Karl Schulman & Logan Como of Garret’s Rod Shop
About this episode
Karl Schulman and Logan Como from Garrett's Rod Shop share their journey in the automotive industry, discussing the evolution of their shop, the challenges of building custom cars, and the importance of mentorship. They reflect on the significance of car culture, the thrill of SEMA builds, and the camaraderie among builders. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of car shows and the value of sharing knowledge within the community. With a mix of humor and insight, this episode captures the passion and dedication that drives automotive enthusiasts.
This week on Oil & Whiskey, we sit down with Karl Schulman and Logan Como of Garret’s Rod Shop, one of the most respected names in modern hot rod and custom car building.Garret’s blends old-school craftsmanship with modern design, and Karl & Logan share how the shop approaches creativity, problem-solving, and building cars with real personality. From metalwork to workflow to the culture inside the shop, this episode goes deep into their process and what keeps them pushing the craft forward.We dig into:The story behind Garret’s Rod Shop and how the team worksCrafting modern hot rods while respecting traditional rootsHow they approach design, fabrication, and problem-solvingShop culture, mentorship, and keeping the next generation involvedHow hot rodding is still evolving and where it’s headed nextGrab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.
Chevrolet Camaro
"And I was showing him my Camaro and like, look, this is what I have done."
The Camaro is a sporty car made by Chevrolet that looks fast and can have strong engines.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a mid‑size American muscle car known for its aggressive styling and powerful V6/V8 engines.
WeatherTech
"Another episode of Oil and Whiskey brought to you by WeatherTech. Floorliner HP is WeatherTech's top tier floor mat."
WeatherTech makes stuff that helps keep cars clean and protected, like special mats for the floor.
WeatherTech is a company that manufactures automotive accessories, including floor mats and other protective products for vehicles.
floorliner HP
"Floorliner HP is WeatherTech's top tier floor mat. It's the next generation of floor mat protection after WeatherTech's best selling flagship product, the floor liner."
Floorliner HP is a high‑quality mat that goes on the floor of your car to keep it clean and safe from messes.
Floorliner HP is WeatherTech's premium floor mat designed to protect a vehicle’s interior from dirt, spills, and wear.
resale value
"New car help maximize resale value when it's time to trade it in."
When you buy a car, the resale value is how much you can get back if you sell it later. A higher resale value means you lose less money over time.
Resale value refers to the amount of money a vehicle can fetch when sold or traded in after it has been owned for some time. It reflects the car’s remaining worth compared to its original purchase price.
pre-owned car
"Older, pre‑owned car make it look better with a simple interior refresh upgrade."
A pre‑owned car is just a car that someone else owned before you. It’s the same as saying “used car.”
A pre‑owned car is any vehicle that has already been owned and driven by someone else before you. It’s another term for a used car.
interior refresh upgrade
"Older, pre‑owned car make it look better with a simple interior refresh upgrade."
An interior refresh upgrade is when you replace things inside the car, like seats or carpet, to make it look newer and nicer.
An interior refresh upgrade involves replacing or refurbishing components inside a car—such as seats, carpeting, and trim—to improve appearance and comfort.
Garrett's Rod Shop
"This week, in person, Garrett's Rod Shop."
Garrett's Rod Shop is a local shop that works on car parts, especially things like connecting rods.
Garrett's Rod Shop is a specialty automotive shop located in Bowlingbrook, Illinois, that likely specializes in performance parts such as connecting rods and related components.
Ford 1939
"And so he ended up building a 39 Ford kind of a gasser style back then."
A 1939 Ford is a vintage car from the year 1939, made by Ford. It’s famous for its classic look and is often collected by car enthusiasts.
The 1939 Ford refers to the model year of a classic American automobile produced by Ford Motor Company, known for its iconic design and historical significance.
Ford Anglia
"...f building another hot rod. And so he had a 1948 Anglia always kind of loved the gasser of the drag race ..."
The Anglia is a tiny car from Ford that was made in Britain. It’s light and easy to handle, which made it popular back then.
The Ford Anglia, produced from 1939 to 1967, is a small British car known for its lightweight design and versatility. It was popular in the UK and later became a classic among collectors.
57 Chevy
"But then we there was a guy in our local town that had a 57 Chevy that he was wanting to finish and he saw our build..."
A 1957 Chevy is a classic car from the 1950s that people love to fix up. It has a big engine and looks very retro.
