FantomWorks will not return for a 10th season. The MotorTrend Network (formerly Velocity) has cancelled the show.
The previously-announced 9th season, premiering December 5, 2018, will now be FantomWorks’ final season.
Encyclopedic Data:
Every car has a story and if you can prove to restoration expert Dan Short that you love your vehicle and want the job done right he MAY accept you as a client. FantomWorks is a bustling shop based in Norfolk, Va. with a busy production pipeline. From concept to execution, Dan and his team handle anything and everything in-house as they meticulously restore some of America’s favorite rides. Old cars come with new obstacles every week including irate car owners, personality clashes, cost overruns, parts problems and walk-outs. Come along for the ride in an all new season.
Update from Dan:
Why DRS Quit…
By the first few days of 2019, we will finish filming the television series FantomWorks. The shop will continue to build cars for years to come but the show called FantomWorks will conclude. Our weekly tours will continue as they have since long before the show began. A few weeks back, the network officially posted the cancellation of our television show. Because of that announcement, I decided it was time to explain why I quit and thank all involved.
I want to thank my crew of amazing technicians and the film crew that gave a group of mechanical artisans the chance to be in the spotlight. The crew of FantomWorks maintained the utmost professionalism building cars while dealing with cameras in their faces, sound equipment stuffed into nooks and crannies, radio wars (they were turned off 25 times a day), takes and retakes, working lunches, early mornings that turned into late nights, unwanted travel, and the general difficulties associated with being in front of the cameras 5 days a week, 51 weeks a year, 6.5 years non-stop. Right after the show began, employee turnover increased tenfold; stresses in the shop skyrocketed, and attacks on my company (bloodsucking leeches trying to suck “riches” that never even existed) came out of nowhere. In 2017 I announced to my crew my decision to leave the television show. To my relief, the crew responded very positively. As the cameras are now closing out the final segments of filming, the crew’s morale has skyrocketed and the love of building cars is effervescent again.
I am told that filming a television show on a “set” designed for filming and utilizing paid actors is a reasonably easy thing to do. However in the case of the show FantomWorks, filming was never easy by anyone’s standards. My thanks to those members of the network and film crew who truly cared about the shop. Some understood how difficult it was and helped in any way they could. We had eleven directors in six years, most of whom agreed this was the most difficult show to shoot they’d ever worked on (most one-hour cars shows are shot in a 2-30 day window while this show averages 548 days). Car restorations that averaged almost two years were a reality while we had to display “continuity” during the builds so it looked like they were seamless done in only days. Shop dust and oils affected film gear resulting in an unusual number of equipment issues that then resulted in countless “do overs.” We never filmed less than five days a week, many weeks six. Film crews worked 7AM till 6 or 7PM most days alongside our crews. Often times, filming went well into the night. All this while trying to keep 65 to 98 cars in build at a time. It was never easy. To add insult to injury, many customers were upset as they were never reimbursed for travel or other expenses. The film schedule was so demanding that during the final weeks of my father’s life, I was not able to attend to him. The show took over my life and to make matters worse, my wife and I now face almost a million dollars of debt we incurred keeping the production going.
I have only one regret related to leaving the show. That regret is that we have to say goodbye to our many fans. I have been honored to meet thousands of viewers of the show during the tours at the shop, in local car shows, and national events like SEMA. I’ve travelled the globe and been truly delighted and humbled by meeting so many people who have openly expressed their love of our the shop and the show.
Just a few months ago, a very emotional fan of the show shared a wonderful story. He and his father would watch the show FantomWorks together during the months before his aged father passed. His father suffered from severe dementia had forgotten almost everything; his surroundings and family. It was only during the hour that they watched this show together that his father’s mind became alert. He’d been a car builder in his younger years. While the two watched the show together, his father could “remember” and for that hour, they’d connect… they’d talk. When he told me about what the show had done for his relationship, I rationalized that all the financial hardship we’d been through to make the show and even dealing with the gutless faceless internet trolls for six and a half years were somewhat justified.
So when one of the senior executives from the network and I had a long talk. He suggested that if it doesn’t make any sense to keep going, it’s time to call it done. It was time…
God Bless.
Dan Short
John Richardson says
I have enjoyed Dan and his team for all 9 seasons and hate to see it go, it is one of our favs. Wish this show was sticking around!
Dkgoggins says
One of the best shows on velocity. I knew this was going to happen when I found out motortrend got involved. Mark my words look for a lot of foriegn car shows start to pop up. The day of American muscule and classic car tv shows are slowly going to disappear.
Monte says
I hate to see Fantomworks go, too. Just hope this channel doesn’t clog up with goofy scripted crap reality shows loosely based on cars.
C R Hadoway says
Is it not politically correct?? Just the best show on Velocity, oops MT! It didn’t have any weird people I guess…
michael Noyb says
You mean…”Oh my god! We’re all going to die! We might not get the car done on time! ” fake tension?
One of the reasons I stopped watching Overhaul; plus everything on the other shows is about personality, not cars. I don’t watch those shows to see over age millenials simpering about with scraggy homosexual/homeless beards and screaming “Oh my god! Time’s running out! We’re all gonna die!”.
I’m really going to miss Dan The Man.
Ron L'Heureux says
I watch these shows because I have loved performance cars since the mid-1960s and the deadline sideshow is just the cost of admission. The amazing restorations and builds are why I watch, not the other BS. I’m an older, lifelong car and motorcycle guy, period.
