Welder Up
3160 S. Highland Drive, Las Vegas, NV, 89109
Custom car aficionados, gearheads, and fans of the TV show Vegas Rat Rods will want to visit Welder Up, the custom car fabrication garage featured on the show. Take a self-guided tour of the showroom and see where owner Steve Darnell and his crew create their unique turbo diesel builds, plus all sorts of other one-of-a-kind vehicles.
The Basics
Visit the garage on your own, or book a guided behind-the-scenes tour. However you choose to visit, you’ll be able to see Steve Darnell’s personal collection of rat rods and several of the custom builds featured on his TV show. Several Las Vegas sightseeing tours include a stop here, including tours focused on hot rods and those focused on local reality shows filming locations.
Things to Know Before You Go
Entry to the showroom and the shop is free.
If you want to guarantee that you’ll see Steve Darnell or other members of the show, opt for a guided tour; all tours must be booked in advance.
Visitors must sign a waiver to enter the shop.
Some of the vehicles can be extremely loud; it’s a good idea to bring earplugs.
There’s a gift shop on site.
How to Get There
The Welder Up shop is located on Highland Drive, west of the Las Vegas Strip. The shop is walking distance from the Wynn Las Vegas, but the easiest way to reach the site is by driving or taking a taxi. You can also see the shop on many guided city tours.
When to Get There
Welder Up is open daily, with limited hours on Sundays. Visitors are welcome to spend as much time at the showroom as they like during open hours.
Count’s Kustoms
Fans of custom cars may also want to visit Count’s Kustoms, the automobile restoration and customization company owned by Danny Koker, who is the star ofCounting Cars and a guest expert onPawn Stars. His shop is located less than a mile up the road from Welder Up, and visitors can tour the shop for free or take a behind-the-scenes tour.
Ways to explore
Vegas Rat Rods—also known as Sin City Motors to some international audiences—was a reality TV show that showcased the transformation of old cars into new works of art. Known as “rat rods,” these vehicles get their name from their intentionally shabby appearance, and can range from funky and colorful to steampunk chic. Visitors to Welder Up can see Steve Darnell’s personal collection of rat rods and several of the custom builds featured on the TV show, or even book a welding class to learn about car customization from the pros.
Accessibility
Welder Up is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check ahead if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Age limits
None; kids aged 12 and under visit for free.
What to pack
Water bottle, camera
What to wear
Casual clothing, comfortable shoes
Not allowed
Check with staff before touching the vehicles.
Amenities
Restrooms, gift shop
Address
Welder Up is located on Highland Drive, west of the Las Vegas Strip. The shop is within walking distance of Wynn Las Vegas, but the easiest way to reach the site is by car.
Driving
The most convenient way to reach Welder Up is by car, and free on-site parking is available. Take Las Vegas Boulevard to Fashion Show Drive and head west to South Highland Drive.
Public transportation
While there’s no bus service directly to Welder Up, you can take bus 119 to South Sammy Davis Junior Drive, about a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, board the Deuce bus to Wynn, a 20-minute walk away.
Best times to visit
Visit first thing in the morning—it opens at 10am—and you might have the showroom to yourself. Las Vegas tends to get a late start.
Best days to visit
Welder Up is open Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Visit whenever works best with your Vegas schedule.
Best months to visit
Las Vegas is best avoided in the summer due to extreme heat, while fall and spring can be crowded. Winters are pleasant.
Special events
Welding classes take place at the shop, but they sell out quickly. Check the website for details.
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