The 1957 Chevrolet is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful V8 engine and iconic styling. It’s often restored by enthusiasts who appreciate its vintage performance and design.
Chevrolet Bel Air
"[606.0s] But we debuted the 57 Bel Air called Air Age in 2000. [610.8s] And that was the first year good guys had street machine of the year."
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic car from the 1950s, known for its cool look and strong engine. It’s a popular choice among car collectors.
The Chevrolet Bel Air is a classic American car produced in the 1950s, famous for its sleek styling and powerful V8 engines. The 1957 model is especially sought after by collectors for its iconic design and performance.
hot rod world
"That had been like in the early 90s. I graduated high school in 92. So that's what much machining going on in the hot rod world."
Hot rods are classic cars that people change to make them faster or cooler. It’s a hobby where you can learn about car parts and how they work.
The hot rod world refers to a subculture of car enthusiasts who modify and customize older vehicles, especially American muscle cars, for performance and style.
ATEC
"You've got to really hit the forums, hit the swap meets. And yeah, yeah. And, you know, Garrett's always he always likes getting kind of like being really artsy on stuff and creative with how we make parts. And, you know, it'd be time to go to the junkyard and find something out of a new car, like a cool door handle or something that was, unique shape..."
ATEC makes parts that help cars run faster, especially for engines with turbochargers. They sell things like coolers and valves that improve performance.
ATEC is a manufacturer of aftermarket performance parts, especially for turbocharged engines. Their products include intercoolers, blow-off valves, and other components that boost power.
junkyard
"And, you know, it'd be time to go to the junkyard and find something out of a new car, like a cool door handle or something that was, unique shape that you couldn't buy or making it was difficult."
A junkyard is a lot where old or broken cars are kept. People go there to find parts that can be reused in new or modified vehicles.
A junkyard, also known as a salvage yard, is a place where discarded or damaged vehicles are stored. Enthusiasts often source parts from junkyards to rebuild or modify cars.
Plymouth Barracuda
"...the way we've evolved. Where did the did the the barracuda or charger come first? It was the charger. All r..."
The Barracuda is a muscle car from Plymouth that was made in the 1960s and ’70s. It’s known for its big engine and sharp look.
The Plymouth Barracuda, produced from 1964 to 1978, is a classic American muscle car celebrated for its aggressive styling and powerful V8 options. It’s often compared to the Ford Mustang as a rival of the era.
Ford Mustang
"...we've done a couple of years prior to that was a Mustang convertible, sixty four and a half, you know, jus..."
The Mustang is a classic American sports car that first came out in the mid‑1960s. It’s famous for its fast engines and cool looks, which is why people love talking about it.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that debuted in 1964, known for its aggressive styling and powerful performance. It has become a cultural symbol of freedom and automotive enthusiasm, often discussed for its evolution across generations.
Buick Grand National
"... out, but probably coming up because we had it at Grand National. We had that and the bear coded together out the..."
The Grand National is a fast Buick sedan from the 1980s. It’s known for its strong engine and comfortable ride.
The Buick Grand National, produced from 1984 to 1991, is a high‑performance sedan that combined Buick’s luxury with powerful V6 engines. It remains a cult favorite among performance enthusiasts.
Pontiac Catalina
"When you get in them, it's crazy. We did that Catalina 65 Catalina, which is a monster. When you get in..."
The Catalina is a big car from Pontiac that was popular in the 1960s. It’s known for its spacious inside and strong engine.
The Pontiac Catalina, produced from 1965 to 1977, is a full‑size sedan known for its roomy interior and powerful V8 options. The 1965 model is often highlighted for its classic American styling.
Holden Caprice
"...ut I mean, put the two together. It's not like a Caprice versus something like that. 60 Cadillacs still f..."
The Caprice is a large car from Holden that was made in Australia. It’s comfortable and has a strong engine.
The Holden Caprice, produced from 1979 to 1997 in Australia, is a full‑size sedan that combined comfort with robust performance. It’s often compared to its American counterparts for its spaciousness.
Dacia Logans
"Where did Logan come into the picture? Well, Logan's pretty new, and I'm glad he came with me because I'm speaking the way you hear a lot of people talk about how were we going to find our help and where's, you"
The Logan is a cheap, reliable car from Dacia that’s easy to maintain. It’s popular in many countries because it doesn’t cost much to run.
