Question of the Weekend – What do you think of these Automotive "Build" Shows?

Jim Brennan

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With the advent of Discovery Communications, there seems to be a backlog of Automotive related content the likes we haven’t seen, ever. There are shows that focus on building the most radical cars (Fast N Loud, Overhaulin’, Phantom Works), shows that are geared to the backyard mechanic (Trucks, Muscle Car, All Girls Garage), shows that are focused on Buying and Selling cars (Chasing Classic Cars, Dallas Car Sharks, the Car Chasers), even an import from Great Britain (Wheeler Dealers). They all have a pretty set formula, which can get pretty irritating.

The shows geared around the mechanics have a couple of hosts that are in your face, or trying to be hipsters, but generally, they give at least some good advice. They all try and take a dry subject and liven it up somehow with the different ways to accomplish the same goals. I would lump all of these shows with the old “Nashville Network” when is was still broadcasting.

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Then there are the Classic Car buying and selling shows featuring both Barry Meguiar, and Wayne Carini leading the way with their pandering personalities. Barry is a bit smarmy with his million dollar smile, and Wayne comes off as a guy who knows anything about everything. His interactions with current and potential clients on his show, and the way he appears to be uncomfortable around more common folk is very telling. (Watch one of his shows when he interacts with truck drivers, or wait staff at an upper crust car venue)

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But the over-the-top build shows seem to take the cake as far as developing personalities that are “Larger than Life”. Each and every personality seems to have the same attitude of being the cats ass. Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs, Chip Foose of Overhaulin’, Richard Rawlings of Fast N Loud, Jesse James, Paul Teutul Jr and Sr, and the list goes on and on. I may be off base as far as my opinion of these shows, but what I want to know is what do you guys think. What is your opinion with the current crop of these Automotive Based entertainment shows?

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96 responses to “Question of the Weekend – What do you think of these Automotive "Build" Shows?”

  1. rovingardener Avatar
    rovingardener

    I like Horsepower, Two Guys Garage and Stacey David's show which is necessarily undergoing a change. These shows are about the cars and technology and tips on how to actually fix cars with some occasional personality. The only car show personality I really like a lot is Dennis Gage, and I have no idea why.
    I already know plenty of people up close and personal; I have a sufficient number of friends and acquaintances that I don't need pretend TV friends. Most of these shows are just a different type of reality show, which I detest for the fake created drama that means nothing to me and doesn't improve my life even a little bit.

    Reply
    1. humblejanitor Avatar
      humblejanitor

      Agreed and I think that of these shows are reinforcing a stereoytype of car people as "rough and tumble" and so forth.

      Reply
    2. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      I think Dennis Gage's appeal lies in that magic, glorious moustache.
      It's either that, or his subdued, but very real interest, in like, everything with four wheels (two or three probably pass his test too).

      Reply
    3. Rod Avatar
      Rod

      I think Dennis' appeal is that he gets so excited about everything. He is just a big kid, at heart, who obviously loves cars, and relishes every chance to be in, and around them. Of course, that glorious 'stache only adds to the charm!

      Reply
  2. donyas Avatar
    donyas

    Edd China is the best of the lot, with Stacey David a close second. The rest are all full of themselves.

    Reply
    1. nanoop Avatar
      nanoop

      Yep, I could actually learn some things from his "pro tipps".
      Even if they are bad actors with questionable stories, the workshop sessions are usually nice and educational.
      Stopped watching after three, four seasons due to lack of TV set, though.

      Reply
    2. LTDScott Avatar
      LTDScott

      They both share a common trait:
      <img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3175/2934241691_1f8fe0732a_b.jpg&quot; width=650>
      <img src="http://gaugemagazine.com/files/gallery/sema-2010-celebrity/stacey-david.jpg&quot; width=650>
      Legit knowledge and apparent lack of care about hair haha

      Reply
  3. Joe Btfsplk Avatar
    Joe Btfsplk

    Fast N Loud was MUCH hipper when the GasMonkey Garage was operating out of a two stall back alley shop with a trailer office for Mr. Rawlings. I can identify with that. I can't identify with some of the show-shops that are loaded down with more complex, expensive, computerized machining equipment than a NASCAR team headquarters.

