User Reviews

First off, I love cars and bikes and I have done restorations myself in the past. The premise that these cars are 'better than new' is ridiculous in the extreme. Whilst there are definitely talented people in that shop, for sure the outcomes are largely fudged and disguised by layers of 'bog' and thick paint (and the cost? WOW) Some of the mistakes they make and the owners curious fixes to rectify said mistakes are mind boggling. If you paint a customers car when they did not ask you to paint the car, it is YOUR mistake and you should not wing a deal to split the loss. Remember, the starting blurb for the show claims that they are all about the satisfied customer and stopping at nothing to do the job right... The curious patriotic angle is a bit off putting for non-American viewers and not really relevant other than perhaps being useful as an excuse for poor workmanship (don't criticise my work or you are criticising America?)

It makes for brain off viewing and is entertaining if only for the cockups, so enjoy.

Best car show on television. I build cars and this is finally a show about the industry that isn't filled with garbage. The time lines are realistic (probably real) but the prices seem a little lower than I would expect. Our shop is definitely more expensive but we're in California. Glad television isn't afraid to show a car that isn't built in 3 days for 2500 bucks. We can't build someone's air conditioning system for that money. Keep telling the truth and bring in more process if you can. People need to know how much work is really involved in putting together 50 year old cars (and not doing it by just smearing them with filler). Great backgrounds, great shop. Will visit next time I'm going to DC as I understand that unlike most of the other shows, this is a real shop. Very disappointed to find out that most of the car shows are shot in made up shops. Keep up the great work.

RG

Dan and DRS FantomwWorks definitely know what they are doing. Before they got the TV show my husband and I were fortunate enough to get them to restore my 1971 Bronco. They made a custom hood, major body work and sprayed the entire body in bed-liner. It is BAD ASS! Dan knows his stuff and he tells you like it is; whether it's something you want to hear or not. His number one concern is your car and it is TRUE if he has to choose between you or your car he'll choose the car every time. He has a true passion for his work and it shows in every build. He won't sugar coat things for you because he thinks it's what you want or need to hear, he is up front and honest with you every step of the way. Anyone that says they can restore a classic vehicle for cheap is not doing you any justice because its take serious time and effort to do the job right. This show is the true definition of reality TV. Dan is the same guy on and off the camera, very down to earth and an all around nice guy. I would 100% recommend taking any project to him because I know first hand that it will be done RIGHT.

I don't generally watch too many car shows. I'm a sports nut but was off tuning between football games and saw these guys building cars and figured what the heck, I'll see what's up. This was the first car show I've ever watched that captured my attention. I found myself wanting to see the rest of the story and what the car was going to turn out like. I found myself being drawn to the show and with the exception of the interviews with the characters, those were too drawn out and frequent, I genially liked the stories. After I saw the first one (three ran in a row) I watched the other two. There were a few moments on one of them the drama felt contrived. Friends of mine have had high quality restorations done and this shop show to be focused on the quality of the build and they generally had well over 100K in each build so as much as some of these reviews are banging the prices, they haven't priced real restorations or they wouldn't. I'll keep watching and hope they get rid of the all too often interviews and just show us the work.

I have watched 2 episodes and the second was only because I could find nothing else on. I have a background in body work and it is clear these guys are morons. The first episode I watched was the one where the redid an old vette for a man that was getting married. The owner of the shop was test driving the vehicle before delivery and noticed it pulled to one side while being driven. Any experienced repair shop would have found this problem on two previous occasions, the first being when they initially noticed there was a prior collision. What kind of shop wouldn't check the frame initially upon noticing the damage? The time to straighten a frame is not after paint, it is the first thing that is done prior to any bodywork. The second time it should have been found is when they aligned the wheels after replacing the steering and suspension parts that were shown to be worn out. That would be done after replacing any of those parts and it would have shown if the vehicle wouldn't drive straight down the road.

The next episode I watched was when they redid an old Monte Carlo SS. They first attempted to paint only the front half of the vehicle but blamed a paint supplier for not being able to match the paint. Anyone in the auto painting business knows (believe it or not) white is the hardest color to match. You will never get a perfect match to allow panel painting. At the minimum, the quarters would have to be blended to ensure match. The most notable and blatant example of their lack of quality work is the fact that they painted the bumper on the car and taped off the lights and even door handles. ANYBODY who has any knowledge how to produce a quality paint job knows you remove these parts and paint them off the car to eliminate any tapelines and the possibility of peeling as a result of inadequate surface preparation. Anyone who has ever had an estimate prepared by a shop or insurance company can back this up. That is what all the "R&I's" are on the estimate. They are there because it is STANDARD PRACTICE. Any shop that doesn't do it does substandard work. I wouldn't let these guys repair my beater much less a classic. How these jokers got a show blows my mind.

