It's All About the Build with I.B.F.HotRods

Mike Wagner of Cornfield Customs in Milford, Ohio sat down with me at his fabrication shop for a conversation that went way deeper than I expected. Over twenty years of metal shaping, sheet metal fabrication, custom hot rod builds, and race car fabrication with zero formal training. No trade school. No apprenticeship. Everything he knows about shaping metal he taught himself. This episode starts from the very beginning. From struggling to make a four hundred dollar rent payment to building a one man metal fabrication shop out of a 7,500 square foot facility loaded with power hammers, planishing hammers, a mandrel tube bender, and some of the most impressive equipment you'll find in any shop in this country. We talk about what it took to get there, the employees he hired and let go, and why he chooses to do it alone. He's put over 1100 metal shaping and fabrication videos on YouTube teaching people around the world how to shape sheet metal, lay out patterns, and build parts from scratch. He's taught metal shaping classes from coast to coast and as far as Australia. He designs and manufactures his own metal shaping tools. He's worked alongside Kindig It, Jesse James, Gas Monkey Garage, and Baileigh Industrial. And he races land speed cars at the Bonneville Salt Flats and El Mirage where he's spun out at nearly 200 mph. This conversation also goes into the reality of building a massive social media presence in the custom car world, the keyboard warriors that come with it, and what it's like when your honesty becomes the reason this industry tries to keep you quiet. This episode was truly one of my favorite episodes to record. Mike Wagner isn't just another hot rod builder, his honesty and straight forward approach is exactly what this world needs. This one is jammed packed full of knowledge and inspiration. For the money, for the glory, and for the fun. It's All About the Build. 🎧 Tune in now, subscribe, and follow It's All About The Build!BE PART OF THE "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUILD" Podcast Community Group Page. Here you'll find everything behind the scenes, upcoming episode information and all things "It's All About The Build" Podcast Related. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jtCzYgbL1YDb6QrB/⁠ Help Support the Podcast and Grab your It's All About The Build Podcast and I.B.F.HotRods Swag here!! 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.bonfire.com/store/ibfhotrods-merch/ Check Out Cornfield Customs YouTube Page Here. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 https://www.youtube.com/@cornfieldcustoms

Kevin and Monica Nichols spent eighteen years building a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air named Marilyn. In this episode of It's All About the Build, we sit down with two people who are about as far from professional car builders as you can get. Their day jobs have nothing to do with hot rods, they don't own a shop, and yet what they built together might be one of the cleanest 1954 Chevy Bel Airs you'll ever see. You'll hear how Kevin bought this car in 1996 for a thousand dollars out of a barn in Fort Wayne Indiana, why he went after a four door when the rest of the industry was chasing Tri Five Bel Airs, and how he pieced this build together one JC Whitney catalog and swap meet at a time in a garage he didn't even own. We get into what Monica has meant to this build from day one, how she went from writing the checks to loving the car as much as Kevin does, and the paint that she gifted him that turned out to be the only thing on this car Kevin didn't touch himself. You'll find out why Marilyn has been quietly winning top awards at every show she has pulled up to for the last thirteen years, why nobody in this industry has heard her story until now, and what it was like when Melanie and I selected Kevin and Monica for Best of Show at a car show we were guest judging this past June. We also spend time in the garage where Marilyn sleeps. It's a time capsule of 1950s hot rod culture and Chevrolet Bel Air memorabilia that is worth the episode on its own. This one is for anyone with an old Chevy or Ford or Mopar sitting in the corner of the garage collecting dust. If the fire has gone out on your build, this episode is for you. It's All About the Build. Help Support the Podcast and Grab your It's All About The Build Podcast and I.B.F.HotRods Swag here!!👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 https://www.bonfire.com/store/ibfhotrods-merch/ 🎧 Tune in now, subscribe, and follow It's All About The Build!BE PART OF THE "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUILD" Podcast Community Group Page. Here you'll find everything behind the scenes, upcoming episode information and all things "It's All About The Build" Podcast Related. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jtCzYgbL1YDb6QrB/⁠ Check out the full walk around video from the link below!! https://youtu.be/lkk3cdhewD0?si=gL0hlSLNzYyRsCzc Check out Kevin's YouTube Page Here https://youtube.com/@keptihomeinspections?si=EHC2Qhnj9KLAZ_Qp