    Reply
  4. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    Gotta love Fast n Loud. Not afraid to laugh at themselves.
    Edd China's been around the car scene in the UK forever, done some wild builds. Seems a good guy and his tips are brilliant.

    Reply
  5. N0b0dyspcl Avatar
    N0b0dyspcl

    I used to enjoy these shows most when they were new. I enjoy looking at vehicles, especially one off or custom stuff – as long as it isn't too out there (i.e. fish tanks n other bs). Now they have been done so many ways, I find myself watching during commercials for other shows and trying to catch the finished builds at the end only…

    Reply
  6. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    Wheeler Dealers is the best build show. Done.
    Stacey David's hair scares me but he has a good show.
    I loved Monster Garage and even Jesse's later shows were good… but damn that guy is a train wreck.
    I was on board with Fast n Loud until I saw Fonzie put on the life vest with the model/welder gal. The F40 rebuild was the shark jump. Haven't watched a show since.
    If y'all haven't watched the HotRod guys on the youtube, go find Roadkill. I want to party with these guys.
    Edit: forgot Motorz.tv- pretty good builds, tips, etc. I studied the shows on how to do a suspension swap on the Mustang.

    Reply
    1. BobWellington Avatar
      BobWellington

      I LOVE Roadkill. Such a fun show to watch, and since it's on Youtube there's no phony act involved.

      Reply
      1. JayP2112 Avatar
        JayP2112

        They're the real deal. Crazy crap and if it fails, we get to see it.
        My son's favorite is the dog puking all over Freiburger. Can't write that kinda gold.

        Reply
  7. Batshitbox Avatar
    Batshitbox

    Remember "This Old House"? I mean the first few seasons? It really was about how-to, DIY home improvement. Sure, Bob Vila never appeared on screen (or off) with any tools in his hands but Norm was always there swinging away with his hammer, as were the homeowners. The buildings they renovated were run-down, run of the mill middle class homes.
    Somehow it became a vehicle for scolding homeowners into 'letting the professionals do it' with the same gravy train of contractors blathering contractor-speak instead of instructing, and always installing the newest, most expensive gear on the market. No wonder the infrequently seen homeowners are affluent enough to be 'renovating' a 19th century farmhouse on 10 acres in Lincoln, MA. or some such boondoggle.
    That's the arc of this type of show. Turns out people don't watch T.V. to see schmucks like themselves sweating pipes in a Chelsea basement, or busting knuckles on a '91 Chevy Lumina. They want to see the exotic, the outrageous the otherwise inaccessible. Also, Americans grow up thinking if you can get yourself on T.V. you're automatically the cream of the American crop and of course everyone loves you, so these imbecile basic cable info-tainment hacks suddenly think they're George Clooney.
    What was the question again?

    Reply
    1. Devin Avatar
      Devin

      It's also that networks are under constant pressure to increase their audience. Practical home or car improvement shows are going to attract a steady audience, maybe get some small endorsement deals if they do particularly well, but they're going to appeal to a relatively small niche – people actually fixing a house or car – and might see audience drop off as people know everything they need or finish their project.
      So, eventually, someone at the network is not satisfied with the numbers and decides they need to grow. So, they do stunt episodes, or they increase the budgets for the project, or they put a greater focus on the "team" so they can sell it as a soap opera. While these tricks do broaden the appeal outside of that core, they tend to screw up the show for the former audience. Eventually, the stunts pile on and even the new audience gets sick of it, or the cast realizes they've become cartoons, and the show gets cancelled. Sometimes it gets rebooted later, toned down and back to basics.
      The most extreme examples of this involve former niche networks completely changing their programming focus, though the History Channel and TLC have yet to be cancelled. The most extreme example is probably The Nashville Network, which was a country music station that started to diversify in order to fill programming, eventually rebranding as Spike and going after the Axe body spray demographic, completely abandoning their country roots. Then someone actually relaunched The Nashville Network after deciding people wanted a country music channel again.