The Dacia Logan, introduced in 2004, is a budget-friendly compact car known for its simplicity and practicality. It’s popular in emerging markets due to its low cost of ownership.
Chevrolet Impala
"... drivetrain out of a pretty clapped out little 63 Impala and the guy just wanted a blueprint engine with ..."
The Impala is a big, comfortable car from Chevrolet that was popular in the 1960s. It’s known for its roomy inside and smooth drive.
The Chevrolet Impala, a full‑size sedan produced from 1958 to 2005, has been praised for its spacious interior and smooth ride. The 1963 model is often highlighted for its classic American design.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"...then I did gauges, vintage air, front runner on a Chevelle and then it just started turning into more, hey,..."
The Chevelle is a mid‑size car from Chevrolet that was popular in the 1960s and ’70s. It’s known for its strong engines and classic look.
The Chevrolet Chevelle, produced from 1964 to 1977, is a mid‑size car celebrated for its performance variants and classic American styling. It remains popular among muscle car enthusiasts.
LS Fest
"And then that LS Fest is what opened up the whole media door."
LS Fest is a car show where people bring cars with LS engines to display and compare their custom work.
LS Fest is a popular automotive event focused on LS engine-powered cars, showcasing custom builds and aftermarket modifications.
brake calipers
"We've replaced some brake calipers. Cool. I can do that."
Brake calipers are like the parts that push the brake pads against the wheel’s spinning disc to stop the car. They’re a key part of the braking system.
Brake calipers are the components that squeeze brake pads against the rotor to slow or stop a vehicle. They sit on each wheel and are driven by hydraulic pressure from the brake system.
Ford Model T
"...was in, you know, like old cars. He's got a 1917 Model T. He taught us about flathead engine, some work o..."
The Model T is an old car from the early 1900s that made cars cheap and easy to buy. It’s a classic example of how cars changed the world.
The Ford Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, revolutionized transportation by making cars affordable through assembly line production. Its flathead engine and simple design are often studied in automotive history.
Honda Civic
"...ght? And it dawned on me that the 93 or whatever civic that was in clean pristine condition that was in..."
The Civic is a small car made by Honda that’s known for being cheap to run and very dependable. The 1993 version is a popular example of how good these cars can be.
The Honda Civic, introduced in 1972, is a compact car celebrated for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and strong resale value. Its 1993 model is often highlighted as a benchmark for early '90s Japanese engineering.
JDM
"vintage JDM, which is fucking amazing to even say that there's a thing as vintage JDM"
JDM means cars that were made for people in Japan. They’re often special and can be cool to own because they look different from cars sold elsewhere.
JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market, referring to cars and parts originally sold in Japan. JDM vehicles are prized by enthusiasts for unique styling, performance upgrades, and rarity outside Japan.
aftermarket
"There's no aftermarket for just like replacement stuff."
Aftermarket parts are made by other companies, not the car’s original maker. They can be cheaper or offer different styles and performance options.
The aftermarket refers to parts, accessories, or services produced by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer.
Mazda Rx7
"... I don't just like, I'd like, I'd love to have an RX7. I think those are cool."
The RX‑7 is a small, fast car from Mazda that uses a special kind of engine called a rotary. It’s famous for being fun to drive.
The Mazda RX‑7, produced from 1978 to 2002, is a lightweight sports coupe known for its rotary engine and balanced handling. It’s revered among enthusiasts for its unique powerplant and classic styling.
Porsche
"You're going to, you're like, oh, I appreciate Porsches now because I can buy one."
Porsche makes high-performance cars that many people admire and want to own.
Porsche is a German luxury sports car manufacturer known for models like the 911, Cayenne, and Panamera.
antiquated EFI system
"or it's got an antiquated EFI system on it. How are you gonna handle that?"
EFI is the computer that tells a car how much fuel to put in each cylinder. An old EFI system might not work well with newer engines or software, so it can be harder to fix.
EFI stands for Electronic Fuel Injection, a modern system that precisely meters fuel into an engine. An antiquated EFI system is older and may lack the efficiency, diagnostics, or compatibility of newer units.
Pontiac GTO
"...d then we've got a restoration we did. It's a 65 GTO and that's going to be in the Armo's banquet. We..."
The GTO is a muscle car from Pontiac that was made in the 1960s. It’s famous for its big engine and bold look.