PS: I never miss Bitchn’ Rides, even with nothing but awful, corny joking around that Kevdog does relentlessly.
Ronald says
I agree. Fantom Works and Wheeler Dealers are my favorites for a simple reason: they feature adults confronting real problems and effecting real repairs,
Walter Franks says
My favorites, too. Well stated.
Jordan Blake says
Really? The show is horrid and Dans knowledge of cars is near zero…. The “brake tests” he does is just ridiculous. The work he does is sub par and often dangerous. The old 50’s olds he built for a rally race was beyond dangerous. The way he drives like an idiot on those public streets should make him lose his license. His Work is sub par at best. Good riddance.
He claims to be ex special forces. He would not act nor present him self the way he does. He would not treat customers the way he does. Maybe he worked in a mess hall where the SF ate…
J ho says
Someone has an axe to grind. I am sure you are a car expert right??? Dan does good work and knows cars. You my friend are one of many trolls..
Fantom fan says
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and haters come in all forms shapes and sizes. Dan is awesome at what he does. His shop was great before velocity aired it and will continue to be the biggest and best in the country dispite MT dropping him. The next show MT will drop will be Graveyard Cars. This channel sucks since they took over. I’m planning my vacation around a trip to his shop for work to be done on my car.
Ted in Va Beach says
Come to Norfolk on your vacation, check FW’s website for shop tour hours, you won’t be disappointed
Robert says
Totally agree!
Troy Irish says
I can’t believe it Dan and his team Rock
Thanks allot motor trend
bruce galbraith says
mt sucks
Vinnie DeeV USMC RETIRED says
Even if he did work in the kitchen it was probably more than you did for your country.USMC Retired
Y2K says
Dan is a US Army LTC retired after 24 years.
At one point he was in 5th Special Forces.
Sarcasmo says
OUCH!! I bet that hurt.
That’s one way to put a loser troll in their place.
Lmao
Stan Dombrowski says
I agree 100 percent!!!!
Y2K says
Dan served 24 years in the Army and was once in the 5th Special Forces.
He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, pay grade 05.
How about you?
Ibby says
You don’t know your ass from your elbow. Just another worthless troll that know one cares what you think.
Gunny says
Funny thing, I served with Dan and believe me, IT WASN’T IN A SHOW HALL. Before you make statements like this, just to get people upset, at least list your service record, with your complete name and SSN so we c as n verify the information.
Dr Ken says
Disagree. Dan is an outstanding mechanic, a good person and an honorably discharged officer. I don’t what your issue is buddy, but your lashing out at Dan speaks more about you rather than him. I am truly sad to see this show end and wish Dan the absolute best. USAF veteran.
Robert Malerba says
Agree
Brian says
Don’t you have anything better to do than troll the internet and try and push your BS on other people who watch the shows for entertainment
Carlos Esparza says
What do you know ?
Joe Durham says
You’re a bitch, nothing more, nothing less.
Bill F says
This is my favorite show and is great to see all the fine young men become craftsman and I love Dan’s passion and language you would actually hear in a shop as he does not mince words and shows a lot of care. Restorations can be so frustrating, and the show let you see that side of it too. His passion for these cars is something I appreciated and when a car is finally finished all the bumps in the road pay off the owner’s and Dan’s jubilation is great.
For those who post negative things, it just reflects on you as it would seem you hold yourself in higher opinion than what you have for others. Therefor you are irrelevant to the conversation.
john visconti says
Great show Fantom Works!
That was the Best Car show on TV, if anything Graveyard Cars should have
been Taken off!
Charlie J says
Totally agree! Could not of said it better!
Robert Malerba says
What the hell are you talking about? You are totally clueless
John Church says
I could tell Dan could be hard to get along with but he also did far more work in a day than the average business person .It is always easy to find a flaw in another person. Sometimes it is best to look in the mirror and you might realize you also are not perfect, none of us are. If you watch Youtube you will see that no matter how great the content is, there is always a small portion of viewers that hate it. Every person has an asshole but most don’t like showing it to the public…
JC
Gregory says
Go wipe your ass, and since you’re stupid enough to, don’t lick your fingers. You sound like a real coward.
Dennis ROMANIK says
I can’t believe you would cancel fantomworks and leave a stupid show on like Wheeler Dealers. Motor Trend what a loser
John says
I agree. Best car show on. Even my wife watches it with me. Dan’s show is =$$^%/= awesome. Motortrend is a bunch of fools. They doubled the commercials too. F them!!
Michael says
Wheeler Dealers was a good show… When Edd did the work.
Leon says
I agree Ed China made Wheeler Dealers a creditable show. I quit watching it since he left.
James Sparacco Sr. says
Yep. I watched Ed explain explain on tv why he couldn’t continue doing the show with the new format. He basically said the shows mechanical content would amount to a bunch of fluff…
Ryo E says
Exactly, without Edd and being in England, the show is watered down American trash.
Just like Top Gear, with Matt LeBlanc?? Really?
Fred says
Funny I like Wheeler Dealers, and I saw somebody in comments say they really like Grave Yard Cars. Grave Yard Cars does awesome work but I never cared for the show. My favorite of the car shows is/was FathomWorks. The way I read Dan Shorts reply/update he decided to stop the show fantomworks and explained why. You will be missed Dan Short and good luck carrying on.
