I love watching shows where people work on cars. The show was more like reality TV. Way too much focus on the hosts and not enough on the car itself. However, it is a great showcase for the genius of Chip Foose. The guy is a wizard.
29 Reviews
Quality rebuilds of American Classics
Hannah_Bananah12 June 2022
Firstly, this is a show for American Classic car lovers who like custom rebuilds instead of restoring originals. Most of the cars are around 40-50 years old, and in a rough but drivable state.
Each episode follows the same format, a prank on the owner to reveal that they've been chosen to get a custom rebuild. Then Chip Foose (project lead) sits with a friend or family member and goes over some custom design choices, colors and styles. We get to see Chip's artistic impression of what the finished car will look like before we switch over to the workshop.
We then follow the workshop team as they show us the work involved in the rebuild. Overhaulin' takes the time to show all the processes every step of the way. Not to micro-detail but enough to keep the audience involved so we can follow what's being done.
Some criticisms are that the prank to start the show is a bit cringe, and does get repetitive. They want to surprise the owner with the custom rebuild so it's understandable that they need to find an excuse to take the car, and there are only so many ways they can do it. Another criticism, is that Chip Foose takes the lead on the customisation. Again, the rebuild is meant to be a surprise for the owner so if the owner were involved, we wouldn't really get that reaction at the end of the show when the car is revealed. In that regard, it's very similar to Pimp my Ride, the owner doesn't know what they're going to get. However...
The work done on the custom cars seems to be of a very high standard, no filler and spray and LEDs. The cars often get a full rebuild, new engines and transmissions, interiors, hand crafted trims and rims. In my opinion, the finished cars look stunning and judging from the owners reactions, most if not all, are extremely happy with their Foose custom classic.
Each episode follows the same format, a prank on the owner to reveal that they've been chosen to get a custom rebuild. Then Chip Foose (project lead) sits with a friend or family member and goes over some custom design choices, colors and styles. We get to see Chip's artistic impression of what the finished car will look like before we switch over to the workshop.
We then follow the workshop team as they show us the work involved in the rebuild. Overhaulin' takes the time to show all the processes every step of the way. Not to micro-detail but enough to keep the audience involved so we can follow what's being done.
Some criticisms are that the prank to start the show is a bit cringe, and does get repetitive. They want to surprise the owner with the custom rebuild so it's understandable that they need to find an excuse to take the car, and there are only so many ways they can do it. Another criticism, is that Chip Foose takes the lead on the customisation. Again, the rebuild is meant to be a surprise for the owner so if the owner were involved, we wouldn't really get that reaction at the end of the show when the car is revealed. In that regard, it's very similar to Pimp my Ride, the owner doesn't know what they're going to get. However...
The work done on the custom cars seems to be of a very high standard, no filler and spray and LEDs. The cars often get a full rebuild, new engines and transmissions, interiors, hand crafted trims and rims. In my opinion, the finished cars look stunning and judging from the owners reactions, most if not all, are extremely happy with their Foose custom classic.
Good Old Days
jack_o_hasanov_imdb15 April 2022
Foosed' Over
therica22 June 2010
Chip Foose is a very creative and sensitive artist. I've watched many dozens of these shows. I saw the one in which Chip's own truck project was "Foose'd" with his father in charge.
The problem is that Chip Foose is at times a rather self-indulgent and self-impressed artist, taking great liberty with his creativity. In at least 3 episodes I've seen his gleaming smiling face beam as he decides to chop off the body top (roof, uprights, windows) of a vehicle. They exist for a purpose, Chip-- rain! And I'm sure some of the people don't live in houses with garages, either.
In one episode the "victim" expressly stated that his hope and plans for the vehicle was "I just want to restore it to how it originally looked." Chip, however, decided to chop the top off that 1956 Chevy Bel Air 4-door. If it had been me, I'd be screaming and demanding, "Where the Foose is my roof?!?!?!?" I probably would sue Chip Foose, the show and everyone involved in this self-indulgent liberty of creativity after (illegally) stealing my vehicle. It doesn't matter who was the set-up person-- spouse, child, parent, best friend-- they don't have legal rights to MY vehicle.
