Blue Collar Rods & Rides

High-class work, Blue Collar price.

Blue Collar Rods & Rides is headquartered in the state-line city of Beloit, Wisconsin. Our facility specializes in custom auto body services and full custom automotive builds. We cater to diverse needs, from daily drivers to high-end custom and vintage vehicle restorations.

In addition to our custom builds, Blue Collar offers hand-painted pinstriping and custom airbrushing services for your next project vehicle or daily driver.

Founded in 2017 by Harold Thompson and his son Jason Thompson, the business emerged following Harold’s retirement. With a rich history of automotive passion, Harold and his brother Don Thompson, who have collectively owned 140 hot rods and classic cars since their early teens, began offering car enthusiasts their expertise and knowledge. Jason, equally passionate about vehicle restoration, eagerly joined the venture. Harold and Jason enlisted brother Don as a project consultant and Harold’s nephew Arne “Chris” Thompson as an employee responsible for website management and social media.

The team has grown to include:

• Joel Salter, Shop Manager-Fabrication Specialist

• Marcie Salter, Office Manager

• Steve “Reno” Hays, Mechanical/Technical Specialist

• Evan Thompson, Jason's son, Finishing/Paint Specialist

• Connor Piala, Fabrication/Mechanical Technician

• Devin Huffman, Auto Body/Refinishing/Detailing Technician

• Amy Thompson, Car Show/Social Media Manager-Technician

Over the years, our team’s decades of experience have enabled many clients to restore their dream cars, which had often remained idle for years. Restoring a vehicle to its former glory can be particularly rewarding for owners who otherwise lacked the time to do it themselves.