Evelyn says
My husband introduced me to this show a couple of years ago. I learned to understand the trials and tribulations of restoring cars thru Dan’s efforts/crew. I especially appreciated the lack of distasteful language, unusual on most of today’s shows. Thank you Dan and crew for your many years of dedication to making this show so interesting.
Mike says
So was it cancelled or did Dan quit? Sounds like maybe they cancelled it after Dan talked to that producer and quit. People always ready to blame someone, Dan, Velocity or whoever, but what’s the truth?
Raymond Edward Challis says
Dan now you will have time you have wanted to work on those cars . My dad was in restoring cars as well. He pass away at 59 from ALS . I learned a lot from him . When I watch your shows it was like I was with my dad . So enjoy your life and family . Life’s to short for stress . Good Luck in your new adventure ! Hopefully someday I’ll stop by the shop and get a tour .
Ray Challis ,Haverhill Mass
Gary Nelson says
Then they bring back crap like West Coast Customs, Vega Design and Unique Customs that would be better named Jeep Customs. The new crappy shows about people who work while in a relationship. This is a channel about grease, dirt and cars. I hope the Love and Wrench end up divorced and Broke.
Sarcasmo says
West Coast Customs is automotive crap…Might as well be called Rice Coast Customs.
Afterall, they did the Mexican style work for Pimp My Ride.
Like we need to see Lambo doors on another donk Escalade owned by a jackass NBA player. No thanks.
Wallace says
Same here. One of my favorite shows. Sad to see it go.
Mike says
Seems MT TV going towards hipsters and lady mechanics. I have no problem with them. But the projects are weird and the shows have more to do with personalities than cars. Maybe time has passed me by. But I can’t watch these shows. What happened to Wheeler Dealers? Is that gone too?
Jeff Folb says
I also wish it would keep going. Maybe at a slower pace. Some of the other shows have too much verbal crap, dancing, not car stuff. I plan on taking my 70 Mach 1 to him soon.
billy says
I agree it took me a while to see he tells it how it is and that grew on me.I will be watching
as I am a late starter to cable. Will visit if I get a chance!
Jim Richards says
Fandomworks was one of the better shows on and I fully agree the foreign shows will start to take over I don’t think many are as good as Fantomworks and as always there are Customers that are only in this for the Drama they thrive on that Drama ! It’s very unfortunate that the Show is ending but we all know reality tv is nothing but BS and is there mainly because ther just aren’t talented writers like there used to be . The Times They are a Changing and not for the Best!!!!!
I personally toured this shop and spoke in person more than once to this very Honorable and Capable Gentleman and can say he has more pride in his work and Integrity than most Men so for the nay sayers we are all entitled to our opinions but we all know that story .
Sorry to see this show leave however I will continue to support this Man and his Business !
Frank Spencer says
Fantom works was one of the best auto restoration shows,i will miss Dan and his crew i do hope he keeps on restoring cars those guys do one hell of a job.
PHILIP Hoham says
That stinks!
Skip says
Too bad motortrend channel will be loosing another cudtomer
Dkgoggins says
I am not shocked or surprised! I knew this would happen when motortrend got involved. Watch Toyota Nissan etc will start to show up on motortrend network. They cancelled iron resurrection and now fantom works. Foreign car shows will move in. Who the hell wants to see a Honda get restored or even repaird
Scout says
What!?!? They canceled Iron Resurrection too? WTF!! What next?
ROBO says
Agreed.
John Woodward says
I think it’s the best show that they have. It appears to be authentic they give us time frames he truly seems to care about his clients. I think Motor Trend is making a major mistake and they’re going to lose a lot of followers. I hope this gets picked up by another Network just to show them the error of their ways.
roy says
Iron Resurrection has not been canceled. Just yesterday I saw an ad on tv for them. It said that the new season starts on Feb. 5. 2020.
SharpOldNo7 says
I hate to see Fantomworks cancelled. I met Dan a couple of years ago and he actually tells you like it is about what’s required to restore or just repair you vehicle. Dan is a fan of Camaros and I like to see his work on them.
Gary Engle says
Like others, motor Trend will kill the network content. They’ve already started with the foreign car content shows. Who care about those shows? Those people seem to think that 150 HP is a fast car.
As for the on demand, we now have to pay for what was free with Discovery. Magazine, and newspapers sales are off tons, MT is trying to keep itself relevant in today’s media. Not gonna happen. Oh, congrats to all the manufacturs that antied up to be ” Fill in Car, truck ,or SUV of the year”
Cindy Ulrich says
Damn, Fantomworks was the best car show on! Dan was real and cared about the cars and his customers. Bummed
Ed says
The loss of this show stinks. Enjoyed watching, hate to see it go. What’s left of velocity is quickly losing my interest.
Steve Chmielewski says
I truly enjoyed Fantomworks. So many great American muscle restores. Thanks Dan for your passion and dedication in bringing back dreams for classic car owners over the years.
Steve says
Wow, bad decision by MT. If they continue to cancel American muscle car shows they will not survive. Play your cards carefully MT, youvate gonna lose customers. Not off to a good start!!!!!!
Richard says
You’re so right on. Motor Trend keeps the most moronic show on tv in “Road Kill”, the second worst in “Graveyard Cars” which hours are wasted on Mark giving home work assignments for molar Vin plates and parts numbers, but gets rid of a true, real car show in Fantom Works. Maybe Discovery picks Dan up? Let’s hope.