The thing I like with the FantomWorks show is how professional and organized this shop is. Dan Short is a guy who knows how to restore cars. No gimmicks, no fancy air-ballon suspensions, no insane paintjobs, just pure love for old cars without charging the customer an insane amount of cash. I've noticed also that many times these restorations come under the initial estimated budget which gives the show a touch of honesty and reliability. All in all I think this is one sincere tv show.

When fabricating a soft top for a 1953 Morgan, Dan shattered the car's windscreen trying to cut a notch in it. He made a great fuss about 'someone' wrongly using tempered glass and the hazards to the occupants if hit by the pieces. Pretty well ALL European volume cars were fitted with this glass back then (we call it toughened glass) and it was known as safety glass because, when broken, it shattered into tiny rounded pieces that had no sharp edges. I had several of these go on me in the '60s, and never got a scratch. How come this automotive 'expert' didn't know that?

This is by far the best " Motörhead " show on television. Dan Short is a mans man. Not done wus or freak.

He knows what needs to be done and does it! As for his use of profanity- that's how car guys talk in the shop.

It a great show and puts all the others to shame.

Fantomworks was my favorite auto show on Velocity channel which is now Motortrdnd channel. I do not understand why Motortrend channel cancelled Fantomworks! I would love to see Dan move the show to another network. Fantomworks, I truly enjoyed your show and hope to see it again on another channel!

All car shows are predictable. If you're going to spend an hour of your life, at least watch the best of the genre.

Dan whines all the time. Welcomes poopy pants pants Ted Nugent. Stolen Valor!

I think the use of curse words mostly by Dan is really childless ,what does he expect to accomplish by using 4 letter words .I think the producers should let him know it is not becoming of a so called professional .Some of the work should come under question ,it seems they are always running into problems ,and some of the ways they repair things should certainly come under question .The meetings with the car owners are sicking ,they treat the cars as if they were dying family,I mean how much could you really be emotional attached to a car ?I think it is the only show on the air that actually does not teach some thing to people who are looking to better them selves on auto restoration

Fantomworks has quickly become my favorite show on TV. I enjoy Chasing Classic Cars and Legendary Motorcars, as well as the other car "flipper" shows like Gas Monkey Garage and Wheeler Dealers. They all have varying levels of made up conflicts and composed scenarios that are obviously "created" to keep viewers curious. Fantomworks has a lot more of a believable feel to it. Some scenes have to be "composed" for the photographic results, but the dialog and personalities feel more realistic than the other shows. The other factor that makes the show rise above the others is the attitude of honestly wanting to make the cars better than new, and actually showing the processes that end up with amazing results. Dan Short is obviously a Great American with the right priorities. He also created an awesome charity that supports our combat wounded veterans, called Wounded Wheels, which also plays a role in the television show. I can't recommend any show higher than Fantomworks. Keep an eye out for "What's in the Barn?" to see my second place recommendation.

Please do not believe anything on this show. I've watched season 1 and I'm disgusted. Everything is contrived from faking bad paint by putting fake dirt on the car to destroying a classic muscle car and saying it is for the veterans. My last draw was when a guy had him fix a bug and was dissatisfied then the same actor was interviewing for a job then is working for him with a fake beard.

On top of it all the main guy rips off everyone. I would like him to sell one of his "completed" cars for the price he charges to "fix it". Not to mention the owner is a pompous ass. My first review -- as a car lover FANTOMWORKS SUCKS!

Sadly, the show wrapped up in the beginning of last year. They are still in business but no longer doing this show.

This show became one of my favorites, so when the series ended, I was a little upset. Thankfully, MT is doing the smart thing by keeping the reruns going.

I love watching the entire process from start to finish in restorations. Including the issues they deal with that were previously undetected.

Dan (and his daughter, for that matter) can come across as confrontational at times, including with his customers, but if you want the best, you have to be willing to pay a hefty price and take the good with the bad.

Every final product is top notch in my opinion. Most impressive was their restoration of a car built in 1917; they even had to remake the wooden wheels and were successful!