Dan and Hilary Fournier of Motor City Metalcraft sat down with Melanie and I at their shop in Mount Clemens, Michigan for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on this podcast. We get into what it actually looks like to run a full custom and restoration shop the right way, without the shortcuts most of this industry takes. Dan opens up about growing up under his father, one of the most respected metal fabricators to ever come out of this trade, and what it meant to learn the craft alongside a legend. Hilary walks us through her journey from a 17 year old intern to building her own following of hundreds of thousands under the name autobodybarbie, all while doing the actual work with her own two hands. Together they talk about the team they've built, the family they treat them as, and why they refuse to compromise on their standards even when it costs them.If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build cars for a living or what separates the shops doing it right from the ones cutting corners, this episode is for you. For the Money. For the Glory. For the Fun. And as always, pinky's out. 🎧 Tune in now, subscribe, and follow It's All About The Build!BE PART OF THE "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUILD" Podcast Community Group Page. Here you'll find everything behind the scenes, upcoming episode information and all things "It's All About The Build" Podcast Related. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 https://www.facebook.com/share/jtCzYgbL1YDb6QrB/ Help Support the Podcast and Grab your It's All About The Build Podcast and I.B.F.HotRods Swag here!! 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 https://www.bonfire.com/store/ibfhotrods-merch/

In this episode of It’s All About the Build , Elliot and Melanie sit down with VooDoo Larry for an in-depth, no-filter conversation about a life shaped by kustom culture. From early influences and the pull toward building, to the music, art, and attitude that defined an entire timeline in automotive history, Larry breaks down what it really means to build with intention and stay true to your vision. Almost born in the wrong era, Larry has spent his life carrying the spirit of 1950s kustom culture into the modern day — blending traditional roots with a mindset that refuses to fade. This episode digs into the realities behind the reputation — the choices, the challenges, the pushback, and the lessons learned along the way. It’s an honest look at the mindset required to build not just cars, but a life around creativity, independence, and conviction. If you’re into kustom cars, automotive history, music-driven culture, or the stories behind the people who helped shape the scene, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Tune in now, subscribe, and follow It's All About The Build!BE PART OF THE "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUILD" Podcast Community Group Page. Here you'll find everything behind the scenes, upcoming episode information and all things "It's All About The Build" Podcast Related. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jtCzYgbL1YDb6QrB/⁠ Help Support the Podcast and Grab your It's All About The Build Podcast and I.B.F.HotRods Swag here!! 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.bonfire.com/store/ibfhotrods-merch/

Custom car builder Travis Sylvester shares how he went from working a full-time job at night builds to running Sylvester’s Customs full time through YouTube, paint, and education. In this episode of It’s All About the Build , I sit down with Travis Sylvester , owner of Sylvester’s Customs in California and host of the Sylvester’s Customs YouTube channel . Travis shares what it was really like working a full-time job while building custom cars at night , slowly growing his skills and audience until he finally quit his day job to pursue custom car building full time . We dive into how YouTube became a powerful tool for showcasing builds, teaching custom paint techniques , and building a loyal community. Travis also talks about why education matters to him and how his hands-on paint classes are helping others learn real-world skills from an active custom shop. This episode is for anyone grinding after hours, thinking about taking the leap, or looking to use content, craftsmanship, and education to build a career in the automotive world. For the Money. For the Glory. For the Fun. And as always—pinky’s out. 🎧 Tune in now, subscribe, and follow It's All About The Build!BE PART OF THE "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUILD" Podcast Community Group Page. Here you'll find everything behind the scenes, upcoming episode information and all things "It's All About The Build" Podcast Related. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jtCzYgbL1YDb6QrB/⁠ Help Support the Podcast and Grab your It's All About The Build Podcast and I.B.F.HotRods Swag here!! 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.bonfire.com/store/ibfhotrods-merch/

In this episode, we travel Indiana’s backroads to meet Mikey Brown, a visionary builder with a dream of becoming a Hot Wheels Legends Tour Champion. From his home shop, Mikey shares his incredible journey, fueled by passion, creativity, and determination. This episode explores Mikey’s early inspirations, from playing with Hot Wheels and building model cars as a child to drawing motivation from his grandfather. We also discuss his transformative experiences as a two-time WyoTech student and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Before fully chasing his Hot Wheels goal, Mikey launched his YouTube channel, Paper to Pavement. On this platform, he documents every step of his custom builds, turning scrap into stunning hot rods while sharing his creative process. Mikey even made the bold decision to close his upholstery shop to pursue his ultimate dream: crafting unique vehicle transformations, creating his own cinematic experiences, and starring in the movies he envisions. Join us as we dive into Mikey’s story of ambition, craftsmanship, and the drive to bring big dreams to life in the custom car world.As Always, CHEERS!! 🎧 Tune in now, subscribe, and follow It's All About The Build!BE PART OF THE "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUILD" Podcast Community Group Page. Here you'll find everything behind the scenes, upcoming episode information and all things "It's All About The Build" Podcast Related. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jtCzYgbL1YDb6QrB/⁠ Help Support the Podcast and Grab your It's All About The Build Podcast and I.B.F.HotRods Swag here!! 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.bonfire.com/store/ibfhotrods-merch/