Wayne VanHooser says
Discovery owns Motor Trend
Kevin R crane says
This stings a bit. This was the least scripted or rehearsed show out of all the build shows on MT. I’m not gonna watch shows that turn into 30 min commercials. Bad call MT!!! Dan says it like it is and you can see he really loves what he does!!
Dave W says
Damn, why Fantomworks? If MT felt the urge to cancel another car show, how about Graveyard Carz? Dan Short is passionate about quality restorations and will leave a huge void!
Richard says
This is my favorite show on velocity and now motor trend! What are the reasons for this poor decision ! If they are smart they will change their minds!
Richard
Dan says
Like the rest of the comments, I too am a huge fan of Fantom Works. It was my favorite show because if Dan, and his crew. Actually thinking about taking my own car there.
As for Motor Trend taking over, you shouldn’t of changed what they had going on Velocity, some very good shows on fixing or making American Muscle! Disappointed in you already, and we just met!
Hank says
OMG!!! What the heck is MT thinking. Fantomworks and Iron resurrection both gone. They should fire their programmer or who ever made that decision. Get rid of Graveyard cars instead. If I start to see foreign cars show up, bye bye MT.
Mike Mlas says
One of my favorite shows.
ERIC says
They removed all the real car shows and air bad Chad from Canada ! This guy can’t even carry on an intelligent conversation.
Clifford Sturgill says
This sucks bad what are they thinking . I love Dan and his show. He is so passionate about cars and his builds . MT sucks for this
Dominick Pipitone says
You know it’s a lot like the movies being put out today……. you would think with all the brains,money and talent out there that we would have great movies from the big screen people…..the cancellation of Fantom works is a reflection of the idiots making decisions on what’s good,great or a so so show. Maybe we all don’t know the whole story behind the cancellation that MT did here but I would guess its a political thing like most of our countries issues…….. Dan I just want to say thank you and you will surely be missed…….BTW do you have time to bring my friends 1965 thunderbird back to 100% factory?.?.?.?. It’s a 6 out of 10 but it just needs some working out for the most part…if not then the hell with you!! Lol……Dominick
Brian says
Agree with you. Since MT took over the network, all the shows are geared to minimum attention span with no descriptive explanation of what is being done in a repair. Started with Wheeler Dealers replacing Edd with Ant. Watch shows like All Girls Garage, Car Fix and it looks like fluff over substance.
Buddy Newman says
I really enjoyed the show and also iron resurrection was one of my favorites. It’s crazy how they can show a week of Barrett Jackson and screw up prices for the average guy and cancel shows that are real. I am glad we have other networks to watch seems as if I will be watching them a lot more!
Mark Chew says
Wow. Motor Trend. You cancelled one of your best shows!!! I know where your head is!!!!! Why not cancel Graveyard cars. with that obnoxious Mark Worman. Or Chasing Cassic Cars what a bore!! What are you going to air in its place?? 10 year old Overhaulin’ episodes. There are other channels to watch!!!
Mike says
Yea that Worman guy is weird. And Chasing Classic Cars is a sure fire cure for insomnia. Jeesh is Carini boring or what.
Dat Guy says
Carini is a short, aloof jackass, he needs to get run over by a rare 1967 Iso Grifo.
That show works quicker than Nyquil. Snoozefest.
Colin Buck says
Anybody think that maybe Dan & crew are tired of being in a TV production after all these seasons?
Gregory says
Hey Colin,
I think most everyone here missed that. Dan did what he needed to do, end the show. Thanks for the good times Dan, and thanks to the crew!
ChrisD says
It’s too bad FantomWorks is discontinued, it was great to see a show without the long beard redneck duck dynasty types. It will be interesting to see what MT does as far as programming.
Jim C. says
I agree with all these comments. One of the best shows on the channel. Only restoration show that would take on a Plymouth Valiant or old Caddy just as quickly as a Camaro. Big loss.
T Pelagos says
Disappointed to hear that FantomWorks is being cancelled. One of my favorite shows to watch.
Wes says
I always look forward to FantomWorks! I like that there is nobody talking over the show to treat us like morons. I also like iron resurrection and enjoy the chase to find then restore. I will not watch the foreign shows and I hate the new ones where the show is talked over by a mc!! Leave the shows natural and us real car guys will support them!
Mark Anthony Bivens says
I’m going to miss a good car show like phantom workers I’d rather watch that then chasing classic cars, wrenched, Restoration garage fathom work is better than all those.
Timothy C says
Come on !!! Cancelling Fantomworks? One of my favorite shows of work I can’t do anymore. Its always the best shows in my opinion that get cancelled..Probably political, it would be nice to know what happened. Thanks to Dan Short for all the hours of enjoyment I recieved from this show
Susan Fourness says
I am so sorry to see Fantomworks go. It was my favorite show on Velocity. Dan and his employees really cared about the cars they worked on. They will be missed.
Jeremy Horton says
WTF! Don’t cancel. Motor trend is making a big mistake.
Paul says
I’m so disappointed to hear that Fantomworks is being cancelled. It was one of the main reasons I tuned in . I’d much rather see shows like this where cars are restored to the condition they were born. Seems like the network is being overtaken by shows like Bitchin’ Rides and shows of that genre. I like cars left original.
