This is Restyling magazine’s 11th awards recognition competition, and if it demonstrates anything, it’s the combined creativity, product salability and expertise of today’s restylers.

The number of entries surpassed last year’s —  in all, 44 submissions came via e-mail or ground delivery (we actually had several more, but they either lacked a description of the work performed or exceeded the limit of allowable entries per category). But even more so, those who entered the vehicle projects they considered as exemplary of the work they do for their varied clientele base demonstrated a quality and artisanship that serve together as a hallmark of the most professional aspects of our restyling industry.

Five judges carefully considered each entry:

• Jef White, editor of Performance Business magazine and former longtime editor of Restyling
• Steve Zacher, co-owner and art director of RV Stripes & Graphics, Mesa, Ariz.
• Kristina Flees Yeingst, former editor and publisher of Auto Graphics magazine
• John Carollo, longtime auto industry writer and vehicle aficionado
• Kristian Wieber, former editor of Performance Business magazine

To be sure, the judges were impressed by so many of the projects submitted; while most projects fared high above the midmark of acceptability, there were those that scored closer to the ideal of perfection —  the perfect 10. Indeed, some work garnered the top score from several judges. Each judge carefully considered each anonymously presented project from his or her personal perspective as an industry-knowledgeable professional, considering its overall marketability to consumers as a whole and to automobile dealers.

Each entry was judged on its own merits via the submitted image or images, and its accompanying text. A maximum of four images, representative of the project, was posted online for the judges to view.

Some projects concentrated on rebuilds, redesigns or restyles catered to a specific, single customer wanting a specific vehicle look; others targeted more mainstream consumers who, nevertheless, would want something distinctive, even unique, that along with a personal comfort, style and a touch of joie de vivre would bring long, admiring looks and maybe some oohs and ahhs.

Mustangs really captured the eyes of the judges, noted by the total number of high scores in the Car category.

We acknowledge all of those restyling professionals who sent us examples of their work, for they demonstrate that the world of restyling continues to provide the artistic and performance touches that give that personalized quality that vehicle owners continue to seek.

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1st Place Car

2008 Mustang GT
By Auto Additions Inc.,
Westerville, Ohio
Submitted by Josh Poulson, general manager

• Razzi GT ground effects package
• Classic Design concepts billet grilles (upper & lower)
• PIAA blue fog lights
• Mazzi 20" chrome wheels & tires
• Roush Hood scoop
• Dual 10" blue racing stripes
• Roadwire black leather
• Ford Racing hood pins
• Wilpak side-painted window louvers
• Wilpak rear window louver painted to match black leather interior

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1st Place Truck

2008 Nissan Frontier SE 4x4
Dragon Aftermarket Consulting, Carlsbad, Calif.
Submitted by Michael J. Macaré

• Wheels: RBP 18 x10 RBP93R black
• Tires: Toyo Open Country M/T 35x12.5 R18LT
• Shocks: Bilstein 5100 series Ride Height adjustable, 2" front,1" rear
• Rear suspension lift: Revtek, 1.5"
• Intake system / throttle body spacer: Airaid
• Exhaust: Magnaflow cat back
• Exhaust thermal insulation: Heatshield Products
• Bull bar: Westin Ultimate
• Step bar: Westin Signature
• Spare tire holder: Wilco Pre-Runner Tiregate
• Bed cover: Truck Covers USA— American Roll Cover aluminum retractable
• Roof/bike rack: Yakima King Cobra
• Front fender/bumpers: Hannemann fiberglass 5: pre-runner
• Lights: KC HiLites, 130W SlimLite, 8" Rally 800 long-range, 5" fog
• Upper/lower grilles: Carriage Works billet
• Ride outside grille: Freedom Grille FG-50
• Tow hitch: Draw-Tite Max Frame
• Floor mats: Husky Liner weatherproof
• Audio: Memphis Car Audio speakers, amps