On the positive side, it's cool to see that these people get all sorts of goodies and candy in the work that's done-- the sup ed-up engines, the incredible sound systems (despite the fact that they frequently waste all the trunk storage space with massive speaker systems), air conditioning in vehicles that predated that invention, and many other bonuses. But if I were the owner and had my heart set on restoring my PERSONAL PROPERTY to my OWN SPECIFICATIONS, I'd be screaming mad.
At times Chip Foose is highly creative. At times Chip's extravagant and self-indulgent "artistic liberties" give us a new phrase, "I was Foosed over."
The problem is that Chip Foose is at times a rather self-indulgent and self-impressed artist, taking great liberty with his creativity. In at least 3 episodes I've seen his gleaming smiling face beam as he decides to chop off the body top (roof, uprights, windows) of a vehicle. They exist for a purpose, Chip-- rain! And I'm sure some of the people don't live in houses with garages, either.
In one episode the "victim" expressly stated that his hope and plans for the vehicle was "I just want to restore it to how it originally looked." Chip, however, decided to chop the top off that 1956 Chevy Bel Air 4-door. If it had been me, I'd be screaming and demanding, "Where the Foose is my roof?!?!?!?" I probably would sue Chip Foose, the show and everyone involved in this self-indulgent liberty of creativity after (illegally) stealing my vehicle. It doesn't matter who was the set-up person-- spouse, child, parent, best friend-- they don't have legal rights to MY vehicle.
On the positive side, it's cool to see that these people get all sorts of goodies and candy in the work that's done-- the sup ed-up engines, the incredible sound systems (despite the fact that they frequently waste all the trunk storage space with massive speaker systems), air conditioning in vehicles that predated that invention, and many other bonuses. But if I were the owner and had my heart set on restoring my PERSONAL PROPERTY to my OWN SPECIFICATIONS, I'd be screaming mad.
At times Chip Foose is highly creative. At times Chip's extravagant and self-indulgent "artistic liberties" give us a new phrase, "I was Foosed over."
Dreams coming true.
bmxbandt29 August 2018
Does Contain Spoilers
sslwolfman2 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
the show is a very good show to watch compared to MTV's pimp my ride. the whole point of the show is to completely make over a car. does not need to be an old used up car. one episode that i saw had a brand new 2005 dodge magnum! all the other times the cars are generally in very poor condition. the show mostly is in LA but does go to other areas. the people whose cars are made over are people that put other people first before their own cars. and unlike pimp my ride they leave a vehicle entirely functional. some of the cars on the show should have been put in the scrap heap until the people with Chip Foose take the car and give it a whole new life.
overdone
haroldhecuba27 February 2021
Love car shows but the silly antics surrounding the thieving of the victims cars is bile inducing,not only that how many times does it need to be repeated to pad out the show.The builds are nice but many of them end up being chips ego stroking vanity projects with him taking liberties I'm damn sure the owners don't want & end up being overdone.
One of the best shows in Discovery
ricardosantos_13159 March 2009
I watch this series every time I can, and I always feel completely amazed with it! The designer Chip Foose is a genius, probably one of the best in the world! But of course, he isn't the only one who deserves the fame, the entire team is very, very talented. The presenters are friendly and explain everything the team is doing to the car. It's difficult to find something negative to say about this show. The endings are always fun, watching the people's reactions to their new cars, which are authentic works of art. Car lovers, and even people who aren't very much into cars can easily become addicted to this series.
Just dreadful
mcgriswald26 February 2015
Foose's show exhibits every dumb trick that makes these shows so irritating--faked up scenarios involving "theft", "accidentally towed" vehicles, hyper presenters who are constantly jazzed over every development, major "issues" with the modifications that cause lots of fake consternation and make every job a battle with the clock.
