Inside Streamline Custom Designs | Donnie Hall & Isaac Gonzales
About this episode
Donnie Hall and Isaac Gonzales from Streamline Custom Designs share their unique journey from working in the nuclear industry to building custom cars. They discuss the challenges of starting a business, the importance of teamwork, and the thrill of creating standout vehicles. The episode dives into their experiences with clients, the pressures of deadlines, and the emotional rollercoaster of car builds. With a blend of humor and insight, they reflect on the automotive culture and the personal connections that fuel their passion for hot rodding.
This week on Oil & Whiskey, we’re joined by Donnie Hall and Isaac Gonzales of Streamline Custom Designs for a conversation focused on where it all started.
Donnie talks about his time working at Kindig-It Design, the lessons he picked up there, and how those experiences shaped his approach to custom work. Isaac shares his background outside the automotive world, including his success in nuclear cleanup and business, and how that experience translated into building a shop from the ground up.
The episode dives into how two very different paths came together to form Streamline Custom Designs, the challenges of starting something new, and the importance of experience, trust, and long-term thinking.
road course
"...it's a road course it's 3.4 miles maybe get out there and shake down cars..."
A road course is a racetrack that has many turns and is not just a simple circle. Cars race on it by going through twists and straight parts, making it more challenging than just driving in a loop.
A road course is a type of racetrack that consists of a series of turns and straight sections, allowing for a variety of racing styles. Unlike oval tracks, road courses often feature elevation changes and require different driving techniques.
Bonneville
"...I thought you were going to say Bonneville..."
Bonneville is a place in Utah known for its flat salt flats where people try to set speed records with their cars. It's a popular spot for testing how fast cars can go.
Bonneville refers to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, a famous location for land speed records. Many automotive enthusiasts and racers go there to test the limits of their vehicles in a flat, open environment.
Rocky Mountain Raceway
"...but then it became Rocky Mountain Raceway but all the industrial stuff moved in and wiped out that..."
Rocky Mountain Raceway was another racing track in Utah where cars would race. It used to host many events but is no longer open.
Rocky Mountain Raceway was a motorsports facility in Utah that hosted various racing events, including drag racing and stock car racing. It has since closed, but it was a significant venue for local motorsports.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...if you buy the equipment the cars got to go 64 Corvette sitting there so we ended up loading that up..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car that is known for being fast and stylish. The 1964 version is part of the second series of Corvettes that had a sleeker look and better driving capabilities.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a two-door sports car known for its performance and distinctive styling. The 1964 model is part of the second generation of Corvettes, which featured a more refined design and improved handling compared to its predecessor.
LS engine
"...it was pretty tough already had an LS in it..."
The LS engine is a type of V8 engine made by General Motors. It's known for being powerful and is often used in many cars, especially when people want to upgrade or replace their car's engine.
The LS engine is a family of V8 engines produced by General Motors, known for their performance and versatility. They are commonly used in various GM vehicles and are popular for engine swaps due to their power and reliability.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...just start inspecting the truck well...I built the chassis...it was a 68 Camaro subframe..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular sports car that started being made in the late 1960s. The 1968 version is one of the first models and is famous for its powerful engine and sporty design.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1966. The 1968 model is part of the first generation and is known for its performance and distinctive styling.
control arms
"...it was all brand new stuff like global west control arms it was nice stuff but..."
Control arms are parts of a car's suspension that connect the wheels to the body of the car. They help the wheels move up and down while keeping the car stable and aligned.
Control arms are crucial components of a vehicle's suspension system, connecting the chassis to the wheels and allowing for controlled movement during driving. They help maintain proper wheel alignment and contribute to handling and ride quality.
Ford Model 32
"...my dream of holding a heart red shop was building 32 Ford's strictly 32 Ford's..."
The Ford Model 32 is a classic car from the early 1930s that many people love to customize and restore. It's famous for its unique style and has a strong following among car fans.
The Ford Model 32, often referred to as the '32 Ford', is a classic car that became iconic in the hot rod and custom car culture. Its design and performance have made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and builders.
Pete and Jake's
"had a Pete and Jake's chassis and I think Ed was still there so he had kind of put that whole thing together"
Pete and Jake's is a company that makes parts for customizing cars, especially older models. They help improve how these cars look and perform.
Pete and Jake's is a well-known company that specializes in aftermarket chassis and suspension components for hot rods and classic cars. They are recognized for their high-quality parts that enhance performance and aesthetics.
