What Really Happened to Ian Roussel from “Full Custom Garage”?**

For years, Ian Roussel amazed fans with his creativity on “Full Custom Garage,” building wild cars in the Mojave Desert. But behind the scenes, the reality was far tougher than the TV cameras showed.

Long 13-hour filming days in 115-degree heat led to exhaustion and even collapse. The stress and scripted moments slowly drained the joy from Ian’s work, exposing a darker side of reality TV.

Ian was born in Sunland, California, in 1970, and his childhood revolved around cars and fabrication, thanks to his father Jerry—a Lockheed engineer who taught him to build from aircraft scraps.

By age 10, Ian was restoring cars, and by high school, his custom builds were being featured in magazines. He skipped college, preferring hands-on learning from legends like Boyd Coddington and Chip Foose.

Ian’s early career was built on his willingness to tackle the weirdest custom requests. He built cars that broke the rules—chopping roofs, welding mismatched parts, and creating punk rock hot rods. His reputation grew, and after a Las Vegas car show in the mid-‘90s, a documentary crew put him in the spotlight. Soon, collectors and celebrities were seeking his work.

In 2014, “Full Custom Garage” premiered on MAVTV, showing Ian’s raw talent and unique process. The early seasons were authentic, focused on builds rather than drama. But as the show grew, so did production demands. Episodes became formulaic, with forced tension and scripted scenes replacing genuine creativity. Ian spent more time acting than building, and the joy faded.

The harsh desert conditions—temperatures over 110°, relentless sun, and isolation—added to the pressure. Ian’s wife, Jaime, became his partner, helping with business, editing, and customer relations. Their life together was tough but creative, and Jaime’s support kept things running.

The reality of TV production took its toll. Unsafe working conditions, skipped steps, and rushed builds became common to meet deadlines. Ian collapsed from heat exhaustion during filming, and paramedics were called. The risk was real, but the show pushed on for the sake of good footage.

By late 2023, burnout was overwhelming. Ian announced his departure from the show—not due to drama or cancellation, but his own choice. He finished season 9, airing in January 2024, giving fans a proper farewell. Unlike most reality TV exits, Ian handled it professionally, wrapping up commitments and helping the crew finish the journey.

Ian didn’t disappear. In January 2023, he launched the “Full Custom Ian” YouTube channel, returning to his roots. No scripts, no network pressure—just real builds. The channel quickly gained traction, with millions of views and a growing fanbase. Jaime became a full creative partner and co-owner, helping the brand expand.

In September 2024, Ian and Jaime closed their iconic desert shop, moving to a new facility at the Mojave Air and Spaceport. The bigger, better-equipped shop allowed for faster, higher-quality builds and more creative freedom. Their online presence thrived, and their builds became symbols of real craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, in November 2024, Motor Trend Studios shut down all in-house production, ending shows overnight. Ian’s decision to leave TV looked prescient—he was already building freely, independent of network constraints.

**The truth:** Ian Roussel left “Full Custom Garage” to escape burnout, reclaim creativity, and protect his health. He now thrives online, building cars his way, with Jaime by his side—proving that real passion beats scripted TV every time.