Steve Darnell Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Steve Darnell Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Steve Darnell is a custom‑car builder and reality‑TV personality recognized for his work on the hit series “Vegas Rat Rods” and as founder of the fabrication shop Welder Up.

Introduction

Steve Darnell, born on December 1, 1960, emerged from a Montana upbringing and eventually built a reputation as a maverick in the world of custom cars. His estimated net worth stands at approximately US $0.8 million.  While Steve Darnell keeps much of his personal life private, it is known that he is divorced and has two sons.  This profile explores Steve Darnell’s rise, career, lifestyle, relationships and the factors behind his wealth—covering Steve Darnell net worth, Steve Darnell relationships, Steve Darnell age/birthdate, Steve Darnell birthday, and Steve Darnell personal life.

Quick Facts

“Sparking Metal & Meaning” – From Montana to Las Vegas

Growing up in Billings, Montana, Steve Darnell developed his affinity for metal work and fabrication early on. According to an automotive‑industry profile, a 1928 Dodge from his grandfather sparked his fascination with re‑working vehicles into artful machines.  That hands‑on experience laid the foundation for what became his signature style: rat rods that look raw and rebellious, yet run like precision‑machined machines.

In pursuit of bigger horizons, Darnell relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, and founded his shop, Welder Up. The garage quickly made a name for itself in the custom‑hot‑rod scene, and when the reality TV series “Vegas Rat Rods” (on the Discovery Channel) premiered in 2014, Steve became the charismatic frontman of the enterprise. 

Defining moments in Steve Darnell’s journey include:

• A creative rebuild of his grandfather’s 1928 Dodge that he called “The Destroyer” — the mascot build for his shop. 

• Founding Welder Up in Las Vegas and building a brand around “functional art” for automotive enthusiasts.

• Starring in “Vegas Rat Rods,” which brought his garage and persona into the public eye.

• Expanding his builder persona to magazine features and custom‑build showcases in the automotive press. 

The core pillars of Steve Darnell’s wealth include:

Although many outlets list his net worth at approximately $800,000, they stress that this figure is an estimate and may not account for private business earnings, hidden liabilities, or undisclosed growth. Given the niche nature of custom car building, his wealth is heavily tied to the performance of his business operations and public profile.

Relationships & Personal Life

Steve Darnell is known for being intensely private about his romantic life and broader family details. Publicly, near‑constant mention is made of his two sons—Chase and Kash—who have helped in his garage operations.  He was previously married, but the identity of his former spouse remains largely undisclosed. 

Key insights into Steve Darnell’s relationships and personal life:

• He has at least two sons, Chase and Kash, who have been involved with his business projects. 

• His ex‑marriage ended in divorce; no verified public partner relationship has been widely reported.

• While single status is often inferred, he retains close family ties through his shop and his legacy in car building.

Beyond career success, Steve Darnell leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A collection of standout cars in his personal garage—his shop has boasted about 30 builds, including a 1957 Chevy 210 and a ’68 Dodge Charger. 

• The ethos of “rat rod” building that mixes vintage aesthetics with performance upgrades—his vehicles often serve as moving sculptures and brand ambassadors for the Welder Up name.

• Engagement with fans via social media—his Instagram account for Welder Up (@welderupvegas) boasts hundreds of thousands of followers. 

• Staying connected to his builder roots: Steve has expressed that his work is not just about fame, but keeping the craft of fabrication alive and inspiring others to build. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Here’s a rough decomposition of the figures reported by public sources, noting that all are estimates:

While $800,000 is the most commonly cited net‑worth figure, note that this likely reflects valuations from several years ago and may not include all business assets, depreciation, or market changes. The growth drivers would include expansion of his custom‑build volume, increased media‑licensing, and possibly new revenue streams tied to his brand. On the other hand, costs of running a fabrication shop, custom‑build expenses and market competition could curb upside.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

In the custom‑car community, Steve Darnell is respected as a builder who rejects standard “restoration” formulas in favor of creative, throw‑away‑the‑book rat rods that deliver attitude and performance. In the profile by MotorTrend, his garage is portrayed as “inspiring families” to build cars together.  On the reality‑TV front, his presence in “Vegas Rat Rods” gave him mainstream visibility—though he always positioned himself more as craftsman than celebrity. His social‑media presence and involvement with fans (including offering Cameo videos) shows his willingness to engage directly with his following. 

Steve Darnell’s legacy is likely to be rooted in the intersection of fabrication‑craft and storytelling—he didn’t just weld parts, he built persona‑driven machines, and in doing so, helped revive interest in rat‑rod culture. His broader influence lies in showing that relatively modest‑sized businesses can gain national recognition by pairing wild creativity with authenticity.

Conclusion

Steve Darnell’s story is one of sparks, steel and showmanship—a welding torch in one hand, and a camera’s spotlight in the other. Born on December 1, 1960, he turned childhood fascination into a business with heart, on his own terms. With an estimated Steve Darnell net worth of around US $0.8 million, his journey illustrates how passion can become income, even in a specialized field like custom car fabrication. His Steve Darnell relationships reveal a private man whose public persona revolves around his craft more than his partnerships. His Steve Darnell age/birthdate and Steve Darnell birthday mark the timeframe of his life; yet it is his legacy—the transformations he brings to metal and the inspiration he gives to builders—that will endure. For anyone looking to follow a blueprint of creativity, grit, and craft, Steve Darnell offers an engine worth revving.