Rodger Lee of Ironworks Speed & Kustom 3.0
About this episode
Rodger Lee of Ironworks Speed & Kustom joins the podcast to discuss his approach to custom car building, emphasizing quality, believability, and emotional connection over flashy modifications. They dive into the challenges of running a custom shop, the importance of customer relationships, and the art of subtle yet impactful design choices, like the cream and black color scheme on a ranch wagon project. The conversation also touches on the cultural shift in car enthusiasm, comparing classic builds to modern hypercars and electric vehicles, and the value of understated craftsmanship that doesn’t need explanation to impress.
This week on Oil & Whiskey, Rodger Lee of Ironworks Speed & Kustom is back for his third time on the show and it’s a solid catch-up on what’s happening in the shop world right now.We talk hot rods, custom cars, shop life, and the stuff nobody sees: managing the work, managing the people, and keeping the business moving while still building at a high level. Rodger shares real-world perspective on running a custom car shop, how the industry’s shifting, what’s working (and what isn’t), and the mindset it takes to stay consistent over the long haul.We also get into what Rodger’s been doing on the business education side — including his business development classes designed to help builders and shop owners tighten up their process, pricing, scheduling, and overall business structure.If you’re into Ironworks Speed & Kustom, custom car building, hot rod shops, or you’re trying to learn how to run a better operation behind the scenes, this episode is for you.Grab official Oil & Whiskey gear at oilandwhiskey.com. Good time, bad advice, great shirts.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"Pretty respectable. It was the highest selling Chevelle by far on Bring a Trailer. Absolute elite status..."
The Chevrolet Chevelle is an old American car that was very popular because it was fast and looked great. Many people still love it today.
The Chevrolet Chevelle is a classic American muscle car from the 1960s and 70s, known for its powerful engines and strong sales. It remains a favorite among collectors and muscle car fans.
hyper cars
"A lot of that stuff is becoming more popular than even hyper cars because the hyper cars are cool and they do ridiculously crazy things."
Hyper cars are super fast and special cars that are made in very small numbers and are very expensive.
Hyper cars are extremely high-performance, limited-production vehicles that represent the pinnacle of automotive technology and speed, often costing several million dollars.
Tesla Plaid
"But a Tesla Plaid is like the fastest thing. And you're like, it's kind of like driving an RC car."
The Tesla Plaid is a very fast electric car made by Tesla. It can go really quickly and uses electricity instead of gas.
The Tesla Plaid is a high-performance variant of Tesla's electric vehicles, known for its extremely fast acceleration and advanced electric powertrain technology.
Model Tesla Plaid
"...ool and they do ridiculously crazy things. But a Tesla Plaid is like the fastest thing. And you're like, it's..."
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that can go very far and very fast without using gas. The fastest version is called Plaid and is super quick.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury electric sedan known for its long range, high performance, and advanced technology. The Plaid version is notable for its extreme acceleration and cutting-edge features.
Ford Mustang
"I think I built I think it's six cars now. The Mustang we built a few years ago. He's got a slew of oth..."
The Ford Mustang is a popular car that looks cool and goes fast. Many people like to change and improve it to make it even better.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its sporty design and performance since its introduction in the 1960s. It's often discussed for its cultural significance and versatility in modifications and builds.
Mini Cooper
"and there was a mini Cooper in front of me and I'm like, oh, that cream color is really good."
The Mini Cooper is a small car that is easy to spot because of its unique shape and style. People like it because it drives well and looks cool, and it comes in lots of colors.
The Mini Cooper is a small, iconic British car known for its compact size, sporty handling, and distinctive design. It has a strong enthusiast following and is often customized with unique colors and trims.
Chevrolet Impala
"The amount of time as I've seen a 59 Impala cluster and dash swapped into something, it's like, dude, that's enough already."
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala is an old car that people like to collect and fix up because it looks cool and was popular a long time ago.
The 1959 Chevrolet Impala is a classic American full-size car known for its distinctive styling and popularity in the late 1950s. It is often sought after by collectors and restorers.
Chevrolet S-10
"I mean, S 10. Absolutely."
The Chevrolet S-10 is a small truck that people use for carrying stuff and sometimes for fun projects.
The Chevrolet S-10 is a compact pickup truck produced from the early 1980s through the early 2000s, known for its versatility and popularity as a small truck.
Chevrolet Camaro
"OBS. Camaro. Yeah. I mean, it's nice to keep it in the era."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a fast and cool car that people like to drive for fun and racing.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car introduced in the late 1960s, known for its sporty performance and iconic design.
Mazda B2200
"[496.9s] Mazda B 2200 pickup."
The Mazda B2200 pickup is a small truck made by Mazda. It is known for being reliable and easy to fix, and many people used it for everyday work and driving.
