Hot Rod Projects

Click on the links below to see pictures and info about some of the latest Hot Rod projects from 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop.

WORK BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Prices may vary depending upon size and condition of vehicle.

Please call, text, or email a specialist for appointments and price quotes.

1974 Porsche RSR

Time to put this born racer back on the track! From forgotten winner to a Gulf Petrol inspired corner carver.... this was a fun car to bring back to life.. The car was left to rot an needed a lot of TLC. Over 200 hours were invested in the fiberglass work. I ensured that every panel was razor straight and that zero corners were cut. Fun car, but the stress of 40 PCA members watching me paint it was a little nerve racking.... Enjoy the photo album below.

Body Work

A piece of wood is sitting on top of a white surface

A white plastic container is sitting on a table in a room

A close up of a piece of metal with holes in it

A piece of metal with holes in it is sitting on a table

A pair of white bandages are laying on a table

A close up of a piece of metal with holes in i

Paint Day

A man is standing in a garage next to a car that is being painted

A man is standing next to a car in a garage

A man in a white suit is standing in front of a table

A man is sitting at a table in a garage with a car in the background

A couple of pieces of metal are sitting on a table in a room

A blue car is sitting on a wooden stand in a garage

A blue and orange chair is sitting on a stand

Two blue fenders are sitting on a table next to a red car

A close up of an orange wheel with a hole in the middle

A blue and orange car is being painted in a garage

A close up of a blue and orange stripe on a car

A blue and orange chair with a hose attached to it

An orange and blue car is being painted in a garage

A close up of the roof of a blue and orange car

A close up of the hood of a car with orange stripes

A blue and orange race car is sitting in a garage

A close up of a wheel on a car that says hoosier

A blue and white truck is parked on the side of the road

1971 Chevrolet C10 Pro Touring

This project was the best transformation 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop has created thus far. The customer had an old farm truck and a vision of chasing Camaros and other modded Euros down hills and corners. Out with the old and in with the new; the key was getting it all to blend together.

In order to chase sports cars the truck needed big brakes and a tunable suspension. Hotchkis Sport Suspension provided a complete kit that was tunable and entirely adjustable. Wilwood High Performance Brakes kit was installed on the hot rod that used ten (10) total pistons for clamping force on 14.5 inch rotors. Every brake line and fitting was upgraded to stainless braided line using AN fittings which were all flared and installed by owner, Sergio Cantu, himself. ATE Super Blue fluids were used in the system and the pedal was rock solid with zero fading forces.

Fabbing parts and finding a way to route the exhaust was not easy. Jason Lawder spent countless hours trying to find any extra ground clearance. 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting was unable to gain more room as Hotchkis left only 5.25 inches from the ground to the lower control arm which yields roughly 3 inches of clearance at the long tube collectors. But after everything was said and done this truck deserved some big respect. If you see this truck on the road tip your hat to the owner becuase it’s simply amazing!

One glance under this chassis and you'll know this beautiful 1971 Chevrolet C10 Pro Touring means business!

Photos of the 1971 Chevrolet C10 Pro Touring Before 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop Laid Hands on This Truck

Coming Soon

The Final Photo Shoot of the 1971 Chevrolet C10 Pro Touring After 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting Turned This Truck Into an Awesome Hot Rod!

A chevrolet truck is parked on the side of the road

A close up of a white car with chrome wheels

A close up of a car wheel with a chrome rim

A close up of the underside of a car on the road

A close up of the underside of a car with a tire

A close up of a car 's suspension and tire

A close up of a car wheel with a tire on it

A close up of the underside of a truck 's suspension system

A close up of the underside of a car 's suspension system

A close up of a suspension system on a car

A blue car is parked on the side of the road

WORK BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Prices may vary depending upon size and condition of vehicle.

Please call, text, or email a specialist for appointments and price quotes.

A blue car with a black top is parked in a parking lot

1974 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Convertible

This 1974 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Convertible came into the shop with a drab appearance and needed a fresh facelift without breaking the budget. Sergio Cantu started with updating the color with a modern twist on an old classic base tone. The front end was lowered using Hotchkis sway bars, coils and links to assist with the weight challenge. All new shocks helped with the ride quality and surpassed Sergio’s expectations. The top was restored, seats repaired, and the look was finished with classic 20x9.5 wheels all around. This car handles incredible and the owner couldn’t be happier. All this car needed was a little direction from 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop. This is the caliber of work you can expect from Sergio’s shop.

