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I Build Fu**in Hotrods

Elliot always had a knack for cars. Growing up around the hum of engines and the scent of motor oil, his future was written in chrome and steel. But IBF Hotrods wasn’t born in a garage—it began with a dream shared by two people. Elliot and his wife had spent years on the road, moving from city to city for her General Motors job while Elliot honed his skills in hot rod and restoration shops across the country. When they finally settled in Indiana, the stars aligned to create a business that would blend their automotive passions into something extraordinary.

The shop’s name, IBF, is a nod to their ethos: “I Build F**ing Hotrods.” It’s a bold statement for a bold venture. Elliot poured everything into the shop, from years of specialized training to lessons learned on the fly through YouTube tutorials and trial and error. But Elliot knew he couldn’t do it alone. Enter Randy, a former Subaru technician in Pittsburgh. Elliot had seen Randy’s potential and encouraged him to leave the dealership life behind. Together, they built a team dynamic rooted in mutual respect, unyielding dedication to quality, and a shared love for craftsmanship.For Elliot and Randy, it wasn’t just about building cars; it was about creating art that moved—literally. Their philosophy blended aesthetics and functionality, prioritizing longevity and taste over flashy trends or quick profits.

In their Indiana workshop, projects rolled in that tested their expertise. A 1965 Buick Riviera is currently being reborn under their care, its sweeping lines and aggressive stance restored with a modern twist. Meanwhile, a 1967 Chevy C10 destined for the Hawaiian islands pushed their creativity. Balancing high standards of metalwork and design with a client’s budget required careful negotiation, but the end results will be nothing short of stunning. Each project was an education in itself. From fitting hoods on a vintage truck to fabricating parts for seamless integration, every challenge is honing their skills further. Attention to detail has become their hallmark—perfecting body gaps, smoothing panels, and crafting interiors that honored a car’s original soul while elevating its functionality.

Despite the challenges, the joy of creating something extraordinary from a rough shell keeps Elliot and Randy coming back. Whether it’s installing adjustable four-link suspension on a Riviera, perfecting dual fuel injection for a classic nailhead engine, or crafting a custom frame for a 1949 Diamond T truck, every project tells a story. These vehicles become rolling tributes to their craftsmanship and creativity.

Elliot and Randy knew the industry isn’t always honest. They’d seen shops cut corners, rush work for TV deadlines, or prioritize aesthetics over functionality. That wasn’t IBF’s way. Their reputation rested on trust and transparency. Each car that rolls out of their shop bares the mark of uncompromising quality—a promise to their clients and a statement to the world. Their commitment to education extended beyond their team. IBF Hot Rods sought to inspire others, showing that automotive craftsmanship could be both an art form and a viable business. Whether through sharing their journey on social media or engaging with the local car community, they were more than builders—they were ambassadors of the trade.

The shop itself was as unique as its projects. IBF operates like a family, keeping the team intentionally small to avoid distractions and ensure every dollar of labor went into the car, not into idle chatter. There was a deep understanding that relationships—whether between coworkers or with clients—were the foundation of their success. The process was messy at times. Cars were stripped down to bare metal, exposing the scars of neglect or shoddy workmanship. But where others saw problems, they saw potential. Each weld, each piece of metal shaped by hand, was a testament to their love of the craft.

IBF Hotrods isn’t just a shop; it’s a living, breathing testament to what happens when passion meets hard work. For Elliot, Randy, and their growing team, every project is an opportunity to leave a mark. They’re not just building cars; they’re shaping stories, creating memories, and redefining what it means to love what you do. I’d like to thank them for taking the time to run me through the operation and allow me to have a few beers with them. You can find them on instagram @ibfhotrods on TikTok @ibfhotrods or on YouTube I.B.F Hotrods or find them cruising some of the coolest stuff in Indiana!