Posted on by Royboy

Shop Visit: Hot Rod Garage

There are a lot of talented builders out there, there are a ton of great shops I get to visit. Hot Rod Garage of Sand Springs, OK stands out as one of the best of that group. Last Friday on my way to Tulsa I stopped and hung out at the HRG for about an hour looking at some of the projects they have going on.

This is one of the most meticulous shops I’ve ever seen. Every car is built right and every car is an example of how to do whatever it is that you’re doing. I was floored at the craftsmanship when I got to see it up close. Father and Son owners the Smith’s were out in the shop getting dirty when I showed up. Their office chairs empty, their hands dirty, building cars. That says a lot to me.

Jim and his son Jason Smith started HRG 17 years ago and have grown to be one of the best around.

Goodguys 2013 Truck of the Year, QuikSilver
Goodguys 2013 Truck of the Year, QuikSilver
When I showed up, Owner Jim Smith was working on TIG
When I showed up, Owner Jim Smith was working on TIG’ing up some exhaust pieces for this ride. There’s a lot of stuff to fit in the frame, but it’s all tucked up and nice so that the car looks good even when you’re laying on the ground next to it.
Another project is this flattie powered sedan. There are some great Vintage go-fast pieces on this one.
Another project is this flattie powered sedan. There are some great Vintage go-fast pieces on this one.
Another project is this flattie powered sedan. There are some great Vintage go-fast pieces on this one.
Another project is this flattie powered sedan. There are some great Vintage go-fast pieces on this one.
Jason Smith
Jason Smith’s personal project gets some love on the weekends and evenings. This Falcon is being prepped to road race. The 3 window body in the background goes on the frame show earlier.

Ready for the customer to pick up! this historic racer has been at HRG getting restored to it
Ready for the customer to pick up! this historic racer has been at HRG getting restored to it’s former glory. It is BEAUTIFUL!
In the owner
In the owner’s family since it was a year old this ol trifive is now sitting on an Art Morrison Chassis and has a 600 hp Caddy LS8 under the hood. Pictured next to is a new shop dog that just wandered into the shop earlier in the day.
This Hemi powered Jeep Rubicon is being transformed to mimic a show vehicle from SEMA a couple of years ago. It is mean and going to get meaner.
This Hemi powered Jeep Rubicon is being transformed to mimic a show vehicle from SEMA a couple of years ago. It is mean and going to get meaner.
The attention to detail on this 57 floored me. The engine is clean and not too flashy, showing that it means business. All hoses and lines are cleanly routed and look like GM designed the engine for this car.
The attention to detail on this 57 floored me. The engine is clean and not too flashy, showing that it means business. All hoses and lines are cleanly routed and look like GM designed the engine for this car.
Another great looking power plant in the Hot Rod Garage bays.
Another great looking power plant in the Hot Rod Garage bays.
Jim Smith
Jim Smith’s personal panel. I love this ride.
Everywhere that you look the shop is clean and organized. and great art hangs on every wall.
Everywhere that you look the shop is clean and organized. and great art hangs on every wall.

 

See you at a show,

Royboy

 

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