Below Are Pictures Taken While Building the 1974 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Convertible at 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop

A man is spray painting a car in a garage

A white car is being painted in a garage

A blue car is sitting in a garage being painted

A blue car is parked next to a white car

A blue car is sitting in a garage with a cover on it

A blue truck with chrome wheels and tires is parked in a garage

A blue car is parked in a garage next to a ladder

Below Are Pictures Taken During the Final Photo Shoot of the 1974 Chevrolet Caprice Classic Convertible Outside 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop

A close up of the emblem on the back of a blue car

A blue car with a black top is parked in front of a garage

A blue convertible car is parked in a parking lot

The emblem on the side of a blue car says 454

A close up of the hood of a blue car with clouds reflected in it

The inside of a car with black leather seats and a steering wheel

The inside of a car with the door open and the steering wheel visible

A close up of a car 's wheel in a parking lot

A blue car is parked in front of a garage door

A close up of the windshield of a blue car

A blue convertible car is parked in a parking lot in front of a building

A blue convertible is parked in front of a garage

A blue car with a 5.0 emblem on the side

The interior of a blue car with black seats and a steering wheel

WORK BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Prices may vary depending upon size and condition of vehicle.

Please call, text, or email a specialist for appointments and price quotes.

A woman is sitting in a blue car with her legs crossed

1968 Pontiac GTO

This 1968 Pontiac GTO was purchased for the purpose of a complete transformation. The car came to 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop in complete working order. It was a great weekend driver that could turn heads as it sat. The problem was, the owner wanted to "DRIVE" it hard! With that in mind Sergio Cantu went all out for the project. 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting started with the chassis and installed every rubber piece with poly. They then turned to Hotchkis and installed a complete TVS kit to make the car handle like a newer sports car. Then a Corvette brake conversion was added and every single steering component was replaced.

3RD Gear Customs and Consulting was asked to perform a face lift so they stripped the car, aligned the body and laid down Viper GTS Pearl Blue with PPG Euro Clear. The interior was changed to the original Pearl option and a white canvas top replaced the old to finish off the look. Hot Rod Hanks had a one off wheel cut for the car to ensure proper fitment and to prevent rubbing. Vintage Wheel Works cut a set of 17x9 front and 17x11.5 rear wheels to give the GTO a super aggressive stance. IT WORKED! This car drives like its 30 years younger and turns heads when it’s on the road. This hot rod was a BLAST to build and 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop is proud to have this car in their Gallery.

Below Are Pictures Taken at 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop During the Build of the 1968 Pontiac GTO

A close up of a red shock absorber on a car

A close up of a suspension system on a car in a garage

A purple car is parked in a garage with the hood up

A close up of a piece of paper with a hole in it

A close up of a car engine with a lot of wires coming out of it

A young boy is pushing two tires in a garage

A young boy is sanding a piece of wood in a garage

A white car is sitting on a dolly in a garage

A white car is parked in a garage with the hood up

A blue car is sitting in a garage covered in plastic

A blue car door is being painted in a garage

A young boy is painting a blue car in a garage

A young boy is cleaning a blue surface with a sponge

Below Are Pictures of the Finished 1968 Pontiac GTO Custom Built Hot Rod

The hood of a blue car with water drops on it

A blue car with a white top is parked in front of a brick building

A blue gto car is parked in front of a brick building

A blue pontiac convertible is parked in a parking lot

A woman is sitting in a blue car with the door open

A woman is standing next to a blue car in front of a building

A blue gto with a white top is parked in front of a brick building

A woman in a leather jacket is standing next to a convertible car

A woman is standing next to a blue convertible car

A woman in a leather jacket is driving a car

A woman is sitting in the driver 's seat of a blue convertible car

A blue gto convertible with its doors open

A blue car is parked in front of an auto service express

The engine of a blue car with the hood open

Two women are sitting in a blue convertible car

Two women are sitting in the back seat of a convertible car

WORK BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Prices may vary depending upon size and condition of vehicle.