The Mazda B2200 pickup is a compact pickup truck produced by Mazda, known for its reliability and simplicity. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s as an affordable and practical truck for light-duty use.
heel toe
""That's no heel toe. That's heel heel.""
Heel toe is a way to use your foot to brake and speed up at the same time when changing gears, so the car stays smooth and doesn't jerk.
Heel toe is a driving technique used to smoothly downshift while braking, by using the right foot to operate both the brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously, typically by using the heel and toe parts of the foot.
Dodge Road Runner
"to get low. We're doing that road runner right now in the dudes. I think he's six four."
The Dodge Road Runner is an old fast car that was made to be simple and quick. Many people like it because it was not too expensive.
The Dodge Road Runner is a classic muscle car from the late 1960s and early 70s known for its straightforward performance and affordability. It remains a popular choice for muscle car enthusiasts.
A pillar
"And then the damn A pillar is like an oak tree."
The A pillar is the part of the car frame that holds up the front windshield on the sides. It helps keep the car strong but can sometimes block your view.
The A pillar is the vertical support structure on either side of a car's windshield. It plays a key role in the vehicle's structural integrity and safety but can sometimes obstruct visibility.
bring a trailer
"Um, we had one sell a couple of weeks ago on bringing trailer. Yeah. Got some good, I mean, the, got some really good feedback on it."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell cool cars by bidding on them, kind of like an online auction.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform specializing in classic, enthusiast, and collector cars, known for transparent bidding and detailed listings.
muscle car
""...said they had to look at it because they'd never seen a muscle car in the premium listings.""
A muscle car is a type of car made in America that has a big, strong engine and looks sporty. People like them because they can go very fast in a straight line.
A muscle car is a high-performance American car, typically from the 1960s and 1970s, known for powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. They are often rear-wheel drive and emphasize straight-line speed.
LSA
"We put a LSA with it with a cam and was no longer just a crate engine."
The LSA is a type of powerful engine that uses a supercharger to make the car go faster. It is used in some fast cars made by General Motors.
The LSA is a supercharged V8 engine produced by General Motors, known for its high performance and use in vehicles like the Cadillac CTS-V and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. It is popular in engine swaps and muscle car builds.
crate engine
"and was no longer just a crate engine."
A crate engine is a complete engine you can buy and put into a car. It comes all put together so you don't have to build it yourself.
A crate engine is a fully assembled engine sold by manufacturers or aftermarket companies, ready to be installed in a vehicle. It is often used to replace or upgrade an engine without rebuilding one from parts.
horsepower
"and then there's guys who they don't want the thing to make nine, they, they think they want it to make 900 or a thousand horsepower, but most guys really don't want that."
Horsepower tells you how strong a car's engine is and how fast it can go. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and accelerate quicker.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power, indicating how much work an engine can perform. It is a key metric for understanding a car's performance capabilities.
Porsche 911
"You've got a, you know, full blown GT3 RS. It's a way different driving experience than a regular 911"
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a special version of the Porsche 911 made for racing and very sporty driving. It feels different to drive than the regular 911 because it is built to go faster and handle better on race tracks.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a high-performance variant of the Porsche 911, designed for track-focused driving with enhanced aerodynamics, suspension, and engine tuning. It offers a more intense and specialized driving experience compared to the standard 911.
Honda Element
"...car the same way, but I think I think there's an element to that that you you want the muscle car to drive..."
The Honda Element is a small SUV that looks like a box and has a lot of space inside. It's easy to keep clean and good for carrying things.
The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV known for its boxy design and versatile interior. It appeals to those wanting a practical vehicle with a unique style and easy-to-clean cabin.
Koenigsegg
"even from Koenigsegg or Pagani Ferrari, whatever these stuff"
Koenigsegg makes very fast and rare supercars from Sweden that are known for being special and expensive.
Koenigsegg is a Swedish manufacturer of high-performance hypercars known for cutting-edge technology and extreme speed.
Pagani
"even from Koenigsegg or Pagani Ferrari, whatever these stuff"
Pagani is a company from Italy that makes very fancy and fast cars that are also works of art.
Pagani is an Italian manufacturer of exclusive hypercars that combine artistic design with advanced engineering.
Ferrari
"even from Koenigsegg or Pagani Ferrari, whatever these stuff"
Ferrari is a famous Italian company that makes very fast and beautiful sports cars.
Ferrari is an iconic Italian sports car manufacturer known for its racing heritage and high-performance road cars.
Ford Bronco
"... a funny like thinking of you have people in the Bronco industry, a lot of our great customers, a lot of..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough car that can drive on rough roads and dirt paths. Lots of people who like adventures and exploring like to drive it.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged off-road SUV that has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and off-road communities. Its recent revival has made it a popular choice for both daily driving and serious trail use.
