Ep 3. Busted Knuckle

Busted Knuckle is the third episode of the eight season of the incredibly popular reality series FantomWorks. The show follows the team at Dan Short's restoration garage in Norfolk, Virginia as they take on some of the most challenging and complex automotive restoration and modification projects imaginable.

In this episode, the team is tasked with restoring and upgrading a 1970 El Camino, a classic car that has seen better days. The car, which is owned by a true gearhead, is in rough shape when it comes to the shop, with a laundry list of issues that need to be addressed before it can hit the road again.

First and foremost, the El Camino's engine is badly in need of an upgrade. The original 350 cubic inch V8 has seen better days and is struggling to deliver the kind of power that the owner wants. To remedy this, the team decides to install a modified LS V8, a powerful and reliable engine that promises to deliver the kind of performance that the owner is looking for.

Of course, installing a new engine is easier said than done, and the team soon realizes that there are a host of other issues that need to be addressed before the LS can be dropped in. The car's suspension, for example, is in dire need of an overhaul, while the brakes are badly warped and need to be rebalanced.

As if that weren't enough, the car's electrical system is a mess, and the team ends up spending hours tracing down wiring issues and tracking down hard-to-find parts. Throughout it all, the team pushes themselves to the limit, working tirelessly to get the car back in top shape and ready for its new engine.

As the episode progresses, viewers get an up-close look at the incredible attention to detail and technical expertise that go into every project that comes through the doors at FantomWorks. From the precise measurements taken to ensure a perfect fit for every part, to the careful balancing of the new engine's torque, the team approaches every aspect of the El Camino's restoration with an unwavering commitment to quality and professionalism.

Perhaps most impressive of all is the way that the team is able to breathe new life into the car's body and paint, which were badly faded and worn when it arrived at the shop. Through a meticulous process of sanding, smoothing, and spraying, the team is able to transform the car back into its original glossy red paint.

By the end of the episode, viewers are treated to the incredible sight of the fully-restored El Camino, its new LS engine purring like a contented cat. The car looks and drives better than ever before, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team at FantomWorks.

Overall, Busted Knuckle is a fantastic episode that showcases the incredible skill and expertise of the FantomWorks team. With its fascinating technical details, breathtaking restorations, and high-stakes drama, this is a must-watch for anyone with an appreciation for classic cars and the art of automotive restoration.