Wielding a cutting torch like a six-shooter, “Monster Garage” foreman Jesse James has been dazzling Discovery Channel audiences by guiding the transformation of ordinary vehicles into Frankencars. His weekly, hourlong reality show is a hit and it’s made the tattooed 6-foot-2 host the darling of the cable channel, previously known for bug and beast documentaries. Each week, a new project begins in a warehouse where cameras roll as James guides a new team of mechanics on the latest mission to create something weird — something driveably weird — in five days with a budget of $3,000. The team’s goal: “Transform it into a monster,” James says. A Porsche 944 morphed into a driving range golf ball retriever, a Ford Explorer became a garbage truck, a Chevrolet Caprice was transformed into an ice rink resurfacer, a Mini Cooper evolved into a snowmobile, a Mustang became a lawnmower, a NASCAR racer became a street sweeper and a PT Cruiser is now a wood chipper. The “Monster Garage” creations evolve on a platform inside a 60-by-60-foot structure with interior walls painted in flames. There are power drills, air-hammers, grinders and James’ beloved plasma cutter. In a corner are video games and drink machines for occasional break periods.( Charlotte Observer )(3-14-2003)