J ho says
Motor trend tv is already becoming a joke!!! Dan keeps it real and his show is not extremely scripted. MT has just ruined this channel. I will not watch anymore if they continue this trend. How about canceling Jdm legends that show is garbage and the one with the meth head that just came out. They are trying to kill american muscle shows and will become a CNN, or mslsd, etc… nobody watches. Watch yourself motor trend, you have lost relevance and now I see why! Sounds like I’m not the only one that feels this way. Other than our beloved trolls out there. Dan has built a beautiful successful shop and this is your loss.
Phil says
This show was true car guys show. Dan and his crew worked miracles on some rough vehicles. I’m not sure who the genius @ MT is that thinks they need to get rid of a good show but I’m sure they’re not worried about fans! Hope someone picks it up!
J.P. says
This blows. This is a believable show that deals with vehicles we as Americans can relate to, not the foreign crap that we see on the recently added shows to this network. I had hopes that Motor Trand would be a positive change, I was wrong.
Jim says
Motor Trend, I never liked the magazine now they screw with success.And now iron resurrection, must be some newbie programming the channels. Just don’t put that foreign crap on. Those guys restore cars were never even imported to this country, yet see them on ANY street.Chasing classic cars is also another piece of work, he buys them all(so do I) LOL, let’s keep it real.
William Spofford says
Fantom Works was one of my favorite shows on Velocity / MT. I liked Dan, his crew, and his customers. Also you could track how long the restoration process took for each car because the “Day Number” flashed on the screen for each step shown in the process. Then also when Dan would go over the costs with the customer he would often state how much was spent in parts and the number of hours his crew put in on the project. Since I am interested in how long these restorations really take and how much they cost, Fantom Works was the only show which regularly gave viewers the time a project took and the ability for us to come up with a fairly good idea of the cost. I will miss that aspect.
Blake Tobias says
Great show, pissed to see it being yanked off the air by MT! I guess we will replace it with rebuilding Toyota’s, or Fix It Again Tony’s… Don’t try to fix what isn’t broken, but like any newly stamped network, the new owners will pick and choose their favorites, no matter what the public likes. Guess what, thankfully I have a remote so I can tune into other channels, and if this trend continues MT will fail faster than a small block Chevy with no engine oil.
Kevin E Eaton says
Too bad fantom works has been canceled! One of the best. Get rid of bad Chad instead. I enjoy the shows that show American muscle. Bring this show back!!
Ken says
I enjoyed an East coast production Living in Maryland and also knowing good work was within reach
Patrick Roberts says
I like watching these shows, however I do agree with some of the folks that Dan is a idiot when it comes to his brake test LOL
And it always feels to me that he’s taking advantage of people when I comes to pricing restorations I know the shits expensive but His is a little ridiculous, On some of the restoration prices! I’ve just finished my 10th car so I know they’re expensive but Damn Dan!!
BTW I am Retired special operations so I’d like to see Dan’s resume saying that he was in the special forces most people are full of shit that I meet out there when it comes To their old jobs in the military
Ron AMoroso says
I don’t know how old you are Patrick, but this is the old “tried and true” method of testing the brakes to determine brake bias between side to side and front to back. Would care to elaborate another way???
James Wofford says
I used to watch the speed channel. It became Velocity. Fantom Works is my favorite show and those idiots at Motortrend canceled it. This channel sucks now like their magazine!
Mark Kissel says
Way to go Motor Turd, the car magazine that never met a car they didn’t like. Fantom Works was a great, REALISTIC show that actually showed the restoration process honestly. No idiots in flat brimmed hats playing out scripted antics, no product placements, no ridiculous 7 day “deadlines”. Just real mechanics doing real work. I guess that is not what teenage boys want to see. I got a higher tier of my TV service for the sole reason of being able to watch Velocity Channel. Like many others have said here, now I can drop that, and save $20/month.
John DeWeale says
Fantomworks is my favorite show. I visited a few years ago and while there, asked Audrey how often they filmed; she said pretty much every day and sometimes on Saturday!
Earlier, I read in an online post by Dan, his letter of explanation. It seems like he was absolutely done with the non-stop inconvenience of the constant filming. Try to find his letter, it will explain a lot. It was Dan’s choice to quit the filming.
Shelby Lane says
Who the hell is running this MT program anyway, a couple of dumb blondes with no sense of car savvy. They need to go back to QVC and sell junk jewelry.
Lori says
Fantom Works and Iron Ressure toon were shows that really worked on cars. They didn’t insert all the annoying drama that so many of the others shows have. That is why I liked them and watched them. I hate the shows with drama. I won’t be watching this station any more except when Barrett Jackson is on.
Patti says
Agree with you Lori.
Troy Irish says
I can’t believe it Dan and his team Rock
Thanks allot motor week
Patti says
Fantom Works is one of the best shows on MotorTrend – go figure. Sorry to see Dan and his crew leave as my husband and I really enjoyed watchin. Motor Week channel is not making good choices, already time for a frame off resto.
Mark says
One less reason to watch MT tv.
George H. says
Enjoyed the shos BIG MISTAKE. MT
Mike baldwin says
Dan’s letter. Sounds like he gave more than his all
https://www.fantomworks.com/14385/why-drs-quit/
Mike
Mike Baldwin says
Here is Dan’s letter. Tells the whole story. He certainly gave a lot of himself.
Mike B says
Forgot the letter link
Mike says
Here it is
https://www.fantomworks.com/14385/why-drs-quit/
D Capp says
this sucks, I am cancelling my MotorTrend subscription
John says
I agree. Best car show on. Even my wife watches it with me. Dan’s show is =$$^%/= awesome. Motortrend is a bunch of fools. They doubled the commercials too. F them!!