Toyota Crown
"...pensive trying to outdo each other at the triple crown he's just as stupid he did a giveaway"
The Toyota Crown is a big, fancy car that has been made for many years, mostly in Japan. It's known for being well-built and comfortable, and people often talk about it when discussing luxury cars and how they compete with each other.
The Toyota Crown is a full-size luxury sedan that has been produced since 1955, primarily for the Japanese market. It is known for its high-quality build and advanced features, often representing the pinnacle of Toyota's engineering and luxury offerings. The Crown is sometimes discussed in the context of car culture and luxury competitions, highlighting its status and desirability.
Chevrolet Silverado
"...he bought a brand new 2025 Silverado stripped the entire thing down to paint it black because he couldn't find a black one..."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that people use for work and everyday driving. The 2025 version has new features that make it easier to drive and more comfortable.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and versatility, often used for both work and personal use. The 2025 model features updated technology and design elements that enhance its performance and comfort.
Ferrari F40
"what's that F40 that was"
The Ferrari F40 is a famous sports car made by Ferrari. It was built to mark the company's 40th birthday and is known for being very fast and lightweight.
The Ferrari F40 is a legendary supercar produced by Ferrari from 1987 to 1992. It was designed to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary and is known for its lightweight construction and powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
SEMA
"this is the deadline we're debuting it at SEMA"
SEMA is a big car show in Las Vegas where companies show off new car parts and custom cars. It's a place for car lovers to see the latest trends and products.
SEMA stands for the Specialty Equipment Market Association, which hosts an annual trade show in Las Vegas showcasing automotive aftermarket products and custom vehicles. It's a significant event for car enthusiasts and industry professionals to network and display innovations.
Goodguys
"we're taking it to Columbus good guys"
Goodguys is a group that organizes car shows where people can display their classic and custom cars. It's a fun event for car fans to meet and see cool vehicles.
Goodguys is an organization that hosts car shows and events across the United States, focusing on classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. Their events are popular among car enthusiasts and often feature car competitions and exhibitions.
LS3
"just doing an LS3 in it um"
The LS3 is a powerful V8 engine made by GM. It's often found in fast cars like the Corvette and is popular for upgrades in other vehicles.
The LS3 is a 6.2-liter V8 engine produced by General Motors, known for its performance and versatility in various applications, including sports cars and performance vehicles. It's commonly used in the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro.
Castrol
"[6081.0s] castrol path performance"
Castrol makes oils and lubricants for cars. They are popular in racing and help keep engines running smoothly.
Castrol is a well-known brand that specializes in automotive lubricants and oils, particularly engine oils. They are recognized for their high-performance products used in motorsports and everyday vehicles.
dry sump
"was if you could figure out a way to just do a dry sump and less pistons and do a solid tire across the front of a Camaro little steamroller"
A dry sump is a special way to keep an engine's oil flowing properly. It helps the engine run better, especially when driving fast or turning hard.
A dry sump is a type of lubrication system that uses a separate oil reservoir and pumps to keep the engine lubricated, allowing for better oil management and reduced engine weight. This system is often used in high-performance vehicles to maintain consistent oil pressure during extreme driving conditions.
Willys Coupe
"I saw one of the pictures you had a steel willies coupe let's deal with that one so that was so Eric had done the rendering we were building a 41 willies"
The Willys Coupe is a car made by the Willys company in 1941. It's famous for its unique look and is often modified by car enthusiasts.
The Willys Coupe is a classic car model produced by Willys in 1941, known for its distinctive styling and popularity in hot-rodding culture.
gasser
"...wanna build a gasser..."
A gasser is a special kind of racing car that looks different because it's built to go really fast in a straight line. They often have a unique style with the front end raised up high.
A gasser is a type of drag racing car that was popular in the 1950s and 1960s, characterized by its altered suspension and lightweight construction. These cars typically have a nose-up stance and are built for straight-line speed.
Stone, Woods, and Cook
"...wanna do a Stone Woods Cook style car..."
Stone, Woods, and Cook was a well-known racing team that built special cars for drag racing. They were famous for their unique designs and speed in the 1960s.
Stone, Woods, and Cook was a famous drag racing team known for their innovative gasser-style cars in the 1960s. They were pioneers in the sport and set many records with their unique builds.
Willys Gasser
"I wanna do a willies gasser again it was a cool car would have been sweet finish but"
A Willys Gasser is a modified car from the Willys brand, designed for drag racing. They are known for being fast and lightweight, making them popular in racing events.
The Willys Gasser refers to a type of drag racing car built from Willys vehicles, particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s. These cars were modified for increased performance, often featuring lightweight bodies and powerful engines to compete in drag races.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"...so he sent us 67 Chevelle first..."