Kevin Tetz shares his journey from rockstar to automotive painting legend, lessons from decades painting classics, and a behind-the-scenes look at Paintucation University — the ultimate resource for aspiring painters. In this episode of It’s All About the Build , we head south of Nashville to Columbia, Tennessee , home of the infamous Motor Alley, to sit down with Kevin Tetz — one of the most knowledgeable and respected automotive painters in the industry. Kevin shares his incredible journey, from being a rockstar with a blown-out voice to becoming an OG in automotive painting , with decades of experience painting classic cars and trucks. We dive deep into his lessons learned, including what not to do and how to do it right when painting classics. Kevin also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his latest project: Paintucation University , his hands-on curriculum designed to help aspiring painters and seasoned pros level up their skills. Whether you paint, want to paint, or just love classic cars , this episode is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration from a true master of the craft. Grab a drink, strap in, and hear everything Paintucation! For the Money. For the Glory. For the Fun. And as always—pinky’s out. 🎧 Tune in now, subscribe, and follow It's All About The Build!BE PART OF THE "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUILD" Podcast Community Group Page. Here you'll find everything behind the scenes, upcoming episode information and all things "It's All About The Build" Podcast Related. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jtCzYgbL1YDb6QrB/⁠ Help Support the Podcast and Grab your It's All About The Build Podcast and I.B.F.HotRods Swag here!! 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.bonfire.com/store/ibfhotrods-merch/

Justin Nichols of Nichols Paint & Fab shares the story behind his shop, his hit TV show Wrench’d , and the lessons learned building a custom car empire from the ground up. In this episode of It’s All About the Build , we hit the garage with Justin Nichols of Nichols Paint and Fab , joined by Maegan and Mitch, to uncover the raw, unfiltered story of their shop and custom car empire. From humble beginnings to starring in the hit TV show Wrench’d , Justin shares the lessons, challenges, and triumphs of building a custom car business, as well as the influence of his father that shaped his journey. Go behind the scenes of Nichols Paint & Fab as we dive into metalwork, paint, and the passion behind every build. Hear firsthand about the dedication, creativity, and hustle that turn garages into legends. Whether you’re a builder, a fan of custom cars, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and inspiration. For the Money. For the Glory. For the Fun. And as always—pinky’s out. 🎧 Tune in now, subscribe, and follow It's All About The Build!BE PART OF THE "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUILD" Podcast Community Group Page. Here you'll find everything behind the scenes, upcoming episode information and all things "It's All About The Build" Podcast Related. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jtCzYgbL1YDb6QrB/⁠ Help Support the Podcast and Grab your It's All About The Build Podcast and I.B.F.HotRods Swag here!! 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.bonfire.com/store/ibfhotrods-merch/

Bryan Devrous and I go back. We worked together, learned together, and now we're both running our own shops. In this episode Bryan tells the real story of how Cane Creek Custom went from nothing to one of Nashville's go to shops for paint and full builds, and he did it fast. We talk about what it takes to build a reputation when nobody knows your name yet, how our friendship pushed both of us to be better builders, and what happens when two guys who used to work side by side end up building businesses on opposite ends of the map. If you're trying to start your own shop, this is the episode. 🎧 Tune in now, subscribe, and follow It's All About The Build!BE PART OF THE "IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BUILD" Podcast Community Group Page. Here you'll find everything behind the scenes, upcoming episode information and all things "It's All About The Build" Podcast Related. 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/jtCzYgbL1YDb6QrB/⁠ Help Support the Podcast and Grab your It's All About The Build Podcast and I.B.F.HotRods Swag here!! 👇👇Follow the Link👇👇 ⁠https://www.bonfire.com/store/ibfhotrods-merch/

The 2024 Ridler Award winner is in. Following up on our Great 8 breakdown, Randy and I go through who took it, why they took it, and what we saw behind the scenes that most people didn't. There's some drama involved because there always is when the biggest award in the custom car world is on the line. If you listened to our Great 8 episode, this is the payoff. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

