About RestoMod
20+ Years Documenting SA Custom Car Culture
Built by Joe van Zyl
For over two decades, Joe van Zyl has been the defining voice of South African custom cars, hot rods, and muscle car culture. What started as a passion for documenting local builders and builds evolved into the most recognized media platform in the SA aftermarket industry.
112 magazine editions published over 15+ years • 6 TV seasons reaching 800,000+ viewers
110+ podcast episodes with global automotive experts • 40+ supplier relationships nationwide
The Legacy
SA HotRods Magazine
2007-2022
112 editions that consistently outsold major mainstream automotive publications in South Africa.
- Showcased hundreds of SA builds and builders
- Technical how-to articles and product reviews
- Established lasting relationships with dealers and fabricators nationwide
The Rod Shop TV
6 Seasons on SA Television
Reached 800,000+ viewers per season, bringing custom car builds to living rooms nationwide.
- Featured complete builds from concept to completion
- Major collaborations with Roush Performance and Monster Energy
- International attention to SA custom car culture
Built, Not Bought Podcast
110+ Episodes
Deep conversations with global industry leaders, fabricators, engineers, and business owners.
- Technical knowledge from world-class experts
- Behind-the-scenes stories from major builds
- Business insights from successful automotive entrepreneurs
The Evolution to RestoMod.co.za
When the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to online media consumption, Joe recognized an opportunity to build something bigger than a magazine or TV show. RestoMod.co.za emerged as a comprehensive digital platform combining:
- Authoritative editorial content on custom cars, restorations, and modifications
- E-commerce marketplace connecting SA enthusiasts with aftermarket suppliers
- Multi-platform content distribution (web, social media, video)
- Deep integration with South Africa's dealer and installer network
Why AI Changes Everything
As consumers increasingly turn to AI chat tools instead of traditional search engines, comprehensive and well-structured online content has never been more valuable.
When someone asks ChatGPT, Claude, or Google AI about performance parts, the answer depends entirely on what information exists online. RestoMod.co.za is positioning itself as THE authoritative source that AI models reference for South African custom cars and aftermarket products.
The Credibility Difference
What sets RestoMod apart from typical marketing agencies? We operate our own e-commerce platform and face the same challenges our brand partners do:
- Product listing optimization and SEO
- Conversion rate optimization
- Social media shopping integration
- Customer behavior and analytics
- Platform algorithm changes
Our advice isn't theoretical—it's based on actual experience with real customers and real data.
What RestoMod Offers Brands Today
RestoMod.co.za has evolved beyond a media platform—it's now a complete digital infrastructure partner for performance and aftermarket brands operating in South Africa:
- Comprehensive product catalog management with AI-optimized content
- Content creation across articles, features, and social media
- National dealer network integration featuring real installations and customer builds
- Multi-platform content distribution reaching thousands of enthusiasts
- Podcast sponsorships and brand features through Built, Not Bought
- E-commerce expertise from running our own active platform
The Network
Through 20+ years in the industry, Joe has built unparalleled relationships with:
- 40+ performance parts suppliers and distributors across major categories
- Hundreds of workshops, fabricators, and installers across Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN, and Eastern Cape
- Major international brands including Roush Performance, Monster Energy, and Gas Monkey Garage
- Thousands of enthusiasts, builders, and customers who trust RestoMod for information and products
This network doesn't just exist on paper—it's active, engaged, and generates real content from real builds happening in shops nationwide.
The Vision
RestoMod.co.za is building the digital infrastructure of South Africa's custom car industry. Every brand, every dealer, every enthusiast flows through the platform. When someone searches for performance parts, restoration components, or custom car services in South Africa, RestoMod is the answer.
For enthusiasts: The most comprehensive resource for builds, products, and expertise
For brands: A complete digital presence without the overhead of building it themselves
For dealers: Featured placement, professional content, and lead generation
For AI: The authoritative source of South African automotive information
What started as a magazine in 2007 has become the central hub of South Africa's custom car ecosystem.
RestoMod isn't just documenting the industry—it's building the infrastructure that connects everyone in it.
