Two Guys Garage Podcast

Welding and fabrication legends Bryan Fuller and Mark Prosser join the podcast to catch everyone up on what’s going on in their worlds. Speaking on projects, Mark muses, “Everybody is into a cool project until there’s a bunch of work to be done. They love seeing the parts come in, the shiny chrome and the polished aluminum but now we gotta work guys…“. Enjoy this first of a two part podcast journey as they discuss past, present, and future projects and everything in-between.

“These hybrids are really shaping up to be the wave of the future,” observes Willie at the outset of this week’s podcast, with Kevin noting that Hypercraft “kinda has its tentacles in a lot of different spaces,” from marine to defense and racing. “When you have the best of both worlds,” adds Hypercraft founder Jake Hawksworth, “you don’t have to compromise anymore; it’s going to be the age of hybrid.” The proof is in the company’s Sierra, the signature single seat, electric, RWD, 300 hp, 0-60 in 2.4 seconds track car. “If you ever dreamed about being able to actually jump in a life size RC car and drive it,” Jake tells the guys, “this is exactly what this is.”

Factory Five Racing President and CEO Dave Smith has made an indelible mark in the component car, kit car, and hot rod industries. Once again leaping headfirst into automotive design, FFR’s latest is a remarkable prerunner truck kit that can double as your daily driver. As Dave explains it to the guys, “The idea was to use our chassis engineering and manufacturing skills in chassis and suspension, which we’re good at, and leverage it into a build-it-yourself Raptor on steroids with rabies.” And best of all, it comes at a very affordable price.

Join Kevin and Willie as they recount their most epic automotive blunders from decades of hot rod building and racing. From over-cammed street cars and nitrous nightmares to the perils of too much horsepower on the track, the guys share many of their hard-earned lessons that transformed mistakes into future motoring triumphs.

Aerosol paints have evolved considerably since Ed Seymour first invented them 75 years ago, and the company that bears his name remains at the forefront of the aftermarket, turning DIYers into artists. To celebrate this milestone anniversary, the guys welcome Rodion Galperin for a conversation about all things aerosol, including the latest breakthroughs in the tech and some helpful tips for mastering your own technique.

Ever wonder what makes a painter a "game changer"? Kevin and Willie sit down with one on this episode. Jeremy Winters (aka "That Jeremy Fella") is a painter whose career spans from helping his mom paint crafts, to collision repair painting, to saving reality TV show deadlines. Learn about his journey, the meticulous process behind a perfect paint job, and how he uses his skills to transform vehicles and inspire the DIY community.

On a recent episode of the TV show, the guys were intending to rebuild a '66 Charger's 440 block as well as a 4-speed 833 overdrive transmission, but what they found was something neither had expected. “The first warning signs of an engine that is not a runner," notes Willie, "is when you see (paint) overspray on push-rods, internals, and on the valley pan." It became pretty obvious pretty quickly that the supposed drop-in runner of an engine was not at all what it was supposed to be. What happened next is the focus of today's podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin and Willie explore the evolution and common issues of automotive fuel systems with Kyle Fischer from Hot Shot's Secret, who reveals why this "forgotten maintenance item" is often the culprit behind sluggish performance. The trio examine how poor fuel from your local pump effects the overall fuel system, and how the company’s advanced gasoline additive “Gasoline Extreme” combats carbon deposits and provides vital lubrication for modern engines, restoring that performance and lost fuel economy.

The guys welcome Kyle Fischer of Hot Shot's Secret back to the podcast to talk not about diesel, but gasoline additives. Gasoline is a more highly refined product than diesel, so are additives really necessary, and are they effective? With so many available options on the market, Kevin asks, "Is that really a secret sauce or is it just a sauce? What is in there and what is it doing for me anyway, do I need it?" You may find the answers surprising.

The guys welcome Geoff Gerko of Mantic Clutch USA back to the podcast to discuss his lifelong love of manual transmissions and building clutches for 2500 ft-lbs of torque. Along the way, he unveils his impending rebrand to Gerko’s Custom Clutches, discusses how superior materials and modular design lead to unmatched performance, and offers a glimpse into the future of high-performance clutch technology.