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a car made by Chevrolet, popular in the 1960s and 70s. The 1967 version is known for its sporty look and powerful engine options.
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a mid-sized car that was produced by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1977. The 1967 model is particularly noted for its classic muscle car styling and performance options.
Pontiac 428
"...everybody's asking about 428... well Eric's a big Pontiac guy..."
The Pontiac 428 is a powerful engine that was used in some Pontiac cars in the 1960s. It's known for making those cars fast and exciting to drive.
The Pontiac 428 is a V8 engine produced by Pontiac in the 1960s, known for its performance in muscle cars. It was often used in larger Pontiac models, providing significant horsepower and torque.
horsepower
"...it's 830 horse..."
Horsepower is how we measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger it can make a car go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, higher horsepower typically translates to better performance and acceleration.
NASCAR
"...and then we built the NASCAR cal-inducted air cleaner I don't know if you..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that features cars designed to look like regular cars but are built for speed and performance. It's very popular in the U.S. and has many fans.
NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, which is a popular motorsport organization in the United States known for its stock car racing events. The cars used in NASCAR are specially built for high-speed racing and have specific regulations regarding their design and performance.
carburetor
"...popped the hood... messing with the carburetor..."
A carburetor helps your car's engine get the right mix of air and fuel to run properly. It's more common in older cars than in newer ones that use a different system called fuel injection.
A carburetor is a device in an internal combustion engine that mixes air with a fine spray of liquid fuel. It is crucial for the engine's performance, especially in older vehicles that do not use fuel injection.
Ford Gran Torino
"my grandma had ordered a 70 Grand Torino and she had passed..."
The Ford Gran Torino is a car made by Ford in the 1970s. It's known for its stylish design and was popular during that time.
The Ford Gran Torino is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford from 1972 to 1976. The 1970 model is notable for its classic styling and performance options.
351 Cleveland
"...had ordered a 70 Grand Torino 351 Cleveland and she had passed..."
The 351 Cleveland is a type of engine made by Ford. It's a powerful V8 engine that was used in some of their cars in the 1970s.
The 351 Cleveland is a V8 engine produced by Ford, known for its power and performance. It was used in various Ford models during the early 1970s.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"I'm gonna go cheap grand Cherokee 5.9 and"
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a type of SUV known for being good for both off-road driving and everyday use. The 2000 version had a strong engine that made it popular among drivers.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that has been popular for its off-road capabilities and comfortable ride. The 2000 model year features various engine options, including a powerful 5.9-liter V8.
Pontiac Firebird
"and a WS6 Firebird WS6 Firebird is a good pull"
The Pontiac Firebird is a sporty car that was made for many years and is famous for being fast and stylish. The WS6 version is a special model that has extra features to make it perform even better, which is why people like to talk about it.
The Pontiac Firebird is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1967 to 2002, known for its sporty design and performance capabilities. The WS6 package, particularly popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, offered enhanced performance features, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Discussions about the Firebird often revolve around its iconic status in American automotive history.
Shelby Cobra
"...I wanted to... it's a Mustang Cobra"
The Ford Mustang Cobra is a special version of the Mustang that is designed for better performance and speed. It's known for having a stronger engine and sportier features compared to regular Mustangs.
The Ford Mustang Cobra is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful engine and sporty features. It represents a more aggressive version of the standard Mustang, often equipped with enhanced performance components.
Chevrolet Malibu
"he had an 81 wagon Malibu classic put a 400 small block"
The Chevrolet Malibu is a type of car that has been around for a long time and is known for being comfortable and practical. The 1981 model, especially the wagon version, is popular among car enthusiasts because it can be made faster and more powerful with engine upgrades.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that has been in production since 1964, known for its comfortable ride and practicality. The 1981 Malibu, particularly in its wagon form, is notable for its classic styling and the ability to be modified, such as with a powerful 400 small block engine. This car often comes up in discussions about classic American cars and their customization potential.
Chrysler Imperials
"... house when I was growing up we had two Chrysler Imperials 81,82"
The Chrysler Imperial is a large, luxurious car that was made for many years and is known for being very comfortable and stylish. The 1981 and 1982 models are especially talked about because they represent a time when cars were built to be really nice and elegant.
The Chrysler Imperial is a full-size luxury car that was produced from 1926 until 1993, known for its elegance and advanced features for its time. The models from the early 1980s, such as the 1981 and 1982 versions, are particularly noted for their distinctive styling and comfort. Conversations about the Imperial often highlight its status as a symbol of luxury in American automotive history.
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