Crucible Coachworks
CRUCIBLE COACHWORKS
Crucible Coachworks and Translog specialize exclusively in Porsche, providing a full spectrum of services for all eras and models. Working out of a well-equipped 11,000-square-foot facility in York, Pennsylvania, the team includes six full-time staff led by owner Tony Miller and metal shaper and content creator Ryan Krause.
TONY MILLER
In 2006, Tony Miller took over Translog, a respected Porsche-exclusive shop established in 1972, after the passing of its original founder, Gary Wigglesworth. Tony had worked alongside Gary for ten years, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and cultivating a passion for all things Porsche. This dedication to the brand has positioned Translog as the go-to destination for Porsche enthusiasts seeking expert care.
RYAN KRAUSE
Ryan Krause joined the Translog team in 2016, bringing with him extensive experience in bodywork and collision repair. Ryan began his career as an apprentice under his brother, Brad Krause, a respected collision technician, before joining Translog. Tony encouraged Ryan to expand his skills in metal shaping, sending him to workshops led by renowned experts like Lazze, Chris Rünge, and Jake Krotje. Once joining Tony, Ryan introduced content creation skills that launched Translog’s social media presence, leading to the creation of Crucible Coachworks. Starting as a YouTube channel, Crucible Coachworks showcased their restorations, custom builds, and metal shaping, rapidly attracting a dedicated audience.
EASTWOOD + CRUCIBLE COACHWORKS
In late 2024, Eastwood and Crucible Coachworks launched hands on, instructor-led welding and metal fabrication training classes through Eastwood University. Whether you are just starting out or have been fabricating for years, you now have a chance to learn the best tips and tricks directly from the professionals through Eastwood University.
Checkout upcoming Eastwood University classes and training workshops:
The Crucible Coachworks Garage is a video series highlighting the partnership between the reputable Porsche shop of Translog & Crucible Coachworks and Eastwood with its line of DIY automotive tools. See how the professionals use Eastwood products to fabricate and build their custom projects.
CRUCIBLE COACHWORKS GARAGE EPISODES:
PROJECT JIGSAW EPISODES
Project Jigsaw: Episode 72
Building a Vintage Supercar with a Modern Secret
Crucible is back to working on Project Jigsaw where Ryan focuses on the rear quarter panel. Tony reinforces the subframe and gets it painted! You’ll want to see this progress.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 71
Giving the Supercar a Face Lift!
This week Ryan of Crucible Coachworks focuses on the nose of the car to weld all of the pieces together. Meanwhile, Tony works on the rear of Project Jigsaw. Time to get the subframe cleaned up.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 70
Rebuilding the 1960’s Supercar Engine!
Crucible goes back to wrenching on Project Jigsaw! Ryan works on getting a functioning passenger side door. Tony focuses on rebuilding his dad’s engine and finalizes the subframe they built underneath.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 69
Building a 1960's Supercar: Custom Doors!
Project Jigsaw is coming together one piece at a time. On this episode Ryan and Tony fabricate custom door latches so they can get the doors hung and operational. You don't want to miss this one!
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 68
Building a 1960s Supercar!
Metal shaping, TIG welding, problems, solutions, and even a little bit of clay. This episode has it all! Watch the whole video to see what Ryan and Tony can tackle on this weeks episode of Project Jigsaw.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 67
Everything You Need to Know About Our Supercar!
The crucible boys sit down for an end of year Q&A and answer some of the internets most burning questions. They discuss plans for the Project Jigsaw, struggles they have encountered and even their very first metal shaping class at Eastwood.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 66
Building a Supercar is HARD: Metal 3D Printed Parts and More!
This week Crucible Coachworks continues Project Jigsaw, the 1960's inspired supercar project based on a Porsche Boxster!
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 65
Welding Custom Aluminum Body Panels on our Supercar!
Ryan works on final fitment and TIG welding the aluminum body panels to make Project Jigsaw less of a puzzle.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 64
Making Welds DISAPPEAR on our Supercar Project!