The Pontiac GTO, first introduced in 1964 as a muscle car, earned the nickname “the original supercar” for its powerful V8 and aggressive styling. Its 1965 version is a favorite among collectors.
Wilwood's
"The only thing we did was put Wilwood's in American Auto Wires so he can stop and start basically"
Wilwood makes big, strong brake parts that help cars stop faster and more safely.
Wilwood is a well-known manufacturer of high-performance brake components, such as rotors and calipers, used to improve stopping power on race cars.
American Auto Wires
"The only thing we did was put Wilwood's in American Auto Wires so he can stop and start basically"
American Auto Wires makes the wires that carry electricity inside a car, helping things like brakes and lights work properly.
American Auto Wires is a supplier of automotive electrical components, including wiring harnesses and connectors that ensure reliable power delivery to vehicle systems.
frame rails
"I kept the C five front and rear frame rails"
Frame rails are long metal bars that run along the sides of a car’s frame. They help keep the car strong and give places to attach parts like the suspension.
Frame rails are the longitudinal structural members that run along the sides of a vehicle’s chassis, providing rigidity and mounting points for suspension components. They are critical for maintaining the vehicle’s structural integrity.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...le and then it tapers up to the rear clip of the Corvette with its rails. Trans in the rear."
The Corvette is a fast American sports car that has been made for many decades. It’s famous for its sharp look and strong engine.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high‑performance American sports car that has been in production since 1953. Its sleek design and powerful V8 engines make it a staple of automotive lore, especially in discussions about mid‑century styling.
transmission
"[7265.7s] I guarantee all those transmissions came from. [7268.4s] Maybe he just but he sells a lot of transmissions."
Think of the transmission as a gear system that lets your car shift from slow to fast speeds smoothly.
A transmission is the component that transmits power from the engine to the wheels, allowing a vehicle to change gears and control speed.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"Yeah. And so he's got this. I think it's a cutlass or a chivalral, kind of like from two lane black ..."
The Cutlass is a mid‑size car from Oldsmobile that was popular in the 1960s and ’70s. It’s known for its smooth drive and strong engines.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass, produced from 1960 to 1999, is a mid‑size car that became famous for its performance variants and comfortable ride. The 1970s models are especially prized by collectors.
Kia Soul
".... We have pies. Well, so that you're just an old soul. That's the thing. Yeah, for sure."
The Soul is a small car from Kia that looks like a box. It’s easy to drive and has plenty of room inside.
The Kia Soul, introduced in 2002, is a compact crossover known for its boxy shape, spacious interior, and affordable price. Its quirky design has made it a favorite among urban drivers.
Mongoose
"[7845.0s] And the car was too fast. [7846.5s] It's Mongoose. [7847.5s] Yeah. So he called the Mongoose is the whole thing."
Mongoose is a company that makes motorcycles, especially small off‑road bikes people ride for fun or in races.
Mongoose is a motorcycle and off‑road vehicle manufacturer founded in 1947, known for producing lightweight bikes such as the popular Mongoose MX series.
Chevrolet C10
"...at information. Cousin Mikey, ask him about like C10, S10 stuff. He's got all kinds of information."
The C‑10 is a pickup truck from Chevrolet that’s been around for decades. It’s strong and useful for many jobs.
The Chevrolet C‑10 is a mid‑size pickup truck produced from 1960 to 1998, known for its durability and versatility in both work and recreation. It’s a staple of American truck culture.
passenger side headlight wiring
"It's not the passenger side headlight wiring. It's actually the fuel sender."
This is the cable that brings electricity to the front light on the side of the car where you sit. It connects the battery to the headlight so it can turn on.
The electrical wiring that supplies power to the headlight on the passenger side of a vehicle. It runs from the battery or alternator through the fuse box to the headlight assembly.
fuel sender
"It's actually the fuel sender. And the whole the day, like the craziest things that we've spent so much time."
This is a small device inside the fuel tank that tells the car how much gas is left. It helps the dashboard show you your fuel level and lets the engine know if it needs to adjust.
A sensor that measures the level of fuel in the tank and sends this information to the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) or dashboard gauge.
Aston Martin
"because look at the Ring Brothers Aston Martin right now. That car hasn't even been, none of us have seen it, it hasn't been to a show."
Aston Martin makes fancy, fast cars that are very expensive and popular in movies and on TV.
Aston Martin is a British luxury automotive manufacturer known for high-performance sports cars and grand tourers.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.