Jefferson is an outside contributor to the Toolbox.
Jefferson Bryant grew up on cars. His father taught him how to turn a wrench on their 1987 Chevy Suburban, among other cars they owned. At 17, Jefferson began working on car audio systems and fell in love with sound. So much so, that his first car had a booming sound system before it was drivable.
After high school, Jefferson earned a Business Marketing degree from Oklahoma State University. He’s also earned certifications from the Mobile Electronics Certification Program, including MECP Certified Product Specialist and MECP Certified Installer.
When Jefferson was first getting started, Boyd Coddington helped open a lot of doors. Since then, Jefferson has gained extensive experience with automotive audio, having worked at Cartunes and Audio Midwest, running sales and custom installations. At Rockford Fosgate, Jefferson was a Plastic Design Specialist, where he designed vehicle-specific car audio components for the manufacture, like kick panels and subwoofer enclosures. During those early days in car audio, Jefferson started his own Bryant Media company, producing how-to articles and videos for the automotive industry. He also worked for PowerBlock TV, writing articles and transcribing TV shows, as well as SpeedDirect, handling tech support for Corvette and Camaro suspension and steering products.
Jefferson’s book, “LS Swaps: How to Swap GM LS Engines into Almost Anything,” has been on best seller lists for 13 years straight. Three of his builds have been featured at SEMA 2013, 2014 and 2015. He won Top 5 MOPAR at SEMA 2013 and Top 10 Hot Rods at SEMA 2014. In 2001, Jefferson made 5th place at the IASCA SPL Regional Championship. In 2002, he won dB Drag Racing World's Loudest True Convertible, in addition to multiple car audio competition 1st and 2nd place wins.
Over the years, Jefferson has gained a high level of skill in car audio, electrical wiring, fabrication, engine swaps, sheet metal fabrication, chassis and suspension, metal and plastic casting, painting and plumbing and hardline fabrication. He is a member of the Texas Auto Writers Association and the Midwest Automotive Media Association.
His full builds include a 1941 Lincoln Continental, 1950 Chevy Deluxe, 1962 Mercury Comet Wagon (SEMA), 1963 Buick Le Sabre wagon, 1965 Chevy C10, 1965 Mustang coupe, 1966 Mustang fastback, 1969 Mustang Coupe (not finished), 1969 Chevelle, 1967 Corvette roadster, 1966 Corvette hardtop (SEMA), 1967 Chevy C10, 1969 Plymouth Road Runner (SEMA), 1971 Buick GS convertible, 1974 Plymouth Scamp drag car and a 1981 Chevy C10.
Jefferson currently owns a 2020 Kia Stinger GT2, 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500, 2013 Kia Sorento, 2007 Subaru Outback, 2007 BMW 750 Li, 1996 Lexus SC300, 1987 Chevy suburban, 1974 VW Bug, 1971 Buick GS convertible, 1969 Mustang coupe, 1966 Cadillac Sedan Deville, 1965 Mustang coupe, 1965 Mercury Park Lane, 1964 Jaguar XKE, 1962 Mercury Comet Wagon, 1969 Ford Falcon Ranchero, 1957 Chevy 3200 truck and a 1955 Chevy 3200 custom truck.
Read Jefferson’s articles at MotorTrend.com.
Watch Jefferson’s how-to videos on the Reddirtrodz YouTube channel.