      Reply
    2. dukeisduke Avatar
      dukeisduke

      I remember the first season of This Old House; lots of old school techniques and orange Formica. Nowadays, the more interesting stuff is on the Ask This Old House segment, where they go out and do something for a viewer. I've picked up a few ideas from that.
      My favorite car shows were (we dumped cable a few years ago) My Classic Car (I really like Dennis Gage, as he really has a genuine love for old cars), and Two Guys Garage.

      Reply
      1. HTWHLS Avatar
        HTWHLS

        Right on, duke!

        Reply
    3. Toxic Avenger Avatar
      Toxic Avenger

      You Sir have nailed it. You got the entire masquerade in one post.

      Reply
    4. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      I used to love Norm's shows, until New Yankee Workshop became wholly dependent upon a whole bunch of specialized tools that a "student of all, master of none" like myself would not likely invest in. For guys like me, TV sucks but the Internet is worth its weight in gold. Now I've got to go attempt a bit of PDR with a bicycle pump (for the first time in 18 years, I ran the Alfa into something. I guess that's God's way of telling me it's time to do the body work and paint I've been putting off for over a decade) and a wheelbarrow innertube, followed by a quick fix to the fridge's ice dispenser.

      Reply
    5. Felis_Concolor Avatar
      Felis_Concolor

      I preferred the special series for the homeless: "This Old Box."
      "Remember kids, safety last when you're broke."

      Reply
    6. racer139 Avatar
      racer139

      And Norm has alway got a jig for the occasion.

      Reply
  8. BlackIce_GTS Avatar
    BlackIce_GTS

    I… haven't really seen any of those? I don't watch enough TV to justify spending enough to get TV worth watching.
    Wait, what was that desert junkyard show? That seemed like it would be okay without all the formulaic reality show stuff they crammed in.
    Is South Beach Classics still on? I hope not, I couldn't stand that guy.
    I liked Trucks when Stacey David was hosting. I guess that was a long time ago? Who are those guys in the picture? Is that Goldberg? Also what's that show with the girls? Is it any good?

    Reply
    1. Batshitbox Avatar
      Batshitbox

      I see you, too, have an onion tied to your belt.

      Reply
      1. PotbellyJoe ★★★★☆ Avatar
        PotbellyJoe ★★★★☆

        Give me five bees for a quarter…

        Reply
        1. tiberiusẅisë Avatar
          tiberiusẅisë

          You couldn't get white onions, because of the war.

          Reply
    2. frankthecat Avatar
      frankthecat

      Ditto. I honestly don't watch TV anymore. Get my car stuff from Hooniverse, TTAC, and the fine people on Youtube (Drive, V8Jagnut, etc.)

      Reply
      1. Doug Higgs Avatar
        Doug Higgs

        V8 Jagnut Rocks! Been following him on the YouTube for a while now. Of course, the swearing is not going to impress people, but he's not a TV show host, is he?

        Reply
        1. frankthecat Avatar
          frankthecat

          I forgot to mention EricTheCarGuy, too.

          Reply
    3. jeepjeff Avatar
      jeepjeff

      And when you pay enough to get TV worth watching, you find out that they cut 25% out of every Top Gear episode. Jerks.
      (I haven't seen any of the listed shows, either. I'm waiting for PBS to hire SpeedyCop and Dr. Harrell to do a LeMons build show. Did I mention PBS? Oh damn, look at that, I need to get a fresh onion for my belt.)

      Reply
      1. smokyburnout Avatar
        smokyburnout

        BBC America has started running new Top Gear only a week after it airs in the UK, and those first airings aren't as cut down (90 minutes with commercials) which is good enough to get me to stop downloading.
        Speedycop got himself a fancy videographer
        [youtube 1beAvKmD81o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1beAvKmD81o youtube]

        Reply
        1. jeepjeff Avatar
          jeepjeff

          Well, there goes the rest of my evening. Thank you, sir.
          EDIT: I must say, his videographer has the slow-motion-sawzall-finishing-the-cut shot nailed.