Please call, text, or email a specialist for appointments and price quotes.

A black jeep with hooks on the front bumper

The word rubicon is on the side of a black car

2008 Rubicon

Jeeps need love too! A long time family friend called me up one day with a vision and sent me over 100 pictures and ideas. Here it goes....suspension, big wheels, new top, Texas sized bumpers, entire new steering components and a complete undercarriage cleaning with fresh rubber coating. The factory paint was cut and buffed to make black beautiful again!

Before

A close up of a car door with a scratch on it

A close up of a door handle in a dark room

After

A close up of the underside of a vehicle

A close up of the underside of a car with a brake disc

A black jeep is parked in a garage with a large tire

A black jeep is parked on the side of the road

A black jeep with a spare tire is parked in a parking lot

A black jeep rubicon is sitting on a jack in a garage

A close up of a shock absorber on a vehicle

A black jeep with a black bumper is parked in a garage

A black jeep is sitting on a jack in a garage.

A silver car with a red tail light is parked in a parking lot

1995 Chevrolet Suburban

I love old SUVs. This customer has a plan for it and I have a good idea how he's going to do it.... and he allowed me to start the project. What a perfect MB color! Complete color change and cleaned up every ding and imperfection. All new lights and plastics along with new bumpers turned this old dog into a refreshed monster of the road.

A pair of glasses is sitting on the roof of a car

A person is putting a sticker on the windshield of a car

A person is sanding a car door in a garage

A silver truck with a red tail light is parked in a garage

A silver suv is parked in a garage next to a garage door

A man is working on the roof of a car in a garage

A car with a small antenna on the side of it

A woman is standing next to a car in a garage

The hood of a silver car is being painted in a garage

A silver car is being painted in a garage

A light is shining through a window in a dark room

1992 Mustang Fox

This old Texas DPS cop car was brought in for a full color change. The customer brought it in apart and took it home cut and buffed I never had the chance to see it completed and not even sure if it ever was. The thick single stage paint needed to come off but did what we could within budget. Toyota color code was an odd choice but looked great.

A brown car is covered in plastic wrap in a garage

A brown car is parked in a garage next to a garage door

A close up of a brown car with silver wheels

A close up of a garage door with a light shining through it

A brown ford mustang is parked in a garage

A car is parked in a garage with the hood up

A brown car with a broken window is parked in a garage

A black mustang is parked on the side of the road

1966 Mustang

This was a daily driver bought on the cheap to clone a GT350. All new interior was installed, freshened drivetrain and a full custom paint combo!

A close up of a car dashboard with a steering wheel

A car with a wooden steering wheel and black seats

The interior of a ford mustang with black seats and a wooden steering wheel

The inside of a car with a steering wheel and seats

The inside of a car with black leather seats and a wooden steering wheel

The hood of a car is open and the engine is visible

The inside of a car with the door open and a steering wheel

A close up of the hood of a ford mustang

A close up of a car hood with a key on it

A black car with the door open and a steering wheel

A black shelby mustang is parked on the side of the road

A red vintage car is parked in a parking lot in front of a building

1955 MGTD

This was a charity build sent from Withoutregrets.org. Craig was a 63 year old father of a 16 year old girl. Craig had an incurable metastaic lung cancer. Craig's dream had always been to restore his 1952 MG TD for his daughter to drive. As his daughter was turning 16, Craig was unfortunately no longer able to do this kind of labor. Craig was a retired member of the United States Marine Corps and Without Regrets was honored to make this father's dream come true. Thank you Wonders and Worries for sending this family to us. Upon first inspection, I felt that we could get it roadworthy in a timely fashion.... was I ever wrong! sourcing parts from the UK was a nightmare and every bolt was rusted solid. Brian Shaw whom owns Silverado Automotive in Austin Texas was gracious to step in with 100% of the mechanical issues as I stayed focused on the paint and body. $ months past the deadline, this little car didn't turn out half bad. 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting didn't have a chance without Brian Shaw and his Silverado Team!