Fantastic show. If I ever had a restoration project, I'd take it to Fantomworks.

I freakin' love this show! This guy seriously knows what he's doing. I started watching last Season but haven't skipped a beat since. This show is for the ultimate car fanatic, let's you know what all it takes to bring these cars back to life. What he does with these cars is nothing short of amazing. He doesn't beat around the bush and gets down to the nitty gritty. It's nice to see someone be open and honest, when most of these shows out there just sugar coat things. Dan is a no bulls**t kinda guy. This is what REALITY TV should be. My son even loves this show, and that says a lot. Keep up the good work guys. Gear Head for life.

I've finally found someone I like less than Geraldo Rivera . It's Dan on this show. Humorless, over reactive, volatile hosts do not make for good TV nor working environment. I'll stick with Bitchin Rides . Those guys are superior craftsmen and they have fun.

My husband and I enjoy watching FanromWorks. Dan chooses very interesting projects to work on and finishes them superbly. We appreciate the way his expert craftsmen work together without trash talking each other. A good clean program!

I enjoy most automotive restoration or modification programs, but this show seems to be scripted and somewhat deceptive. Have you ever noticed that the cars that where featured on past episodes and supposedly revealed and presented to the customer are still sitting in the shop years after the reveal. Most notably the early 40's ugly (green and beige) Buick that was featured several years ago. Also the 53 or 54 Olds that was supposed to compete in a road race. It's still there. Something smell like it was a put on.

Dan always cusses the cars and acts in despair as he inspects each one. Does he not realize that the car would not be in his shop if it didn't have problems. I have operated a general auto repair shop for over 30 years and would never tell a customer he was crazy or out of his mind! I sold my shop a few years and now specialize in restoring Corvettes. So when he tells a customer it is better than the day it "rolled out" he is the one that crazy. I watch a show last night (S7 E7) in which he supposedly restored a L71 1967 Corvette. I couldn't help noticing the badly pitted chrome on the gas lid and poorly fitting convertible top compartment lid. It's no wonder the customer refused the car. The weathered rubber weather strip was the least of the problems He also uses the wrong hose clamps on all his jobs. The OEM's never used stainless screw clamps. They can't expand as the temperature rises and consequently they cut into the hose and will eventually fail. I had a customer with a NorthStar Cadillac have one of those clamp fail and dumped all the coolant costing the owner over $3000.00 to repair. All for a 35 cent clamp. OEM expandable clamps are readably available and not expensive.

Dan's crew can't seem to get a bumper on straight. The right front bumper on the above mentioned Corvette is an example. I can remember a mid 60's Buick GS that had a obviously bent front bumper. It looked a least 2 inches high in the center. My wife even noticed the incredibly crooked side stipe on a Mustang, I believe it was a California Special). It was laughably crooked.

On the positive side, his men do a great job with the woodworking on both vehicles and boats. I know Dan is into airplanes, but I don't tune into a automotive show to watch someone work on an old airplane or a speedboat. As you can tell, I have been holding my tongue for a long time and finally decided to air my grievances.

So is the shop DRS as the placard says or FantomWorks?

Thanks for listening russellsdl

I've never watched the show until today and will never again. I just wanted to whip out a 2 x 4 and smack that smug look off of that annoying Dan guys face, what an obsequious annoying jackass.

I really like this show. Not as much "staged drama" as some of the other TV Car shows out there. The final products they produce look amazing. I love it that they go a bit in detail about the issues/problems they encounter. I learn a little in each show. I also like how it is a mix of restoration/customization and just repair to keep a car running correctly. It seems they have a much larger shop than a lot of the other TV Garages, so there tends to be multiple projects getting some attention in each episode.

Has mind boggling nack for spotting eye details,to bad there going off the air like chip food did,Thanks Dan Short for the shows.

Fantomworks is by far the worse show that has ever been televised! The show is all about drama, nothing to do with reality. A total joke IMHO, i would not let any of those parts hangers as much as restore my push mower let alone a car. I can guarantee you that whatever the car value would be before those clowns destroy it will be half that when those grease monkeys get done raping it!

I had to stop watching this show because I could not watch it with children in the room. There is entirely too much cussing, and this season it escalated to the point of offensive and vulgar. The vulgarity is "sort of" bleeped, but it is done to still permit the cuss words to be heard.

Why is this necessary? I have no idea; my guess it is done to appeal to a certain subset of society, but it is offensive and I no longer watch the show. It wasn't very good anyway.