Gas Monkey Garage Live Cam

Gas Monkey Garage, located in Dallas, Texas, has become a household name in the automotive world, thanks to its high-octane presence on television, social media, and the car restoration scene. Founded by Richard Rawlings in 2002, the garage specializes in the restoration and customization of classic cars, muscle cars, and hot rods. However, it is not just a place for car enthusiasts; Gas Monkey Garage has evolved into a global brand, largely due to its reality TV show, *Fast N' Loud*, which aired on the Discovery Channel. This show chronicled the daily operations of the garage, giving viewers an inside look at the process of finding, restoring, and selling classic cars. With its unique mix of automotive expertise, raw creativity, and Texan charisma, Gas Monkey Garage has cemented itself as an icon in the custom car world.

The story of Gas Monkey Garage began with Richard Rawlings, a self-made entrepreneur and lifelong car enthusiast. Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Rawlings developed a passion for cars at a young age. His father was a car fanatic, frequently taking him to car shows, swap meets, and auto events. This early exposure to the car culture shaped Rawlings’ love for vehicles and fueled his desire to work in the automotive industry. After trying his hand at various ventures, including owning a printing company, Rawlings decided to pursue his passion for cars full-time. In 2002, he founded Gas Monkey Garage with the vision of building custom cars and restoring classics to their former glory.

Initially, Gas Monkey Garage was a small operation focused on buying and restoring classic cars, often found in dilapidated condition. Rawlings’ keen eye for undervalued vehicles allowed him to turn rust buckets into coveted treasures. With a focus on high-quality restorations and performance upgrades, the shop quickly gained a reputation among car enthusiasts. However, it wasn't until the launch of *Fast N' Loud* in 2012 that Gas Monkey Garage became a household name. The show followed Rawlings and his team, including his lead mechanic Aaron Kaufman, as they traveled across the country in search of rare and classic cars to restore and flip for a profit.

*Fast N' Loud* became an instant hit, captivating audiences with its mix of adrenaline-pumping car restorations, engaging personalities, and high-stakes business deals. Rawlings’ charismatic and larger-than-life personality, combined with Kaufman’s technical expertise, made for a compelling dynamic that kept viewers coming back for more. The show not only showcased the mechanical side of car restoration but also highlighted the challenges of running a successful business in the competitive world of custom cars. It offered viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the time, effort, and craftsmanship involved in transforming junkyard finds into show-stopping vehicles.

As the popularity of *Fast N' Loud* grew, so did Gas Monkey Garage’s reputation. The garage became a mecca for car enthusiasts, attracting customers from around the world who wanted their vehicles restored or customized by the Gas Monkey team. The shop’s projects ranged from iconic American muscle cars, like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, to rare European classics and vintage hot rods. Rawlings’ ability to find unique vehicles, often hidden away in barns or forgotten storage units, became a trademark of the show, leading to some of the most exciting and unexpected restorations in the series.

One of the key aspects that set Gas Monkey Garage apart from other custom car shops is its emphasis on speed and efficiency. In the high-pressure environment of *Fast N' Loud*, the team often worked under tight deadlines to complete restorations in time for car auctions, special events, or television appearances. This sense of urgency added a layer of excitement to the show, as viewers watched the team race against the clock to deliver top-notch results. Despite the time constraints, the quality of the work remained consistently high, thanks to the skill and dedication of the mechanics, fabricators, and bodywork specialists at Gas Monkey Garage.

The success of Gas Monkey Garage has extended far beyond the television screen. The brand has expanded into a full-fledged business empire, with ventures in various industries. One of the most notable is Gas Monkey Bar N' Grill, a live music venue and restaurant located in Dallas, Texas. Opened in 2013, the venue combines Rawlings’ love for cars, music, and entertainment, offering patrons a place to enjoy live performances while indulging in Texas-style food and drinks. The bar and grill have become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, adding to the Gas Monkey brand’s cultural footprint in Dallas.

In addition to the restaurant, Gas Monkey Garage has launched a range of merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and automotive-related products. The Gas Monkey Garage logo, featuring a snarling, hot rod-driving monkey, has become a symbol of the brand’s rebellious, high-energy spirit. Fans of the show and the garage can purchase Gas Monkey apparel and gear, allowing them to take a piece of the Gas Monkey lifestyle with them wherever they go.

Over the years, Gas Monkey Garage has also built strong partnerships with various automotive companies and industry leaders. From collaborations with car manufacturers to sponsorships in the racing world, the garage has become a respected name within the automotive industry. Gas Monkey Garage has been involved in numerous car shows and events, showcasing its work at prestigious gatherings like the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas, where the team has unveiled some of their most ambitious projects.

Despite its immense success, Gas Monkey Garage has not been without its challenges. In 2017, Aaron Kaufman, Rawlings’ longtime business partner and head mechanic, left the garage to pursue his own ventures. Kaufman’s departure marked a significant shift in the dynamic of *Fast N' Loud*, as his mechanical expertise and calm demeanor had been an integral part of the show’s appeal. However, Rawlings and the rest of the Gas Monkey team continued to push forward, bringing in new talent and adapting to the ever-evolving custom car industry. The garage has continued to thrive, showcasing new projects, restorations, and builds that captivate their fanbase.