Found in a Barn...Waiting for Help

A red car is parked in a garage next to a motorcycle

A red and white engine is sitting in a garage

Two men are working on a red car in a garage

Two men are working on an old red car in a garage

A sander is sitting on a table next to a roll of tape

A red fender is laying on the floor in a garage

A man is working on a red car in a garage next to a motorcycle

A red object is sitting on a stand in a garage

A man is working on a red car in a garage

A red piece of metal is sitting on a table in a garage

A bunch of red fenders are sitting on the floor

A red object is sitting on a table in a garage

A red car is being worked on in a garage

A red fender is sitting on a metal stand

A close up of a red motorcycle fender on a table

A bunch of red fenders are sitting on a table in a paint booth

Two red pieces of metal are sitting on top of a table

A red car is parked in a garage with an american flag hanging from the ceiling

A bunch of red fenders are sitting in a paint booth

A bunch of red fenders are sitting in a garage

A red car is parked in a parking lot in front of a building

A close up of a red vase with a plant in the background

A bunch of red motorcycle parts are sitting on a table

A close up of a gray car with a white line on it

1969 Datsun 1600

This 1969 Datsun 1600 Roadster was a quick restoration for 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop. The customer was extremely involved and took on the interior himself. 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting corrected the body work, getting each panel and factory line spot on. Sergio Cantu primiered, wet sanded, then sealed the car with a dark grey PPG epoxy blend. Then Sergio laid a silver/aluminum base and cleared with multiple heavy clear layers in order to ensure a perfectly slick showroom finish - nailed it! This little car has been reassembled by the local South Austin owner and it looks very well put together.

Pictures Taken While Building the 1969 Datsun 1600 Roadster at 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop

A white car is parked in front of a brick building

A white convertible car is parked in a parking lot

A grey car with its doors open in a garage

A silver car is sitting in a garage with its hood open

A car is sitting on top of a white pillow on a table

A car is being painted in a garage with the door open

A silver car is sitting in a garage with its doors open

A grey car is sitting in a garage with its doors open

A silver car is sitting in a garage covered in plastic

Pictures Taken of the Final Product of the 1969 Datsun 1600 Roadster at 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop

A silver convertible car with a texas license plate is parked in a garage

A silver convertible car is sitting in a garage being painted

A silver car with the hood open is sitting in a garage

A silver car is parked in a garage with the hood up

A car with the hood open is sitting in a garage

A silver sports car is being painted in a garage

A close up of a silver car door in a garage

WORK BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Prices may vary depending upon size and condition of vehicle.

Please call, text, or email a specialist for appointments and price quotes.

The inside of a green and white truck with the door open

1964 Chevy Apache

This truck was one of my favorites to finish! I bit off a little more than I could chew at the time and was 4 months over schedule but it was done right. Everything was pulled apart, the bed was removed, the frame was cleaned and painted and all of the suspension parts were sand blasted, painted and reassembled with new rubber and joints. The bed was also finished with fresh wood and stainless hardware. What a beautiful truck!

Body Work.... I Wish I Took More Pictures

A close up of a car 's fender and tire on a snowy road

A close up of a car 's side with a hole in it

A close up of a white car fender being repaired

A person is working on a car in a garage

A white steering wheel is sitting on top of a white dashboard

A close up of a car dashboard with a steering wheel in the background

Pictures Taken of the Final Product of the 1969 Datsun 1600 Roadster at 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop

The dashboard of a car is being painted black

The inside of a white car with a white steering wheel

The chassis of a car is being built in a garage

The interior of a white truck with green seats and yellow tri

A close up of a car dashboard with a speedometer

The interior of a green car with a white steering wheel and dashboard

A close up of a white car with a spoiler on it

A van is being painted in a garage with its doors open

A truck is being built in a garage with the doors open

A blue car with the door open is sitting in a garage

A close up of a rear view mirror on a green car

A close up of a green car door with a white trim

A close up of a chevrolet engine with a lot of wires coming out of it

A close up of a car engine with a air filter

A blue truck with the hood open is sitting in a garage

A man is working on the front of a green truck.

