Tucked away in the heart of Cypress, Hardcore Kustoms has been a cornerstone of the local automotive scene since its establishment in 2005. Founded by passionate car enthusiast Josh Hendon with the support of his wife, Bonnie, the shop has grown into a premier destination for vehicle restoration and customization, serving the local community and beyond.
“I grew up on a farm in west Texas and was always fascinated by anything that had the potential to go fast. While completing my undergrad in mechanical engineering at Texas Tech, I was fortunate enough to be around individuals who were deeply involved in the automotive aftermarket industry,” said Josh. “I filed for a DBA in 2005 and built cars for enjoyment until 2016, when I started taking on private customers from word of mouth. In 2021 there was an unfortunate layoff in the oil and gas sector due to Covid. This push forced me to focus on building the business in my backyard.”
Fast forward to present day, and Hardcore Kustoms celebrated the grand opening of a commercial location in Tomball in 2024 with three employees and a regular book of business and will be launching a new location next year. Hardcore Kustoms specializes in restoring all makes and models of cars, offering services that range from body repair and custom paint to full-scale restorations.
“I find significant satisfaction in the meticulous process of historical recreation,” remarked Josh. “I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to exercise artistic discretion in incorporating subtle yet impactful details that enrich the overall authenticity and can offer a deeper layer of appreciation for those who take the time to observe them closely.”
The shop's reputation is built on a foundation of excellence and an extensive understanding of automotive artistry. Whether it's a classic muscle car in need of a revival or a modern vehicle seeking a unique custom touch, Hardcore Kustoms approaches each project with the same level of dedication and precision.
“Founded on the core principles of uncompromising quality, unwavering integrity, and transparent honesty, Hardcore Kustoms reflects these values in every facet of our operation,” added Josh. “This commitment is evident in the meticulous craftsmanship of our work, our proactive and clear communication with each client, and the exceptional character of our talented team members: Brock, Brian, and Aaron. We prioritize treating every customer with the respect and consideration we ourselves expect, fostering relationships built on trust and mutual understanding. While Hardcore Kustoms continues to evolve, our foundational commitment to integrity and the highest standards of quality remains constant and guaranteed.”
Over the years, Hardcore Kustoms has become more than just a restoration shop; it's a hub for car enthusiasts and a testament to the enduring appeal of custom automotive work. Their presence in the community is marked by participation in local events and a commitment to supporting fellow car lovers in the Cypress area.
“We focused on LS/LT and Coyote swaps early on. Scott Baccus at Tejas Steelworks was a big supporter of our C10 work and pushed customers to us,” said Josh. “We typically work on projects that no one else wants to. Either because parts were lost or damaged by another shop, not available at all, or it requires system integration (resto-mod). Problem-solving isn't just a service we offer; it's the driving passion behind our work. We excel where others find roadblocks, meticulously engineering solutions to bring even the most demanding visions to life.”
As they continue to evolve and take on new challenges, Hardcore Kustoms remains true to their roots, delivering high-quality restorations and customizations that reflect the individuality of each client. Their work not only preserves the legacy of classic vehicles but also contributes to the vibrant automotive culture of Cypress.
“What makes us extremely unique amongst other shops is that quality and consistency are not just goals; they are the foundation of our service, applied rigorously to every task,” said Josh.
For those looking to transform their vehicle into a personalized masterpiece, Hardcore Kustoms offers the expertise, passion, and craftsmanship to make it happen. Their dedication to excellence ensures that every project they undertake is a rolling testament to their skill and commitment to the art of automotive customization.