Never Build a Whole Car: Autopian's David Tracy and Griffin Riley

David Tracy built a Willys Jeep from scratch and Griffin filmed the whole damn thing. David ordered a new body from overseas and sourced every single part on Ebay. Every part. Wires, grommets, pedals, and more. This might seem like a dream but as you'll hear it is a lot harder than one would imagine. Some parts don't fit. Parts arrive broken or get broken during assembly. There are snags and fitment challenges and he forgets things and makes errors and FINALLY when it's done his first real test drive is a 900-mile journey to Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT.

The man is a smiling, inspiring ball of knowledge and his story will make any of your tasks seem easy. He also drove the SLATE truck and dyed a shirt with motor oil on purpose. All that and so much more.

Patreon questions too!

Recorded July 2, 2026

theautopian.com/i-bet-my-company-on-an-impossi…

Watch David build the Willys youtube.com/watch?v=_oT7xSOcmmo

Our new hooded blazer line: thegrottomenswear.com/thesmokingtire

Show Notes

Fitbod

Get 25% off your subscription or try the app FREE for seven days at Fitbod.me/TIRE.

Avants
avants.com/tst use code TST for 10% off your membership!

Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! For a 10% discount on your first case go to offtherecord.com/TST

Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast

Instagram:
Instagram.com/thesmokingtire
Instagram.com/therealzackklapman

Enter to WIN our AMAZING 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S!! dreamgiveaway.com/tickets/porsche?promo=SMOKIN…

Promo Code Offer: Get 4X bonus tickets with any donation of $25 or more. With every donation you are helping benefit some wonderful veterans' and children's charities.

Podcast Promo Code: SMOKINGTIRE

Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast

Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to offtherecord.com/TST.

Watch our car reviews: youtube.com/thesmokingtire

Tweet at us!
Twitter.com/thesmokingtire
Twitter.com/zackklapman

Instagram:
Instagram.com/thesmokingtire
Instagram.com/therealzackklapman