Nestled discreetly within a mere half-mile from U.S. Highway 67 in Midlothian, you’ll discover a haven of dreams. As you approach, the presence of Chevy Impalas and the skeletal remnants of a Volkswagen Bus, in the process of rebirth, will signal your arrival.
Within the confines of Shorty’s Custom Paint, Javier “Shorty” Ponce curates a treasury of yesteryears and tomorrows. Dominating the garage’s central space is a resplendent sage-and-black lowrider, meticulously restored and customized by Shorty himself. It stands as a proud centerpiece amidst a backdrop of American and Mexican flags gracefully draping from the railings.
He gestures toward the vintage automobile, using it as a quintessential representation of his distinctive painting technique, explaining, “It’s subtle, yet it’s bound to captivate.”
This succinct characterization doesn’t just apply to his artistry but also serves as an accurate portrayal of Ponce himself. Unpretentious and humble, he is on the cusp of becoming a reality TV sensation, with his work serving as his resounding voice.
When “Shorty’s Dream Shop” makes its grand debut on MotorTrend TV on November 16, he’ll find himself in the esteemed company of automotive aficionados like Dallas’ Richard Rawlings and Austin’s Jesse James. These individuals have ascended to celebrity status thanks to their meticulous craftsmanship in restoring and customizing cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
On a recent afternoon, under the watchful gaze of a television crew, the final scenes of the 10-episode series were being meticulously recorded. Directed by the producer’s cues, Ponce gracefully settled into the driver’s seat of a freshly restored automobile.
With a deliberate touch, he applied the brakes, illuminated the lights, and unleashed the engine’s powerful roar. This sequence was repeated as skilled videographers knelt nearby, capturing the artistry both at the exhaust and beyond the confines of the garage doors.
Ponce is no stranger to the world of reality television. Known by his nickname “Shorty” from his high school days, a reference to his height, he was a regular fixture on “Iron Resurrection,” another MotorTrend show deeply rooted in the Texan automotive scene, now in its sixth season. The show chronicles the exploits of a small crew who expertly transform dilapidated motorcycles and cars, subsequently auctioning them to the highest bidders.
In a move that left fans speculating, Ponce departed from the show prior to its 2020 season premiere. These enthusiasts took to YouTube to formulate theories and later offer explanations as to why he was no longer part of the cast.
The truth was simple: he left to spend more time with his granddaughter and to attend to the mounting demands of his own burgeoning shop. The 58-year-old Oak Cliff native has solidified his reputation in the classic car restoration realm, widely acknowledged as one of the industry’s premier painters.
On Facebook, Ponce has cultivated a following of over 44,000 classic car enthusiasts. Through this platform, he extends invitations to fans, encouraging them to visit car shows, peruse his latest merchandise adorned with a cartoon rendition of “Shorty,” or observe him at work in his “kitchen” – the paint studio. The network series following him and his dedicated crew serves as a conduit for him to delve further into his true passion: “I prefer to just be working on cars.”
Customers bring a diverse array of vehicles to his shop, each arriving in varying states of disrepair. The cost of their transformation hinges on the initial condition and the ultimate vision for the vehicle. Operating on an hourly rate, Ponce and his team undertake projects that can range from a modest $30,000 to a substantial investment nearing $700,000.
Ponce’s journey into the realm of automotive restoration was instigated by his brother-in-law, who introduced him to the world of cars through weekend trips to junkyards in search of potential parts. “Even at 10 years old, I knew what I wanted to do with my life,” Ponce reflected. “I just knew that I wanted to work on cars.”
After spending two decades owning and operating a collision repair shop in Oak Cliff, followed by another 20 years working at a local dealership, Ponce’s passion gravitated toward a specific facet of car culture that had long held his fascination – the restoration of classic vehicles.
A decade ago, he realized his dream by establishing “Shorty’s Custom Paint.” Since then, he claims to have breathed new life into at least a couple of hundred cars. Ponce and his dedicated crew approach their craft in a distinctively Texan manner, infusing each restoration with an artistic sensibility, guided by what “feels right” to the team.
