Murpho, of Murpho’s Rods & Customs, likes to go on a first-name basis. This Hot Rod Hall of Famer---inducted just this year---is known simply as “Murpho.”
Murpho got “hooked” on hot rods when he was a kid growing up in Southern California. What started as a hobby of racing and fixing street cars in his teens developed into a full-blown career as a restoration specialist of vintage muscle cars, hot rods and classic automobiles. He is also a publisher and, most recently, a podcaster.
Murpho’s Rods & Customs
Location: Buda, TX
(512) 912-1300
www.murphos.com
Facebook: @murphosrodsandcustoms
Instagram: @murphosatx
YouTube: Murpho's Rods and Customs
Company At A Glance...
Type: Restoration and Refinishing
Facility Employees: 12
In Business Since: 2002
Number of Locations: One
Production Space: 10,000 square feet
Murpho’s Rods & Customs is based south of Austin in Buda, TX, a thriving suburb of the capital. There, Murpho operates a 10,000-square foot space with his 12-person team of fabricators and craftsmen. Before coming to Texas, Murpho lived in Orange, CA, where he perfected his craft and established his brand.
Murpho’s has a reputation for specializing in “the highest quality customs, focusing on the 1920s through 1970s. It also provides service for all pre-1972 vehicles.” Murpho’s Rods & Customs is known for its artistic styling chop tops and eye for detail. It recently finished a family-owned 1934 Tudor and a 1942 Chevrolet 3100 that was purchased new in Austin.
Murpho’s provides the following services: rust repair, panel replacement, superior body and paint, metal fabrication, frame off restoration, electrical rewire/wiring/diagnosis, Vintage Air install, suspension, Air Ride systems, engine and trans swaps, engine rebuilding, brake conversion, chassis, along with custom consultation and design.
As part of his Hall of Famer reputation, Murpho takes car restoration seriously and relies on the right tools to restore classic cars to their original state. One of his favorite products is the Steamericas Optima Steamer™. Murpho says he’s been working on cars professionally for 20-plus years as a business owner, and he’s never seen the steamer quality like Steamericas Optima.
“I have used other products, but I can’t tell you how awesome it is,” said Murpho of his experience.
According to Steamericas, the patented dry steam boiler and its high-tech features make it easy for the Optima Steamer™ to harness the cleaning power of steam. The Optima Steamer™ boasts an LCD display for easy operation, a water tank with a visible gauge in addition to the direct water hookup. An easy-access to parts makes maintenance and repair a breeze. The Optima Steamer™ is available in diesel or electric powered models, meeting needs for both mobile operations as well as indoor shop operations.
Abby Andrews