With summer upon us, Kevin and Willie share personal stories of overheating and give listeners tips, tricks, knowledge, and know-how to help stay cool! From OE cooling systems to your weekend hot rod’s system, the guys talk common mistakes and ways to maintain a proper cooling system. Kevin states, “What we end up doing as hot rodders, we obviously increase horsepower, but we build our own cooling systems, we chose a radiator,and we chose a fan, and you know what? There’s a lot of little details that sometimes we miss”.

From concept to patent to power, Kevin and Willie delve into the journey of the RoadSkulls V-Twin Performance "Straight Shooter" air intake system that represents a revolutionary advancement in motorcycle performance technology. Creator Kevin Edgmon enlightens the guys on just how his utility-patented design is making a significant impact on engine power and responsiveness, especially on motorcycles and vehicles battling turbo lag.

The guys have learned a thing or two about blasting over the years, dating back to the days before PPE was commonplace and the effects of prolonged exposure to various media was of little concern. Now with dozens of “Blasting with Byrd” TV segments under his belt, Kevin has become something of an expert on the subject, and today he and Willie welcome Dustless Blasting Marketing Director Kaylyn Starr to the podcast. The company was first to market with a mobile blasting platform that provides environmentally friendly solutions for a plethora of applications and occupations, leading Kevin to attest, “It’s mind-blowing to compare it to anything else.”

From duct tape dilemmas to custom leather dreams, Kevin and Willie delve into the world of automotive interiors with Pat Russell of PJ's Trim Shop. Discover how a master craftsman transforms a car's cabin into a luxurious, personalized space, revealing the unexpected challenges and rewarding artistry of bespoke automotive upholstery.

The guys discuss buying and selling at Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, and local automotive auctions with Rick Fragnoli the owner of Cleveland Power and Performance. They also trade stories as well as tips and tricks for getting what you want at swap meets. Kevin asks, “So what is your top piece of advice for scoring big at a swap meet?” Rick states, “Cash in hand, you gotta have cash”.

Technical jobs are in high demand. Are you ready to build a career instead of racking up debt? Kevin and Willie talk with Josh Jones from Lincoln Tech about their diverse technical programs revealing how their state-of-the-art facilities and industry-aligned programs are equipping students with tangible skills and direct pathways to lucrative careers. From the surprisingly short completion times and the high demand for graduates in fields like automotive, diesel, and electrical, they discuss the compelling alternative to traditional higher education.

From selling glitter out of a suitcase to traveling to European manufacturing and mining facilities chasing the perfect pigment, today the guys talk all the things that bling when it comes to paint with Manny Martinez the owner and founder of Tropical Glitz. Referring to customers and their desire to find the perfect paint, Manny states, “you guys have a vision, you have a dream so we’re here to give you a solution for that vision”.

Ever wonder how cars achieve that perfect balance of handling and ride comfort? How car manufacturers predict and measure the seemingly invisible movements and deflections within a vehicle's suspension system? Kevin and Willie pick the brain of Cayman Dynamics suspension expert Chris White, diving into the complex world of kinematics, compliance, and high-tech tools used by OEMs to dial in everything from comfy cruisers to track-ready machines.

The 2023 SEMA Show continues to loom large on the guys’ minds. “It is so massive, it’s hard to even wrap your brain around,” marvels Kevin, while Willie exclaims “it’s just filled to the gills with cool cars and wild things to see, watch, and witness.” It also provided occasion for Willie to reunite with his old “PINKS All Out” pal, 6-time World Champion NHRA Top Fuel Driver Clay Millican. Along with CRC Marketing Director Raquel Wenger, they discuss CRC ‘s “Build for the Future” scholarship program and the amazing story behind the 2006 bone stock GTO with only 1350 original miles on it they had at the booth.