Bob Grier says
I’m sorry to see this show go. Dan and the guys at Fantomworks were great to watch as they were all amazingly talented in their own areas. I also appreciated Dan “passion”. Meanwhile we are left with crap like Restoration Garage! I’ve watched a few episodes of RG and am amazed they have any customers. The place is a dump, no management, turning janitors into “restorers”, no overall direction whatsoever.
E.J. Turel says
January 22, 2019
So sorry AND so annoyed that Velocity has cancelled Fantomworks. Watched it from the beginning. Not much more to say.
Fred says
ONE OF THE BEST CAR SHOWS ON TV. DAN AND HIS TEAM DO GREAT WORK AND DO THINGS RIGHT. WE NEED MORE SHOWS LIKE THIS.I ACTUALLY LEARN THINGS BY WATCHING THIS PROGRAM. THANKS FOR NOTHING M.T.
Ed Muraski says
Phantom Works is one of my favorites I will be sorry to see it go.
Dave says
Another great show gone. This was one of the better ones that seemed to care about his work. Bring back velocity if this is what motor trend is going to be like.
Mike says
So was it cancelled or did Dan quit? Sounds like maybe they cancelled it after Dan talked to that producer and quit. People always ready to blame someone, Dan, Velocity or whoever, but what’s the truth?
Tom Logue says
Hands down, the best car show on tv! The timeline showed how long it takes to restore a classic…..unlike the clowns that want you to believe they can do the work in 2 weeks with their phony “deadlines”. I’ll miss this series and will abandon M/T!
Al says
Dan states his reasons very clearly above and after reading they I’m okay with the show being cancelled. It was one of my favorites and I will miss it but everything has a beginning and sadly an end.
Dave W says
I agree. Everything considered I am surprised Dan hung in as long as he did. There is a bunch of junk on MT. Dan and his artizians will be missed and I wish them all the best as their lives get back to normal.
Lisa Koenn says
I just wanted to tell you how much enjoyment your show has given my husband over the past years. It was definitely my husband favorite and he will surely miss seeing your remarkable restorations. Thank you for all the pain you have endured over the years with cameras in your face to give us the best car show on any network. What an amazing group of guys you have working for you. You all will be truly missed!!
Michael Coons says
Fantomworks was by far my favorite Velocity/Motor Trend Show and would like to thank Dan & all the Staff that worked, or work for him my humblest thanks for the entertainment & education. I have watched every episode from Season 1 and many episodes several times and will watch the final episode with a bit of sadness. I understand Dan’s reasoning and respect it and wish nothing but the best for the DRS family.
Thanks Fantomworks, I thoroughly enjoyed the show and will still watch the reruns, again all the best !!!
Michael in Roseville, CA
Dave says
One of my favorites on television period. You’ll be missed. All the best in your post-tv life!
Fast Eddie says
Motor Trend, the magazine that made the rust bucket oil leaking Chevy Vega Car of the Yeat still can’t get it right. Best car show on television going down the drain! The scripted car shows like Wheeler Dealers and Bitchin Rides are barely watchable, Fantom Works was by far the most genuine. Boo Motor a Trend!
John says
Fantomworks is one of the best shows on the network. I am very very sorry to see it go off the air but I can watch this and a couple other auto shows over and over so I will enjoy for years. Next time I am in Norfolk, I will indeed stop in and thank you. Good luck.
Mary R. says
This breaks my heart to see Fantom Works go but I can understand. Only thing puzzling is why did he have to go a Mil in debt to keep the show going? That doesn’t sound right.
Jim Dornberger says
Really enjoyed the old school restorations and Dan, too. One of my top 3 Velocity shows. MotorTrend appears to be bringing on more more radically shows with lower production costs.
Jack says
Dan: Thanks much for a great run. I REALLY enjoyed every episode and learned a lot about the great difficulty in making a quality auto product. You’re great! Again, my thanks…..and I’ll miss seeing Fantomworks on tv. All the best. You’ve earned it.
Duane says
Leave it to MT to screw good tv up.
jeff gravitt says
So the best show they had is cancelled. Shame that, but after reading Dan’s letter, I reckon it’s for the best. It couldn’t go on forever. He’s got a real business to run and Motor Trend isn’t going to be doing real American car shows for too much longer anyway…..probably. What you’re going to be stuck with now is garbage like that Canadian clod who wanders around like he can’t find the door to the outhouse, unwatchable drek that I call “sounds good” shows, where they agree to do something, then high-five each other over and over again, but never seem to do any real work. Then there’s the sh*t where they destroy real cars in order to “build” junk like they did on “OCC”. Finally, their true market target……millennials and their little 4-wheeled scooters. Sad, really, really sad. Good-bye, Dan and all at Fantom Works and thanks for the great work.
Steve Lees says
Dan,
Thanks for all the memories! This is one show I hate to see go, but I do understand why!
(Love your dog!)
Jim Bass says
Hate to say “what he/she said” to the foregoing criticisms of MT regarding the demise of Fantom Works and Iron Resurrection, but there is little else to be said. I will miss them, because they are the primary reasons I watched Velocity. Sad.
Gary Roma says
Dan, so very sorry to learn my favorite Velocity show is canceled. I really enjoyed watching your very talented crew and yourself deal with all the challenges of building these awesome cars!
I can appreciate all the sacrifices you and your staff put up with to deliver such a fine show!