But such is the nature of all these reality shows that seek to create conflict and make the various characters zany and eccentric, which is what passes for compelling TV these days. Add in a zingy rock beat over every scene and bump and you have the makings of a truly irritating program.
Foose does good work, but all the contrivances detract from, rather than add to the finished product.
But such is the nature of all these reality shows that seek to create conflict and make the various characters zany and eccentric, which is what passes for compelling TV these days. Add in a zingy rock beat over every scene and bump and you have the makings of a truly irritating program.
Foose does good work, but all the contrivances detract from, rather than add to the finished product.
Good Show, but their charity is not wasted on the poor.
codeE21 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This is a good show but every time they overhaul someones car I cant help but notice its some guy that can more than afford it. True that some of the shows have had people on that looked like the average guy who loves his beaten down classic or not so classic and he is content with it. The reaction to the new car is just that much better. The one with the brothers and the low rider comes to mind. When they did the mock raid on the shop and had firecrackers going off and agents running in with guns drawn, that was good stuff. I also noticed that you have to live in the L.A. area to get on the show. Not just Southern Cal. or the L.A. basin but within a 20mile radius of the shop. The overhauled cars that are on the show are all top notch, show quality and beyond belief. This is due to Chip Foose who is talented in all aspects of rebuilding the cars. If he could hold the camera and host he would be the only guy on the show. Anyway, its a good show and if they opened it up to poor guys that lived further away it would be great.
first
jadaudel7 November 2009
frist off if you have to pick one of the two shows that t.l.c. has about auto make overs your best bet is this one hands down, the other one i can not think of the name right now but it is a knock off of this show. some guy (well know hot rod guy) finds rusted heap spends 4 weeks stressed out as we are reminded what it cost to fix the car so in the end we get to see someone with way to much money bid $50.000 or more for a car that cost this guy less than $1500, now chip and his team they make art on wheels, they work hard, they get it done on time they do not seem stressed out or remind you what it cost. the two things that turned me off about the other show, the only thing about this show that "bites" is as another person pointed out, is that they are only doing cars for people who seem to be doing better than most of us in the bank, and i wonder why? there are after school kids groups that have vans that they could do, or maybe someone who lost everything in a home fire and are starting over, anyhow it is a good show and i look forward to more shows
Good Makeovers but..
philsyes9 June 2014
The car makeovers are usually pretty good. Not always what I would like, but that's a matter of taste. The one thing that drives me absolutely f@#$*?g crazy is that he NEVER installs outside rear view mirrors.
It may be a California Hot Rod "Thing" but anybody who has tried to drive in the real world without mirrors has to want to blow their brains out.
I smashed the driver's side mirror on my car last year and the experience of driving with city (Chicago) traffic, parallel parking and expressway "Rush Hour" driving was enough to want me give up a car for life.
It took about a week to get a replacement, and I felt crippled until it was done.
It may be a California Hot Rod "Thing" but anybody who has tried to drive in the real world without mirrors has to want to blow their brains out.
I smashed the driver's side mirror on my car last year and the experience of driving with city (Chicago) traffic, parallel parking and expressway "Rush Hour" driving was enough to want me give up a car for life.
It took about a week to get a replacement, and I felt crippled until it was done.
not lowriders but LOWLIFES
arniebraun-2805510 April 2021
I tolerated all the other fake stolen & repo'd cars to see some apparently nice builds but after seeing them making out they're from child services is the last straw THIS STUPID SHOW SUCKS & NOW CROSSED A LINE ABSOLUTE LOWLIFES!!!
good rebuilds, but yes, the cars need rear view mirrors
Cinema2kMendoza14 September 2021
...and sometimes the builds needs to be for anybody, not just famous people that can get easy sport cars.
Sometimes when they dont build a sport car or use a modern car doesnt feel like a overhaul, feels just like gas monkey with chip foose.