          Reply
      2. mdharrell Avatar
        mdharrell

        I'm honored but my LeMons build methods aren't as photogenic as Speedycop's: "In this episode, Dr. Harrell continues his ineffective search for that one bolt, left over from a previous car, that was stored in one of those coffee cans somewhere, while again contemplating the desirability of just going to the hardware store and spending 18 cents for a new one, but the old one was right here about six or so years ago and was perfectly good, so where is it? (Part 4 of 7)."

        Reply
        1. jeepjeff Avatar
          jeepjeff

          Steve Smith, Jr. managed to turn a similar premise into a highly successful show. There's potential there.
          EDIT: Not implying that this should be a copy of Smith's work, but making "Where did I put that bolt? (Part 4 of 7)" entertaining should be possible.

          Reply
        2. Alff Avatar
          Alff

          That's why I keep ALL of them in a couple of coffee cans. On average it only takes about an hour to find the one I want.

          Reply
          1. mdharrell Avatar
            mdharrell

            It was at the bottom of the toolbox. I forgot I had used it as an improvised drift.

  9. Rich Avatar
    Rich

    I hate all of these types of programs. The only tv I watch is live sporting events and a few cable series. (The Killing, Walking Dead, and Breaking Bad).

    Reply
    1. Joe Avatar
      Joe

      What he said, except with different shows.
      I like meticulously scripted tv, and I like live-action stuff. Reality shows, in my view, have repetitive, obvious plotting and generally feature non-actors in acting roles, and are therefore kinda the worst of all possible worlds.

      Reply
  10. eggsalad Avatar
    eggsalad

    Wheeler Dealers is the only one I'll watch. In fact, I record it on the DVR. All of those other shows seem like extended infomercials for whomever the sponsor happens to be.
    Wheeler dealers seems quite realistic. When I first started watching, Edd had to do bodgy things like hold up a transmission with some lumber and a tool cart and some lumber while he changed the tranny mount. Later on, as they made some money, Edd got more tools, like a proper transmission jack stand. That's kind of how actual life works, iddnit?

    Reply
    1. AnonnieMoose Avatar
      AnonnieMoose

      I just about agree with you on wheeler dealers. It is a show that thoroughly bores the s out of my wife, and that is a good sign. Good practical tips about how to use basic tools to accomplish tricky tear downs and repairs.
      Chi0 Foose is the man, but the show he is on is cringeworthy sometimes.
      Most of the rest are garbage. The web is great. Something great about dudes with no budget to get in the way.

      Reply
      1. Alff Avatar
        Alff

        Agreed. I'm Maaad for certain web-based automotive programming./

        Reply
  11. Doug Higgs Avatar
    Doug Higgs

    I don't bother with television for anything these days. I go on YouTube and watch Car SOS. I can handle Fuzz Townshend very easily, unlike Mike Brewer. Don't even get me started on Overhaulin'. That over-the-top crap is for babies.
    Fuzz knows exactly what he's on about ,he's calm, well-mannered and still entertaining.

    Reply
  12. Krash Kadillak Avatar
    Krash Kadillak

    I admit I watch some of them, but could do without all the made up drama. Get out of the way and just let the work on the vehicles tell the story. Surprisingly to some, I think that Overhaulin' is one of the most 'honest' to the viewers, as far as any plot line is concerned. They could do a build without a deadline, but then it wouldn't be a surprise to the owner.

    Reply
    1. salguod Avatar
      salguod

      A guy in T'bird circles was called in as an expert on Overhaulin' when they did a T'bird build. They cut the roof off of it and made it a roadster and they wanted his advice on where to strengthen it before they cut the roof. I guess the car was pretty ratty up top, so cutting the roof off wasn't as sacrilege as it seems.
      He said Chip Foose is the real deal, super talented, nice guy and hung in there all night hands on with the build for the entire week. Said they actually do it in a week and while it's not concours quality work, it's not just thrown together for TV. It's a quality build.

