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Where Are Cast Members from Iron Resurrection Now?

Iron Resurrection is a captivating reality TV show that made its debut on the Discovery Channel's Motor Trend network in 2016. The series provides an inside look into the daily operations at Martin Bros Customs, a car shop located in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, owned by Joe. Viewers are treated to witnessing the skilled cast members as they bring old and damaged automobiles back to life, infusing them with contemporary touches in the process.

Photo by ironressurectionshow


The heart and soul of Iron Resurrection lie in its main cast members, with Jayson Arrington, Javier Ponc, and Jason Martin playing pivotal roles, although Joe and Amanda receive more screen-time. Amanda, the captivating blonde, partners with Jayson in seeking out "unrepairable" local cars, which they then bring back to the shop for fixing. Meanwhile, Jason serves as a producer, and the rest of the team members contribute their specialized knowledge as mechanics. Notably, Mike Zabonik, the skilled welder, has proven to be an invaluable addition to the show.

Photo by ironressurectionshow


Surprisingly, the show's success can be attributed in part to its lack of manufactured drama. Unlike many reality shows, Iron Resurrection avoids unnecessary tension between cast members and steers clear of scripted plots. This refreshing approach has made the show immensely appealing to both car enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The focus on genuine automotive restoration and the camaraderie among the cast have resonated with audiences, cementing the show's popularity.


Iron Resurrection Origins


Photo by ironressurectionshow


From his early days, Joe held a deep admiration for the hot rod designs created by Boyd Coddington, yet the cost of his products was beyond his means. This circumstance ignited Joe's determination to learn the art of creating DIY versions on his own. Additionally, Wayne Carini, the host of "Chasing Classic Cars," served as another significant source of inspiration for Joe as he ventured into the world of automotive craftsmanship.

In 2004, Joe made his debut on television in an episode of Discovery's "Biker Build-Off" and soon after winning the competition, he established his own bike shop. For a period of time, he shifted his focus from working on classic cars to concentrating solely on motorcycles. Just a couple of years later, the producers of "Biker Build-Off" approached him to create content for the Velocity Channel (now Motor Trend Network), which led to the creation of the show "Iron Resurrection."

Photo by ironressurectionshow


After becoming TV stars, Joe and Amanda experienced positive changes in their lives. Nevertheless, Joe admitted that the experience of fans asking for autographs felt "strange," and both he and his wife considered themselves regular people who were fortunate to have found success.


Jumping ahead to 2020, the fate of "Iron Resurrection" grew uncertain as four cast members – Manny, Pompa, Cato, and Javier – departed at the conclusion of season three. Adding to the uncertainty, Motor Trend declined to address the show's future and the potential for a fifth season, leaving fans in suspense until mid-2021 when new episodes were finally made available for online viewing.


Where are Joe, Amanda and other casts now?


Photo by ironressurectionshow


The departure of Javier and other familiar faces from "Iron Resurrection" left fans understandably disheartened, and the online uproar prompted the show's social media account to address the situation.


In response to Javier's absence, known by his alias "Shorty," the show posted a message on Facebook explaining, "Sometimes, priorities in life change, and there are things far more important than TV. Shorty is now concentrating on his shop and serving his customers in Dallas, as he wants to be near his family and cherish every moment of being a new Grandpa."

Javier Shorty and his Shorty's Dream Shop


A few days later, Javier personally reached out to viewers through social media, expressing his gratitude in a brief video. He mentioned, "I had no idea there were so many of you out there who genuinely appreciate me for who I am and what I contributed." He went on to explain that after filming season three, he made the decision to reduce his travel to Austin, prioritizing his family and business. Despite this departure, he kept the possibility of a future return open.

Regarding Cato, the show issued another concise statement, clarifying that his wife had accepted a job in Atlanta, which led to his relocation. As a result, his shop, Cato Custom Upholstery, was now based at Fuller Moto.

Phil Cato works in Cato’s Custom Upholstery


In a blog post, the upholsterer stated, "I am fully supportive of my wife's career decision, and it's important for both of us and our family to make this move." Cato's departure from the show appears to be permanent, but he maintains a positive relationship with the series' cast members.


The reason behind Pompa's sudden absence from "Iron Resurrection" was somewhat more uncertain. While there were no indications of any disagreements with the production team or the Martin brothers, fans speculated that he might have grown tired of being the target of pranks. As he was easily scared by fireworks and practical jokes, the metal worker often found himself at the center of on- and off-screen pranks. However, Pompa consistently responded good-humoredly to these harmless pranks. In fact, he even replied to a fan's comment, expressing his intention to try and return for season five of the show.

Manny, who gained popularity among fans despite only appearing in a few episodes, has seemingly disappeared without a trace. He has no active social media presence, making it nearly impossible to find any information about his current whereabouts.

Currently, the show's stars, Joe and Amanda, seem to be thriving both personally and professionally. Joe, the shop owner, has been engaged in various exciting projects lately, including restoring a '57 Chevy that had been abandoned in a backyard for over two decades, as well as reviving a rundown '65 Pontiac and a '65 Catalina. With these projects in the pipeline, the team at Martin Bros Customs will undoubtedly be occupied for quite some time.

Joe and Amanda head to Cruisin Ocean City


During their free time from filming, the couple has been actively promoting their craft by participating in different events. Notably, they attended the Classic Truck and Motorcycle Show hosted by Devil's Backbone Tavern and the Emerald Coast Cruizin event. These events have provided them with excellent opportunities to expand their network, attract new clients, and even sell some of their merchandise.

In the past few months, Amanda has been actively engaged in philanthropic work, notably helping raise more than $20,000 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This cause holds special significance for her, as her nephew Luke battles aplastic glioma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer. St. Jude's came to Luke's aid after he was turned away from a hospital in Dallas.

An amazing couple of car shows


Apart from her charitable endeavors, Amanda has been exploring new interests and hobbies, such as target practice and gym workouts. While she chooses not to discuss her personal life on TV or in interviews, fans who admire the beautiful Texan can stay updated on her activities by checking her social media profiles.

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