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1st Place SUV/CUV

2009 Ford Flex
Rick Bottom Designs,Mendota, Ill
Submitted by Rick Bottom

• Two custom-mounted subwoofers in cargo area
• Eclipse 3-way components up front and 2-ways in the middle
• Eclipse DVD in headrests
• HushMat sound absorption and vibration damping materials
• Factory-installed console refrigerator
• Freedom Grill portable gas grille at rear
• Custom suede seating for six
• Custom “wood grain” trim
• Paint: tri-coat BASF, vanilla and butterscotch tones
• Chrome: Clayton Machine along car, door handles, grille, hood vents, wheel lips
• Wheels: 22" Avarus AV2
• Tires: Dunlop Sport Maxx
• Lowering springs: Eibach
• Cat-back exhaust: CGS

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Honorable Mention: Car

2006 Mustang GT
Automotive Essentials, Rockville, Md.
Submitted by Doug & Karla Perez

• Classic Design Concepts glassback sunroof, shaker hood system, classic chin spoiler, ducktail spoiler with pony, side scoops with blackouts, hood struts, sequential lighting and detail corral
• 3dCarbon headlight splitters
• Eclipse AVN50D navigation system with back-up camera, HD and Sirius Radio
• K40: two laser jammer systems with radar detectors (front and rear)
• Check Corp. dual-temperature heated seats and six-way seat massage system
• Roadwire graphite leather interior with grey suede inserts including a three-color
• Mustang logo (front and rear) with contrasting stitching
• Foose wheels: 8-1/2" (front); 10" rims (rear)
• BF Goodrich G-Force 255/45/18 radials in the front; 285/40/18 rear
• Ford lowering springs that give 1- 1 1/2" drop
• Ford Racing suspensions: shocks, sway bars, adjustable panhard bar and aluminum trailing arms
• SCT programmer
• Steeda shorty headers
• Magnaflow high-flow cats
• Y Pipe with a Steeda Exhaust
• Slotted front and rear performance brake rotors
• Tinted windows

2008 Ford MustangGT Convertible
Pickups Plus Cars, Hilliard, Ohio
Submitted by Larry McCoy

• Keystone GoodHood w/ functional ram air
• Ford Shelby quarter panel scoops
• Roush racing rear 3-piece wing
• Street Scene front grille
• Street Scene chrome taillight bezels
• Classic Design front chin spoiler
• 1969 retro grille emblem
• Classic Design rear deck blackout panel
• Classic Design lightbar
• Classic Design sequential taillights
• Roush full-racing lowering suspension
• Hurst shifter
• Baer Brake kit (front & rear)
• Ford shorty racing headers
• GT 40 push-button start
• SCT Tuner w/ custom in-house Mustang Dynamometer tune on car
• Katzkin 2-tone leather interior
• Shelby Racing Wheels w/ staggered fitment
• Corsa sport exhaust
• Steeda upper strut mounts
• Steeda bushings
• Rockford Fosgate AMP, sub and speaker setup

2008 WP Chrysler Executive Series 300C “Hurst Edition”
Performance West Group,Bonsall, Calif.
Submitted by Larry Weiner

• WP Chrysler ExecutiveSeries 300C long-wheel base conversion: Accubuilt
• Custom paint: Sherwin-Williams “Planet Color” Tuxedo Black withHurst Gold accents
• Custom painter: Hulst Customs
• Glassback panorama moon roof:Classic Design Concepts
• Custom grille: Mopar Accessories
• Custom hood: RKSport
• Window tinting: SyndicateAutomotive Concepts
• Vehicle cover: Covercraft Industries
• Custom leather interior: KatzkinLeather
• Monogrammed carpet mats &trunk mat: Designer Mat
• Custom audio system: Kicker / Stillwater Design Enhanced Audio System
• Insulation: Quiet Ride Solutions
• E85 conversion: Flex Fuel Smart System
• Wheels: Rodtana Designs, 2-piece forged; front: 22" x 9", rear: 22" x 10"
• Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero Assimetrico; 265/35ZR22
• Disc brake upgrades: Stainless SteelBrakes Corp. calipers, Tri Power3-piston
• Shifter: Hurst Performance
• Cat back exhaust system: Corsa Performance
• Coilover suspension: KW suspension (amount of reduced ride height: 40mm· (1.5”)