Kevin and Willie share their often humorous and always educational tales of first engine builds, setting the stage for a deep dive into the world of reliable power via crate engines. They tap into the expertise of Mike Goodwin from Ford Performance, who provides the inside track on their extensive crate engine lineup. From robust "heritage pushrod engines” to the mind-blowing "Megazilla 2.0" targeting 1200 horsepower, Ford Performance’s crate engines are making high-end and backyard builds even easier with warrantied plug-and-play power.

Kevin and Willie discuss the current evolution and transitioning of the Automotive Industry to electric vehicle technology. From hybrid to full autonomous electric vehicles, the guys discuss it all. Kevin states, “It just keeps getting better and better and we love it, and now we’re at this crossroad…” Do you like electric vehicles or are you a muscle car purist? “After enough beat downs on the track, you’re gonna change your mind!”

After months of neglect and distractions, Willie and Kevin are finally digging their project cars out of mothballs to begin wrenching on them again. They share some pre- and post-winter storage tips to ensure a smooth transition back to the open road and pull back the curtain on the slow and steady progress – and occasional behind-the-scenes struggles – that come with resurrecting sidelined automotive projects. From unexpected repairs that muck up the works to the satisfying (and sometimes frustrating) world of custom fabrication, they highlight the very real setbacks and victories that many car enthusiasts face.

The world has somewhat transitioned from solvent based paints to water-based paints but that doesn’t always agree with the art form that is painting a vehicle, especially when you’re trying to get that perfect look! Willie agrees with Henry Ford stating, “A customer can have their car painted any color they want, as long as that color is black”, but Kevin feels that “a color of paint wants to be on certain cars”. Often the paint for your vehicle can cost more than the vehicle itself. So, what to choose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we witnessing a "gas resurgence"? Willie and Kevin tap into the expertise of Dan Millen from Livernois Motorsports & Engineering to dissect the surprising sales struggles of modern muscle alongside the intriguing sleeper potential of vehicles like the Durango Hellcat. They delve into the aftermarket's ongoing battle with OEM tuning restrictions and the unexpected realities of EV adoption compared to traditional gas power, ultimately questioning the future landscape of high-performance modification.

Willie recently received an excited phone call from his twin brother exclaiming, “You’ll never guess what I found three miles from my house!” What he found is possibly the pinnacle small town elusive barn find - a 1970 Plymouth Superbird! It’s been stuffed in the back of a garage and the doors to the vehicle haven’t been opened since 1989. You can guess that this is one six-figure car that Willie really wants to get his hands on. The guys discuss the history of this classic, talk shop about many other classic and current rides that have always caught their eyes, and get emotional about some of the cars that got away... almost!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although the guys normally talk about four wheels, today they’re shifting gears to focus on the evolution of sophisticated electronics that are transforming modern motorcycle technology. Along with Dylan Bolton from Tri-City Cycles, they marvel at how innovations like phone-based tuning and anti-slide systems give riders more control and confidence, whether they're tackling a race, a trail, or just weekend riding, effectively changing the game forever.

During his 15-year career as a professional race car driver, Cooper MacNeil amassed an impressive array of endurance championship wins, including the 24 Hours of Daytona (2023 GT3 Class), Petit Le Mans (3-time winner), 24 Hours of Sebring (2-time winner), and 24 Hours of Le Mans (multiple podiums). Now retired, recently married, and with a baby on the way, he sat down with Kevin and Willie for a look back at his life in racing (“After 15 years of doing it, I was just mentally, physically, and emotionally, for that matter, done with the sport”) and his future in the family business, working on product development at WeatherTech.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anytime a guest mentions Nikola Tesla, you know it’s going to get interesting. Journey through the history and future of welding as Willie, Kevin, and retired ESAB guru "Buttweld Bob" Bitzky unveil pivotal moments that shaped the industry. From the limitations of early AC to the transformative power of transistors in inverter welders, Bob's expertise provides a unique perspective on how far the technology has come, offering insights that make listeners feel "a little bit smarter.”

