Hotrod Hangout

In this episode, it’s just Matt and Ashley catching up and diving deep into what’s been happening behind the scenes. The Caddy is officially not in Florida anymore, and they break down everything that’s been done to it so far — the progress, the headaches, and the plans that are starting to take shape for the build.They also open up about what’s ahead for the rest of this year and next, sharing some of the goals, events, and ideas they’re excited to chase. Matt brings the conversation home with some insight on supporting the car community. And before the episode wraps, they give a little sneak peek at what’s coming up next on the show.THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

This episode brings a true family legacy into the spotlight as father‑and‑son team Jason and Cody Knight join us to talk about their journey into the High Class Trash Invitational. Jason grew up wrenching alongside his dad, learning the ropes on an old Dodge Power Wagon. Now he’s passing that same passion down to his son Cody as they tackle a ’53 Chevy 5‑window pickup together.They’re competing in the Newbie Class, sticking to the budget, getting creative, and building the truck that will eventually become Cody’s very first ride. It’s a project fueled by family pride, late‑night problem‑solving, and the excitement of watching a young builder find his place in the culture.We dig into how car scenes differ across the country, the loss of shop classes in schools, and why the automotive community still shows up for each other—especially in build‑offs like this one. Jason and Cody talk about their idols, including legends like Don Garlits, and we get into the eternal debate: chasing horsepower vs. keeping the motor alive. And of course, we touch on the good, the bad, and the downright stubborn realities of owning a diesel.It’s a conversation about heritage, hard work, and the next generation keeping the culture alive.THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

This week, Matt sits down with Simon Havican from Simon Says Garage, a builder born into the car world and raised on grit, determination, and the sound of engines his dad kept running against all odds. With the full support of his wife and daughter—who never miss a chance to ride shotgun—Simon shares the story behind his ’41 Chevy Special Duty, a long-waiting gem now getting its moment in the High Class Trash Invitational Build Off.Representing the Blue Collar Class, Simon dives into his vision for the build, the moment he picked up the old Chevy, and the inspiration he draws from the community around him. He and Matt talk about the camaraderie behind the build-offs, the creative sparks that fuel each project, and the real-life struggles that come with turning rust into glory.Simon’s philosophy? “Build ’em to drive ’em.” And his advice for fellow builders—well, you’ll want to hear that for yourself. Stay up to date on Simon's builds: Instagram, YouTube, TikTokTHANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

This week, Matt sits down with Adam, the creator behind Marek Makes — a self‑taught builder from Pennsylvania whose love for cars started long before he ever touched a welder. From matchbox cars and RC rigs to buying his first mechanic’s tool set from Sears, Adam carved his own path into the automotive world one small obsession at a time.He shares his experience competing in the Rat Stock Build Off, how he learned countless skills just by watching other builders on YouTube, and why he still feels like he belongs in the “Newbie Class” even though he’s already got real builds under his belt. Adam opens up about the reality of rat rod fabrication — fix one thing, and suddenly four more problems show up — and how every part on a rat rod either serves a purpose or has been repurposed with intention.One of the highlights of his story is the community. When he arrived at the Rat Stock Show and announced he needed help, more than ten people showed up with tools, supplies, and hands ready to work. That moment cemented what he already felt: the rat rod world is built on generosity, grit, and shared passion.Adam also talks about keeping car culture alive for the next generation. His High Class Trash Invitational build isn’t just a competition entry — it’s destined to become his son’s first car when the time comes. For him, the real reward isn’t trophies or titles. It’s making it to the show, meeting the people, and building something that will outlive the moment.This is an episode for anyone who loves the craft, the chaos, and the community that makes rat rods more than metal.Check out the progress he has made on the build on YouTube!THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

This episode brings Minnesota’s own Jake Weaver on for an episode—a builder with deep roots, a wild sense of humor, and an awesome ’68 Dodge D200. Jake shares how his grandpa, a die‑hard MOPAR man, pulled him into the car scene and shaped the way he approaches every project today.He walks through the long list of vehicles he’s bought, sold, flipped, and let go over the years, and how that journey eventually pushed him away from “shiny paint” perfection and straight into the raw, rebellious world of rat rods. And trust us—you need to hear the story behind the hood ornament featuring a little dude with a bottle of Jack Daniels!Jake also breaks down how he landed a spot in the High Class Trash Invitational, what he’s tackled so far on his D200 build, and the unexpected adventures that have come with it. From honoring his grandpa to involving memorabilia from his local community, this build is more than metal—it’s memory, identity, and pride.As he puts it, he can’t wait for the moment he turns that key for the first time and feels like that 16‑year‑old kid with his first car all over again.This is one you don’t want to miss.Check out his progress on Facebook. THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

Just the two of us on this episode, and we’re kicking things off by thanking every single person who came out to The Hangout 2026. What a show. We’re breaking down all the highlights—from the band and the Pin Up Contest to the trophy winners and the mountain of raffle prizes.And yes… there’s a BIG announcement in this one, so don’t miss it.We’re also looking ahead to what’s coming in 2026 and sharing how we plan to keep growing this community and making each year better than the last.THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!

