Take a look at this, Aaron Kaufman BREAKS Silence On The Fast N’ Loud Cast Members He Hated The Most!
For years, Fast N’ Loud dominated the automotive reality TV world, captivating millions with its mix of jaw-dropping custom builds, behind-the-scenes drama, and the undeniable chemistry between Richard Rawlings and his bearded right-hand man, Aaron Kaufman. But when Kaufman suddenly left Gas Monkey Garage in 2017, fans were left stunned and searching for answers. Now, Kaufman has opened up about the creative clashes, personal tensions, and career ambitions that led to one of reality TV’s most talked-about breakups.
From Small Dallas Garage to TV Stardom
Aaron Kaufman’s journey began in a small Dallas shop, where fate introduced him to Richard Rawlings, the ambitious founder of Gas Monkey Garage. Impressed by Kaufman’s rare ability to dismantle and rebuild vehicles with precision, Rawlings brought him into the fold. Together, they traveled across the U.S., rescuing rusted classics and transforming them into high-performance masterpieces.
During his 14-year tenure, Kaufman spearheaded some of the most iconic builds on the show:
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A restored 1966 microbus rebuilt from a chopped-in-half shell.
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A Harvester Scout packing an SRT Hellcat engine.
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A Ford GT upgraded with twin turbos and nitrous to an insane 2,700 horsepower.
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A patriotic Stars and Stripes Super Jeep that sold for $1.3 million at auction for charity.
The Breaking Point: Why Aaron Kaufman Left Gas Monkey Garage
Despite the on-screen camaraderie, tensions simmered behind the scenes. Kaufman revealed that his departure stemmed from:
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Creative Restrictions – He wanted to tackle larger, more complex projects that didn’t fit the show’s tight filming schedule.
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Professional Differences – Disagreements over project direction and build quality standards.
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Personal Frustrations – The high-pressure, camera-ready environment often clashed with his vision for craftsmanship.
According to Kaufman, Fast N’ Loud thrived on fast turnarounds, but he preferred builds that could take months to perfect. “The complexity of the car exceeded what could be accomplished on TV within the time and budget,” he explained.
Life After Fast N’ Loud
Shortly after leaving, Kaufman launched Arklite Fabrication in Dallas, focusing on:
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Producing aftermarket parts for vintage Ford F-Series trucks (1957–1979).
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Pursuing ambitious, long-term restoration projects free from TV deadlines.
He also returned to television with:
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Shifting Gears with Aaron Kaufman – A two-season series showcasing performance builds and off-road projects.
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Aaron Needs a Job – A travel-driven series where Kaufman took on diverse automotive and mechanical challenges across the U.S.
Richard Rawlings and the GMG Legacy
Richard Rawlings has acknowledged that Aaron was “instrumental in building GMG,” but insists Gas Monkey is a team effort. Even without Kaufman, the Dallas-based shop continues to produce high-profile builds and has cultivated a massive online following with over 1 million YouTube subscribers.
However, GMG’s history is riddled with controversies, from employee disputes to off-screen feuds. Other cast departures, including Tom Smith and Jordan Butler, added to the drama—fueling speculation about the garage’s internal dynamics.
Are Kaufman and Rawlings Still Friends?
Surprisingly, yes. While Kaufman confirmed there were “personal and professional disagreements,” he and Rawlings have since reconciled. The two remain on good terms, even if their professional paths have diverged.
The Enduring Impact of Aaron Kaufman
Aaron Kaufman’s influence on Fast N’ Loud is undeniable. His craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication helped turn Gas Monkey Garage into a global brand. Today, through Arklite Fabrication, Kaufman continues to push the boundaries of custom car building—proving that leaving the spotlight doesn’t mean leaving the passion behind.