Brian Tooley of BTR Racing has been fighting for power and harmonics and everything that goes on in that valve chain for decades, and nobody’s been as aggressive. “There’s lots of smart guys out there that are doing phenomenal work. We are a tiny bit ahead of most of our competitors,” he tells Kevin and Willie, “and have been shockingly successful.” In his fifth appearance on the podcast, Brian leads a revealing deep dive into hydraulic roller camshafts that’s not to be missed. “I can’t believe no one else has thought of this and figured this out,” he says, adding, “I hope none of my competitors are listening to this podcast, because they’re going to be redesigning their camshafts as soon as they get done listening to it!”Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willie and Kevin welcome the innovative Bryan Fuller of Fuller Moto to discuss his latest audacious project: a five-day build to create a car body from scratch. Fuller recounts the inspiration behind this seemingly impossible feat, stemming from a shattered Hot Wheels model and a desire to push the boundaries of automotive fabrication using the newest technology available. He details the challenges of assembling a dream team, including the legendary Chip Foose, and utilizing cutting-edge technology to shape metal in ways never before attempted. Hear about the intense, almost deafening atmosphere in the shop, where "it was literally like a frickin’ jet plane" with dozens of metal shapers at work alongside a 10-man film crew, and the camaraderie that fueled this unprecedented automotive achievement.

Kyle Hyatali really knows how to build a hot rod and tee it up nicely. His purview at Vibrant Performance extends across the full life cycle of development, including everything from product design to tech support and marketing. Most recently, he’s been documenting a full customization of his personal ’87 Mazda RX-7 decked out with the full Vibrant catalogue. “We often consider ourselves similar to a Home Depot of car fabrication,” he tells the guys in this week’s podcast. “You could come to us, you could buy your stainless and your flanges and build what you want pretty much…. Bring your own turbo, but we got everything else.” He’s also got some great tips to avoid mistakes building your own exhaust, thermal management, and fuel systems.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin and Willie dive into the world of car appraisals with former homicide-detective-turned-appraiser Burke Payne of BP Appraisals, revealing the often-harsh realities and surprising windfalls of the collector car market, where "condition is everything”. Burke discusses his process, which can expose the gap between perceived and actual vehicle values. He also explains how a professional appraisal provides concrete documentation, justifying a vehicle's value to potential buyers and insurance companies, proving that appraisals are more than just opinions, they are data-driven evaluations that help protect your investment.

From his early days at Chip Foose’s side on Overhaulin’, Kevin witnessed firsthand the art and skill of automotive drawing and designing on paper. Today, Kevin’s self-proclaimed “Favorite French Car Guy” and Design Manager at Ford Performance, Anthony Colard, joins the podcast to discuss the finer points of automotive design. “We don’t live long enough to drive boring cars,” says the man from TheModernRacer.com, citing his one-of-a-kind ’68 Barracuda Fastback build as a prime example.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Willie and Kevin uncover the secrets of "EyesOn Design" with Glen Durmisevich, the Design Director & Chief Judge for this one-of-a-kind automotive design showcase. Held on Edsel Ford's lawn, the unique Detroit car show celebrates the artistry of automotive design, where vehicles are judged on their proportions, line work, and surface development, offering a distinct departure from traditional concours events. "These cars normally are judged by lineage, by pedigree,” Willie explains, “and here it's something really different."

Dan Millen of Livernois Motorsports is one of those guys that just eats, lives, and breathes motorsports performance, and over the years he’s figured out how to tap every ounce of power these machines can possibly produce. “We’re at the crescendo of high performance and what you can get out of cars; it’s only gonna last a couple of years longer,” notes Willie in his introduction, “and Dan has some real recipes and remedies to get that horsepower.” After all, as Dan freely acknowledges, “The more power [the OEs] give people, the more power people want.”Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kyle Briese returns to the podcast to discuss the ways in which BMR Suspension is leading the charge in suspension innovation. From beefing up modern Broncos to transforming classic muscle cars into track-ready beasts, BMR's commitment to in-house manufacturing and cutting-edge design is proving that true performance is built right here in America. "They find problems when people are putting down horsepower,” notes Willie, “and they go attack these problems."