Porsche Carrera GT
"Like you look at Carrera GTs, the buddy of mine works the Porsche dealership clutch swap on a Carrera GT is $75,000."
The Porsche Carrera GT is a very fast and special sports car made by Porsche. It has a powerful engine and is known for being exciting to drive.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a mid-engine supercar produced by Porsche from 2004 to 2007, known for its V10 engine and advanced carbon fiber construction. It is highly regarded for its raw driving experience and rarity.
clutch swap
"Porsche dealership clutch swap on a Carrera GT is $75,000. For the whole clutch and everything."
A clutch swap means changing the part of the car that helps you change gears when you drive a manual car. It can be expensive because it takes a lot of work.
A clutch swap refers to the process of replacing the clutch assembly in a manual transmission vehicle. This is a labor-intensive job that can be very costly on high-performance cars due to the complexity and parts involved.
Jeep Wrangler
"...implify it into offer. Look at Ford Bronco and a Wrangler like for utilitarian purposes to get the job don..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a strong car that can go over rocks, mud, and rough ground easily. People who like outdoor adventures often choose it.
The Jeep Wrangler is a legendary off-road vehicle known for its durability and capability in tough terrain. It's often compared to the Ford Bronco for utilitarian and recreational off-roading purposes.
Chevrolet C10
"It's touring car with some power. So it was the first motor that was in the orange and white C 10 race truck. Oh, that's it."
The Chevrolet C10 is an old pickup truck that many people like to fix up and make faster or stronger. It looks classic and is fun to work on.
The Chevrolet C10 is a classic American pickup truck popular for restoration and performance builds. It has a strong following due to its vintage style and adaptability for various engine swaps and modifications.
Challenger Hellcat
"...d blow the tires off of it fast enough to beat a Hellcat. Yeah."
The Dodge Challenger is a big, fast car that looks like old muscle cars. Some versions are very powerful and go really fast in a straight line.
The Dodge Challenger is a modern muscle car that pays homage to its 1970s roots, offering powerful engine options including the Hellcat variant. It's popular for straight-line speed and classic styling.
Ford Excursion
"...d it right. It was the conversions with six door excursion. Yeah, they'd take home."
The Ford Excursion is a very big SUV that can pull heavy things and carry many people. Some people change it to make it even bigger or different.
The Ford Excursion is a large SUV known for its size and towing capacity, often used for heavy-duty purposes. Some enthusiasts modify it extensively, including unique conversions like six-door versions.
Ford Focuses
"...uff that's, there's a lot of that stuff from the Ford focuses and the Subaru's. It's kind of interesting of ju..."
The Ford Focus is a small car that is easy to drive and saves gas. Many people use it for everyday driving.
The Ford Focus is a compact car known for its balanced handling and fuel efficiency. It is widely used as a daily driver and has a strong aftermarket for performance upgrades.
Chevrolet C8
"...f that you try to emulate. I'll say driving your C8, the fucking trans is amazing. Like that's got t..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and sporty car that looks cool and drives very well. The newer models have special parts that help it change gears smoothly.
The Chevrolet Corvette, especially the C8 generation, is a high-performance American sports car praised for its mid-engine layout and advanced transmission technology. It's often discussed for its impressive driving dynamics and value.
Toyota A90
"So you're doing the eight eight HP 90 or the seven 90. Yeah, we did a 90 in the C10 out there, which is not wildly supported. You know, the 70s a lot more common."
The Toyota Supra is a fast and fun car from Japan that many people like to make even faster. It's known for being good to drive and easy to improve.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary Japanese sports car known for its performance and tuning potential, with the Mk4 and newer models being especially popular. It's frequently discussed in car culture for its balance of power and handling.
engine braking
""You know, it's got some engine braking there. It brings drags it back down. It's all in how you feel like a manual.""
Engine braking means slowing down your car by letting off the gas pedal, so the engine helps slow the car without pressing the brakes. It's like the car is slowing itself down a bit.
Engine braking is the process of slowing a vehicle by releasing the accelerator and allowing the engine's resistance to reduce speed, rather than using the brakes. It is commonly felt in manual transmission cars when lifting off the throttle.
Honda Civic
"...cher. Like 30 years of experience, drive a Honda Civic. When you learn if you're driven for so long and..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that is easy to drive and doesn't break down often. Many people use it as their first car or to learn how to fix and improve cars.
The Honda Civic is a compact car renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of modification. It has been a staple for beginners and enthusiasts alike due to its longevity and widespread parts availability.
Renault Wind
"... go drive it and do all this stuff, but then you wind up selling the truck and you show the truck and ..."
The Renault Wind is a small car with a roof that can open up so you can feel the wind. It's fun to drive but not very common.