Jonah Garnhardt joined for us for another episode of the Builder Series featuring builders involved in the High Class Trash Invitational! Jonah tells us all about growing up in the car scene thanks to his grandfather and dad. He started his car obsession interested in the "shiny paint" and less than a decade ago he made the transition into more of the rat rod builds. Jonah also talks about his build for the Build Off -- '53 Plymouth Sedan! He mentions another build that he did and the plans to make it into a Tap Truck! Be sure to check out his Facebook, Instagram and TT Northstar Garage for updates on his builds! See y'all this Saturday at Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing for The Hangout 2026! THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

Just the two of us wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Also go over all the finalized details for the upcoming show, The Hangout 2026! We give some updates on the Caddy and hint at some plans we have in store for 2026.Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of every one of you! Thank you all for listening! Please LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE! www.hotrodhangout.com

Tammy Miller and Robert Messenger from Revolt Auto Paint joined us for this episode. Tammy takes a deep dive into her life story of being in the paint industry, How Revolt Auto Paint got started, and the passion she has behind what she does. Robert Takes us along the journey of getting started in the car scene with his family, starting a to airbrush, eventually owning a hotrod shop and exploring different aspects of the art in painting. We talk about the difference the right paint job can do and how certain body line can actually make or break a color. We talk about the changes in technology over the years and the difference in how colors are made. Tammy and Robert also talk about Revolt Auto Paint and how they try each day to outshine the competition. Be sure to check out RevoltAutoPaint.com, Revolt Auto Paint on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. AND check out Paint Kult for all the tips and trick to getting that paint just to come out perfect! THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

Dillon Aistrop joins the show as another builder stepping into the Outlaw Class, bringing with him a family legacy steeped in car culture. His journey began before he could even walk—riding with his dad to pick up a ’56 Chevy as a baby. With influences from his father, grandfather, and stepdad, Dillon was destined to live and breathe the car scene.In this episode, Dillon shares how he took over his grandfather’s local car club, offers a fresh perspective on the age-old question “What’s the car that got away?”, and dives into the Merc he’s building for the High Class Trash Invitational. We also talk about his shift from the Blue Collar Class to the Outlaw Class, and explore the highs and lows of Marketplace—how location and timing can make or break a budget. Check out DS Paint and Fab, Dillon's Instagram, TikTok, and Peace and GreaseTHANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

Another builder for the High Class Trash Invitational - Paul Lyons, who will be entering the OG Class. Paul was introduced to the car lifestyle at a young age, helping his dad is the shop. And then Paul got himself into a career that allows him to work in shops all across the country. Getting to restore all different kinds of cars, even working on million-dollar cars! Then witnessing a rat rod build get done for less than $3,000, Paul decided it was time to get away from the shiny paint. And now for the first time, Paul is doing a build for himself and getting to attend the High Class Trash Invitational! Paul and Matt take a deep dive into the costs of entering a build off and working within its rules and regulations. Paul talks about how he learned what NOT to do in order to get a good, solid, safe-ish build. He also mentions the car he is going to be cutting up for this build off! Don't forget Preregistration for The Hangout 2026 CLOSES December 7th! Go visit www.hotrodhangout.com to get signed up and check out the merch! Thanks for listening! LIKE, SHARE, AND DOWNLOAD!

Kicking off the High Class Trash Invitational Builder Series - Eric Wade! Eric starts with telling us the root of his car obsession starting when he was young working on old school cars in the back yard with his dad. Eric tells us all about the adventures he has had at the drag strip which opened up so many doors for him! He fills us in on how a mail truck build intended to go to Sick Week turned into an invitation to Street Outlaws: Locals Only! Eric shouts out all the amazing people that he has met along the way to help his dreams come true. Eric talks about the turning point in his life of walking through a car show and seeing the TRAIN from Village Customs! And how that started a new obsession with rat rods! You will want to hear his words of advise! He lives by that advise everyday which has led him into the High Class Trash Invitational! Be sure to listen to the end to hear what he has in store for the build off! Stay tuned in for upcoming episodes introducing the other builders! Don't forget Preregistration for The Hangout 2026 CLOSES December 7th! Go visit www.hotrodhangout.com to get signed up and check out the merch! THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!

