motor. It’s equipped with a billet MSD distributor paired with a 6A box, a Holley 750 dual pumper, and a robust aluminum radiator.

Steering’s a breeze with rack & pinion, and it stops on a dime thanks to Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners with a dual master cylinder.

I’ve added vintage air conditioning, lowered the front by 2 inches and the rear by 1 inch, and outfitted it with dual adjustable Viking shocks all around. The drive shaft’s beefy, the 12-bolt GM 3.73 posi rear end is custom-built, and it’s completely rewired with LED rear lights. I upgraded to an 80 amp alternator, slapped on new red line tires riding on Torq Thrust wheels, and relocated the battery to the trunk, which is all decked out.

After countless hours of block sanding, she’s been repainted to perfection. This two-top marvel now sports a brand-new convertible top. I’ve always crafted custom rides on Harleys and Vettes, but this might be my last stand—getting too old to be rolling around on my back!

27

My name is Tommy J, and I'm originally from Yonkers, New York. I've owned this 2006 C6 Corvette LSX for approximately four years, completing its rebuild as a tribute to the Navy's top gun fighter, the F/A-18 Hornet.

Features and Modifications **Wide Body Kit**: Custom fitted in Miami, Florida **Performance Tuning**: Tuned by "KSR" Performance **Engine Modifications**: LSX-R 102mm fuel/air intake Vararam Snake Charmer fuel air collector Kooks 2.5" stainless headers "Billy Boat" stainless exhaust system with cat delete **Shifting and Controls**: "MGW" short shifter Real carbon fiber racing steering wheel **Lighting and Safety**: "GTR" headlights from the C8 "CARRAVAGIO" Alcantara racing seats "CIPHER" five-point harness connected to a "BREY KRAUSE" harness bar **Wheels**: "360FORGED" three-piece wheels **Aesthetic Enhancements**: An abundance of carbon fiber pieces throughout With numerous upgrades and improvements, this car has been a showstopper at car shows and a delight for Navy cadets, especially when they see the "Top Gun" movie prop helmet, flight jacket, and cap. While I've owned many cars and still have a few other modified vehicles, this Corvette is the one I take the most pride in driving, earning thumbs up from the crowd. It truly is my "Top Gun" top choice!

28

Hello everyone! I'm excited to share some details about my 1948 Rat Rod, named Clarice.

My passion for wagons began in high school and intensified when I discovered Willys wagons while exploring the world of Jeeps, which were manufactured from 1946 to 1964.

Currently, I have a nearly stock 1962 model in addition to my 1948 Rat Rod. I discovered Clarice in Mayfield, Kentucky, after her previous owner passed away.

I often feel Joe's spirit accompanying me on my rides. Here are some specifications: Body: 1948 Willys Station Wagon Chassis: Fully custom Engine: 1988 Chevy 350, featuring a tunnel ram and dual Edelbrock 500s Transmission: GM TurboHydro 350 Differential: Dana 60 dually Tires: 33" mud terrains in the front, 37" mud terrains in the back Fuel Tank: 1/4 barrel keg Best wishes Dave Meyer

29

Freedom

My mustang is a 2022 Grabber Blue metallic and a former rental. When I purchased her in 2024 she was completely stock. …

Her name is Freedom...

My owner served in the Army.

I wear an eagle on my hood to represent all branches of the military. my wings are the red and white stripes of the American flag my body is blue and white stars My talons tear through the flames to symbolize the struggles our military must go through everyday to protect our freedom and all those who call this great nation home.

The wrap on my trunk come from a paint my owner painted a few years ago that has a soilder standing and one kneeling

Custom stainless AMERICAN CAR CRAFT Not sure if this is what you were look I for Cindy Hartwell

30

31