      Reply
  13. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    They're better than the Disney Channel, HGTV or College Lacrosse (what the rest of my posse chooses) but only marginally so. Honestly, any auto-oriented television program that would interest me (aside from certain racing series, TG reruns) probably has an addressable market no larger than the Hooniverse's, which means it will never make it to the boob tube.
    My issue with most of the "reality" shows is that the emphasis is on making money, instead of the craft or the quality of the final product. I'm more interested in the how, not the why. I liked guys like Coddington, James and Rawlings more before TV drama showed me what shysters they apparently are.

    Reply
    1. Toxic Avenger Avatar
      Toxic Avenger

      Reality by definition has no script,therein lies the rub.

      Reply
  14. stigshift Avatar
    stigshift

    Surprised no one has mentioned "Counting Cars" yet. I so badly want to rip that fucking enormous black head rag off of that idiots head. What irritates me the most, though, is when they get facts wrong or just plain don't know something they damned well should. Watched the 'count' as he described a Chevy Sedan Delivery as a "59 or '60". He can't tell a '59 Chevy from a '60? From BEHIND?!?!?! Get off my TV. Listened to one of the 'All Girls Garage" describe a Pontiac 400 Ram Air III and then followed it up with "the Ram Air IV gave you 455 cubic inches. NO, it didn't. If you're going to be on TV telling me about cars, you should know more than average car nut.

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      Jessie is actually pretty cool in person, for what it's worth. Met her fairly recently, and she was very nice… and seems to know how to wrench.
      I can vouch that it's VERY easy to mess up facts and figures on camera.

      Reply
      1. stigshift Avatar
        stigshift

        Point taken, Jeff. I did not mean to dismiss her, as I've seen her on enough shows to respect the fact that she obviously is not there as window dressing. She has serious skill in things automotive. But too many of these shows state things as fact that simply are not.

        Reply
        1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
          Jeff Glucker

          No worries dude.
          I've only recently come to learn how easy it is to be terrible on camera…
          Stay tuned for season two of American Detours! (My goal is to push for more segments on the cars FWIW)

          Reply
          1. stigshift Avatar
            stigshift

            You're not terrible, just not polished. You'll get there with more time in the saddle. We Hoons typically judge all automotive shows against Top Gear UK. That's a tall order. Perspective, Jeff. And we'll keep watching you. Unless you get a big stupid black head rag.

    2. tiberiusẅisë Avatar
      tiberiusẅisë

      Can we nominate Danny Koker as the worst of the bunch for the following offenses:
      1 Fake dialogue "arguments" with his staff about deadlines, budgets, and potential value of the finished product.
      2 Staged "finds" while driving around and pulling people over.
      3 Blatant promotion of his bar, tattoo shop, favorite bands, and sponsors.
      On the plus side, the show isn't spelled Kounting Kars.

      Reply
    3. humblejanitor Avatar
      humblejanitor

      I hate the "count" simply because he has that air of arrogance about him. That and he seems to take delight in pulling over every single classic car he sees. I'm waiting for the day he tries to do that and gets clobbered by the owner for wasting the owner's time.

      Reply
      1. stigshift Avatar
        stigshift

        Which won't ever happen, because it's all staged. But I agree.

        Reply
  15. njhoon Avatar
    njhoon

    I like Fast and Loud as car based entertainment, casing classic cars as a view of cars I'll probably ever see other close and personal with. I think these shows make the 'stars' look like d bags by editing. I met Boyd Coddington, a friend spent a few hours with him BE ing about cars and we both thought he was one of the nicest guys around. A friend of a friend deals with Wayne Carrini and says he is a pretty nice guy, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
    BTW Wheeler Dealers is the best by far for me. I think it was someone on here who said that show for people like us is like Breaking Bad is for meth heads. – yeah I can do that and make money!!!!!
    !!!!

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      I kind of like the idea of Casing Classic Cars… haha

      Reply
      1. njhoon Avatar
        njhoon

        My NJ roots showing again!
        .
        .
        .
        Dam kindle auto correct actually.

        Reply
    2. seguin Avatar
      seguin

      Re: Fast N Loud: Aaron is a nice, very intelligent guy. Richard….well, I'm not a fan of his.

