The Wide Open Design facility is buzzing with a mix of legendary legacy builds and industry-first prototypes. This month's walkthrough showcases how we continue to push the envelope for both the professional racer and the dedicated trail enthusiast.
Legacy and Refinement
- The "Blower Buggy" Tune-Up: A shop favorite from years past is back for a cleanup and tune-up. Originally built for Dr. Adam, this ls3-powered rig is being prepped for a new home. [00:00:11]
- Hubert Rowland's Razor Buggy 2.0: After a successful King of the Hammers run, we are building a second, more trail-friendly version for Hubert. Enhancements include an upgraded front-mounted radiator and full swinging doors. [00:01:10]
Revolutionary Engineering
- Industry-First Tube Chassis JL: We are making history with Scott Grove’s Jeep JL—the very first tube chassis JL ever produced. It features a high-performance V8, 40-spline Crane Magnum knuckles, and a stunning "Speedway Black" gunmetal finish. [00:04:26]
- The "Pre-Runner" Jeep LJ: This project blends a custom Aqualu aluminum tub with our LJ chassis. To achieve perfect 50/50 suspension travel with 7075 trailing arms, we pioneered a unique raised-and-rolled flare section on the tub—a modification never seen before on a Jeep build. [00:02:14]
In the Production Bay
- Magnum Knuckle Machining: Our machining area is currently running full-tilt, finishing heat-treated 40-spline spindles for our Crane Magnum knuckle kits. [00:00:33]
- Rock Bouncer X Shipping: Several Rock Bouncer X chassis are on pallets and ready to ship. This updated model features a narrower firewall and enhanced laser-cut bracketry for a cleaner, more aggressive build. [00:06:30]
Real-World Custom Work
From Don Ryan’s California-bound prototype [00:07:28] to Kevin’s "cool-school" SBC build from Kentucky [00:08:17], we pride ourselves on delivering exactly what the customer envisions. Whether it’s a fuel-injected small block or a 14-bolt rear steer axle with a Grizzly Locker, our team is dedicated to the technical precision that makes a WOD rig legendary.