Another important aspect of Gas Monkey Garage is its commitment to giving back to the community. Throughout the years, the garage has been involved in various charity efforts, including fundraising events, vehicle donations, and community outreach programs. Rawlings has used his platform to support numerous causes, leveraging the Gas Monkey brand's popularity to make a positive impact beyond the world of custom cars. This philanthropic aspect of the business has endeared Gas Monkey Garage to fans, further solidifying its reputation as more than just a car shop.

Gas Monkey Garage’s legacy is one of passion, innovation, and resilience. From its humble beginnings as a small Dallas garage to its status as a global automotive brand, the journey of Gas Monkey Garage has been nothing short of extraordinary. With its distinctive blend of car culture, business savvy, and entertainment, Gas Monkey Garage continues to inspire car enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike. As Richard Rawlings and his team look to the future, there is no doubt that Gas Monkey Garage will remain at the forefront of the custom car world, pushing boundaries, and creating automotive masterpieces for years to come.

Dallas, Las Colinas and Austin

Two of the best courses in Texas state are in Las Colinas, only a short drive from Dallas’ DFW Airport. Look for two superb but very different courses at the Four Seasons Resort and Club at Las Colinas . First, the Tournament Players Course is a challenging green that is the site of the annual Verizon Byron Nelson Classic each spring. Recent million dollar renovations have made the course even more ambitious and attractive. If the tournament level TPC course proves too arduous, look just across the street to the resort’s second course, Cottonwood Valley, for a true Texas experience. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the first hole features a huge green shaped like the Lone Star State. The approach shot is over a large lake resembling the Gulf of Mexico and the monstrous sand trap behind the green is the shape of our neighbor north of the Red River, Oklahoma.

The Four Seasons also is host to the Byron Nelson Golf School, a program that boasts a $1 million practice facility and caters to business groups around the world. Not just for golfers, the Four Seasons Resort offers a lavish spa and an extensive sports club.

After the links, you can partake of trendy restaurants and lively entertainment venues, many of which cater to the Dallas Cowboys who practice nearby at Texas Stadium in Irving. The Las Colinas complex, an ultramodern, multi-use complex on 12,000 acres features an Equestrian Center, farmer’s market, movie studio, business facilities, hotel, restaurants and shops. Mandalay Canal Walk, one level below street is an European style canal walk featuring Venetian-built water taxis. Don’t miss the striking Mustangs of Las Colinas, located in the center of Williams Square. The striking sculpture showcases nine mustangs that appear to be splashing through a stream of water. Lastly, visit the spectacular Las Colinas Flower Clock at Texas 114 and O’Connor Road. Flowers are planted at least eight times a year for eye-popping displays and great photos year round.

A three and half hour drive from the Texas Metroplex, Austin’s Barton Creek Country Club and Resort offers a dramatically different setting. Located on 4,000 acres admist the spectacular hills and canyons west of Austin, Barton Creek is a four-star resort with four exceptional courses. Each one is rated among the state’s best. A favorite of former UT Austin football coaching legend, Darrell Royal, Barton Creek keeps its greens in impeccable playing condition. Its Fazio Foothills course is considered by many to be the best course in Texas. You’ll long remember the large cave in the middle of one fairway and its canyon waterfall protecting the green. Beautiful and dramatic, the Crenshaw Course was designed to minimize detrimental effects on its environmentally sensitive location near Austin’s Barton Creek.

Designer Ben Crenshaw takes full advantage of the natural terrain requiring golfers to shape their shots to the land, rather than the other way around. Perfectly executed approach shots are a must on this challenging course. A half hour from the main resort, the Palmer Lakeside Course provides lake views and wide-open fairways. The newest of the four, the Fazio Canyons Course is routed through deep, spring-fed canyons and crisscrossed with bubbling creeks, rare madrone trees and limestone bluffs.

In the evening, you can discover why Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” with abundant live acts playing nightly in venues across town. From blues, country, reggae, jazz, Tejano, swing and rock, Austin has it all. The capitol also features fabulous dining from world class cuisine to Texas barbeque served on butcher paper.

Austin and Llano (Cooper's)

There aren’t enough meals in the day to sample all the excellent barbecue around Austin. You can start early, however, with barbecue breakfast tacos from Rudy’s Country Store and Barbecue, a local chain that also sells gasoline and convenience store necessities. Rudy’s peppery sauce is guaranteed to wake up your tastebuds, whatever the time of day. Regulars order chopped or sliced beef brisket by the pound, purchase a couple of hamburger buns, then make their own sandwiches at the long indoor or outdoor picnic tables. Austin is also home to the nationally popular County Line restaurants. Choose County Line on the Hill or County Line on the Lake, depending on your taste in scenery, and soak in the roadhouse décor while you feast on delicious family-style barbecue and fixings. Be sure to order a loaf or two of homemade bread to soak up the sauce.

