You love cars that tell a story, rusty shells turned into rolling works of art. If you follow Iron Resurrection, you already know the name Martin Bros Customs. But when you step past the TV lights, what you find is a real, family-run shop built on metalwork, grit, and business sense. This article gives you a friendly tour of Martin Brothers Customs (the people, the place, the builds, and what it costs to get a car done), with the show Iron Resurrection woven in where it matters. I’ve also marked spots for eight images you can add to the article.
A shop with roots — not just a TV set
Martin Bros Customs started as a real garage long before the cameras arrived. Located in Johnson City in the Texas Hill Country, the shop is still a working restoration and fabrication business, not a theme park. The team builds custom cars and bikes, sells parts and merch, and hosts occasional events.
Meet the core: Joe, Amanda, Jason (and the crew)
- Joe Martin is the hands-on craftsman. He learned metalwork the old way ,from neighbors, from trial and error, and from doing the work. His reputation for fabrication and custom metal design is what put the shop on the map and eventually led to TV interest.
- Amanda Martin runs much of the business side: finances, negotiation, and sourcing. She has a public profile as the friendly, savvy partner who helps find bargain barn-find cars and shape deals that make projects possible.
- Jason Martin and the rest of the crew (Shag, Mr. Clay the upholsterer, and others) round the team out with production, shop management, upholstery, and the on-the-floor work that turns ideas into finished rides. Together, they balance shop life with the camera demands of Iron Resurrection
How the TV show fits in (and why the shop matters more)
Iron Resurrection began as a reality series that followed the Martin crew rescuing, restoring, and selling classic vehicles. The show’s presence amplified Martin Bros Customs’ reach, but the shop’s day-to-day work, fabrication, welding, painting, upholstery , is where the real value lives.
What makes a Martin Bros car different?
When you look at a finished Martin Brothers build, you’re seeing lots of small choices that add up:
- Custom metalwork and fabrication — Joe’s signature skill.
- Upholstery and interior detail : Mr. Clay and other specialists give interiors a finished, show-ready look.
- Design that respects the car’s personality : whether it’s a Nova, Trans Am, or an old Hudson truck.
- Aimed resale strategy : many builds are made to sell to collectors who will pay a premium.
How much does a Martin Brothers build cost?
This is the number most people want to know. Costs vary widely based on the car, the mechanical needs, the level of custom work, and parts. A common ballpark for full, show-quality builds is in the $100,000+ range : and a high-end, heavily custom project can climb much higher. If you’re budgeting for a Martin Bros-style full restoration and custom, plan broadly in the six-figure area and be prepared for variation.
Famous builds & fan favorites
Martin Bros has tackled a range of cars that fans still talk about:
- Classic Novas and Tri-Fives (’50s Chevys)
- Trans Ams and custom Mustangs (including electric-retro concept work featured on modern episodes)
- Specialty rides like Hudson trucks and custom vans
Those builds often land on collector radars and at shows, sometimes selling for far more than the raw cost of parts , because collectors value originality, creativity, and craftsmanship.
What happened to some of the cast members?
Reality shows shift over time. Fans ask: “Where did Mike Z go?” or “What happened to Shorty or Pompa?” Cast members leave for many reasons ,new opportunities, family priorities, or business changes. Many departures were personal or career-driven rather than dramatic on-set conflict.
Can you visit Martin Bros Customs?
Short answer: not a public walkthrough like a museum. The shop is private and lists visiting hours, but they also note insurance limits and that walk-throughs aren’t typically available. That said, the team appears at car shows and public events where you can meet crew members and see builds up close.
Where to watch episodes and follow news
Iron Resurrection episodes and archives show up on streaming platforms tied to MotorTrend and other distributors. If you want to binge the show or catch recent season updates, MotorTrend’s official pages and industry episode trackers are your best sources.
Why Martin Bros still matters beyond TV
TV gave the shop global visibility, but the lasting reason the Martins matter is simple: skill plus business sense. Joe’s fabrication work, Amanda’s buying and money management, Jason’s behind-the-scenes coordination, and the team’s consistent quality are what keep collectors knocking on their door. The shop’s public presence (merch, parts store, gallery) reflects that the business is more than a studio set , it’s a functioning custom shop that survives on reputation and results.
Final thoughts — thinking like a buyer or a fan
If you’re a buyer: expect to pay for craft. That means money for parts, time, and skilled labor. If you’re a fan: watch for the craft details , the metal shaping, the upholstery choices, the finish work , because that’s where Martin Bros earns its reputation. And if you want to stay current on new seasons, cast updates, or special builds, follow the shop’s official channels and MotorTrend’s listings for the most reliable news.