JC Whitney Launches Centennial ‘Jumpstart' Gallery

Darrell Peters and three of his projects. Photo credit: Rob Mullner

JC Whitney, one of the largest direct marketers of name-brand automotive parts and accessories, has announced the launch of a special Centennial Jumpstart Gallery designed to help give DIYers, automotive enthusiasts and dreamers an opportunity to connect around their favorite topic: cars, and how to customize them. The gallery is intended to be a visual learning and sharing community between experts, novices and everyone who considers his or herself a motorhead.

“If you’re looking for a place to help jumpstart your project, this is it,” said Shane Evangelist, CEO of JC Whitney. “If you want to share the knowledge you’ve gained, or just get ideas about the next great project car you take on, the JC Whitney Jumpstart Gallery is the perfect place for you to connect, learn, dream and share. We’re so proud to have been a small part of millions of automotive dreams over 100 years, that we’re also offering new Jumpstart members a 20 percent discount on their auto parts. Here’s to the start of a million more DIY dreams, and a new generation of enthusiasts like Darrell Peters.”

Jumpstart Gallery Story: 50 Years of Hot Rodding
The Jumpstart Gallery was ignited by a story from retired firefighter Darrell Peters for whom building and collecting project vehicles has been a lifelong passion. One of his favorite builds was a 1932 Ford Phaeton, one of only 2,500 made. Peters used the JC Whitney catalogs to rebuild a Chevy 350 engine — with gaskets, pistons and rings sourced from JC Whitney — for the Phaeton. On the front end, he installed a disc brake conversion, rack and pinion steering and a modern suspension. More JC Whitney boxes came with shocks, brake calipers, bushings and tie rods. Forty-two years later, the Phaeton has a cushy life of car shows and occasional wedding/special event appearances. To read more about and see pictures of the Ford Phaeton, click here.

How to Join Jumpstart
Got a story to tell about your own special build? Submit a photo of you with your project vehicle and a brief story about why the project is important — and how JC Whitney helped make it happen. It’s not a contest, so if you haven’t yet mastered the art of building a Ford Phaeton, don’t worry! Jumpstart is about creating a community of pros like Darrell Peters, novices and dreamers. Just be 18 years old or older and you will receive a special Centennial 20 percent discount to “Jumpstart” your next project. Include your name and email address with your story.

Submit here: 100.jcwhitney.com/our-heritage/jumpstart

Maximum discount of $100. See JC Whitney’s terms and conditions for additional details.

Federated Auto Parts Distributors announced it is entering into a collaboration with the Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) – one it said will focus on mutual benefits for the respective members.

“Federated is constantly looking at ways to improve value for all constituents and this agreement provides that,” said Sue Godschalk, president of Federated. “This collaboration provides added volume and opportunities for our suppliers, new partners for our members, and added supply points and products for shop customers. We have enjoyed working closely with several AIOD members in the past and this agreement will expand and create further opportunities for both Federated and AIOD.”