A man is working on the front bumper of a truck

A truck with a texas license plate is parked in a garage

The back of a truck with a wooden floor and a texas license plate

The back of a green truck with a wooden floor

A green and white car is parked in a garage

A blue car with a mirror on the side of it

The inside of a white and green truck with the door open

A blue and white pickup truck is parked in a parking lot

A blue truck is parked in front of a building with its doors open

The back of a truck with a texas license plate

A texas license plate is on the back of a truck

A man is working on the front bumper of a car

A man is standing next to a blue truck in a parking lot.

A man and a woman are standing next to a blue truck

A black cadillac is parked in a parking lot

2007 CTSV

This car was brought to us as a keyed insurance job. The customer stepped up and decided to use his bad luck as an opportunity. With a unique black chosen from a Ferrari chart and 4 coats of clear, there isn't another car like this in Austin Texas!

every Panel Was Keyed to the Metal. Long Hours and Plenty of Long Blocking

A black car is sitting in a garage being painted

A black car is being painted in a garage

A close up of the side of a car with a door open

A black car with chrome wheels is parked in a garage

A black car with chrome wheels is parked on the side of the road

A close up of a black car 's hood in a garage

A bmw and a cadillac are parked next to each other in a parking lot

A man in a white shirt is standing in a garage

A man taking a picture of himself in a mirror

An old brown truck is parked in a parking lot

1962 F100

Just an old Farm truck that I cut up a little, put on large wheels and gave it a custom patina color.

A brown truck is on a trailer with the number 20 on it

A man wearing a mask is standing in front of a car

A man wearing a mask is laying under a truck

A brown truck is parked in front of a garage door

A brown ford truck is parked in a parking lot

A brown pickup truck is parked in a driveway next to a trailer

WORK BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Prices may vary depending upon size and condition of vehicle.

Please call, text, or email a specialist for appointments and price quotes.

A red sports car is parked on the side of the road

1981 Euro Spec Porsche 928

This car was a personal favorite of Sergio Cantu. He was unable to leave good enough alone and drove it only a month before he started working on it. This is a true Euro Spec car with 315 hp stock vs. the US 225 hp motor. The only thing Sergio did to the engine was add a set of MSDS long tube headers, put in an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, and installed a true dual exhaust with an H-pipe. It was in great condition, but outdated. He added a set of adjustable coilovers, dialed down the ride height roughly 3 inches all around, and threw on a set of staggered wheels. Talk about aggressive....18x8 in the front and 18x11s in the rear running a 245/45 ft and 313/35 r tire set. The interior didn’t need much but a fresh set of bucket seats and a modern steering wheel. Focal 6 1/2 inch component speakers, a JL Audio 10 in. sub and a big amplifier sealed the deal for sound. Sergio hated letting this one go, but it helped to fund his Porsche 911!

Photos of the 1981 Euro Spec Porsche 928 When First Purchased by Sergio Cantu

Coming Soon

Final Photo Shoot of the 1981 Euro Spec Porsche 928 After 3RD Gear Customs and Consulting and Hot Rod Shop Worked Their Magic

A red sports car is parked in a driveway in front of a brick house

A red car is parked in front of a garage

A red porsche is parked in front of a brick house

A red porsche is parked in front of a house

WORK BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Prices may vary depending upon size and condition of vehicle.

Please call, text, or email a specialist for appointments and price quotes.

A black porsche 911 with orange wheels is parked on the side of the road

2000 Porsche 911

Starting with the absolute bottom, least optioned 2000 Porsche 911, I had plans for both performance and appearance. I had a small budget and pulled it off. With a modified 3.4. I've owned the car for 5 years and absolutely love it! For those that know me, I'm ALWAYS driving it. It has been the most reliable car I've owned. I had an IMS failure the day of purchase with 76,000 miles which is obvious why the previous owner was selling. I had the engine broke apart, replaced all known to be weak pieces replaced with LN Engineering parts. Jake Raby custom grind cams, larger fuel injectors, ported and polished heads tuned chip and an airbox. This car is not the fastest in town but i'm proud to say that it will keep a smile on your face and I've never thought about making it faster. currently there is 114k on the car and it drives perfectly. I added the 3rd center radiator to keep it cooler as well. I've also added a roll bar, KW coil overs and OE GT3RS wheels. The GT2 body kit looks like it was a factory option and the paint is close to a 9.