In the world of classic car restoration, Amanda Martin and Jason "Shag" Arrington represent the primary scouting and business force behind Martin Bros Customs. Working alongside lead builder Joe Martin and his brother Jason Martin, they specialize in transforming derelict vehicles into high-end, award-winning custom machines featured on the television series Iron Resurrection.
As of 2026, the partnership between Amanda and the "two Jasons" has solidified Martin Bros Customs as a cornerstone of the American resto-mod and custom fabrication industry. While Joe Martin remains the creative visionary behind the metalwork, the synergy between Amanda’s business acumen and Jason "Shag" Arrington's ability to locate "diamonds in the rough" has become the blueprint for successful automotive television and real-world shop management.
To understand their impact on the classic car restoration niche, one must examine the specific roles they play, the technical standards of their shop in Johnson City, Texas, and how they navigate the volatile market for vintage steel.
The Roles of Amanda Martin and Jason Arrington
The success of a restoration shop depends as much on the "hunt" and the "books" as it does on the "build." Amanda and Jason (Shag) are the faces of the operational and acquisition side of the business.
Amanda Martin: The Business and Design Architect
Amanda Martin transitioned from a high-stakes background in the banking industry to become the co-owner of Martin Bros Customs. In the restoration process, she serves two critical functions:
- Financial Oversight and Logistics: Restoring a classic car—especially a frame-off custom build—can cost anywhere from $50,000 to well over $200,000. Amanda manages the project budgets, parts procurement, and client timelines. In an era where supply chain issues can delay a build by months, her ability to source rare components is vital.
- Aesthetic Consultation: While Joe Martin handles the heavy fabrication, Amanda often collaborates on the "look and feel" of the builds. This includes selecting interior palettes, upholstery textures, and final paint schemes that ensure the vehicle appeals to high-end collectors at auctions like Barrett-Jackson.
Jason "Shag" Arrington: The Master of the Deal
Jason Arrington, known universally as "Shag," is the shop's primary scout and negotiator. His role is rooted in the "picking" aspect of the industry. In the context of 2026 classic car availability, finding rust-free or salvageable vintage metal requires a deep network of contacts across the American Southwest.
Shag’s expertise lies in valuation. He must accurately estimate the "as-is" value of a vehicle sitting in a field and weigh it against the potential "built" value. His ability to negotiate with eccentric owners and navigate barn-find scenarios provides the raw material that keeps the shop operational.
The Technical Hierarchy of Martin Bros Customs
While Amanda and Shag handle the front-end and back-end, Jason Martin (Joe’s brother) is a fixture in the shop's mechanical department. This "other" Jason is often the silent engine behind the complex engine swaps and suspension tuning that define a Martin Bros build.
| Role | Primary Responsibility | Key Skill Set |
|---|---|---|
| Amanda Martin | Business Operations & Design | Financial management, upholstery design, parts sourcing. |
| Jason "Shag" Arrington | Vehicle Acquisition | Negotiating, market valuation, regional scouting. |
| Jason Martin | Mechanical & Fabrication | Suspension geometry, wiring, engine performance. |
| Joe Martin | Master Builder | Metal shaping, TIG welding, custom chassis design. |
The Martin Bros Restoration Process
The "Martin Bros way" is characterized by a "save the steel" philosophy. Unlike many shops that rely on aftermarket fiberglass bodies, Amanda and the team prioritize original metal. This approach, while more labor-intensive, significantly increases the vehicle's provenance and resale value.
Step 1: The Acquisition (The Shag Factor)
The process begins with Jason Arrington scouting leads. By 2026, the market for 1950s–1970s classics has become increasingly competitive. Shag focuses on "unloved" models that have high custom potential, such as four-door Lincolns or long-bed trucks, which can be shortened and modernized.
Step 2: The Tear-Down and Evaluation
Once a vehicle arrives at the shop, Amanda and the team perform a "financial autopsy." They determine which parts are salvageable and which require a full replacement. In this stage, the team decides the direction of the build:
- Resto-mod: Keeping the classic look while installing modern engines (like an LS or LT swap), brakes, and HVAC.
- Full Custom: Radical body modifications, chopped tops, and one-off chassis.
Step 3: Metal Fabrication and Engineering
This is where Jason Martin and Joe Martin spend hundreds of hours. Using tools like the English Wheel, planishing hammers, and CNC plasma cutters, they reshape panels that haven't been manufactured for 60 years. In 2026, the shop has integrated more advanced 3D scanning to help create custom parts that fit with modern precision.
