A few years ago, we put out on of our most popular articles about TV’s best classic car restoration shows. Since then the programming lineup has changed and we thought we would update our readers on what are now our favorite classic car and truck restoration shows.
Of course, all the shows we watch are on the Velocity cable network. The Velocity network primarily broadcasts automotive programming and offers the best classic car restoration shows along with many other shows dedicated to customizing newer model vehicles as well.
Shows like Unique Rides, West Coast Customs and Texas Metal are putting out some amazing custom builds, but they tend to work primarily on new and exotic rides. The shows that really capture our attention are the ones that focus on restoring vintage cars and the classic and muscle cars (and trucks) of the 50s, 60s and early 70s.
Without further ado, here are our favorite restoration shows on Velocity TV…
Overhaulin – Still at the top of our list is Overhaulin. Chip Foose and his team are still restoring classic cars and trucks for deserving folks, such as returning veterans or people who are down on their luck, and then unveiling them to their owners at the end of each episode.
The show’s co-host, Chris Jacobs, is often responsible for executing an elaborate scheme to acquire the project car without the owner knowing he or she is going to be overhauled. Their plan sometimes goes to the extreme to make the owners believe their car has been stolen, sold or even impounded.
Chip’s builds are considered by many to be the best in the industry, but it is the reaction of the car owners during the reveal that makes the show our favorite.
Graveyard Carz – Now in its 6th season, Graveyard Carz is breathing life back into cars that were left for dead. Mark Worman and his Graveyard Carz ghouls focus only on Chrysler muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. It’s “Mopar or No Car” on this highly rated TV show.
The level of decay on some of their projects is what many would consider too far gone to save. Mark however is determined to resurrect them and bring them back to showroom condition and beyond. His level of perfection is obvious in the final product. The cars are nothing short of perfect.
It’s Mark’s wealth of Mopar knowledge is nothing short of extraordinary and that is one of our favorite parts of the show. We learn something new every time we watch the show. Mark is a walking encyclopedia of all things Chrysler muscle.
Bitchin Rides – In only 4 seasons, this show has skyrocketed up the charts. Dave Kindig and his crew really do make some bitchin rides! From start to finish, Kindig-It Design in Salt Lake City, Utah create conceptual drawings and designs and turn them into complete one-of-a-kind custom mods.
It is a thing of beauty to watch Dave and his team take a golden era classic and make it a modern-day masterpiece. If you have an appreciation for custom mods, this is the show for you. Kindig-It Design is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in the game.
FantomWorks – Dan Short is the founder and owner of his restoration shop in Virginia, DRS Automotive FantomWorks… a.k.a. “FantomWorks”. In order to have your classic car restored by this shop, you will almost need to convince Dan that you are fully committed to restoring the car the right way, which is almost always Dan’s way.
FantomWorks is the largest automotive restoration shop in America and for good reason. Dan settles for nothing short of perfection. He has a team of expert technicians and together they perform some of the most challenging and rewarding restorations.
The vehicles that leave his shop are almost always restored to original specs and are in tip top shape for the owners to enjoy. Don’t let Dan’s tough tactics fool you. He has a heart of gold and only wants what is best for the car.
Garage Squad – Every week a viewer video is selected from thousands of submissions and the Garage Squad team responds by showing up at their doorstep, well actually their garage, to help them restore their prized possessions.
NHRA driver Bruno Massel, lead mechanic Joe Zolper and co-host Heather Storm lend their expertise, and often spare parts, and help the vehicle owner restore their dilapidated vehicles. Working side-by-side with the car owner, they transform junk into wicked cool street machines.
Our favorite thing about the show is that it shows with hard work, determination and the right know-how, an at-home car restoration is possible. We know that there are some parts of a restoration, like paint, that should be done in a professional environment, but it is still a fun show to watch and offers plenty of tips and tricks on how to get the job done at home.