The Renault Wind is a small two-seater convertible known for its compact size and affordable fun driving experience. It is less common and sometimes discussed for its unique styling and niche appeal.
Pantera
"... is what we're kind of trying to wrap up in this Pantera build. It's checking all the boxes are the best."
The Pantera is a cool sports car made a long time ago that has a strong engine from America and looks stylish from Italy.
The De Tomaso Pantera is a mid-engine sports car from the 1970s that combines Italian design with American V8 power. It is celebrated for its unique blend of style and performance.
springs
""Well, it's got a, it's got a number on the back of, oh shit, I painted the springs. We can go ahead and swap them.""
Springs are parts of the car that help it bounce less when you drive over bumps, making the ride more comfortable.
Springs are suspension components that absorb shocks from the road and help maintain tire contact for a smoother ride.
spring rate
""...we have raised the spring rate to make them ride smoother.""
Spring rate means how hard or soft the springs are. Softer springs make the car ride smoother, while harder springs make it feel firmer.
Spring rate refers to how much force is needed to compress a spring by a certain distance, affecting ride stiffness and handling.
Lamborghini Kuntash
"...ok at cool pictures. I was looking at, there's a Kuntash on there right now. So there's a bunch of underc..."
The Lamborghini Countach is a very cool and fast sports car from the 70s and 80s. It has a sharp shape that many people recognize.
The Lamborghini Countach is an iconic supercar from the 1970s and 80s famous for its sharp, angular design and powerful V12 engine. It set the standard for exotic car styling and performance in its era.
Lamborghini Diablo
"Lamborghini even trying to make stuff actually work then. I mean, I, if you've looked at some underside judges, Kuntash's and Diablo's. Wow."
The Lamborghini Diablo is a very fast and fancy sports car from the 1990s. It looks cool and was one of the fastest cars of its time.
The Lamborghini Diablo is a classic supercar from the 1990s known for its striking design and powerful V12 engine. It represents an era of exotic cars that pushed performance boundaries and remains highly collectible.
Bondo
""They kick the middle of the door in so that they can Bondo up the whole, Bondo it up to that point and they don't care.""
Bondo is a special paste used to fill in dents or holes on a car's body so it looks smooth again before painting.
Bondo is a brand name commonly used to refer to body filler, a putty-like substance used in automotive body repair to fill dents, dings, and imperfections before sanding and painting.
Mercedes-Benz
"That's how I ended up with that Mercedes that we're doing. Cause I hear from a lot of people like, well, why would you do that?"
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car company from Germany that makes fancy and reliable cars many people like to drive.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles, advanced technology, and strong heritage in both luxury and performance cars.
Dodge Charger
"...two weeks ago that was like, I will have a dodge charger and I want to put a chassis under it that would w..."
The Dodge Charger is a big, strong car that can go very fast. Many people like to change parts on it to make it even more powerful.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size American muscle car known for its powerful engines and aggressive styling. It is often modified for enhanced performance and is popular among muscle car enthusiasts.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...uck guy. You've been following that Morgan Clark range Rover build. I think that thing's cool."
The Range Rover is a fancy car that can drive on rough roads but also feels very comfortable inside. People like to make special versions of it to look unique.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for combining off-road capability with high-end comfort and technology. It is often a subject of custom builds and modifications due to its prestige and versatility.
Buick Grand National
"... date in February because we try to not get it on Grand National or Riddler weekends, try to get it."
The Buick Grand National is a fast car from the 1980s that looks black and cool. Many people like it because it was very quick for its time.
The Buick Grand National is a turbocharged muscle car from the 1980s famous for its dark looks and impressive performance. It has a cult following and is highly sought after by collectors.
SEMA
"Where's it going to be at SEMA? SEMA outside, inside, upstairs, the booth, the big booth, the small booth."
SEMA is a big car show where people show off cool car parts and custom cars. It's like a big party for car fans and businesses that make car stuff.
SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association, an annual trade show in Las Vegas focused on automotive specialty products, aftermarket parts, and custom vehicles. It's a major event where manufacturers and builders showcase new products and custom builds.
chassis
"Shout out to Vinny for entering a car that's not even on our chassis. I think, is it on a chassis? Nope."
The chassis is like the car's skeleton. It holds everything together and helps the car stay strong and drive well.
A chassis is the base frame of a vehicle that supports the body and other components. It is a critical structural part that affects the car's rigidity, handling, and safety.
restomod
""I'm waiting for the guy that could do a resto mod Mercedes,""
A restomod is when someone fixes up an old car but also adds new parts to make it work better and feel newer.
A restomod is a classic car that has been restored and modified with modern parts and technology to improve performance, comfort, or reliability while maintaining its original style.
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