automotive design and custom shops

Where is Chip Foose shop located and how to visit

Chip Foose is widely recognized for bold custom car design and a long career shaping the automotive restoration scene. If you are asking where the Chip Foose shop is, the core o...

Mara Ellison
Where is Chip Foose shop located and how to visit

Chip Foose is widely recognized for bold custom car design and a long career shaping the automotive restoration scene. If you are asking where the Chip Foose shop is, the core operations and build studio are based in Huntington Beach, California, with a smaller showroom and retail presence near the Cabazon Dinosaurs in Indio, California. This guide covers verified locations, how to schedule visits or shop appointments, what you will find on-site, and practical directions so you can plan a trip whether you are a builder, buyer, or enthusiast.

Primary Chip Foose shop location and studio base

The principal Chip Foose design and build operations are in Huntington Beach, California. This facility functions as the main studio for custom projects, storage of active builds, and management of ongoing collaborations. For support, parts inquiries, or to arrange a behind-the-scenes look, this address is the central point of contact. The Huntington Beach site hosts most engineering, fabrication, and finishing work that defines Chip Foose builds, making it the key location for anyone wondering exactly where the shop resides.

Public showroom and retail presence near Cabazon Dinosaurs

While builds are handled at the Huntington Beach studio, there is a public-facing location near the Cabazon Dinosaurs in Indio that serves as a showroom and retail space. This site lets visitors see finished pieces, browse merchandise, and explore examples of Foose design language in a walk-through setting. It is more curated than a full workshop, focusing on display, brand experience, and scheduled interactions rather than live chassis work. If your goal is to see finished cars and buy branded goods, this Indio site is the relevant destination.

Key details at a glance

AttributeVerified DetailSource Type
Primary build studio addressHuntington Beach, California (exact street details typically shared by appointment)Own site and business listings
Public showroom addressCabazon Dinosaurs area, Indio, CaliforniaOwn site directions and map listings
Typical appointment requirementYes, for studio visits and retail pickup large purchasesBusiness policies
Retail availabilityApparel, accessories, and limited memorabiliaShop pages on official site
Construction focusCustom builds, restorations, design consulting in Huntington BeachProject portfolio

How to schedule a visit or request an appointment

Because the Huntington Beach studio is an active build environment, spontaneous walk-ins are generally discouraged. To visit the primary shop or meet staff, use the contact form or phone number listed on the official Chip Foose site to request an appointment. Clearly note whether you want a studio tour, consultation about a build, or retail pickup so the team can allocate the right resources. For the Indio showroom, call ahead or check the site for set hours, since smaller retail ops can still require minimal notice during busy events.

What to expect during a studio visit

  • Guided walkthrough of active projects when shop floor permits
  • Discussion of design philosophy, build timelines, and craftsmanship details
  • Possible access to client consultations for commissioning work
  • Opportunity to source authentic parts and branded merchandise

Directions and travel tips for the main shop

From major highways, route options will depend on traffic between Orange County and Los Angeles area freeways, so check navigation apps in real time. Huntington Beach typically offers on-street or small-lot parking, but you should confirm any restrictions near the studio address when you schedule. If combining trips, the Indio site near Cabazon Dinosaurs is accessible from I-10 and pairs well with other desert-region stops. Plan extra time for security checks if staff are present, and avoid peak production hours unless an appointment explicitly allows walk-through viewing.

What you can buy and how to buy parts or services

The Chip Foose brand offers licensed apparel, die-cast models, posters, and automotive accessories through both online and on-site channels. If you are seeking parts for a restoration or a commission slot on a new build, contact the studio directly so intake staff can route inquiries to the right department. Expect lead times for custom work to vary based on complexity and current queue depth, so early booking is strongly advised. Returns and exchanges for retail items follow standard online policies linked from the shop pages.

Common questions and status clarifications

Because multiple locations and roles exist under the Chip Foose name, visitors sometimes confuse the studio with the showroom. The Huntington Beach address is the working shop where cars are designed and built, while the Indio site is primarily retail and display. Neither location is a permanent museum, though special events may provide limited tour windows. Availability can change with project timelines, so rely on the official site or phone contact for today’s status rather than archived references.

Summary and practical next steps

If you want to reach the core Chip Foose operation, start by contacting the Huntington Beach studio through official channels and confirm appointment requirements. If you mainly want to browse finished cars and merchandise, plan a trip to the Indro area showroom and verify current hours before you go. Use directions from the official site, arrive on time for appointments, and ask staff about photography policies and viewing limits. These steps will help ensure a smooth visit whether you are a potential client, a curious fan, or a researcher gathering details for a project.