      Reply
      1. njhoon Avatar
        njhoon

        I think the Gas Monkey guys would be a pretty fun gang to hang out with. It seems to me that they don't take things too seriously and poke fun at the whole thing. Richard seems like a loud, not giving a shit what people think or say type of guy and pretty good a ball busting. That can be fun most of the time. The oddest part of that is I know a guy who is like that and looks a lot like him, they could be brothers – almost. Not the type of guy to quietly hang out somewhere but a blast to have in the group when in the mood.

        Reply
  16. Leadbull Avatar
    Leadbull

    I watch Fast 'N Loud and Chasing Classic Cars sometimes, just for the interesting cars that get showcased there. I don't watch much TV, though, so I haven't seen most of the others.

    Reply
  17. Thedude00 Avatar
    Thedude00

    The worst car TV show is fantom works on velocity. The owner of the shop can't act he try's to make drama just to make drama. And the worst part of it is he acts like he's not on TV. Least the guys from fast n loud know there on TV and don't act like these no cameras around. Watch it for 15 min and got sick of it. Why can car shows just be car shows I don't need yelling and shit

    Reply
  18. Ivan L Avatar
    Ivan L

    love Overhaulin, Fast and Loud and West Coast. Everything else is hum drum. I wish the Powerblock Girl joined theCast of Overhaulin two boys and two girls.

    Reply
    1. Tomsk Avatar
      Tomsk

      Courtney Hansen? She was already on Overhaulin' for a season or two.

      Reply
      1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
        Jeff Glucker

        Funny thing is, the darker haired female lead on Overhaulin'… is married to the exec producer of the show.

        Reply
        1. HTWHLS Avatar
          HTWHLS

          You mean, AJ – Adrienne Janic, who married Bud Brutsman. Yeah, she's a looker, for sure.

          Reply
    2. scoudude Avatar
      scoudude

      Yeah Courtney is hot and she was on the first couple seasons of Overhauling before moving to Power Block.

      Reply
      1. racer139 Avatar
        racer139

        Yep.. she was hot untill she did whatever surgery to her face and got all plasticized and now..not so much.

        Reply
  19. alfamale164s Avatar
    alfamale164s

    Dennis Gage, Barry Meguire, the mechanic on Wheeler Dealers, and the team on Overhaulin… I like all of these. The others, I usually feel like washing after they are finished. Ryan Fhfghutehgsrgtigwwuoering is extremely popular with extreme people, but I can't stand West Coast Customs. Just my opinion.

    Reply
  20. tony Avatar
    tony

    I like porn

    Reply
  21. DemonXanth Avatar
    DemonXanth

    Mighty car mods is still great.

    Reply
    1. Piston Slap Yo Mama Avatar
      Piston Slap Yo Mama

      You are so right! There I am ranting about the (_____) Is Born series with Mark Evans and totally forgetting how much I like MCM. There's so many episodes, all of them cheeky fun. I nearly split a side on the episode where they built a Civic to have a bunch of (fake) street cred, with a nonfunctional intercooler and "Brembo" brakes. When MOOG inhaled too much of the toxic fumes from Chinese epoxy they used to attach the calipers and passed out I nearly passed out too. They've got great chemistry, I swear every show verges on being a bro-mance. Bonus points for zero tribal tattoos and the colossal stupid machismo that most other shows of this genre have.
      [youtube inPcN55Osmo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inPcN55Osmo youtube]

      Reply
      1. jeepjeff Avatar
        jeepjeff

        Also hilarious: when they tried to sell the Civic and posted a link to their youtube build videos in their eBay ad.

        Reply
    2. Jason Avatar
      Jason

      I love MCM and Fast and Loud. Everything else is hokey and cheesy.

