On a recent episode of the talk show David Letterman, host David Letterman interviewed custom car builders Ian and Jamie Roussel. The Roussels, who run the popular YouTube channel Full Custom Garage, were invited onto the show to discuss their passion for custom car building.
David Letterman started the conversation by expressing his excitement about having guests on his show, as it was a rare occurrence. He praised the Roussels for their hard work on their YouTube channel, which features new shows almost every day, including a regular live show.
Letterman described Ian Roussel as a master car builder and praised his craftsmanship and artistry. He emphasized that the Roussels’ show is different from others on YouTube because it focuses specifically on custom car building, giving viewers an inside look at the process.
The conversation then turned to Ian’s background and how he got into car building. Originally from New York, Ian had dreams of becoming a toy maker as a child. He became interested in welding after seeing construction workers welding at Rockefeller Center. He attended Apex Tech and became a certified welder at a young age.
Jamie, who was initially a registered nurse, met Ian in Seattle. She didn’t initially realize that Ian had a television show until later on. She joined him in the desert, where they attended their first car show together and fell in love with the custom car culture.
David Letterman expressed his fascination with Ian’s work and the lack of precision and plans involved. He mentioned that Ian often takes hours to weld a window frame on a car, only to decide later that it doesn’t look right and start over. Ian’s easygoing and laid-back personality impressed Letterman, as did his ability to quickly change his projects and adapt to new ideas.
They talked about the Roussels’ YouTube channel, which releases new content two to three times a week. David Letterman emphasized that most car builds take years to complete, contrary to what is often shown on television. He expressed his admiration for Ian’s talent and dedication to his craft.
They also discussed the Roussels’ love for Volkswagen cars. Ian explained that he grew up taking apart Volkswagen cars he found for free in New York. He found them fun to drive and enjoyed the challenge they presented.
Towards the end of the interview, David Letterman inquired about the progress of the Roussels’ latest car project, a VW cab-over-engine. Ian revealed that they were still in the early stages, with the project only in the mock-up phase. He mentioned that their original plan had changed, and they were creating something more like a hot rod than a traditional semi-truck.
Ian also mentioned that he is open to selling his completed projects, including the Volkswagen they were discussing. He doesn’t target top dollar for his cars but looks for buyers who ask the right questions and appreciate the vehicle’s value.
David Letterman concluded the interview by remarking that the Roussels’ current show on YouTube feels more authentic to their professional life than their previous show on Motor Trend. He praised their dedication to showcasing the art of custom car building and expressed his admiration for their work.
Overall, the interview provided viewers with a glimpse into the world of custom car building and highlighted the Roussels’ unique approach to their craft.
