Ep 4. Antique Tow Truck

In season 2 episode 4 of Full Custom Garage, titled “Antique Tow Truck,” renowned car builder Ian Roussel takes on a fascinating challenge: restoring a classic tow truck from the 1920s. The client, who owns a vintage car restoration shop, wants to use the tow truck to haul newly restored cars to shows and events.

The episode starts with Roussel and his team examining the tow truck, which is in a sorry state. The body panels are rusted, the tires are flat, and the engine is non-functional. Although the frame is mostly intact, it needs to be reinforced to handle the weight of modern cars. Roussel carefully assesses the condition of each part of the truck and formulates a plan to bring it back to life.

The first step is tearing down the truck to its bare frame. Roussel and his team remove the body, the engine, the transmission, and the suspension. They then carefully clean and sandblast each part, removing decades of rust and grime. Roussel takes this opportunity to make some modifications to the frame: he welds extra reinforcement bars to ensure the truck can carry heavy loads, and he extends the frame to accommodate a longer flatbed.

With the frame modified and strengthened, Roussel moves on to the bodywork. He fabricates new body panels from scratch, using sheet metal and a bead roller. He carefully measures each panel and cuts it to size, then welds it onto the frame. Roussel takes special care with the front of the truck, which is shaped like a locomotive. He uses a hammer and dolly to shape the curves of the hood and fenders, recreating the original design as closely as possible.

Once the bodywork is complete, Roussel turns his attention to the engine. He and his team disassemble the old inline six-cylinder engine and rebuild it from scratch. They replace worn-out parts, clean and polish others, and paint the engine block a striking shade of red. Roussel then installs a new transmission, a three-speed manual box that he salvaged from an old truck.

The final step of the restoration is installing the suspension. Roussel fabricates custom leaf springs for the rear axle, which will provide the necessary support for heavy loads. He also modifies the front suspension to ensure a smooth ride. With the suspension in place, Roussel adds the final touches: a fresh coat of paint in a glossy black finish, a hand-painted pinstripe on the body, and a set of whitewall tires for an authentic vintage look.

The finished tow truck is a thing of beauty. The black bodywork shines in the sunlight, and the hand-painted details add a touch of sophistication. Roussel opens the front grille to reveal the rebuilt engine, which purrs quietly. The flatbed is long, wide, and sturdy, capable of carrying even the heaviest cars. The client is thrilled with the result, and Roussel is proud of his team's work.

Overall, Full Custom Garage season 2 episode 4 is a fascinating look at the art of antique restoration. Roussel's attention to detail and craftsmanship are impressive, and his love of vintage cars shines through in every step of the process. Viewers who are passionate about classic cars, trucks, or machinery in general will find this episode particularly intriguing, as it showcases the unique challenges and rewards of restoring a piece of history.