Alright everyone, Josh here, and we’ve just dropped Episode 10 of the DPV Podcast! This one’s a special one, because I got to sit down with my dad, Jess Hahn, and talk all things hot rod.
First off, huge shoutout to Jess for letting us use his garage as a studio! And a big thanks to my absent co-host Alex, who was busy keeping the world supplied with toilet paper. You know, someone’s gotta do it!
So, my dad, Jess, he’s a journeyman millwright, tool and process designer, artist, hot rod builder, and fabricator. Basically, a real-deal gearhead. And he’s the reason I’m into cars, for better or worse!
We started off talking about how he got into hot rodding. Turns out, it all started with a model car at Christmas when he was about six years old. From there, it was models, Hot Wheels, and Johnny Lightnings. My grandpa, while a mechanic by trade, wasn’t really into hot rods, but he definitely instilled that “get your hands dirty” mentality.
Dad was all about customizing and cruising. He did a bit of street racing back in the day, but nothing sanctioned. He told some pretty hilarious stories about getting his butt handed to him and breaking a driveline in my Impala.
His first rig was a ’46 Chevy truck he found behind a barn. He was 15 and a half, and it was love at first sight. We talked about how his automotive knowledge came from my grandpa and working at a full-service gas station back in the day.
One of the big themes of this episode was grit. Building cars isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. It takes a lot of hard work, problem-solving, and the willingness to push through challenges. Dad shared an epic story about driving to Michigan to pick up two ’53 Chevys. He towed them back to Washington in a ’73 Dodge truck, and let me tell you, it was an adventure.
They had a U-joint fail, a broken motor mount, and overheating issues. But with some black tape, chains, and a little ingenuity, they made it back. That story about using an entire roll of duct tape to fix a U-joint? That trick has saved Alex and I twice now!
We also talked about Chrome on the Creek, the car show my dad puts on in Asotin. It’s a really cool, laid-back show with a great atmosphere. They keep it simple, with just one award and some Hot Wheel racing. It’s a real community event, and everyone has a blast. He creates those amazing art pieces for the winners, taking hundreds of photos of the winning vehicle, finds that perfect lighting and perspective, and then creates a detailed drawing. It’s a really cool touch that makes the award extra special.
Then we jumped into the “Fantasy Build” segment. I threw a ’55 Olds at him, a four-door for $800, with a running Rocket engine. He had $4200 left to play with. His vision? Get it running reliably, some new tires, and then focus on the interior. He’d steam clean it, add some killer leather upholstery, slam it on some white walls, and make it a comfortable cruiser. He emphasized the impact of a really nice interior in an otherwise “derelict” looking car.
I was countered with a Fiero fantasy build. Since he outed me as being born in ’86, I thought it fitting. With $5000 and an $800 Fiero, what would I do? I’ve actually always liked the look of them! I’d drop in a 4.8 LS, upgrade the suspension with a bushing kit, throw on some deep-dish modular wheels, and paint it bright red. It would make an autocross monster that could also get 28 mpg.
We then got into some closing questions. I asked him for one piece of automotive advice for any car guy. His advice? Don’t tear your project apart during the driving season! If something’s bugging you, make a list, budget your time and money, and tackle it during the off-season. He emphasized the importance of collecting parts before tearing into a big project, to avoid getting stuck in limbo.
For life advice, he kept it real: “You want to have the Lord as your Savior.” He talked about being born twice and dying once versus dying twice and being born once. Powerful stuff.
We wrapped up by talking about where to find him: Jester’s Garage on YouTube. He focuses on Art Deco trucks, particularly ’41-’46 Chevys. He also showcases other builders and projects, like Rob Meacham at the Jalopy Shop and Andy Heitman at Hells Gate Hot Rods. He’s got a mix of old-school and high-tech content, so there’s something for everyone.
He’s also helping show off Andy Heitman’s amazing chassis work on a 38 Chevy Coupe. He really emphasized the quality of Andy’s work.
We talked about merch, and then I dropped the bomb that Alex and I are heading to SEMA! We’re driving the ’77 Ranchero we revived, all 900 miles of it, in November. It’s gonna be a wild ride. And of course, we’ll be hitting up Facebook Marketplace on the way home, looking for more projects. Maybe we’ll find that $800 Fiero!
As always, thanks for tuning in. Remember: Wheel it, wreck it, wrench it, repeat! See you next time.
– Josh
Days of Pain and Victory 
Leave a comment