Brian Tooley of BTR Racing has been fighting for power and harmonics and everything that goes on in that valve chain for decades, and nobody’s been as aggressive. “There’s lots of smart guys out there that are doing phenomenal work. We are a tiny bit ahead of most of our competitors,” he tells Kevin and Willie, “and have been shockingly successful.” In his fifth appearance on the podcast, Brian leads a revealing deep dive into hydraulic roller camshafts that’s not to be missed. “I can’t believe no one else has thought of this and figured this out,” he says, adding, “I hope none of my competitors are listening to this podcast, because they’re going to be redesigning their camshafts as soon as they get done listening to it!”Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"He’s just a great guy, a great teacher, a professor of hot rods and of paints," says Willie in welcoming Kevin Tetz for a deep dive into his "Garbage Camaro" build.Tetz details how he's resurrecting a discarded '74 Camaro and transforming it into "the car that I couldn't afford to buy." He also shares his thoughts on the ever-evolving world of automotive painting and how his “Paintucation” series can help new and seasoned painters alike.

There’s a brave new world of cordless tools that come outfitted with high tech batteries and power cells, brushless motors, and a wide array of cool features for all types of applications. These new developments, new chemistries, and new form factors provide more energy for using tools longer, leading Kevin to observe that “our tools are better than our dad’s tools, by far!” Joey Gamber of DeWalt Tools joins the guys to discuss the evolution of tool and battery technology, and how the company builds-in features that give everyone “from the guy who’s a seasoned professional – all the way down to someone’s who’s just starting – the availability to tailor it.”Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode Willie and Kevin talk with Mark Reeb of Power Brake Booster Exchange about troubleshooting and fixing classic brake systems. Mark, a true expert in the field, dives into common problems like leaks, vacuum issues, and incorrect parts, offering valuable tips and tricks for enthusiasts. "That’s some great advice you guys, go back to the basics, start with one change and one adjustment, not five or seven or everything else and you will isolate it," says Willie, highlighting the practical advice shared. Whether you're dealing with a hot rod, muscle car, or any classic ride, this episode will equip you with the "stopping knowledge" you need.

Fresh from a chance encounter with Kevin at the recent Rolex 24 at Daytona, Nicole McElroy of Recaro Automotive joins the podcast for an in-depth discussion about butts in seats. Not just aftermarket and racing seats, but OEM seats, commercial vehicle seats, stadium and swivel seats, 8-way power performance seats, and even haptic seats. They all fall under the company’s four pillars: quality, comfort, safety, and innovation. As Nicole tells the guys, “We’re making breakthroughs in things that we thought were gonna make a difference, but you don’t know until somebody actually experiences it.”Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After judging the world's best at SEMA, builder Ziggy Sadler joins the podcast to share his unique perspective on car culture, burnout competitions, and the Australian car scene which is a world of its own. Best known from his iconic 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback build named "Warhorse 427", Ziggy joins Kevin and Willie as they explore the differences in American and Australian car culture. Ziggy explains, "the biggest single thing that stands out between the US and Australia is that our focus is pretty much 100% on horsepower”.

Kevin’s former Overhaulin’ pal-turned-politician Cherielynn Westrich joins the podcast direct from the Iowa State Senate Chamber for a frank conversation about her remarkable career trajectory. From a singer in The Rentals with Maya Rudolph (“If there was a band playing in ’96, we played with them”) to automotive TV (70 Overhaulin’ builds in 15 years) to politics (four years into her initial six-year Senate term) and automotive entrepreneur (manufacturing under-dash hydraulic swaps at MalWood USA), meet a bona fide renaissance woman with a true passion for building cars and grinding gears.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this podcast the guys explore the cutting edge of automotive technology with Mike Copeland, CEO of Arrington Performance. They discuss Copeland's pioneering work with hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, from initial concepts to real-world applications. "It was wild to see you at SEMA when you shocked the world bringing something that was hydrogen-powered," recalls Willie B. Copeland shares insights into his latest projects, including converting diesel engines to hydrogen and achieving emissions levels that surpass future regulations. He also reveals his vision for a cleaner, high-performance future stating, "We have so much technology that we’re doing and so many things we’re working on, that it has the opportunity - and I believe - that we’ll literally change the world."

