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Show Rods, Car Kings & the Orbitron: Dave Shuten | Episode 10

10/19/2020
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Episode Summary

Not many people are busier, or more productive with their time, than Dave Shuten.

Born in the Motor City, Dave has always loved and built wild cars. Some might pin his penchant for show rods on that art degree, but long before Dave went to school, he had a knack for turning the visions in his head into automotive reality.

This week, Joe joins Jeff Karls to talk show rods, what it’s like to star in Discovery Channel’s Car Kings, and the wild history of Ed Roth’s Orbitron. Dave also runs Galpin Seedshop, where he restores old show rods, works on his own cars and takes the occasional customer project.

He’s the maker of builds like the Iron Orchid, a 1934 Ford 5-window and has restored everything from Ed Roth’s Orbitron to Carroll Shelby’s Pantera.

But more than stories, Dave Shuten is a phenomenally creative, passionate hot rodder. He loves building, loves working with his hands, and can talk cars in a way that makes everyone excited to get back in the garage.

Hear all that and more on episode 10 of What Moves You, a Speedway Motors Podcast.

Photos:

The chassis of Dave's AMBR contender shows the insane level of detail required to compete at this level. Note the Wishbone in the background.
...And the finished product.
Roth's "futuristic slingshot dragster" didn't sit well with the kids in the 60's and ended up leading a terrible life before triumphantly returning to the stage after a restoration by Dave.
See, it does run and drive. Here's Dave behind the wheel and under the bubble in Yokohama.
Dave was careful not to over-restore Roth's shop truck. If you ask us, it's perfect.
Here's Dave in "Big Daddy's" old chair.
"The Astrosled."
The "Iron Orchid".
We will never get tired of looking at this car.
Here's Dave's "driver" '32 Tudor. Listen to the episode; there's a pretty darn cool story here.

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