2006 Buick Lucerne
Trent’s Trick Upholstery, Baltimore, Ohio
Submitted by Tricia VanArsdalen

• Monster batteries: Kinetik
• Transmission: Bowler Transmission
• Hose clamps: Pi-Thon
• Air lift suspension: Sprint Performance Suspension
• Brakes: Stainless Steel Brake Corp. Window Tint
• Paint: Valspar/House of Koloraluminum and blue
• Painter:  Aaron Lynch of Lynch Concepts
• Ground effects kit: Razzi Ground Effects
• Rear spoiler designed and fabricated: Trent’s Trick Upholstery
• Wheels: Bonspeed/USA color-forged GT-40 rims, 20" front &  rear
• Tires: BF Goodrich
• Lug nuts: Topline
• Custom taillight bulbs: Spiderlite
• Custom billet accessories: Lund
• Exhaust: Corsa stainless steel
• Stainless steel sculpture between rear seats: Naked Sculpture
• Interior design and install: Trent’s Trick Upholstery
• Seats: OptimaLeather
• Carpet: Gross Point
• Custom speedometer cluster: US Speedo
• Stereo Equipment: Kicker/Stillwater Design
• Multivideo unit: Eclipse
• Stereo install kit: American International
• Neon: Street Glow
• Sound deadener: Dynamat

1967 PaceMaker Camaro
The Custom Shop, Flanagan Ill.
Submitted by John Wargo

• Big block Chevy with Pro Charger super charger
• 4-speed: Muncie
• Brakes: Bear big brakes
• Air ride: Firestone
• Control arms: Speedtech Wheels: TSW Petrol
• Tires: BF Goodrich tires
• Dynacorn sheet metal
• Body essentials: YearOne and Classic Industries
• Paint: DuPont Hot Hue, two- tone
• Interior leather: Katzkin
• Carpets: Auto Custom Carpets
• Dynamat
• Clayton Machine Works
• Audio: Sony
• Navagation: Scosche wiring, Kinetik batteries

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Honorable Mention: Truck

Ford F-350 Striker
Hulst Customs,Merlin, Ore.
Submitted by Jason Hulst

• Front fascia: Hulst
• Diamond wire upper & lower grilles: Hulst
• Front fender scoops: Hulst
• Rear fender scoops: Hulst
• Rocker trim: Hulst
• Rear spoiler: Hulst
• Interior: Tuscany Katzkin
• Mats: Designer Mat embroidered
• Interior insulation: Quiet Ride Solutions
• Audio/video: Sony Xplode
• Tonneau: Gaylord’s Lids
• Cab clearance lights: Hulst
• Exterior paint: Sherwin-Williams Planet Color custom “Striker Silver” with contrast Dearborn Blue stripes
• Lowering kit: DJM
• Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero Assimetrico
• Wheels: 24" forged American Force

Performance West Group,
Bonsall, Calif.
Submitted by Larry Weiner

• Custom body package: Hulst Customs includes front fascia, Splitter, grille shell, hood scoop, front fender scoops, mid bumper peak, rear fender scoops, rear spoiler, rocker & bumper trim
• Diamond wire upper and lower grille set: Hulst Customs
• Black anodized coating
• Custom Paint: Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Planet Color — Striker Silver with Dearborn Blue Stripes
• Custom paint application: Hulst Customs
• Tonneau cover: Gaylord’s Lids
• Graphics: Sharpline Converting
• Vehicle cover: Covercraft
• Custom leather interior: manufactured/installed by Katzkin Leather Inc.
• Embroidered logo floor and bed mats: Designer Mat
• Striker dash plate: Hulst Customs
• Insulation / sound deadening: Quiet Ride Solution
• Engine management performance upgrade: Kenne Bell Performance Products — Optimizer II
• Cool air intake: Airaid
• Cat back dual exhaust system: Magnaflow Performance
• Wheels: Rodtana, Striker: 22" x 9"
• Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Zero Assimetrico 305/40ZR22
• Disc brake upgrades: Stainless Steel Brakes Corp.
• Suspension lowering kit: DJM Suspension