Ryan works on final fitment and TIG welding the aluminum body panels to make Project Jigsaw less of a puzzle.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 63
Using a Classic Tool to Make a Door for Our Supercar!
Using a Classic Tool to Make a Door for Our Supercar! From wire frame to template to door skin! Ryan creates a custom door panel using an English wheel while Tony works on final welds.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 62
The Magical Headers You Never Knew Existed!
It's time to install our custom 180 degree headers! Come along as Tony and Ryan problem-solve the complex engineering behind this project, and take jabs at each other all along the way!
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 61
$500 Junkyard Supercar: Making Custom Doors!
This week Crucible Coachworks continue the Project Jigsaw, our 1960's inspired supercar project based on a Porsche Boxster by building custom doors.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 60
Building a SUPERCAR!
This week Crucible Coachworks continue the Project Jigsaw, our 1960's inspired supercar project based on a Porsche Boxster. It's finally time to cut out more of the original chassis and reinforce it with tubing. They also refine the rear clamshell even more.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 59
Building Our Supercar Like Legends!
We spend time fabricating, welding and finishing up the rear clamshell that holds the rear body panels on. Come along as Tony and Ryan problem-solve the complex engineering behind this project!
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 58
Fixing a MAJOR Flaw in Our Supercar!
This week we continue work on the custom hinges for Project Jigsaw, our 1960's inspired supercar project based on a Porsche Boxster. Our aluminum frame is sagging!
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 57
Building a Supercar!
This week we continue Project Jigsaw, our 1960's inspired supercar project based on a Porsche Boxster. Tony & Ryan work the custom clamshell and hinges!
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 56
Making Custom Wheels for Our Supercar!
This week we continue Project Jigsaw, our 1960's inspired supercar project based on a Porsche Boxster, teaming up to create custom wheels.
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Project Jigsaw: Episode 55
Vintage Supercar Build: Forming Body Panels by Hand!
This week Crucible Coachworks continue their Project Jigsaw. Come along as Tony and Ryan problem-solve the complex engineering behind this project!
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Project Jigsaw Recap
Building Our Dream Car: 1 year in 30 Minutes!
We've been building our 1960's inspired supercar for one full year now! This week we reminisce on what we've accomplished on the project, and prepare for some BIG announcements coming very soon!
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DRIFT GHIA EPISODES
Drift Ghia: Episode 21
Turning a Classic into a Purpose Built Drift Car
This week, Ryan from Crucible Coachworks focuses in on the center tunnel of the Karmann Ghia Drift Car build. It all starts with a tear down.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 20
Fabricating a Custom RearBash Bar with an Integrated Brake Light
From metal shaping to structural fab, this is what building a car from scratch really looks like. No bolt-on kits. No shortcuts.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 19
Cooling the Rear-MountRadiator Setup
Progress continues as the Crucible Coachworks team designs custom quarter panel air scoops to help feed fresh air to the rear-mounted radiator. Checkout the Karmann Ghia drift car progress.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 18
Will the Rear-MountedRadiator Work?
It’s time for Ryan and Tony to tackle one of the biggest challenges of the Karmann Ghia drift build: airflow. Custom vents will need to be created to get air to the rear-mounted radiator. Can they do it?
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Drift Ghia: Episode 17
Building a Rear Mounted Radiator
The Crucible Coachworks team uses cutting-edge 3D scanning technology to completely design the rear-mounted radiator setup on the drift Karmann Ghia.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 16
Designing a New Cagefrom the Ground Up
You asked for it, now Crucible Coachworks delivers!In this episode, Ryan and Tony fabricate a fully DIY cage: bending, coping, tacking, and fitting everything from scratch.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 15
Making an “RWB”...Out of Steel!
This week Ryan of Crucible Coachworks builds the passenger side flares to match what’s already on the driver side. There’s no kit. It’s all steel. It’s all custom. Is it a good idea?
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Drift Ghia: Episode 14
Air Intake System Fabrication
In this episode Ryan and Tony of Crucible Coachworks work on the air intake system of the Drift Ghia. It’s time to fabricate an air box and relocate the 944 fuel cell.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 13
Building a Bash Bar
The Karmann Ghia traditionally has an impact bumper that the Crucible team will mimic with the bash bar. Ryan and Tony get to work to tie everything together.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 12
RWB Costs Too Much, So I Built My Own!