Sometimes when they dont build a sport car or use a modern car doesnt feel like a overhaul, feels just like gas monkey with chip foose.
That chips getting bigger
cantstandya1331 March 2021
Were some reasonable builds a while back but really have become almost tacky & all about getting the foose name & products out there. Have to agree with previous comments it has really leant towards being all about fooses ego also the continuous repeating of the sickening car grabbing stunts to pad out the show. Obviously scripted because I'm sure I'd be hell mad & swinging,anyway point being why repeat it 9 times & makes the whole thing unwatchable.
Would be better without Chris Jacobs
themosquito20 May 2022
Chris Jacobs is annoying and acts like it is his show. Chip Foose is a genius and very humble. Would like to see more of Chip and the work being done by the team, with less drama and pranks. Chris is tolerable doing voice over, but is annoying sucking up to Foose.
just wondering?
streak_n_crazy10 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Hello i live in Australia, and when i'm not busy working my fiancé and i watch your show, my fiancé in 50% disabled, and yet continues to run his lawn mowing business, therefore is rarely home and spends so little time with our family. i have 2 daughters and 2 sons, the eldest daughter no longer lives at home and the youngest daughter is 15 and still attends school, my two little Son are 7 and still attend year 1, at the same time leaves me clueless as to get something for my fiancé for Christmas, so the other night my daughter Stephanie sat down one night while my fiancé Jason was out on a job, and my daughter told me how much he cherishes his 95 Toyota land cruiser Ute, but at home we call it "boof". So we were just wondering if it is possible if we could get it overhauled. we were wondering if you could make the following changes; -6 inch lift -twin turbo big block -deisel -car fridge -black paint -carpet -electronic windows and locks -air brush a picture of a dog 'Boof' on the bonnet -a set of 4wd polished alloy wheels with chunky tires
Great show about extraordinary people that dedicate their life helping others
einarlar24 September 2020
I say that Overhaulin is more about the people and human kindness and all the good that regular people do for others. I like the human part the most of this show and then off course the craftsmanship and artistery of Chip Foose and the A-Team is like out of this world
Not so much a car renovation show as candid camera with cars
dobbinman13 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
OK so I love to build motorcycles and cars. And I love to watch shows where they do the same. But this show is all about totally customising the vehicles of unsuspecting owners using 'sponsors' services and parts i.e. the show is largely a marketing opportunity for the suppliers of these parts. That wouldn't be so bad if they focused more on the actual build but in the growing tradition of 'reality' shows it's all about the presenters and in particular the female presenter who spends more time in front of the camera than the vehicle they are supposed to be building. But what really puts it beyond the pail for me would be series 01 episode 02 where not only do they pretend to steal the young guys truck but they keep the deception going by ringing him up and saying that it has probably been cut up for parts and insurance wise is worth very little. Cue phone being put down and maniacal laughter from cutsey girl presenter. Sure the builds are fantastic but the whole show is contrived, sponsor driven and features irritating unnecessary presenters to the now almost obligatory crashing guitars background so beloved of many US shows. Fuse - you've got a lot of talent so please just make a show showing us how you design and build cars not this awful candid camera cum game-show style format.
Used to be a good show...
idriveamopar-5876027 February 2021
Used to be a good show, used to be a show about rebuilding vehicles for people who couldn't afford it. Now it's a show about rebuilding vehicles for people that could afford it but just want a new rebuild. And what happened to the classics? Now they're rebuilding perfectly good cars that are 10 years old or less.
Overhaulin' the rich
taitp21 September 2007
Chip Foose is an absolute genius and the end result of the projects are truly amazing. The co-hosts do a good job. I particularly enjoy watching the "project" come together. The end results are much better than when they came off the assembly line what with the mechanical and cosmetic advances of today. However, I do get annoyed somewhat at the fact the "projects" seem to be the property of the already rich and/or famous. It's too bad the ones getting overhauled can afford the undertaking. Let's see now, Vince Neill of Motley Crew gets a car make over for his buddy. Hello! If he (Neill) were a true friend he would have paid to have his friend's car restored. What a joke! Another episode shows a middle aged seemingly well-to-do gal getting her '56 caddy named Betsy done. The husband of 30+ years was behind it all. The couple looked like money was not in short supply. What a shame. I guess the lunch pail guys like me will have to save for the day that will never come. I happen to own a '53 Ford project Chip. Will somebody pick me?
