Restoring the past. Crafting a future.
Customs and classics crafted by veterans
The Mission
VetBuilt Customs, a registered Missouri non-profit in Kansas City, MO, is more than a restoration shop—it’s a lifeline for veterans, offering a holistic approach to help them thrive in civilian life through the engaging lens of classic car restoration. By combining practical skills training, a renewed sense of purpose, community building, and support services, VetBuilt provides everything veterans need—whether they’re seeking new skills, a supportive team, or just a place to unwind. As they get their hands dirty rebuilding classic cars, veterans can also rebuild their own lives, surrounded by a community that understands and supports them every step of the way.
How we do it
VetBuilt Customs is open to all military veterans—regardless of era served or prior automotive experience—and maintains in-house car restoration projects at various stages. Veterans are invited to “get their hands dirty” by participating in these projects. Beyond the satisfaction of working on classic cars, this initiative delivers tangible benefits that address key challenges veterans face, including lack of purpose, difficulty forming connections, limited vocational skills, barriers to pursuing hobbies, and navigating the VA system. Here’s how:
1. Opportunity: Hands-On Skill Development
VetBuilt introduces veterans to in-demand automotive trades through practical, hands-on experience. These skills include:
Welding
Metal Fabrication
Paint and Bodywork
Engine Building and Mechanical Systems
Interior Work
While VetBuilt is not a formal vocational school, it serves as a stepping stone by exposing veterans to these fields. For those interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry, VetBuilt provides guidance to identify and secure advanced training or educational programs. This opens doors to new career paths and helps veterans build marketable skills.
2. A Mission: Purpose Through Restoration
Restoring a classic car is a multi-step process filled with milestones—each one offering a sense of progress and accomplishment. Veterans who participate gain:
Pride in Achievement: Completing tasks like rebuilding an engine or refinishing a body panel boosts confidence and provides a tangible result to celebrate.
A Metaphor for Growth: The restoration process mirrors VetBuilt’s mission—taking something “forgotten” or “rough around the edges” and, with teamwork and effort, transforming it into its full potential. This parallels the personal development and renewed purpose veterans can find through the program.
This project-based approach restores the sense of mission many veterans miss after leaving the military, giving them a clear goal to work toward.
3. A Brotherhood/Sisterhood: Community and Networking
VetBuilt fosters a supportive community where veterans can connect over their shared love of cars. Key aspects include:
Camaraderie in the Shop: Veterans work side-by-side, building relationships with peers who understand their experiences—regardless of rank or background.
External Networking: VetBuilt participates in local and regional car shows, where veterans can showcase their work. These events connect them with the public, including business owners, community leaders, and fellow veterans, creating opportunities for friendships, support systems, and even job prospects outside the automotive field.
This dual focus on internal bonding and external engagement helps veterans overcome the challenge of forming relationships and networks in civilian life.
4. Guidance: Navigating the VA System
The VA system can be overwhelming, but VetBuilt offers practical support to eligible veterans, helping them access:
Healthcare for service-related injuries or conditions.
Educational Benefits, including apprenticeships.
Vocational Rehab Programs and other earned services.
By simplifying this process, VetBuilt ensures veterans can take full advantage of the benefits they’ve earned, reducing stress and opening up additional opportunities for growth.
5. An Escape: A Welcoming and Flexible Space
VetBuilt is more than a shop—it’s an inclusive environment tailored to veterans’ needs:
Open to All: Whether a veteran has no automotive experience, decades of expertise, or just wants a place to relax, they’re welcome.
Flexible Participation: Veterans can engage at their own pace—learning new skills, leading projects, or simply enjoying the camaraderie.
A Safe Haven: The shop provides a space to decompress, talk, and be surrounded by people who “get it,” promoting mental health and well-being.
This flexibility ensures VetBuilt meets veterans where they are, offering a creative outlet and a sense of belonging without financial or logistical barriers.