Ryan Krause of Crucible Coachworks brings the Drift Ghia one step closer to completion by crafting a custom front spoiler that perfectly complements the car’s bold, aggressive styling.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 11
Rowdy Looks + Rowdy Power
This week Crucible Coachworks continues on project Drift Ghia by mounting the turbo and intercooler. Watch now!
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Drift Ghia: Episode 10
Defining an Aggressive Front
Ryan Krause of Crucible Coachworks stays true to the Karmann Ghia front end and sketches out an aggressive grille. Let’s go step-by-step from sketch to fabrication.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 9
Fabricating Rear Flares
To make the Porsche 944 with a Karmann Ghia body even rowdier, Ryan Krause of Crucible Coachworks is fabricating the rear flares. Ryan uses the shrinker/stretcher, English wheel and planishing hammer as his main tools.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 8
Making a Widebody Ghia
Ryan Krause of Crucible Coachworks builds upon the flare wireframing from last week. It's time to tackle the front driver's side flare and begin the steel hand-formed metal work. Let's get to metal shaping.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 7
Making Flares from Scratch
It is officially time to begin flaring the Drift Ghia! Crucible Coachworks uses a ton of Eastwood products to wireframe and create handform steel flares from scratch. Want a sneak peek of Eastwood’s R&D Department?
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Drift Ghia: Episode 6
Attaching the Body
Next up on our Ghia Drift Car build is attaching the body which also means getting the doors in place. But before all of that, Tony and Ryan get the filthy chasis and body cleaned up.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 5
Rollcage Removal!
Let’s face it, the 944 rollcage does not fit the Karmann Ghia body. In this episode, Crucible Coachworks figures out how to correctly fit the Ghia body onto the drift car chassis. Time to cut the cage, remove the fuel cell, and...
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Drift Ghia: Episode 4
It’s Engine Swap Time.
In this episode Crucible Coachworks swaps this 07K Inline-5 Volkswagen engine into the Porsche 944 drift car that’s going to be bodied as a Karmann Ghia. Does it fit under the hood? Watch to find out.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 3
Continuing Body Work& Revealing the Engine!
Tony and Ryan use the Eastwood Versa Cut 60 Plasma Cutter to roughly cut the Ghia body to get it fitting on the Porsche. A lot needs to be done with the race car chassis to make it a solid drift chassis... Let’s get started.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 2
DRIFT GHIA! Body Swap onto Porsche Race Car!
Ryan and Tony of Crucible Coachworks are building a rowdy drift car based on a Porsche 944 track car and slapping a carbon Ghia body on top of it. Originally built for high speed racing, the Crucible team will be putting in a ton of work to turn it into a monster drift car. First on the list is to figure out how to drape the Ghia body on the Porsche chassis.
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Drift Ghia: Episode 1
WILD Ghia Drift Car with Porsche 944 Race Chassis!
Ryan and Tony take a step back from Project Jigsaw to introduce their new project, the 944 - Ghia drift car! In this episode they go over the current state of the car and plans to make it a track weapon.
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CRUCIBLE COACHWORKS ON THE EASTWOOD ELITE TIG 200 DIGITAL AC/DC WELDER:
"The Eastwood TIG 200 LCD welder combines the kind of precision and power we need when building a custom Porsche like Project Jigsaw.”
“The TIG 200 LCD has a super stable arc that’s critical to welding custom panels like the ones we build at Crucible Coachworks.”
“We can’t afford to be held up with machines that won’t work. Our Eastwood welders have never let us down, allowing us to finish countless projects.”
“The LCD screen and presets makes it super easy to dial in the perfect settings every time. No guessing, just welding."
"You don’t usually find a welder that’s both beginner-friendly and tough enough for experienced hands, but the TIG 200 LCD is just that."
TONY MILLER'S PICKS
RYAN KRAUSE'S PICKS