This one may be a shorter episode but it is one you want to listen to! Get the rundown of the guests that we have lined up and the awesome build off they are all apart of! Plus, all the latest on The Hangout 2026: preregistration closes December 7th, so hit www.hotrodhangout.com to lock in your spot and grab some fresh merch.THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!

As a loyal listener, Gene Coombs finally steps behind the mic—and he doesn’t disappoint. Growing up in South Georgia, Gene was surrounded by the roar of two local dirt tracks and the hands-on legacy of his father, an Army mechanic who thought nothing of chopping up a '34 Chevy or Ford coupe when they were a dime a dozen back then.Gene shares how his 11th birthday Hot Wheels Drag Race Kit sparked a lifelong obsession with speed. That passion carried him into the Army as a helicopter mechanic, then into a globe-trotting career in aerospace. Along the way, he chased racing dreams and scared his wife so badly she got her own car just so she didn't have to ride with him.Matt and Gene don’t hold back as they dig into the highs, lows, and hard truths of car culture. And if you stick around to the end, Gene drops a piece of advice that’s worth the wait! THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

Just the two of us this week, diving into some major updates for The Hangout 2026! From mouthwatering food vendors to the official event photographer, we’re laying out what’s in store—and trust us, it’s shaping up to be unforgettable.Don’t forget to preregister at www.hotrodhangout.com—every preregistered guest scores a goodie bag packed with cool stuff.Plus, to get all the details for the Miss Reto Racer Pin Up show, head over to the Facebook Event Page for all the details.THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!

This episode runs a little longer than usual—but trust us, it’s worth every minute. We sit down with Kendra Calleja to trace her incredible path from growing up around BMX bikes and a family in the motorcycle scene, to falling in love with hot rods, rockabilly culture, and eventually meeting her husband through the car world.Kendra shares how she launched her own upholstery shop, starting with her very first project: the interior of her beloved ’56 Ford. She opens up about the challenges of tackling her husband’s pristine white interior in “Poison Ivy,” and what it’s really like to work as a husband-and-wife team in the scene.We dig into the joy of learning from older generations, hearing their stories, and keeping the craft alive. Plus, Kendra gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and hurdles of upholstery work—and why, in the end, it’s all worth it.Be sure to check out Kendra's work on Instagram!THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

Mike Wheeler shares how his dad’s ’55 Chevy pickup and his grandpa’s revived Model A sparked a lifelong love for building. He talks about keeping a tidy shop with his mantra—“Put it away, don’t set it down”—and building His and Hers cars with his wife, who’s all in on the scene but prefers fewer sparks flying. We dive into his choice of a four-door Model A, the story behind the Hell Cab's paint job, and the snowy adventures of cruising it to car club meetups.Visit Mike's Facebook or TikTok to see what he's up to! THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!www.hotrodhangout.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Jeremiah Gardner—a creative force with a wild origin story. From swiping his mom’s nail polish to customize Hot Wheels as a kid, to studying music in college, Jeremiah’s journey took a sharp turn after one shop class lit a fire that never went out. Now an Industrial Arts teacher, he shares how that spark evolved into a full-blown obsession with building. Jeremiah also dives into the story behind his first Build-Off competition and how it inspired the creation of the High Class Trash Invitational—a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and community.Stay up to date with the High Class Invitational on Facebook. Check out what Jeremiah is working on Facebook and Instagram.Preregistration for The Hangout 2026 at www.hotrodhangout.com.THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!

In this episode, Matt is joined by car enthusiast Connor Jex for a ride down memory lane. Connor shares how his dad sparked his love for car culture, the story behind his first set of wheels—a 1963 Buick Skylark—and what he'd build if budget were no object. Together, Matt and Connor dive into the evolution of motor trends, the challenges of wanting to restore a Model A, and swap stories about their favorite car shows.Be sure to check out Connor's work on Facebook, Instagram, TicToc, and YouTube! Preregistration for The Hangout 2026 is open on www.hotrodhangout.com!THANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!

Just the two of us on tonight's episode, catching up on what's been going on over the last couple weeks while we have been away from social media. We cannot thank you all enough for the love and support you have shown while we took a step back to get our lives back in order! We also talk about future plans with the Caddy, Michelangelo and some upcoming car shows/events. Don't forget pre-registration the Hangout 2026 is still open on www.hotrodhangout.comTHANKS FOR LISTENING!LIKE, SHARE AND DOWNLOAD!