14 Jul 2026 10:00
How the Cars We Love End Up Restoring Us with Jon Joriman
Some people own a classic Mustang. Others build a relationship with one over a lifetime.
Today's guest has lived with the same Mustang for more than 36 years. What began as a father-and-son project at age 15 became something much bigger—a place to learn, to heal, and to stay connected to the man who first handed him a wrench. Through new floors, fresh paint, engine swaps, brake upgrades, and countless hours in the garage, this Mustang has been there for every major chapter of his life. And even after losing his father five years ago, the ritual continues—one drive, one polish, one memory at a time.
This isn't just a story about restoring a Mustang. It's about how sometimes the cars we love end up restoring us.
Let's welcome Jon to the show.
Jon Joriman's Mustang Story:
My father was a huge classic car guy. He bought and sold multiple cars, and I would help or be in the way in my preteen and teen years. I fell in love with Mustangs when I was about 15. My father purchased one as a father/son project, and I still have it 36 years later. I am now 51. I have painted it, replaced the 289 with a 6-banger, replaced the floors, new interior, and installed disc brakes in the front. I have touched every nut and bolt over the years.
The majority of the work happened at various times in my life where the garage was my therapy space - 16-18, trying to figure out life; 25-28, when I had a new family; 45-50, becoming an empty nester and dealing with his death. About 5 years ago, my father passed away, and I still go out to the garage to polish or work on it. I drive it weekly to bring back great memories. The car is part of me, and I would be happy to share my story.
I also inherited a 1957 Ford Retractable from him. He purchased it sight unseen when I was 4 - 45 years ago. It had a huge tree on the roof and trunk, which provided firewood for the winter and a starting car that was not good enough to junk, but my father had a vision, and the car has won national car shows. But that is another podcast.
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