Craftsmen

Turning rusted relics into road-ready classics.

In the South Shuswap area of Tappen, British Columbia, the craftsmen of Rust Valley Restorers are the skilled hands behind the restoration of classic cars. Led by Mike Hall, owner of Rust Bros Restorations, the team transforms decades-old rusted vehicles into collectible treasures. The series, a Canadian reality TV series produced by Mayhem Entertainment for History, follows these craftsmen as they restore, trade, and sell vintage automobiles, drawing on decades of experience and a deep knowledge of car mechanics.

Lore & Background

The craftsmen at Rust Bros Restorations each bring unique skills to the shop. Mike Hall, born 4 February 1958, began collecting cars in his teens and eventually owned over 400 vehicles parked on his property near the Trans-Canada Highway. A rock blaster by profession, Hall built a restoration workshop on his property after his story went viral in 2017, leading to the show's start in 2018. Avery Shoaf, known affectionately as 'Muscle Car Macguyver' for his mechanical skills, previously ran a heavy equipment repair company.

He worked at Rust Bros as a mechanic and later as shop manager during the first two seasons before leaving to start his own business, Wildman Restorations. Connor Charman-Hall, Mike's stepson, worked at Rust Bros and often quarrels with his father over spending habits and business acumen. Cassidy Mceown, a ticketed Red Seal auto body tech, joined in season one. Sarah Ward joined in 2018 as parts manager, also helping with finishing touches.

Blair Smith joined in season three as a body man specializing in high end restorations, returned for freelance work in season four, and became shop manager in season four.

Reader's Guide

For fans wanting to understand the craftsmen of Rust Valley Restorers, focus on their distinct roles and histories. Mike Hall, born 4 February 1958, is the owner and rock blaster who collected over 400 cars since his teens. Avery Shoaf, a car-interested friend, is known for his mechanical skills and previously ran a heavy equipment repair company. Connor Charman-Hall, Mike's son, worked in Avery's business and often argues with his father about spending.

Cassidy Mceown is a ticketed Red Seal auto body tech who joined in season one. Sarah Ward, parts manager since 2018, also applies finishing touches. Blair Smith joined in season three as a body man for high end restorations, returned for freelance work in season four, and became shop manager in season five. Recurring craftsmen include JF Launier, owner of JF Kustoms and award-winning restorer; James West, owner of Dubs Kustoms specializing in custom cars and rat rods; and 'Big' Donny Kleinfelder, who runs a scrapyard and towing company.

The series airs on History in Canada, with reruns on DTour, and is distributed internationally by Netflix as a Netflix original series.

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