HOT ROD examines new technologies in car construction and parts manufacturing and their effects on the industry.

Read Rod & Custom Magazine for a complete guide on how to plan a buildup for a project car and the basics on what needs to be done to make a solid hot rod.

Custom rod building begins with the blank. Johnson uses St. Croix and Fenwick blanks. He orders them by the dozen and they arrive at his home packed in heavy cardboard tubes.

Maine Fly Company builds off-the-shelf and custom fly rods by hand in Maine, USA. Here's a look at how they do it.