Overhaul-me's Garage

After watching last night’s episode of Overhaulin’, my first thought was: “You guys NAILED it!” This episode finally shows the potential of the new format. Not once did the interviews with the mark and insider seem forced or awkward. And, when the focus was on the build, I really got the sense that the A-team was all-out thrashing!

Two things stand out: #1 The story. There was absolutely no denying that the mark, Kassia, has an emotional story to tell. Diagnosed with MS a year ago, Kassia and her young family’s future seemed shaken. Her husband Matt had bought her a 1954 Ford Customline with an eye on fixing it for her, but the unexpected illness and mounting medical bills put that dream on the back-burner. At least until Chip, Chris, and the A-Team stepped in! Matt’s love for his wife is evident in his interviews. And Kassia’s determination in the face of her diagnosis while still so young is inspiring. The focus on this truly deserving couple blew the need for pranks out of the water.

2: The scope of the build. Wow! Chip must have decided to really show off in front of the entire customizing industry at the SEMA show, where the build took place. Not content with a “typical” 7 day overhaul, the team stepped it up about 4 notches by deciding to take a 4 door hard-top sedan and lower it, lengthen the wheelbase, turn it into a 2 door coupe, AND make it a roadster by chopping the top off! Oh yeah- they also gave it Baer brakes, an Air Ride suspension, a 4 link rear, custom interior by Katzkin and Stitchcorp, a Ford Racing 302 w/345 hp, a Bowler tranny, full Arc audio treatment by Chad Weeden (on the Hub), awesome Lanzini paint (also on the Hub), and pinstriping by the legendary Tom Kelly.

Pushed by the scope of this build, the army of A-Teamers seemed energized and focused, and that really translated into an exciting show. The fact that this was a SEMA build in front of a live audience probably helped too.

In short…way to go! By far my favorite episode of this season. Sadly, however, it’s also the last build of Season 5. Next week’s show is a stroll down memory lane, as Chip picks some of his favorite cars from the past 5 seasons. Let’s all hope there are many more to come!

*See lots of awesome pics of the build over at Artistic Silver Plating’s garage