This episode brings a true family legacy into the spotlight as father‑and‑son team Jason and Cody Knight join us to talk about their journey into the High Class Trash Invitational. Jason grew up wrenching alongside his dad, learning the ropes on an old Dodge Power Wagon. Now he’s passing that same passion down to his son Cody as they tackle a ’53 Chevy 5‑window pickup together.

They’re competing in the Newbie Class, sticking to the budget, getting creative, and building the truck that will eventually become Cody’s very first ride. It’s a project fueled by family pride, late‑night problem‑solving, and the excitement of watching a young builder find his place in the culture.

We dig into how car scenes differ across the country, the loss of shop classes in schools, and why the automotive community still shows up for each other—especially in build‑offs like this one. Jason and Cody talk about their idols, including legends like Don Garlits, and we get into the eternal debate: chasing horsepower vs. keeping the motor alive. And of course, we touch on the good, the bad, and the downright stubborn realities of owning a diesel.

It’s a conversation about heritage, hard work, and the next generation keeping the culture alive.

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This week, Matt sits down with Simon Havican from Simon Says Garage, a builder born into the car world and raised on grit, determination, and the sound of engines his dad kept running against all odds. With the full support of his wife and daughter—who never miss a chance to ride shotgun—Simon shares the story behind his ’41 Chevy Special Duty, a long-waiting gem now getting its moment in the High Class Trash Invitational Build Off.

Representing the Blue Collar Class, Simon dives into his vision for the build, the moment he picked up the old Chevy, and the inspiration he draws from the community around him. He and Matt talk about the camaraderie behind the build-offs, the creative sparks that fuel each project, and the real-life struggles that come with turning rust into glory.

Simon’s philosophy? “Build ’em to drive ’em.” And his advice for fellow builders—well, you’ll want to hear that for yourself.

Stay up to date on Simon's builds: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok

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This week, Matt sits down with Adam, the creator behind Marek Makes — a self‑taught builder from Pennsylvania whose love for cars started long before he ever touched a welder. From matchbox cars and RC rigs to buying his first mechanic’s tool set from Sears, Adam carved his own path into the automotive world one small obsession at a time.

He shares his experience competing in the Rat Stock Build Off, how he learned countless skills just by watching other builders on YouTube, and why he still feels like he belongs in the “Newbie Class” even though he’s already got real builds under his belt. Adam opens up about the reality of rat rod fabrication — fix one thing, and suddenly four more problems show up — and how every part on a rat rod either serves a purpose or has been repurposed with intention.

One of the highlights of his story is the community. When he arrived at the Rat Stock Show and announced he needed help, more than ten people showed up with tools, supplies, and hands ready to work. That moment cemented what he already felt: the rat rod world is built on generosity, grit, and shared passion.

Adam also talks about keeping car culture alive for the next generation. His High Class Trash Invitational build isn’t just a competition entry — it’s destined to become his son’s first car when the time comes. For him, the real reward isn’t trophies or titles. It’s making it to the show, meeting the people, and building something that will outlive the moment.

This is an episode for anyone who loves the craft, the chaos, and the community that makes rat rods more than metal.

Check out the progress he has made on the build on YouTube!

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This episode brings Minnesota’s own Jake Weaver on for an episode—a builder with deep roots, a wild sense of humor, and an awesome ’68 Dodge D200. Jake shares how his grandpa, a die‑hard MOPAR man, pulled him into the car scene and shaped the way he approaches every project today.

He walks through the long list of vehicles he’s bought, sold, flipped, and let go over the years, and how that journey eventually pushed him away from “shiny paint” perfection and straight into the raw, rebellious world of rat rods. And trust us—you need to hear the story behind the hood ornament featuring a little dude with a bottle of Jack Daniels!

Jake also breaks down how he landed a spot in the High Class Trash Invitational, what he’s tackled so far on his D200 build, and the unexpected adventures that have come with it. From honoring his grandpa to involving memorabilia from his local community, this build is more than metal—it’s memory, identity, and pride.

