Menu

Shop

Garage

Cart

Account

Products to Compare (max of 3)
X
Compare These Parts

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

10/19/2020
Add Article To List
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.

Related Articles

Car Show Legend: Bob Larivee Sr. | Episode 31
10/18/2022
Bob Larivee Sr. has accumulated some amazing stories over the course of his very long career. We sit down with him to talk about building a car show empire, going to Disneyland with Ed Roth, and meeting John and Yoko while hanging out with George Barris.
Pure Vision: Steve Strope | Episode 30
10/4/2022
Steve Strope is the man behind Pure Vision, a shop known for turning out cars that seem to win industry awards and magazine covers wherever they go. Steve joins us to talk about his history and his philosophy on car building.
Telling Stories: Elana Scherr | Episode 29
9/20/2022
Elana Scherr has made a reputation as an automotive storyteller with a unique voice. She also leads an interesting life surrounded by cars, both her own and those belonging to the press fleet. Fortunately for us, she has lots to say about all of it...
The Art of the Thrash: David Newbern | Episode 28
9/6/2022
David Newbern started out as a fan. Now he's a participant in the world-famous antics of the Roadkill crew. We talk about how he got there and a few of the cars along the way.
The Act of Creation: Peter Vincent | Episode 27
8/23/2022
Automotive photographer Peter Vincent has made a career proving that fine art photography of cars and hot rods belongs on the gallery wall. He joins us to talk about his long career...
The Young Gun Chasing Perfection - Kyle Kuhnhausen | Episode 26
8/9/2022
Kyle Kuhnhausen, of Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts, talks with us about getting his start sneaking away with his dad’s MIG welder, learning the trade and how he made his pursuit to SEMA a reality.
Seven Decades of Speedway Motors: Carson, Craig & Clay Smith | Episode 25
7/25/2022
For this special anniversary episode we celebrate 70 years of Speedway Motors with Carson, Craig, and Clay Smith. As the sons of "Speedy" Bill and Joyce Smith, they were there for it all as the business and the family grew up together.
Mastering Metal at the Tin Man’s Garage: Brian Limberg | Episode 24
7/5/2022
Brian Limberg joins us to talk about his journey to mastering sheet metal fabrication, building the Tin Man’s Garage into a successful business, and what it’s like to win the Slonaker .
Cherishing Time with Dad in the Garage - Jess Gasper | Episode 23
6/19/2022
Jess Gasper grew up in the garage with her dad, John MacKichan, working on everything from hot rods to Bonneville Streamliners. For our Father's Day episode, here's her take on what it means to make the most of that time.
Building Flying Sparks Garage - Emily & Aaron Reeves | Episode 22
5/27/2022
Don't miss Emily and Aaron Reeves talk about what it takes to build a successful automotive YouTube channel.
Error
X
Note
X
Ok