More Cars, Less theatrics.
Tak00530 October 2018
There are a lot of car rebuild/restoration shows out there at the moment. This show appears to be one of those. However, what lets it down badly is the amateur theatrics which feels like half of the show. It should go back to being more about the cars
The humor and the premise don't work, needs to be overhauled
sjculb324 July 2016
I gotta admit, I am a sucker for car shows. Yes, there are lots of them out there and I can sit through most of them admiring how the final product works out. Sadly this show seems to have lost its way. The shows premise is that supposedly a car in desperate need of restoration/repair and beloved by someone, is recommended to the show by another family member or friend. The car is taken away under some false story and then with the help of the other family members and legendary car builder Chip Foose, the car is brought back to its former glory....but a bit different. Here are the good things... 1. The show has Chip Foose. This guy is a genius and I love how he has great ideas and puts them into one of a kind masterpieces. 2. Hey, its a car show. Gotta love'em.
The Bad: 1. Sorry but humor by Chris the host is...well...not funny. More than that its annoying and takes away from the show. Sometimes after about 20 min. of his endless parade of one liners and gags...I change channels...and don't come back. However when he plays it straight..I could listen to him for hours. 2. As some other commenters have said mentioned so many of the people who have their car worked on JUST want it brought back to its ORIGINAL condition. You can see that they are not that thrilled with it being "Foosed". Yeah, of course I get it...that's the premise of the show right? Then why not make it a show where people WANT to get their car done by him! I'd love to watch that! 3. Not a whole lot of facts and figures about the cars. Sometimes I really want to know more info about the car. Yeah, I know..that's not the purpose of the show. Still, a bit more would keep my interest! 4. The car being "borrowed" under false pretenses and then returned is a Cliché. Its been done and the 10 min. of extra silly drama grates on my nerves. Seriously...the first 15 min of the show should hook me to make me want to watch more. More often than not I shake my head at their poorly acted goofy antics ...and change channels.
I'd love to see more folks..but Foose the heck out of this show or overhaul it. This formula ain't working...
The Bad: 1. Sorry but humor by Chris the host is...well...not funny. More than that its annoying and takes away from the show. Sometimes after about 20 min. of his endless parade of one liners and gags...I change channels...and don't come back. However when he plays it straight..I could listen to him for hours. 2. As some other commenters have said mentioned so many of the people who have their car worked on JUST want it brought back to its ORIGINAL condition. You can see that they are not that thrilled with it being "Foosed". Yeah, of course I get it...that's the premise of the show right? Then why not make it a show where people WANT to get their car done by him! I'd love to watch that! 3. Not a whole lot of facts and figures about the cars. Sometimes I really want to know more info about the car. Yeah, I know..that's not the purpose of the show. Still, a bit more would keep my interest! 4. The car being "borrowed" under false pretenses and then returned is a Cliché. Its been done and the 10 min. of extra silly drama grates on my nerves. Seriously...the first 15 min of the show should hook me to make me want to watch more. More often than not I shake my head at their poorly acted goofy antics ...and change channels.
I'd love to see more folks..but Foose the heck out of this show or overhaul it. This formula ain't working...
What's with the music !!!! Aaagggh
kagey-2876924 October 2020
As a newcomer to this show . Why do they have this constant rock track playing ALL THE TIME on and on and on . It's a relief when people speak and the music is silenced!!
As a car show that shows you what ?
Nice cars in the end costing a fortune !!
Nice cars in the end costing a fortune !!
