Chip Foose is a car designer and builder who creates custom vehicles on television and in his shop
Chip Foose is an American automotive designer and television personality known for transforming ordinary cars into high-end custom vehicles. He runs a design and fabrication shop called Foose Design in Las Vegas, Nevada, where his team rebuilds, modifies, and restores cars to client specifications. His work appears most visibly on the television show Overhaulin', which has aired on multiple networks since 2004 and shows the process of taking a car from its original condition to a completely redesigned version.
Foose's designs are recognizable by smooth lines, modern proportions, and custom wheels — many of which he designs himself under the brand Foose Wheels. His approach blends classic car aesthetics with contemporary engineering, meaning he might take a 1960s muscle car and update its interior, engine, suspension, and exterior styling to modern standards while keeping its original character visible.
Key Takeaways
- Chip Foose runs Foose Design in Las Vegas, a shop that custom-builds and restores vehicles for private clients and television projects.
- His television show Overhaulin' documents the complete transformation of cars, from initial design concept through final reveal.
- Foose Wheels, his wheel manufacturing company, produces custom rims that are sold separately and appear on many of his builds.
- His design signature includes smooth body lines, modern proportions, and integrated custom wheels that define the overall look of each vehicle.
- Custom builds through Foose Design are high-cost projects typically ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on scope.
How Foose Design transforms a car from start to finish
The transformation process begins with design. Foose and his team meet with the car owner to understand what they want — whether that is a restomod (a restored classic with modern performance), a hot rod, a luxury cruiser, or something entirely unique. The designer sketches concepts, often using digital rendering software to show the client what the final vehicle might look like before any metal is cut.
Once the design is approved, the physical work begins. This typically involves removing the car's body panels, stripping the interior, and sometimes cutting and welding the frame or chassis to accommodate new components. The team installs modern engines (often from different manufacturers than the original), upgrades the suspension and braking systems, and rebuilds the interior with new upholstery, electronics, and climate control. The exterior is then repainted, and custom details like grilles, trim pieces, and lighting are fabricated or installed.
The final stage is assembly and testing. All systems are checked — engine performance, electrical systems, brakes, steering — before the car is delivered to the owner. On Overhaulin', this stage culminates in a public reveal where the owner sees the finished vehicle for the first time.
What Foose Wheels are and why they matter to the design
Foose Wheels is a separate company that manufactures custom wheels sold to the public and used on Foose Design builds. These wheels are not straightforward bolt-on parts — they are designed as part of the overall aesthetic of a vehicle. Foose wheels typically feature distinctive designs with multiple spokes, smooth surfaces, and proportions that complement lowered or modified suspension.
The wheels are available in various sizes and finishes, including polished aluminum, matte black, and custom colors. Because wheels are one of the most visible modifications on a custom car, Foose treats them as a design element equal to the body shape or paint color. Many owners of non-Foose custom cars purchase Foose Wheels separately to achieve a similar aesthetic.
The cost and timeline of a Foose Design build
Custom builds through Foose Design are expensive projects. A complete transformation typically costs between $100,000 and $500,000 or more, depending on the starting vehicle, the extent of modifications, engine upgrades, and interior customization. Some high-end builds exceed $1 million. These prices reflect the labor of skilled craftspeople, custom fabrication, high-quality materials, and often rare or performance-grade components.
The timeline for a build varies widely. A moderate restomod might take six to twelve months, while a complex custom build can take two to three years. The shop manages multiple projects simultaneously, so the schedule depends on the current workload, the complexity of the design, and the availability of specialized parts.
Foose Design also works on television projects for Overhaulin', which operate under different timelines and budgets than private commissions. Television builds are often compressed into shorter schedules for production purposes.
How to understand Foose's design philosophy
Foose's approach to design rests on a principle called proportional balance. Rather than adding as many modifications as possible, he focuses on making each element — the body lines, the wheel size, the stance, the color — work together visually. A Foose design typically looks intentional and cohesive rather than assembled from aftermarket parts.
His work often emphasizes smooth, flowing lines over sharp angles or aggressive styling. This comes partly from his background in industrial design and partly from his belief that a well-designed car should look good from every angle, not just the front or side. The wheels, in particular, are chosen to complement the body proportions rather than dominate them.
Foose also prioritizes function alongside aesthetics. A lowered stance looks dramatic but must not compromise handling or ride quality. A powerful engine must fit within the original engine bay or be integrated thoughtfully if the bay is enlarged. This balance between form and function is central to his reputation.
The difference between Foose Design builds and other custom shops
Many custom car shops exist, but Foose Design is known for several distinguishing factors. First, Foose himself is the lead designer on most projects, meaning the owner is paying for his specific vision and experience rather than a generic shop's capabilities. Second, the shop has the infrastructure to handle nearly every aspect of a build in-house — design, fabrication, welding, painting, upholstery, engine work — rather than outsourcing to multiple vendors.
Third, the shop's television presence has created a recognizable design language. A Foose car is visually identifiable to enthusiasts, which adds value for some owners and creates a waiting list of clients wanting that aesthetic. Finally, Foose Design has built a reputation for quality control and finishing details — the interior trim, paint depth, panel gaps, and assembly are held to high standards.
Other shops may specialize in specific types of builds (drag racing, lowriding, engine swaps) or offer lower price points. Foose Design positions itself at the high end of the custom market, competing on design reputation and execution quality rather than speed or affordability.
How to learn more about Foose's work
The primary way to see Foose's work is through Overhaulin', which is available on streaming services and cable networks depending on your location. The show documents the design and build process in detail and includes interviews with Foose explaining his choices.
Foose Design maintains a website and social media accounts where completed builds are displayed with photographs and specifications. Foose Wheels has its own website where you can browse available designs and see them installed on various vehicles. Car enthusiast magazines and automotive websites frequently feature Foose builds and interviews with Foose about design trends.
If you are interested in commissioning a build, Foose Design accepts inquiries through its website, though the shop typically has a long waiting list and works primarily with clients who can afford the high cost of custom fabrication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have Chip Foose design and build a car?
A complete custom build through Foose Design typically ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on the starting vehicle, modifications, and materials. High-end builds can exceed $1 million. The exact price is determined during the design consultation based on your specific vision and the scope of work required.
Can I buy Foose Wheels without commissioning a full build?
Yes. Foose Wheels are sold separately through the Foose Wheels website and authorized dealers. You can purchase wheels in various sizes and finishes to install on your own vehicle. Prices vary by design and size but are generally in the range of other premium aftermarket wheel brands.
How long does an Overhaulin' build take?
Television builds are compressed for production purposes and typically take several months from start to finish, though the actual work may be spread across a longer calendar period. Private commission builds through Foose Design usually take six months to three years depending on complexity and the shop's current workload.
What types of cars does Foose typically work on?
Foose Design works on a wide range of vehicles — classic American muscle cars, vintage European sports cars, trucks, and modern cars. The shop has no strict preference; the design approach adapts to the vehicle's original character and the owner's vision. Classic cars and muscle cars are common because their proportions work well with Foose's design aesthetic.
Is Foose Design affiliated with any car manufacturers?
Foose Design is an independent shop owned and operated by Chip Foose. While the shop may use engines, components, and parts from various manufacturers, it is not officially affiliated with or endorsed by any major automaker. Foose Wheels is a separate company that manufactures and sells wheels independently.