Junkyard Digs

Channel Overview

Junkyard Digs is a popular YouTube channel that has captured the attention of automotive enthusiasts worldwide with its unique approach to vehicle restoration. The channel is operated by Kevin Brown, a former US Army Aviation Mechanic who has turned his passion for reviving abandoned vehicles into a thriving content creation enterprise^[1]. Based in Ames, Iowa, the channel operates under the motto "real cars, real people, real content" and focuses on bringing forgotten automotive treasures back to life^[2].

The channel was launched on January 24, 2017, and has since grown into a significant presence in the automotive YouTube community^[3]. What sets Junkyard Digs apart from other automotive channels is its focus on abandoned and neglected vehicles found in junkyards, with each project offering viewers an authentic glimpse into the process of automotive resurrection^[4].

Content Focus and Approach

The channel specializes in automotive restoration and preservation, showcasing various abandoned and neglected vehicles discovered in junkyards and barns across the Midwest^[4]. Kevin Brown takes on the challenge of bringing these forgotten vehicles back to life, creating content that includes in-depth restoration projects, engine rebuilds, and automotive history lessons^[4]. The channel's approach has been compared to shows like Roadkill, with its focus on relatable, low-budget automotive adventures^[5].

Recent video titles demonstrate the channel's consistent format, featuring projects like reviving a seized 1960s luxury car after 30 years, attempting to drive abandoned vehicles hundreds of miles home, and rescuing classic muscle cars from barns^[6]. The channel maintains an educational approach, with hosts explaining their processes throughout each restoration project^[5].

Team Members and Collaborators

While Kevin Brown serves as the primary host and face of the channel, Junkyard Digs operates as a collaborative effort involving several key team members^[1]. The team includes Micah Uetz, known online as Junkyard Mook, who not only runs her own channel but also serves as an essential part of the Junkyard Digs operation^[7]. Another longtime team member is Angus Wacker, who has been featured in episodes as Kevin's friend and occasional helper, bringing an engineering background to various projects^[7].

The channel also collaborates with other automotive content creators, including Luke from ThunderHead289, Dylan McCool, Cars and Cameras, and Pole Barn Garage^[8]. This network of collaborators has helped create what some refer to as an "extended family" within the automotive YouTube community^[1].

Channel Performance and Statistics

As of June 2025, Junkyard Digs has achieved significant success on the YouTube platform, with 1.25 million subscribers and 273 uploaded videos^[3]. The channel has accumulated over 218.1 million total views since its inception^[3]. Recent performance data shows the channel maintains strong viewership, with approximately 2.9 million views in the last 30 days and nearly 700,000 views in the past week^[6].

Individual videos typically perform well, with recent uploads receiving hundreds of thousands of views each. For example, the video "Will a SEIZED 60's Luxury Car RUN & DRIVE After 30 YEARS??" garnered over 614,000 views^[6]. The channel's estimated monthly earnings range from $7,200 to $21,600, placing it within the automotive content creator tier on YouTube^[3].

Business Model and Operations

Junkyard Digs operates with a unique business model that sets it apart from traditional restoration shops. In most cases, the channel doesn't purchase the vehicles they work on outright^[9]. Instead, Kevin and his team reach out to original owners to get permission to restore vehicles, using their own resources at their workshop in Ames, Iowa^[7]. Once restoration work is completed, they return the vehicles to their owners free of charge^[7].

This approach allows Kevin to create compelling content for his YouTube audience while helping vehicle owners restore their forgotten automotive treasures^[7]. For clients who do seek paid restoration services, costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on the scope of work required^[9].

Background and Origins

Kevin Brown's journey to YouTube success began during his military service as a US Army Aviation Mechanic^[1]. His passion for automobiles developed early, but it was during his deployment that he began envisioning the potential for bringing abandoned vehicles back to life^[9]. Upon returning from deployment, Kevin discovered that videos he had filmed prior to his military service had accumulated hundreds of thousands of views, motivating him and his team to continue creating content^[1].

The channel has maintained a positive reputation within the automotive community, successfully avoiding major controversies throughout its existence^[4]. Kevin's dedication to preserving automotive history and craftsmanship has earned him a loyal following of viewers who appreciate the channel's authentic and respectful approach to automotive restoration^[4].