As he puts it, he can’t wait for the moment he turns that key for the first time and feels like that 16‑year‑old kid with his first car all over again.

This is one you don’t want to miss.

Check out his progress on Facebook.

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Just the two of us on this episode, and we’re kicking things off by thanking every single person who came out to The Hangout 2026. What a show. We’re breaking down all the highlights—from the band and the Pin Up Contest to the trophy winners and the mountain of raffle prizes.

And yes… there’s a BIG announcement in this one, so don’t miss it.

We’re also looking ahead to what’s coming in 2026 and sharing how we plan to keep growing this community and making each year better than the last.

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Jonah Garnhardt joined for us for another episode of the Builder Series featuring builders involved in the High Class Trash Invitational! Jonah tells us all about growing up in the car scene thanks to his grandfather and dad. He started his car obsession interested in the "shiny paint" and less than a decade ago he made the transition into more of the rat rod builds. Jonah also talks about his build for the Build Off -- '53 Plymouth Sedan! He mentions another build that he did and the plans to make it into a Tap Truck! Be sure to check out his Facebook, Instagram and TT Northstar Garage for updates on his builds!

See y'all this Saturday at Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing for The Hangout 2026!

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Just the two of us wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Also go over all the finalized details for the upcoming show, The Hangout 2026! We give some updates on the Caddy and hint at some plans we have in store for 2026.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of every one of you! Thank you all for listening!

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Tammy Miller and Robert Messenger from Revolt Auto Paint joined us for this episode. Tammy takes a deep dive into her life story of being in the paint industry, How Revolt Auto Paint got started, and the passion she has behind what she does. Robert Takes us along the journey of getting started in the car scene with his family, starting a to airbrush, eventually owning a hotrod shop and exploring different aspects of the art in painting. We talk about the difference the right paint job can do and how certain body line can actually make or break a color. We talk about the changes in technology over the years and the difference in how colors are made. Tammy and Robert also talk about Revolt Auto Paint and how they try each day to outshine the competition.

Be sure to check out RevoltAutoPaint.com, Revolt Auto Paint on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. AND check out Paint Kult for all the tips and trick to getting that paint just to come out perfect!

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Dillon Aistrop joins the show as another builder stepping into the Outlaw Class, bringing with him a family legacy steeped in car culture. His journey began before he could even walk—riding with his dad to pick up a ’56 Chevy as a baby. With influences from his father, grandfather, and stepdad, Dillon was destined to live and breathe the car scene.

In this episode, Dillon shares how he took over his grandfather’s local car club, offers a fresh perspective on the age-old question “What’s the car that got away?”, and dives into the Merc he’s building for the High Class Trash Invitational. We also talk about his shift from the Blue Collar Class to the Outlaw Class, and explore the highs and lows of Marketplace—how location and timing can make or break a budget.

Check out DS Paint and Fab, Dillon's Instagram, TikTok, and Peace and Grease

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Another builder for the High Class Trash Invitational - Paul Lyons, who will be entering the OG Class. Paul was introduced to the car lifestyle at a young age, helping his dad is the shop. And then Paul got himself into a career that allows him to work in shops all across the country. Getting to restore all different kinds of cars, even working on million-dollar cars! Then witnessing a rat rod build get done for less than $3,000, Paul decided it was time to get away from the shiny paint. And now for the first time, Paul is doing a build for himself and getting to attend the High Class Trash Invitational! Paul and Matt take a deep dive into the costs of entering a build off and working within its rules and regulations. Paul talks about how he learned what NOT to do in order to get a good, solid, safe-ish build. He also mentions the car he is going to be cutting up for this build off!

Don't forget Preregistration for The Hangout 2026 CLOSES December 7th! Go visit www.hotrodhangout.com to get signed up and check out the merch!

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