Step 4: Final Assembly and Finishing
Amanda’s influence is most visible here. She works with the upholstery team to ensure the interior reflects the modern-classic hybrid nature of the build. The final "reveal" is not just for television; it represents a finished product that must meet the safety and performance standards of 21st-century driving.
Market Impact and Valuation in 2026
The classic car market has shifted significantly over the last decade. In 2026, there is a massive premium on "turn-key" customs. Collectors are moving away from "project cars" toward vehicles that have been professionally vetted by shops with a pedigree like Martin Bros Customs.
The involvement of Amanda and Jason in a build provides a layer of verified provenance. For a car to be a "Martin Bros car," it must pass through their specific vetting process. This branding has led to their builds consistently reaching six-figure prices at major auctions. According to historical data from Hagerty and Barrett-Jackson, cars with "as seen on TV" provenance often command a 20-30% premium over equivalent non-televised builds, provided the mechanical quality is verified.
Challenges in Modern Classic Car Restoration
Operating a high-end shop like Amanda and Jason do in 2026 is not without significant hurdles. The industry faces three primary challenges:
- Environmental Regulations: As states adopt stricter emissions standards, the team must increasingly look at "E-Crates" (electric motor conversions) or highly efficient modern crate engines that meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards.
- Parts Scarcity: Original "New Old Stock" (NOS) parts for 1960s muscle cars are nearly extinct. This requires Jason Arrington to expand his search radius into international markets or rely on high-quality reproduction parts that Amanda must vet for quality.
- Technological Integration: Integrating modern infotainment, GPS, and driver-assist features into a 1955 Chevy dashboard requires a level of electrical engineering that goes far beyond traditional "grease monkey" mechanics.
Strategic Advice for Aspiring Restorers
For those looking to follow the model established by Amanda and Jason, success in the 2026 market requires a dual-focus approach.
First, diversify your skill set. You cannot simply be a mechanic; you must understand the "hunt" (Shag’s role) and the "business" (Amanda’s role). The most talented builders in the world often go out of business because they cannot manage project overhead or source the right vehicles at the right price point.
Second, prioritize metalwork over filler. In the current collector market, transparency is king. Buyers want to see photos of the "raw" metal before paint. Amanda and the Martin Bros team have built their reputation on showing the "bones" of the car, which builds trust and ensures long-term value.
FAQ: Amanda and Jason in Restoration
Who is the owner of Martin Bros Customs?
The shop is co-owned by Amanda Martin and her husband, Joe Martin. While Joe is the lead creative and builder, Amanda handles the executive management, financial planning, and branding of the company. Their partnership has been the foundation of the business since its inception in Texas.
Is Jason "Shag" Arrington a mechanic?
While Shag has a deep understanding of automotive anatomy, his primary role is that of a "Marketing and Acquisitions" specialist. He is an expert in vehicle history, market trends, and negotiation. He acts as the bridge between the "barn find" and the shop floor.
Where is Amanda and Jason's shop located?
Martin Bros Customs is located in the Texas Hill Country, specifically in Johnson City, Texas. The location is strategic, as the dry climate of the American Southwest is ideal for finding vintage vehicles with minimal rust damage compared to the "rust belt" of the Midwest and Northeast.
How do I get my car restored by them?
In 2026, the shop operates on a significant waitlist. Prospective clients usually contact Amanda through the official Martin Bros Customs portal. The team typically selects projects that align with their specific "low and slow" or high-performance resto-mod aesthetic.
What happened to the show Iron Resurrection?
Iron Resurrection has continued to be a staple of the MotorTrend lineup, evolving to show more of the technical fabrication and the business challenges faced by Amanda and the team. It remains one of the highest-rated automotive programs due to the authentic chemistry between Amanda, Shag, and the Martin brothers.
Are their cars street legal?
Yes. One of the hallmarks of a Martin Bros build is that the cars are meant to be driven, not just displayed. They emphasize modern suspension (often using Air Lift Performance or Ridetech systems) and reliable powertrain configurations to ensure the cars can handle modern highway speeds and traffic.
Final Recommendation: Navigating the High-End Restoration Market
If you are looking to enter the world of classic car restoration—whether as a hobbyist or a professional—the most important lesson to take from Amanda and Jason is the value of the "Initial Assessment."
Before turning a single wrench, you must have a clear vision of the final product and a realistic budget for parts and labor. Shag’s ability to walk away from a "bad deal" is just as important as Joe's ability to weld a perfect seam. For those purchasing a restored vehicle, always look for the level of documentation and fabrication transparency that the Martin Bros team has popularized. In 2026, a classic car is an asset, but only if the restoration was handled with the mechanical integrity and business transparency demonstrated by Amanda and Jason's ongoing work.