Things are getting serious in the EV performance, racing, and aftermarket spaces, and it’s only a matter of time until they morph in with the OEs. “There’s a large portion of us out there that is trying to fight this tsunami wave of electric power and performance, but I hate to be the bearer of bad news,” notes Willie, “you’re gonna lose!” Kirk Miller and Jake Hawksworth of Hypercraft USA join the podcast from King of the Hammers, where they’re pushing the boundaries of EV with their advance hybrid and all-electric powertrains. “Imagine being able to throw 100 hp or 200 hp virtually across the entire rpm range, and no impact on emissions,” says Jake. And that’s not including their 1967 Mustang all-electric, all-wheel drive Fastback, capable of delivering 1200 hp and a theoretical 0-60 mph in 1.2 seconds!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From his early days at the Revs Institute to his latest creation – a 1968 SAAB Rally Tribute car called "Dirt Bomb" – Murray Pfaff's designs consistently amaze. Each time he unveils something new, “People are like, wait a minute - what the - holy moly look at this,” exclaims Willie; “it’s always over the top cool!" Today Murray's on hand with a preview of the upcoming Detroit Autorama, where two of his builds will be featured front and center in the "D-Lot", along with a charity auction he’s organizing that features $40,000 worth of "cool gearhead gifts, prizes and products" to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In 1995, “Speedvision was this new discovery,” Kevin says at the top of this week’s podcast. “It was like kind of discovering the Playboy magazine in your buddy’s dad’s closet and going, ‘What is this?’” As the first 24/7 national cable television network devoted solely to cars, bikes, boats, and planes, “It was home for so many of us for so many hours,” adds Willie. Flash forward to today, and the recent relaunch of the storied automotive brand for the streaming era. One of the original network founders and now CEO of the new FAST channel, Robert Scanlon, is in conversation with the guys about his extensive career in automotive television, the paradigm shift to free streaming, and the “universality of the appeal of the auto”.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For twenty-one years Willie has been doing his Cars for Christmas giveaway, and in this podcast the guys discuss some of the highs and lows of this year’s event. Willie shares stories and discusses the nearly year-long process that he and his team go through preparing these vehicles for needy families. Willie tells us, “When you hear story after story and see how much people are moved and motivated by transportation and mobility and how much it dynamically changes their lives, it really is humbling, man.” This year, Willie's own personal truck was stolen during the first event, but that didn't stop him from continuing to spread joy. He says to the 12 to 13 happy families that received a vehicle, "I consider that day a win and you know what? I can rebuild my truck."

Terry Fair of Vorshlag Motorsports is well known for swapping an LS engine into a 2015 S550 Mustang GT. “Trigger” can deliver 620 hp to the 200 treadwear-type rear tires on pump gas. A radical combination of engineer, builder, and driver, Terry “is on the forefront of just rippin’ and doing things that you would never believe is possible,” notes Willie, both for customers and himself. For his part, “I got a good crew, we’re making enough parts,” Terry tells the guys. “I’m living the dream, for sure.”Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the guys discuss some builds that really blew them away at the recent SEMA Show. Chief among these is the amazing ‘57 Chevy with a Gen 3 Hemi powered by hydrogen built by Jeff Lutz and Clay Millican in partnership with CRC’s Build for the Future scholarship program. “We’re 100% here,” Clay tells Willie, “doing these car projects we’ve done the last couple of years because of CRC putting together a program with Tech Force Foundation to provide scholarships for young people that want to work with their hands.” Listen in to hear two masters of the trade share their passion and commitment for innovation in service of nurturing the tradespeople of tomorrow.