      Reply
  22. usrtool Avatar
    usrtool

    Graveyard carz for the win.! on Velocity
    Mark Worman is a piece of work
    i'm not a mopar guy But I cannot stop watching
    the guy has game
    maybe its his passion that is the hook

    Reply
  23. Piston Slap Yo Mama Avatar
    Piston Slap Yo Mama

    I'm SHOCKED to chime in here after 50 comments and be the first to say: Mark Evan's (____) Is Born series. http://www.markevans.co.uk/acatalog/Is_Born_DVDs…. Substitute in the blank spot MG, Chopper, Airplane, 4×4, Racing Car, Bike and so on. He's a very affable British chap with no pretenses and a lot of self effacing humor. There is ZERO, as in NO drama or other typical automotive wrenching cliches here, just Mark and his pal Pete-Mate restoring or building cars, planes, bikes etc. It's not even his day job – the guys a fricking veterinarian for chrissakes. I can't say enough good things about him. If I've ever posted a tip I hope other Hoons act on it's this one: watch his shows – they're world class.
    [youtube ABRCPl8zwhc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABRCPl8zwhc youtube]

    Reply
    1. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
      Rust-MyEnemy

      Affirmative.The chap is a legend, except for the fact that, during the MG build, at no point did he warn potential restorers that, you know, they might end up having to drive around in an MGB.

      Reply
      1. mdharrell Avatar
        mdharrell

        What's the point of alarming people with such remote possibilities?

        Reply
    2. stigshift Avatar
      stigshift

      Thank you for this! I'm hooked.

      Reply
  24. guest Avatar
    guest

    I like most of the 'build' shows, including even American Biker. I grew up in the 80's- let me tell you- there was NOTHING like this back then. So quit complaining- this is like the golden age of automotive programming.
    In fact the only one I actively hate is Barry Mcquire. That show is just grating.

    Reply
  25. mnoswad1 Avatar
    mnoswad1

    Don't ever need to see another chopper show…….ever, or jesse james or any other fuckoff with iron crosses and old english font tattoos. No need for girls garage either. no need for any shows with any likelihood of a skull paint job in them or the word extreme.
    Do need to see more of wheeler dealers, gas monkey (with more Tom), powerblock (except 4×4), chip foose shows, basically all the sunday cars shows on cable.

    Reply
    1. humblejanitor Avatar
      humblejanitor

      I agree. I'm sick of seeing these guys. They fit in more with the mid-life crisis biker crowd, what with their leather jackets and iron crosses. These guys couldn't hold a candle to a legit biker gang.

      Reply
  26. Rust-MyEnemy Avatar
    Rust-MyEnemy

    Classic Car Rescue was an absolute bowel movement of a show. Just google the title to reveal the sheer depth of hatred that it enjoys. I'm coming out in hives just thinking about it.

    Reply
  27. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    The worst: Syfy's Dream Machines
    <img src=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOBJWyx3u8A/T8zbdVQVSPI/AAAAAAAAAgw/jsDLT2vxUdA/s1600/Dream-Machines-50-Cents-jet-dream-car.jpg width=500>

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    1. nanoop Avatar
      nanoop

      Don't know the show, but the car looks better than anythingot Chop Shop (which seems fully aware of it's over-the-topness, and hence, is valid entertainment for me)

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  28. JayP2112 Avatar
    JayP2112

    Thought of this on the way into work- any show that has people disregarding safety loses it for me. Norm always wore safety glasses and the Powerblock shows do a good job. The "reality" shows are hit and miss. Monster Garage did a pretty good job of keeping glasses on the team. The whole basis of Car Warriors was people working 72 hrs handling sawsalls and grinders.
    Yet another example of how I am slowly turning into my dad.

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  29. C³-Cool Cadillac Cat Avatar
    C³-Cool Cadillac Cat

    I can watch Wheeler Dealers, and every spin off of it, endlessly.
    I'd like to like more of them, and Stacey David's show will win me back, if there's less blatant product shilling, but when it comes to these, I'm difficult to please.
    I wanted to like the one with Lou Santiago, Car Fix, but while they have an occasional good episode, many are meh.

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  30. failboat Avatar
    failboat

    I can look past a lot of bullshit production/drama and lack of information if I like the vehicles that are being churned out. I generally like the cars put out on Counting Cars and Fast and Loud. Those are about the only two I'm watching regularly now, bonus that the wife likes them too. I probably like Fast and Loud more. Counting cars can be pretty cringeworthy most of the time (like Horny mike. we get it. you like horns.) but I like the cars. Not so much the bikes.
    For an actual informative auto show Wheeler Dealers of course is really good.