I own a 55 Chevy Nomad I just completed putting in a LS3 motor in! I would love to have you tackle the rest of the rebuild!
Jeff says
Can’t believe Fantom Works is being cancelled. Motortrend is making a big mistake, and then cancel Iron Resurrection on top of that.You all just lost a loyal viewer.
Fred says
Dan, I want to tell you this was one awesome show (not to mention I am a corvette nut like you !)
I totally understand your need to call it quits, but I think this transition from Velocity to Motortrend looks like a major cluster__ck.
Thanks for some awesome shows and great wrench turning talent.
God Bless
Good luck
G. Hentschel says
If you read the story, it was Dan’s decision to not do another season. It doesn’t seem like Motortrend had a say in that. Just read the last line where Dan says it’s time.
Sharon McDonald says
We will miss you Dan. FantomWorks is our favorite tv show. Love it and will miss you. Good luck!
Delos Johnson says
More shows about foreign cars are coming. Shows about American cars will fade. Just like everything else American. We take a back seat. Maybe MT should fade away. Wonder who owns it ??
Mary Allbright says
Dan and the crew we’re my favorite show on velocity now motor trend. My husband and I made sure to watch every Wednesday if not able to watch we recorded the show and watched it later. I understand the reasons given for leaving the network just know your honesty and perfection in doing the job right will be sorely missed. God bless you and your crew.
Mary in Arkansas
T says
I bet he decided to “quit” AFTER the show was cancelled by the network.
Joe Durham says
Thank you Dan and all of your crew for the great content. I have always loved this show and I understand your decision to decist and focus on your love of restoration and cars. You are a wonderful person and I hope to God that you and your family thrive in the industry after all of these years of distraction. I am thankful to have seen all that you and your team do, but happy that you have decided for your family and team to move on and continue with what you love.
Jim Zinter says
Great show. I have enjoyed watching the builds. I only wished I had visited when I worked in Norfolk since it was just a few blocks away. My son visited and I now have one of Dan’s shirts. Best wishes to you and the company in the future. When touring the Art Morrison company, the technicians talked about the difficulty when working and keeping the noise down…
R says
Thanks Dan for showing us what you do and how you helped veterans. I will miss watching your show. I really liked how you were the person that would find the solution when one could not be found. You were never afraid to get your hands dirty.
Thomas says
I hate seeing the show come to an end.I was disappointed but after reading your statement I’m not so upset.First and foremost thanks for your service in our armed forces and for the years you gave to our entertainment.Thanks Dan
Sean Higgins says
Loved the show.
Ron Amoroso says
Another commenter linked to this site. I didn’t know Dan had “pulled the plug”. All of his reasons make perfect sense but his show will definitely be missed. I see they have also cancelled Iron Resurrection which was the only other show I watched on Velocity since it has evolved to providing a image of anyone interested in crafting automotive modifications as “Rich Ego Worship” or other “Eccentric Folly”. With the introduction of Motor Trend, it appears to be moving to a higher level of extreme.
Initially, I was very happy to have found Velocity. A channel dedicated to the automobile. It has “devolved” over time just like “History” and “Learning” to a place where it is simply a collage of commercials with some extreme “clowns” in between.
Sad to see Dan and phantom Works go but it is understandable. ;o(
Ronald V says
Loved the show Dan! Also enjoyed wheeler dealers, and the Canadien show, I think antique Restoration!? Ever since it has become MotorTrend, it seems all we are relegated to seeing is Motorweek, Motorweek, and vehicle comparisons…sucks! I hope they fall on their asses for confiscating the auto shows that VIEWERS what to see! Not what’s crammed down our throats because we totally enjoy all the aspects of automobiles, they should hire more adept programmers and find out what we want! NOT what they think we want. Amen
Ronald V says
Get back to what viewers want to view!
Randy says
Thank you Dan. Loved the show. Out of all the car building and restoration tv shows. I believe that Fantomworks was the only realistic one out there. The costs of doing the cars where real. Not building a $100,000 car for $20,000 like a lot of shows out there. Hate to see you go Dan. Great job! You and your guys a super talented. Hope to visit your shop one day.
KN Repair says
I’d like to give a special thanks to Dan and his crew. The shows reflected the feel of doing it right. I’m a baby boomer and grew up during the American Graffiti era. We all worked on our cars with what we had (financially and equipment) and we”d have to cut corners, sometimes leading to a unsafe condition. To see the fanthom works crews dedication to make the car better than the day it rolled off the showroom floor is inspiring. I hope to visit your shop one day. Please keep building em, they will come.
Jim Bernot says
Fantomworks is the best of the restoration shows on Velocity in my opinion. It is the only one that I have programmed to record each new episode. I am going to miss Dan and his capable crew. It seems that whoever is in charge at Velocity Network doesn’t know what they are doing, and they are going to lose viewers as a result. I quit watching Wheeler Dealers after Edd left. I can’t believe they renewed Graveyard Cars, but cancelled Fantomworks, which is the far superior show.
Craig says
Nobody does it better
Thanks, guys.
DERRICK EVANS says
Loved this show, Sad to see it go.
My favorite, No disrespect to all the other great shows out there.
