The Story Behind Flatline Customs – Veteran-Owned, Passion-Fueled Automotive Repair

Give a Warm Welcome to our December 8th Featured Vendor: Flatline Customs

How It All Began: The Vision of Mike Montana

In 2006, Mike Montana, co-founder and mentor of Flatline Customs, began his journey by doing side work from his home garage. Primarily focusing on differential repairs and suspension work, his decades of experience in the off-road industry quickly earned him a reputation for precision, technical skill, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

As demand for his services grew, Mike recognized the need to expand. By 2010, he secured a dedicated location and officially established Flatline Customs in Temple City, CA, providing top-tier automotive services to the local community and beyond.

Over the years, Mike’s expertise evolved beyond differentials and suspension, incorporating fabrication and certified racing events into the business’s offerings. His skills and reputation continued to grow, but Mike understood that true success lies in leaving a legacy. Through mentorship and knowledge-sharing, he ensured that Flatline Customs would remain a cornerstone of quality and innovation in the automotive world.

A New Chapter: From Marine to Mechanic

In 2019, after completing 15 years of active duty in the Marine Corps, the future owner of Flatline Customs faced a pivotal moment of transition. Unsure of the next steps, he accepted Mike Montana’s offer to learn the craft and eventually carry on the legacy of Flatline Customs. What followed was a rigorous journey of training and dedication. Under Mike’s mentorship, he discovered a passion for mastering the art of automotive repair and customization.

The transition from military service to the automotive industry was challenging but deeply rewarding. Alongside hands-on training at Flatline Customs, he enrolled at The Fab School in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. There, he developed critical skills in vehicle fabrication, suspension design, CNC/3D printing, carbon fiber molding, and machining. This specialized education, combined with Mike’s guidance, equipped him to lead Flatline Customs and uphold its mission with pride and excellence.

The Next Era of Flatline Customs – Veteran-Owned and Committed to Excellence

In 2023, “Marine” Mike officially took the reins of the business, rebranding it as “Flatline Customs Veteran Owned.” While the core services—specializing in differential rebuilds and repairs, drivetrain repair, suspension customization, and fabrication—remained the same, the mission now reflects the dedication and resilience that both Mike Montana and Mike bring to every project.

Flatline Customs has built a reputation for expertise in vintage vehicles, but its skills are fully adaptable to meet the needs of newer models as well. The business goes beyond simply “fixing cars” by focusing on building strong relationships with clients, ensuring each vehicle performs with confidence, reliability, and durability.

A Legacy of Service and Quality

From Mike Montana’s early days working out of his home garage to the business’s current location, Flatline Customs has always been synonymous with quality, trust, and dedication. Whether it’s expert differential work, drivetrain repairs, custom suspension, or fabrication, Flatline Customs Veteran Owned is here to serve its clients. The commitment to each project remains unwavering, whether restoring a vintage classic or customizing a modern vehicle.

If you’re looking for top-notch service with a legacy you can trust, Flatline Customs is here to deliver on every mile of your journey. The team is grateful for the continued support from its clients, who are an integral part of the story that drives the business forward.

Visit Us in Temple City

Ready to see how Flatline Customs can help with your next project? Come by Flatline Customs Veteran Owned and let them keep your wheels turning and your journey moving.