The 2024 Detroit Autorama Great 8 finalists. Eight cars competing for the Ridler Award, the biggest prize in custom car building. Randy and I break down every single one. What the judges are looking at, what most people walk right past, and what separates a car that makes the Great 8 from a car that wins the whole thing. If you want to understand what Ridler level craftsmanship actually looks like, this is the episode. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

Melanie makes her debut on the show, and she brought Pete. Between the two of them they've got over 35 years of assembly line car manufacturing experience. In this episode we put factory production and custom car building side by side. The precision of the assembly line vs. the handcrafted approach of building one off classics. How the skills translate, where the worlds overlap, and where they couldn't be more different. If you've ever wondered what someone who's built thousands of cars on a factory floor thinks when they look at what we do in a custom shop, this is that conversation. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

What happened to good car shows? Randy and I share our honest thoughts on what's missing in today's classic car and custom car television. We talk about Bitchin' Rides, Texas Metal, Top Gear, Fantom Works, Wheeler Dealers, and yes, we get into Richard Rawlings, Fast N Loud, and the infamous Bad Chad. This is a builder's perspective on how reality TV portrays this industry, what they get right, what they get wrong, and what we'd actually want to see on screen. You won't agree with everything we say, but you won't be able to fault us for saying it. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

Is it worth upgrading your classic into the 21st century? Randy and I go through it all. Engine upgrades, throttle body EFI systems, suspension options, air rides vs. coil overs, brake upgrades, full rewiring, modern radios, and everything in between. We lay out what's worth the money, what's not, and what we'd actually put in our own builds. Fair warning, this one goes off the rails a few times with some hilarious detours, but the information is all there. If you've been on the fence about modernizing your ride, this episode will help you decide. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

Everybody's got an opinion on what a classic car is worth and most of them are wrong. In this episode Randy and I dig into the research behind how people price their vehicles, what actually drives the number up or down, and why there's such a gap between what sellers think their car is worth and what the market says. We actually went out and asked people why they priced their cars where they did. Some of them laughed. Some of them got offended. Here's our take: if you get offended by someone asking why you priced something where you did, chances are it's ridiculously priced. If you've ever scrolled a listing and thought "what are they thinking?" this is your episode. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

A 1968 Chevrolet C10 came into the shop described as "90% done." It had paint, interior, and an engine. Sounds close, right? Not even. In this episode Randy and I break down what it actually took to get this truck across the finish line. The processes, the details, and all the "simple things" that aren't simple at all. Just because a vehicle looks complete doesn't mean the job is over. We also tell the story of delivering the truck to the customer, a road trip from Indiana to Nashville and back, and the crazy hours spent on the side of the road looking for a license plate. If you've ever been told a project is almost done, this episode will change how you hear those words. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

Big shop or small shop? It matters more than most people think. In this episode Randy and I compare the pros and cons of large shops vs. small shops, both from the customer's perspective and from the builder's. If you're looking for a shop to build your car, there are things nobody tells you about how each environment operates and how it affects your bill. And if you're trying to break into this industry as a builder, the shop you choose to work in will shape everything about how you learn the trade. We get into what to watch for, what questions to ask, and what most people don't think about until it's too late. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

Most people have no idea how to properly look at a custom car or restoration. They see the paint and think it's done right. In this episode Randy and I teach you how to actually examine a build. How to see the flaws, how to pick out the fakes from the real deal, and what separates a car that wins awards from one that just looks good from ten feet away. We go into detail on paint, customization, engineering, and what we personally look at when we walk up to a car at a show. This applies to customs and nut and bolt restorations alike. You wonder why some cars win and others don't? It's all about the details. After this episode you'll know how to spot them. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

"Why do these cars cost so much?" It's the most asked question in this industry and the most misunderstood. In this episode Randy and I answer it from the builder's side. We talk about all the details people never see, all the time that gets overlooked, and why six figure price tags on custom builds aren't as crazy as they sound once you understand what actually goes into them. If you've ever looked at a build price and thought "there's no way," this is the episode that explains why there is a way, and why most builders aren't getting rich doing it. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group

Part 2 of our Ridler Award breakdown. Randy and I finish the conversation on what it takes to compete for the biggest award in the custom car world. The details most people never think about, what you can take from the Ridler process and apply to your own builds to stay above the competition, and the mindset behind building at that level. If you listened to Part 1, this is where we tie it all together. Join the conversation: "It's All About the Build" Facebook Community Group