Javier “Shorty” Ponce, known simply as Shorty, was a beloved member of the Iron Resurrection cast, where he worked as a master painter and bodywork specialist. His expertise in custom automotive painting made him a vital part of the team at Martin Brothers Customs, the Texas-based shop featured on the show.
Shorty had an impeccable eye for detail, and his ability to restore, paint, and finish vehicles played a significant role in transforming rusted-out cars and trucks into beautiful, show-ready masterpieces.
On Iron Resurrection, Shorty worked closely with Joe Martin, the lead mechanic and fabricator, along with other crew members like Jayson “Shag” Arrington and Mike Zabonik.
His contributions to the restoration projects were highlighted across several seasons, where he handled everything from sanding and prepping cars to applying custom paint jobs that would ultimately bring the vehicles back to life. Fans quickly grew to love Shorty’s calm demeanor, his dedication to his craft, and his strong work ethic.
Why Did Shorty Leave Iron Resurrection?
Shorty left Iron Resurrection after Season 4, which aired in 2019. His departure took fans by surprise, as he had been an integral part of the team and a favorite on the show. Many viewers were left wondering why such an important figure on the show would leave at the height of its success.
The reason for Shorty’s departure was personal, rather than any conflict or drama with the cast or crew.
In a video shared on Facebook, Shorty explained that the demanding schedule of filming the show, coupled with running his own business, Shorty’s Custom Paint, had become overwhelming. He wanted to spend more time with his family and focus on his personal life and business in Texas.
Shorty’s custom paint shop, located in Dallas, Texas, had been growing in popularity and required more of his time and attention.
He felt that stepping away from the show was the best decision for him to maintain a better work-life balance and to nurture his business. In his video, Shorty thanked fans for their support and assured them that he was doing well.
He also hinted that, while he was leaving Iron Resurrection, he might not be entirely done with the world of automotive television.
What Is Shorty Doing Now?
Since leaving Iron Resurrection, Shorty has continued to focus on his own business, Shorty’s Custom Paint.
His shop specializes in custom paint jobs, restorations, and bodywork, offering services to car enthusiasts looking to restore or modify their vehicles. Shorty’s reputation for high-quality work has only grown since his time on the show, and his shop remains a go-to destination for those seeking custom automotive finishes.
In addition to running his successful shop, Shorty made a return to television with his own show, Shorty’s Dream Shop, which premiered in November 2022.
The show aired on MotorTrend and showcases Shorty’s work as he restores classic cars and customizes them to his clients’ specifications.
Shorty’s Dream Shop provides fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration process, similar to what they loved on Iron Resurrection, but with a greater focus on Shorty and his personal style of craftsmanship.
The first season of Shorty’s Dream Shop was a hit with viewers, and it was renewed for a second season, which premiered in November 2023.
The show has allowed Shorty to remain a fixture in the automotive restoration world while also giving him the flexibility to manage his business and spend time with his family. Fans of Iron Resurrectionhave embraced his new show, happy to see Shorty continuing his passion for automotive artistry.
Will Shorty Return for Iron Resurrection Season 8?
With the completion of Iron Resurrection Season 7 in early 2024, fans were thrilled to see the return of a beloved cast member, Pompa, who had left the show after Season 3.
His comeback fueled speculation that other former cast members, like Shorty, might also rejoin the team. Adding to the anticipation, Amanda Martin posted a cryptic message on social media, hinting at more to come in future seasons, though she did not reveal specific details.
While there has been no official confirmation of Shorty returning for Season 8, his close ties to the team and the trend of bringing back past members have left fans hopeful that he might make a surprise reappearance.