Kudus to all involved. Glad to know that the shop will remain open
Because I plan to bring my vehicle there soon !
tom says
Never really liked the show the guy was always sounded like he was whining and ready to cry all the time with the way he complained about little things like they were big deals
mb mcdonald says
Agree 100%. Some of the stuff that went on in this show, any mechanic with any sense would call BS in a second. I watched because I love anything automotive/car related. Just watched the episode Wrangle This! Where a customer brings in a 1989 Wrangler with an LS swap. Tons of wiring issues. Dan tells the guy it looked like someone went to the salvage yard and pulled a huge wiring harness out and tried to install it in the Jeep. You can see if you look closely, it’s a Painless type kit with all the wires marked individually where they go. Every episode there were things like this. Typical over the top, fake drama, made for TV, not made for car guys.
norman Barnes says
I watched almost all of the shows and it was the best show out there. This new bunch that now rule MT are bunch of young guys who take nice cars and turn them into airbag junk.
It is a real sad case there are thousands of us who own classic cars and when we we see this young guys get their hands on them and can’t wait jack them up or slam them down it makes me sick.
George Barnett says
It is hard to believe and even harder to accept that Motor Trend has cancelled Fantom Works.
Especially when they continue to air dross such as Graveyard Carz.
Dan is real. I truly believe that you get exactly what we see on the show. A decent, passionate, caring and very knowledgeable car guy who owns a pair.
I loved the episode where some waste of skin kept jacking up the price of an old Caddy, for A/C parts, and Dan finally got P.O.’d and told him to shove his Caddy up his ass.
I’m sure going to miss the show.
Be well, Dan and crew.
Dona Fellows says
Motortrend, Are you out of your minds?
This is one show my husband lobe to watch together and I’ve learned so much from this team. Please bring it back.
David says
Don’t knock Graveyard Cars which I like. If you get rid of GYC all you’ll be left with are a bunch of rednecks racing junk cars, like Roadkill etc Talk about boring. If GYC would finish a car every episode or 2, they would be great. Long live programs like Bitching Rides, Iron Resurrection, Fantom Works, GYC, and even Bad Chad, Restoration Garage, Wrenched, Goblin Works Garage, and Speed is the New Black.
scott says says
Glad to see it go. I noticed they stopped showing what he was charging the poor suckers that enter his shop. Always looking to jack his astronomical prices up. Rip off city.
mb mcdonald says
Seems like we’re the minority here, but I agree with you completely. I watch these shows because I love anything automotive. The fake drama, and overpriced labor that took advantage of people that didn’t know any better was hard to watch. Any real mechanic with any sense could call BS on something in every episode.
Rudy Yarbrough says
Dan’s show and team were one of only a few “Car” shows that were not painful to watch. Most started pretty car-oriented and then slowly worked towards all about the crew. Their stupid jokes and antics are childish and the car repair and restoration became only a small part of the show. Dan and his crew will be sorely missed by us car lovers!
Ron Rico says
As a classic car enthusiast and restorer myself, I regrettably admit that I watched a couple episodes. I was unimpressed. I was also irritated. Like most “facemen” DRS is all about himself. His complete insensitivity for others shines through. I will cite the one episode of the guy that came in with the 57 chevy that he wanted to rebuild quickly for his terminal mother. As you might expect, he dragged him along until his mother died, making the restoration moot. Sure, there was a media save to make it look appreciated by the surviving family, which makes you wonder whether the story had any truth to it at all or if it was just another media manipulation to make you say awwwwwe. I say BS. We will never know how much money changed hands to say what, do what, and when. But the bottom line is that there is no incentive for this guy to get a car finished on time or by deadline, not even a lady dying of cancer with a short life expectancy. Another example of DRS insensitivity is his defunct “wounded wheels” non-profit that never produced a single wheel despite almost $100K raised through donations, of which all went into his business and none into helping a hypothetical vet. Yes, we read the article about his excuses and claims of ignorance about laws regulations, etc. I’m not buying it. A guy with a net worth of 3.5 million has lots of lawyers working for him. You know damn well he knew or had the means to know. So, did he give back all the donations? Doubtful, we’ll never know for sure. But I’m sure the IRS does. It sounds a lot like the Clinton Foundation, LOL. I wish he would copy and paste this to his hate mail section, where he tries to ridicule people who criticize his lack of expertise. Of course, eh doesn’t give them a rebuttal voice either, so…. it basically supports my contention that he is a self-absorbed narcissist, who is easily wounded by criticism, and will go out of his was to brand someone else for his failures. I wonder how many lawsuits he has now. I’ve sued guys like this before. They just make it go away in settlement rather than be exposed for their fraud, and that’s the fact.
Jim Richards says
Just reading your comment I can tell you may be the one that is very self absorbed ????? You seem to make a lot of accusations but where is the proof ??
Vealham Scorchroad says
The best thing about this show is it holds up in reruns! I’ll watch it for the rest of my life! I am only 5 years old so that’ll go a long way!
Gregory says
Who put sand in your vagina?
Billy says
Just found out Fantom works is canceled. I can’t believe MT canceled this show, one of the best and honestly one of the only ones that knew what they were talking about with cars onTV. I’m done with MT they are only interested in commercials and advertisements with their on screen adds blocking a third of the screen is BS. TV is full of half assed reality shows, counts customs and roadkill garage with brain dead people for other brain dead people that can’t think past a their A/H. THIS is what TV and this world has come to and the TV company’s have the gazoones to charge $300 a month for that crap because the country is full of losers that pay and watch that crap. Hello cozi and Me TV with 50’s and 60’s reruns. Good luck and the best Dan.