A trip to Austin isn’t complete without a pilgrimage to the Iron Works, so named because the building once housed the historic Weigl Iron Works. Since 1978, Iron Works has been dishing up brisket, chicken and ribs in the heart of downtown. With a clientele that ranges from politicians and visiting celebrities to local families and students, Iron Works is a perfect spot to take the pulse of Austin while dining on great barbecue. Another downtown favorite, Stubb’s Barbecue, combines barbecue and live music. Housed in a historic building with hardwood floors, Stubb’s serves heaping portions of barbecue (the ribs are especially popular) while maintaining a reputation as one of the Austin’s best venues for live music. And that’s quite a distinction in the Live Music Capital of the World. Check out the Sunday Gospel Brunch and Barbecue Buffet, which brings together gospel music, breakfast favorites and a full barbecue menu. Fans can also pick up Stubb’s brand of barbecue sauce in local groceries.

Far from downtown – but near the heart of Austinites – is the Salt Lick. Located southwest of town in the scenic settlement of Driftwood, Salt Lick is the place Austin families take their out-of-town guests to introduce them to real Texas barbecue. Salt Lick features one of the few open pits in this part of Texas, so you can watch the meat cooking as you enter the native cedar and stone building. You can order by the sandwich or plate, but why bother – all-you-can-eat family style is the way to go at this relaxed and friendly Texas original.

Amarillo, Hereford, & Canyon

Wide-open spaces, deep canyons, amazing sunsets and cattle. Amarillo is the quintessential backdrop for any Western adventure. In fact, you’ll find Texas’ largest individually owned livestock auction here -- the Amarillo Livestock Auction. More than 100,000 head of cattle are auctioned off here every year. Cattlemen come from all over to bid here. You can’t move cattle without a good cattle horse, so you might want to swing by the American Quarter Horse Heritage Center and Museum. The entire family will enjoy learning about this beautiful All-American breed. Take a detour on Interstate 40 just west of Amarillo to experience the Cadillac Ranch. This roadside attraction along the old Route 66 features 10 graffiti-covered, finned Cadillacs buried nose down at the same angle as the Cheops Pyramid.

History buffs will enjoy a stop at the Deaf Smith County Historical Museum in Hereford. You can get a glimpse of Pioneer life and see Indian and western artifacts. After the museum, you’ll want to take time to picnic and take in the scenery at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon.

You’ll want to carve out the entire afternoon to enjoy the trails of the stunning Palo Duro Canyon. The "Grand Canyon of Texas" stretches 120 miles through the vast Texas landscape; at one point, the canyon is 20 miles wide. Climb down to the bottom of the canyon and revel among the geologic formations that are more than 90 million years old. Also in the park, you can enjoy an internationally acclaimed performance of the musical drama Texas. During the summer, you can catch a performance that traces the history of the region and its people in the Pioneer Theater.

San Antonio and Leakey (Frio River)

From San Antonio , head west on Highway 90. At the town of Sabinal, take a right, heading north on Highway 127 to Concan. In Concan, Highway 127 intersects Highway 83 which follows the Frio River Canyon north to Leakey . Between Concan and Leakey, the options are endless for water fun on the Rio Frio (Cold River), from tubing and fishing to soaking and sun bathing. The Frio River’s popularity is understood given the beauty of the drooping cypress trees and limestone cliffs lining the banks of the cool, clear, jade-colored water.

Between Concan and Leakey, accommodations range from high-end bed and breakfast inns, dude ranches and resorts to the ever-popular Garner State Park that offers cabins and camping sites. Garner State Park covers 1,420 acres along the Frio River and is one of the most popular summer family destinations in the state. Even if you stay at a cabin or inn outside of the park, Garner is a great place to spend the day with multiple activities to choose from. In the afternoon when you’ve had enough water fun, you may want to venture into Leakey and check out the Real County Historical Museum which houses historic displays and artifacts in period rooms. The nearby Wildlife Art Museum features art of taxidermy, sculpture, paintings and carvings.

El Paso and Hueco Tanks (Rockclimbing)

Just 32 miles northeast of El Paso is Hueco Tanks State Historical Site , a 860-acre park and rockclimber’s paradise. Whether you are a novice at scaling rock faces or a seasoned veteran, Hueco Tanks offers some 120 popular routes for climbs at varied levels. It is mostly known for its bouldering. The park is especially popular during winter as it is one of the only high-rated climbing spots in the southwest that is accessible during colder months.

When you want to take a rest from the bouldering, take the opportunity to study the many pictographs that can be found on the rocks in the park. The images were drawn by archaic hunters and foragers as well as more recent Native Americans, such as the Apache and Kiowas. The pictures depict tales of hardships, wars, mystical beliefs and special ceremonies.

While winter is an optimal time to go to Hueco Tanks, access to the park is more restricted. It’s a good idea to call the park and inquire about guides for climbing trips and to see the best pictographs. Campsites are available at the park, or it makes for a good day trip from El Paso. Guidebooks to rockclimbing routes at Hueco Tanks are available by doing a search on the Internet. With a guidebook, you can do some advance planning for your rockclimbing adventure.