Jerry Mata Sr. from Wylie was captivated by Ponce’s work on the television show “Iron Resurrection.” He praised Ponce as a consummate professional and a perfectionist who insists on doing things the right way.
, a 75-year-old Vietnam veteran with visual impairment, had spent decades restoring classic cars alongside his sons. Impressed by Ponce’s craftsmanship, Mata suggested to his youngest son that they reach out to Ponce to inquire about painting their latest project. Following an email to Ponce, they received a prompt response.
This initiated a heartwarming collaboration, resulting in a remarkable transformation of their 1969 Chevy C-10 truck, expertly painted and customized by Ponce and his team.
Mata’s son gave Ponce full creative liberty when it came to choosing the color scheme for the truck, a privilege earned by Ponce’s years of dedicated work. Ponce decided on a stunning two-tone white and blue design with luxurious leather interiors. The truck exudes a breathtaking shine, resembling a mirror’s reflection.
proudly considers it his most prized possession. He recounted an incident where, on a rainy day, he rushed to rescue the Chevy from the downpour, much like a child protecting a cherished toy. “When I pulled it into the garage, I thought, ‘My goodness, this really means a lot to me,'” Mata expressed. “I’m very appreciative of Shorty for making my dreams come true.”
Throughout the TV series, Ponce takes on the challenge of working on more than a dozen distinct cars, each of which he regards as a unique and cherished creation. He treats them with the care and precision one would offer to a beloved family member. For Ponce, the restoration process serves not only as a means of bringing new life to these vehicles but also as a way to commemorate loved ones and foster deeper connections.
Mata emphasized that this experience transcends the typical father-and-son bonding, describing it as a “father, son, best friend experience” that evokes an overwhelming sense of fulfillment.
Andrew Ebel, the Chief Operating Officer of The GoodGuys Rod & Custom Association, an organization known for its classic car shows now based at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, pointed out the strong tradition of multi-generational involvement among Latino car enthusiasts, particularly in the restoration process. He noted that the Latino car culture is deeply rooted in family values.
For decades, Latinos have played a pivotal role in shaping and leading the car customization culture in the United States. Their legacy, which dates back to the 1940s in Los Angeles, is marked by the restoration and customization of classic cars with vibrant colors and the addition of hydraulics for that distinctive bounce.
These restored cars initially served as a form of resistance against an American society that often stifled the creative expression and pride of its minority populations, as highlighted by Mexico City-based writer Nili Blanck in Smithsonian Magazine. Ponce echoed the sentiment, expressing his belief that driving a lowrider with hydraulics is an art form and a beautiful expression of Latino culture.
The commitment of the Latino community to preserving the heritage of the car builders before them is evident in their intricate paintwork and meticulous attention to detail in the chrome work and interior design, as noted by Ebel. However, as the automotive scene evolves and evolves, Latinos are at the forefront of embracing new styles and innovations. They are instrumental in setting the trends that shape the future of car culture.
Ponce sees driving one of his six classic cars as a reflection of his achievements. Given the substantial time and investment required to restore and customize these vehicles, each car becomes a symbol of the driver’s success.
Ponce often accompanies these drives with classic rock or ranchero music, including the songs of Mexican singer-songwriter Vicente Fernández. With enthusiasm, he describes the feeling of cruising in one of his cars as unparalleled. It’s a sense of pride that stems from the knowledge that he was the one who made it all happen.
Ponce aspires to be a role model for others who share his passion for classic cars, particularly among Latino youth. He believes in the importance of demonstrating that, regardless of one’s background, a passion for restoring classic cars can lead to success. “It’s one of my duties, to show that no matter what, you can make it and be someone,” he emphasized. “It’s important for me, for the Latino kids to see that someone who had a passion for restoring classic cars could get somewhere.”
Shorty’ Dream Shop is renewed for a second season and set to premier on november 1.