1972 Chevy C10 Cheyenne Super
Ace Customs & Discount Grilles,Tucson, Ariz.
Submitted by Andrew J. Moreno

• Chromed Sanderson headers
• Dual 3" Flowmasters
• Header-wrapped entire exhaust
• Stainless steel tips
• Front: custom tubular control arms with Firestone Airbags.
• Rear: factory 2-link Firestone Airbags
• Vi-Air compressor
• Custom-fabricated panhard bar
• OE brakes: front disk / rear drum
• Centerline Edge wheels: front, 20"; rear, 22"
• Factory stock backspacing
• Nitto NT-555 tires: front, 255-35R20; rear, 285-35R22
• Graphics: Jim Geare
• Diamont arrival metallic blue paint
• House-of-Color candy-green flames and ghostedgraphics and airbrushing
• Rhino color-matched lining
• Billet Specialties steering wheel
• Auto Meter gauges
• Ultraleather gray seats with suede inserts
• Billet Door grab handles
• Ryno Mfg. billet rearview mirror
• Ryno Mfg. custom one-off flamed-dash grille cover
• Dynamat sound deadening
• Gray premium-grade loop carpet
• Vintage Air air conditioning (highly modified forcustom look)
• Billet Phantom grille
• Alpine AM/FM/XM/DVD
• Hidden iPod player
• Soundstream 7" widescreen monitors in doors
• 3 -10" JL W6-E2 woofers
• JL 500W single-channel amp
• JL 400W 4-channel amp
• Diamond Audio dual 6-1/2" component speakers
• Fiberglass overhead console with crossovers
• Center console triple-sub enclosure
• Fiberglass amp rack
• Optima batteries (dual)
• Viper alarm
• Remote door poppers
• H.I.Dheadlights
• LED clear tail lights
• HiddenLED turn signal
• Painless full-chassis wiring harness
• Chrome By Royal: valve covers, intake manifold/ TPI runners, headers, pulleys, power brake booster, brake master cylinder, hood latch and hinges, wiper arms
• NOTE: engine and transmission rebuilds, as well as body modifications completed, but not included in this listing

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Honorable Mention: SUV/CUV

1996 Jeep Cherokee
Hazeltonsound.com,East Troy, Wis.
Submitted by Terry Hazelton

• “True Flame” airbrushed with tribal overlay, done by tattoo artist Dan Hazelton
• Paint: House of Color paints and clear coat
• Lift kit: Rough Country, lifted 4.5"
• Radio: Alpine
• Amps: Alpine
• Battery: Optima Yellow (only one for stock class, car audio comp.)
• Custom SPL ported subwoofer enclosure, six 12" Audio Pipe subwoofers (under window line stock class); running 1,500 watts to the subs @ 1 ohm, 148 db on Term Lab Meter
• Safari rack with amber LED under body kit around the top as safety lights
• 2000 Jeep Wrangler OEM Canyon 15" rims
• Tires: 33" Yokohama Geolander mounted with 1 3/4" wheel spacers
• 2000 Jeep Cherokee side mirrors, center console and door panels
• Brush guard: Westin
• Intake kit: K&N
• Aftermarket projector headlights and clear side markers.
• Amber strobe lights in marker lights and headlight wig-wags.
• Remote start & alarm system: Avital

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Cars

2009 Dodge Challenger by Nuformz APE Wraps San Diego, Calif.	2008-9 Dodge Challenger “Mr. Norm’s Super Cuda” Performance West Group Bonsall, Calif.
1963 Ford Thunderbird Bullet Nose Roadster Convertible Custom Hot Rod A.R.S. Automotive Pittsburgh, Pa.	2006 Ford Mustang Mirror Image Inc. Tampa, Fla.
2008 Mazda RX-8 Ohio State package Auto Additions Inc. Westerville, Ohio	2009 Ford Fusion SE Pickups Plus Cars Lewis Center, Ohio
1932 Ford Roadster Fine Auto Trim Boise, Idaho	1967 Chevy Impala SS Kartunes Sterling, Va.
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Magruder’s Woodinville, Wash.	Mustang convertible Sign-Tech Edmonton, Alb.
2009 Cadillac CTS Renick Cadillac Fullerton, Calif.	2003 Mini Cooper S Sneed’s Speed Shop Inc. Pfafftown, N.C.
2008 Dodge Challenger Ridergraphix.com Bethlehem, Pa.	1955 Chevy Nomad Station Wagon Paradise Motorsports Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
2008 Scion xG ScionPro / Dare 2-B Different Motorwerks LLC Rockledge, Fla.	1970 Chevelle The Custom Shop Flanagan Ill.

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Trucks

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SUVs/CUVs

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Other