Phantomworks

superdave · April 01, 2019, 09:03:23 AM

I was thinking that Phantomworks had been discissed before but couldn't find it. I stumbled across their show over the weekend and found it kind of interesting. Reality tv for sure. My oldest daughter really enjoyed it giving me hope that maybe some day she will take an interest in helping me work on cars

but she doesn't like dirt so I won't hold my breath.

anlauto · April 01, 2019, 09:30:23 AM

It's probably one of the most "honest" shows. I like how they post what "day" they're on and discuss the amount of hours and the cost of parts with the customer...but I'm not sure I would want to bring a car there

kdcarman · April 01, 2019, 10:53:40 AM

Quote from: anlauto on April 01, 2019, 09:30:23 AM
It's probably one of the most "honest" shows. I like how they post what "day" they're on and discuss the amount of hours and the cost of parts with the customer...but I'm not sure I would want to bring a car there

Like the Metro van that they did the resto mod on. By my calculations they had about $500k into the project.

anlauto · April 01, 2019, 11:20:25 AM

Quote from: kdcarman on April 01, 2019, 10:53:40 AM
Quote from: anlauto on April 01, 2019, 09:30:23 AM
It's probably one of the most "honest" shows. I like how they post what "day" they're on and discuss the amount of hours and the cost of parts with the customer...but I'm not sure I would want to bring a car there

Like the Metro van that they did the resto mod on. By my calculations they had about $500k into the project.

Yea...and the overall quality didn't appear like a half a million dollar build...

chargerdon · April 01, 2019, 12:14:51 PM

on one of the discussions, he gave parts cost and hours, and they mentioned the total. Yes, it was expensive but, doing the math the hourly rate came out to only about $50 hr. Most quality restoration shops charge $100 and up..

So, if this is true then he is actually very reasonable... however, i love he he looks at it and just replaces everything...no matter that the guys car will end up costing in the $80-150K but that the value of it at an auction (not Barrett-Jackson) is around 40-60K.

Im glad i do my own work other than the final color/clear coat and cut and buff..

CudaMoparRay · April 01, 2019, 12:26:15 PM

For these guys you have to have "Deep Pockets" and not care about burning money IMO

70Barracuda · April 01, 2019, 04:53:02 PM

Ive watched this show quite a bit. Not uncommon for Dan to ask what budget the people have. Seems honest to me. Good show.

Rich G. · April 01, 2019, 06:22:59 PM

He probably my least favorite guy on these car reality shows. They all seem to think they are the only ones who can do the best work but I've never seen any of the bosses get their hands dirty. I know they're the boss but give credit where it's due. The poor slob that does all the hard work never gets mentioned. Anyone can bolt the car together once all the hard work is done. I'd love to see what a Graveyard Car restoration cost!!!!

JH27N0B · April 01, 2019, 06:25:48 PM

I have watched the show for a while and it's not bad. I'm always shocked at how much some customers will toss away in a project though.
The show is winding down. Dan Short quit doing the show and the last episode was filmed in December.
https://renewcanceltv.com/fantomworks-cancelled-after-9th-season-by-motortrend-velocity/

6pack · April 01, 2019, 06:34:11 PM

I have watched that show for a while FantomWorks. He saves money by letting people that are not experts on that particular car work on it and get direction from the more experienced ones. On one show they bought a whole extra car just for the AC system instead of getting a good aftermarket system. Dan don't like aftermarket AC. He adds drama for TV. His company model is to carefully select customers who do not know shit about cars and have deep pockets and most of all are emotionally attached to the car so they spend way more than its worth to restore.

chargerdon · April 05, 2019, 09:55:52 AM

Quote from: 6pack on April 01, 2019, 06:34:11 PM
On one show they bought a whole extra car just for the AC system instead of getting a good aftermarket system. Dan don't like aftermarket AC. He adds drama for TV.

I remember that episode...at the time i thought "is he nuts"? Then i changed my opinion to the owner has to be the one who is nuts to go along with that amount of cost. Vintage air is much better system than any of the 70's factory air systems !!

ragtopdodge · April 05, 2019, 10:29:59 AM

I enjoyed the show.

I do find it crazy he finds customers willing to shell out big bux on some old 4-door cadillac, or 73 hardtop automatic corvette, etc.

However, don't think he's a scheister. He seems pretty honest.

HP_Cuda · April 05, 2019, 12:28:33 PM

Racked up over 1M in debt to keep the production going?

I don't see how or why someone would do this. Your company is basically bankrupt then.

anlauto · April 05, 2019, 12:40:18 PM

Quote from: HP_Cuda on April 05, 2019, 12:28:33 PM

Racked up over 1M in debt to keep the production going?

I don't see how or why someone would do this. Your company is basically bankrupt then.

I didn't understand that part either ? What would that debt be from ? Doesn't the "Network" pay you for every episode ? Is he talking lost income because of the hassle of filming ? or actual cost of production ???

I'm confused...

7212Mopar · April 05, 2019, 09:15:44 PM

I enjoyed the show a lot and it is sad to see it goes away. I would watch Fantomworks any time instead of shows like West Coast Custom. Dan seems to be a decent and reasonable person and sorry that he came out on the short end. Seems to me that his shop turns out regular restorations for more average people in lieu of the crazy expensive but awesome rides that you see out of Kindigit Design. Hope his shop keep restoring more great rides for years to come.