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  31. Bren Avatar
    Bren

    For me it has to be Texas Car Wars – Loud 'n proud Frank, Dennis and Big Block of Old Skool Kustoms, Josh of Rodriguez Rod & Cycle and the others. Don't take to Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs, Chip Foose of Overhaulin’, Richard Rawlings of Fast N Loud, Jesse James, Paul Teutul Jr and Sr, , too OTT . I get some German car shows such as Der Checker – customising cheap cars http://www.dmax.de/web/checker/ and BIS DASS DER ROST UNS SCHEIDET ('Til rust do us part ) – getting classics ready for their TuV Inspection

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  32. dwbf11 Avatar
    dwbf11

    Has anyone seen the oddball Brit import "Strippers: Cars for Cash"? I find it immensely entertaining and the premise (if formulaic after a while) is pretty fresh, even if the guys are actors (well, two are anyways).

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  33. MVEilenstein Avatar
    MVEilenstein

    Anyone remember Shadetree Mechanic? Now that was a good show.

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  34. rustylink Avatar
    rustylink

    No pimp my ride?, that Xzibit knows his way around a car..

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  35. wallygaitin Avatar
    wallygaitin

    loved overhaulin, foose put out some great cars/designs and some of the stories behind the cars/owners were truly good people

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  36. HTWHLS Avatar
    HTWHLS

    Is Overhaulin' even on anymore? Thought it was off years ago. I liked it for the Foose design but Chris was a camera-whore and annoying. I loved "Shadetree Mechanic and Two Guys Garage (Sam and Dave). That "Gas Monkey Garage" is a joke. I hate any of those shows where they come off like "you should take whatever I'm offering because the deal is on TV" attitude and then mock the seller right afterwards.
    Let's see some fabrication; how about professional tips that anyone with a wrench can do, goddammit , don't talk down to me; not everyone that likes cars wants to be a hipster doofus. BTW, get over yourself and enough with the giant f**king watches.

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  37. PushrodRWD Avatar
    PushrodRWD

    Wheeler Dealers (gotta love the Top Tips)
    Two Guys Garage
    Horsepower, Muscle Car (Blue Collar Buick) and Gearz are pretty cool when they are not too extravagant.
    I guess it breaks down to entertainment vs information. Some are more entertaining than informative some are the other way. I like the tangible fantasy of “I can do that” that the informative programs provide vs the “if you had an unlimited budget” auto-p#&n (except Top Gear). I would rather read Popular Hot Rodding or Grassroots Motorsports than something with yet another Porsche 911 or Lambo on the cover.

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  38. Rod Avatar
    Rod

    I agree with everyone who posted a negative comment about the "soap opera" type staged shows, like "American Chopper". I am not really a bike guy, but I thought it was interesting, at first. Then it seemed, to me, that the shop pretty much just bolted parts together that had been shipped in from other fabricators. Has anyone seen the hilarious photostrip someone put together, of one of their typical arguments, which was captioned to make them appear loving and polite? I did a Google search for it, but could not find it. too bad, it is hilarious!
    On the plus side: Car Crazy, My Classic Car, Stacy David's Gears. Also, anyone remember when TNN was still The Nashville Network? Pretty much all day, every Sunday, nothing but car shows. Not just cars, either. I remember mud bogs, tractor pulls, swamp buggies, etc. I was very disappointed when the channel's programming was changed, but I suppose it had something to do with failing viewer numbers.

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  39. richard rawings Avatar
    richard rawings

    i don't care that i'm 43 i will always be a toys r us kid i'm a man child and proud of it.

    Reply
  40. Carmine z Avatar
    Carmine z

    I watch all these shows as I am a car nut. I have been in business all my life and have a uncanny of judging people.
    Wayne Carini- phony personality, feigns concern with these people while blood trickles down their back
    Jesse James- got hit on the head too many times or too many drugs !!! His personality really is a strange one !!! He has a switch either a big baby or a big baby that someone glued a set of cahones on him for a few minutes!!! The horse manure thing was assanine
    As for the rest, a few acting lessons wouldn't hurt !!!

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