Troy Trepanier on Building Award-Winning Customs and a 30-Year Career in Hot Rodding | Hot Rod Pod

Why It Matters

Trepanier’s blend of authentic craftsmanship and serviceable design proves that functional durability can win top industry accolades, prompting builders to prioritize long‑term usability as much as visual flair.

Key Takeaways

• Fenderless 1936 build won Battle of the Builders award
• Team’s serviceable design eliminates gaskets, simplifies future maintenance
• Long‑standing crew of 11 ensures consistent craftsmanship across projects
• Record‑setting runs on vintage chassis showcase engineering prowess
• Customer rides highlight functional performance beyond showroom aesthetics

Summary

The Hot Rod Pod interview spotlights veteran builder Troy Trepanier, celebrating his three‑decade hot‑rodding career and the award‑winning 1936 fenderless roadster that captured the Battle of the Builders title. Trepanier and his team, led by longtime collaborator Adam, tackled the challenge of creating a car Ford never produced, emphasizing honest craftsmanship, precise proportions, and a focus on serviceability that replaces traditional gaskets with rubber O‑rings for easier future work.

Key insights reveal a shop culture built on continuity—eleven core staff members have been together for decades—allowing the group to maintain consistent quality across builds. Their engineering philosophy prioritizes functional performance: the 36‑inch fenderless roadster not only looks striking but also delivers a quiet, squeak‑free ride, with a torsion‑bar suspension that handles rain‑soaked drives and tight turning circles. The team’s commitment to serviceability means owners can disassemble and reassemble engines without compromising integrity.

Trepanier’s memorable quotes underscore this ethos: “You’ve got to be able to work on it,” and “the car deserves its pedigree.” He cites record‑setting runs—over 300 mph on a stock‑wheelbase chassis and a 320‑mph milestone—as proof that the build balances show‑stopper aesthetics with real‑world performance. The shop’s legacy includes historic projects like the Bonavilla flat‑heads and the Riddler, reinforcing a lineage of high‑speed, high‑reliability hot rods.

The implications for the hot‑rod community are clear. By marrying vintage styling with modern serviceability, Trepanier’s shop sets a benchmark that encourages builders to prioritize durability and driver experience alongside visual impact. Sponsors such as Penso see value in supporting this philosophy, which promises longer vehicle lifespans and sustained enthusiasm among enthusiasts.

Original Description

Custom car legend Troy Trepanier discusses his journey, award-winning builds, and lasting passion for hot rodding on the HOT ROD Pod.

Read the article here: https://www.hotrod.com/features/troy-trepanier-hot-rod-pod-career-custom-cars

0:00 - Welcome to Hot Rod Pod at the Roadster Show

1:44 - The Story Behind the Fenderless 1936 Ford

4:13 - Why Serviceability Matters in High-End Builds

7:00 - What Bonneville Taught Troy Trepanier

9:32 - Favorite Builds: Blowfish, Riddler Cars & the Turbo Satellite

11:14 - Winning America’s Most Beautiful Roadster

14:16 - Building the Car from the Sheet Metal Up

18:56 - The Craftsmanship Behind the Top, Interior & Shop Process

21:23 - Training the Next Generation of Builders

28:02 - Customers, Future Projects, Bonneville Stories & the Wild Camaro

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