For years, Rust Bros captured the hearts of car lovers around the world. Their journey, showcased through the hit show Rust Valley Restorers, brought excitement, emotion, and incredible before-and-after transformations of forgotten classic cars. Fans admired the dedication, humor, and passion of the team who worked in the famous “Rust Valley” of British Columbia. But recently, the internet has been filled with one pressing question: Is Rust Bros still in business? As auctions, yard clearances, and rumors began circulating, many wondered what truly happened behind the scenes. This article breaks everything down clearly and honestly—easy to read, human-written, and fully SEO-optimized—so you get the complete picture of where Rust Bros stands today.
History of Rust Bros
Rust Bros began with the vision of Mike Hall, a charismatic, rough-around-the-edges car enthusiast who had spent decades collecting old vehicles—sometimes hundreds of them. His yard in Tappen, BC eventually became legendary, filled with rusted treasures, rare models, and half-finished projects. Mike never set out to build a big company; he simply had a lifelong obsession with old cars. But as his collection grew to hundreds of vehicles, he realized he needed help restoring, selling, and managing his ever-growing “rust empire.”
This passion eventually caught the attention of TV producers, leading to the creation of Rust Valley Restorers. The show introduced viewers to Mike, Avery Shoaf, and the young and talented Connor Hall. Their personalities, arguments, jokes, and unstoppable love for old machines turned the shop into one of the most beloved car-restoration teams on TV. Rust Bros became known not just for restoring classic cars, but for telling stories—stories about history, community, and the value of bringing old things back to life.
Is Rust Bros Still in Business?
This is the question fans keep asking, and the answer is more complicated than a simple “yes” or “no.” According to the most recent public updates, Rust Bros is not operating at full capacity the way it once did during the peak of the show. Large yard auctions, significant sell-offs, and reduced workshop activity suggest that operations have scaled down dramatically. Several posts online show massive vehicle sales, closing-down events, and a major clearing of the legendary car yard.
However, this does not necessarily mean the brand is gone forever. Instead, it appears Rust Bros has shifted away from being a full-time restoration shop and may be transitioning toward smaller operations, personal projects, and online content. While the shop isn’t as active as in the past, traces of business activity still exist, mostly through public appearances, social media updates, and the ongoing influence of the TV show.
Who Owns Rust Bros?
Rust Bros is owned by Mike Hall, the central figure of the show. Mike is not only the founder but also the face of the entire Rust Valley legacy. Known for his dreadlocks, strong opinions, and gentle heart, Mike spent decades building his collection and his brand. His son, Connor Hall, played a key role in the business as a technician and mechanic, while Avery Shoaf, longtime friend and trusted partner, contributed major mechanical expertise and entertainment value.
While ownership has always remained with Mike, the team dynamics evolved over time. As Mike’s interest began shifting toward retirement and reducing stress, his desire to run a full-scale restoration shop naturally declined. This shift in energy and personal priorities became one of the biggest reasons the shop no longer operates as it once did.
Current Online Presence Check
Even though Rust Bros has slowed down operations, their online presence remains active. Their Instagram account still posts updates about cars, events, and occasional shop activities. The official YouTube channel continues to feature clips, behind-the-scenes stories, and older show highlights that keep the brand alive. Fans also continue engaging in Facebook groups dedicated to Rust Valley Restorers, discussing the yard clearances, auctions, and what might come next.
The show itself still streams on platforms like Netflix in many regions, keeping interest alive even if the business is quieter. This digital footprint suggests that Rust Bros is not fully gone—it is simply less active on the ground while maintaining a strong presence online. For many businesses today, especially TV-based brands, this shift is common and sometimes strategic.
What Happened to Rust Bros?
The major turning point came when Mike Hall decided it was time to simplify his life. Running a restoration business is expensive, exhausting, and extremely time-consuming. Many cars in the yard had been sitting for years without progress. The team often worked long hours with tight budgets and stressful deadlines for the show. Eventually, Mike made the emotional decision to auction off hundreds of vehicles. The massive auctions, combined with reports of reduced staff and limited new builds, signaled a transition rather than a complete shutdown.
Another factor was the increasing cost of classic-car restoration. Parts, labor, paintwork, and fabrication became more expensive, making profits harder to sustain. Over time, the business became less about financial success and more about passion—something Mike eventually wanted to step back from.
Why the Company Shut Down Its Doors
While not officially “closed,” Rust Bros appears to have shut down or paused major shop operations due to practical and personal reasons. The overwhelming workload, rising costs, aging inventory, and Mike’s desire for retirement all played major roles. Additionally, after the show’s peak, the demand for new restorations and the pressure to stay consistent may have contributed to the slowdown. Simply put, the business was no longer sustainable in its old form.
Another issue was the size of Mike’s collection. Managing hundreds of cars is not easy, and selling them became a challenging process. By closing the doors, Mike finally had the space and peace to sort out his life, focus on fewer projects, and enjoy the legacy he built.
Possible Future Plans of Rust Bros
While large-scale operations may be over, the Rust Bros brand still holds enormous value. Future possibilities include:
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YouTube-only restoration projects
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Limited, personal car builds
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Seasonal appearances at auto shows
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Documentary-style updates or reunion specials
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Merchandise and brand partnerships
Mike, Avery, and Connor all have strong fan bases, and any new project they launch is likely to attract attention. The team may not return to full-time shop life, but they may continue creating content in smaller, more manageable formats.
Conclusion
Rust Bros may not be the bustling restoration shop it once was, but its spirit remains alive. The legacy of Mike Hall and his team continues to inspire car lovers worldwide. While the doors may be partially closed today, the brand’s influence, online presence, and emotional impact endure. Whether they return in a new form or remain a beloved chapter of automotive history, one thing is clear: Rust Bros will always be remembered as a symbol of passion, grit, and the joy of saving old cars from the hands of time.
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