Foose does not destroy vehicles -- The owners give permission for major alterations.
donaldrobertsonnm6 July 2014
THE '56 CHEVY NOTED ABOVE WAS NOT COMPLETED IN A MANNER THAT THE OWNER DIDN'T WANT. IT WAS NEGOTIATED - NOT IMPOSED! THE OWNER DID IN FACT SELL THE CAR - LONG AFTER IT WAS RETURNED TO HIM AND WITH THE BLESSING OF FOOSE. Jesus H. KERIST FOLKS - FOOSE DOES NOT DESTROY VEHICLES - YES HE MAKES CHANGES THAT MIGHT NOT BE EXACTLY AS THE OWNER WOULD HAVE DONE. WHY SO??? BECAUSE THE OWNER DID NOT HAVE THE CAPABILITY NOR RESOURCES. ALL THESE HORROR STORIES AND CREATED OUT OF JEALOUSY! JEALOUS PEOPLE CAN ALWAYS FINE ISSUE WITH ANY GIVEN PROJECT! THE KIDS TODAY TELL THESE PEOPLE TO "STFU"! IT IS APPLICABLE IN SPADES!
THE REVIEW ABOVE STATING THE TOP WAS REMOVED AGAINST THE OWNERS WISHES IS FALSE! AGAIN ---- MAJOR ALTERATIONS ARE DONE WITH THE OWNERS PERMISSION! FOOSE IS NO FOOL .... QUIT PAINTING THE PICTURE DEPICTING HIM AS ONE! YOUR JEALOUSY IS ALL TO EASY TO DETECT!
THE DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT UP FOR AUCTION:
This one-of-a-kind 1956 Bel Air was featured on Season One, Episode 106 of the popular TV show Overhaulin' with Chip Foose. Arguably one of the most significant projects ever completed on the show, this classic Chevy roadster was designed and overhauled by Chip Foose in collaboration with 33 top builders at famed automotive academy Wyotech.
These pros turned this original 4-door sedan into a 2- door speedster. The team leaders of this build are a "who's who" list including Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy, Levi Green who is an ace fabricator, and Bryan Fuller of Fuller Hot Rods. In the published book, "The Cars of Overhaulin'" this car appears on Page 7 and it is the first car cited by Chip himself as his favorite and it is later referred to in the book as the "A-Team's finest hour."
The over-the-top collaboration of the famed builders and the aggressive transformation of the car to a 2-door speedster are what make the final result so special. This car is an absolute show-stopper and it marks a very rare opportunity to own a vehicle that will never be duplicated.
THE REVIEW ABOVE STATING THE TOP WAS REMOVED AGAINST THE OWNERS WISHES IS FALSE! AGAIN ---- MAJOR ALTERATIONS ARE DONE WITH THE OWNERS PERMISSION! FOOSE IS NO FOOL .... QUIT PAINTING THE PICTURE DEPICTING HIM AS ONE! YOUR JEALOUSY IS ALL TO EASY TO DETECT!
THE DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PUT UP FOR AUCTION:
This one-of-a-kind 1956 Bel Air was featured on Season One, Episode 106 of the popular TV show Overhaulin' with Chip Foose. Arguably one of the most significant projects ever completed on the show, this classic Chevy roadster was designed and overhauled by Chip Foose in collaboration with 33 top builders at famed automotive academy Wyotech.
These pros turned this original 4-door sedan into a 2- door speedster. The team leaders of this build are a "who's who" list including Troy Trepanier of Rad Rides by Troy, Levi Green who is an ace fabricator, and Bryan Fuller of Fuller Hot Rods. In the published book, "The Cars of Overhaulin'" this car appears on Page 7 and it is the first car cited by Chip himself as his favorite and it is later referred to in the book as the "A-Team's finest hour."
The over-the-top collaboration of the famed builders and the aggressive transformation of the car to a 2-door speedster are what make the final result so special. This car is an absolute show-stopper and it marks a very rare opportunity to own a vehicle that will never be duplicated.
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