Podcast Title: The Smoking Tire
Episode: Larry Kosilla's Extreme Detailing
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Hosts: Matt Farah and Zack Klapman
Guest: Larry Kosilla of Ammo NYC

Introduction to Extreme Detailing

In this episode of The Smoking Tire, Matt Farah and Zack Klapman welcome their longtime friend, Larry Kosilla of Ammo NYC, to discuss his new television venture, Extreme Detailing, which airs on Discovery Plus. Larry shares his journey from YouTube detailing enthusiast to TV executive producer, offering listeners an inside look into the creation and challenges of bringing a detailing show to the mainstream media.

Behind the Scenes of "Extreme Detailing"

Larry Kosilla recounts the origins of Extreme Detailing, explaining how an initial contact from the History Channel about a concept similar to his YouTube channel led to a series of contractual negotiations. Unable to maintain his YouTube presence under the History Channel’s exclusive demands, Larry pivoted to Discovery, securing a deal that allowed him to continue his online efforts alongside producing the TV show.

Larry Kosilla [11:32]: "But instead of having like a 30 person crew or whatever it was, I had one camera guy. And then during this shoot, he ended up buying the car for $1.2 million. It was a real job of verifying the VIN and all that kind of stuff."

Matt and Larry delve into the intense production process, highlighting a particularly chaotic episode where unexpected interruptions and confrontations with neighbors added real-life drama to the filming.

Larry Kosilla [18:43]: "This is not a joke. And I'm like, oh, hey, what's up? And they're friends of him... we ended up convincing him, 'Can you move out of the shop?' And he goes, 'Okay, okay.'"

These authentic moments not only provided compelling content for the show but also underscored the unpredictable nature of automotive detailing in real environments.

Navigating TV Production vs. YouTube

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the stark differences between producing content for television versus managing a YouTube channel. Larry expresses his admiration for the production quality of TV shows but laments the restrictive corporate infrastructure that often hampers creative freedom.

Larry Kosilla [28:03]: "I didn't know either. But the speed with which you can do YouTube, obviously, the control that you have with YouTube... is completely different than that of television."

Matt shares his experiences with traditional TV shows, emphasizing the challenges they faced in retaining audience attention compared to the dynamic and viewer-centric approach of YouTube.

Matt Farah [24:15]: "They want to know how many people we can retain after the checkered flag of a NASCAR race. Like, are you fucking shitting me?"

The hosts discuss strategies for balancing high-quality production with budget constraints, reflecting on Larry’s experiments with rapid detailing projects like the Volkswagen GTI restoration.

Personal Car Projects and Insights

Larry opens up about his own automotive projects, particularly his deep investment in restoring a Volkswagen GTI and his thoughts on maintaining his Porsche 911 GT3. He reflects on the emotional and financial aspects of car restoration, highlighting the delicate balance between personal passion and practical considerations.

Larry Kosilla [37:10]: "So you think the price of those are going up now?"

Matt and Larry share anecdotes about their shared history with cars, reminiscing about past projects and the camaraderie that fuels their passion for automotive detailing.

Larry Kosilla [53:14]: "So, yeah, that's the day that it came in. And that's when we went to..."

Their discussion extends to the community aspects of car restoration, particularly within the Volkswagen enthusiast circles, and how these communities differ from other automotive groups.

Listener Q&A: Detailing Tips and Troubleshooting

The latter part of the podcast transitions into a Q&A segment where Matt and Larry address listener-submitted questions about car detailing. Topics range from rinseless washes and rotary polishers to protecting convertible tops and maintaining pristine paint finishes.

Rinseless Wash Concerns

Larry Kosilla [65:43]: "Rinseless wash is a substitute... in the absence of water, it's a good alternative."

He emphasizes that while rinseless washes are convenient, they aren't a complete substitute for traditional washing methods, especially for heavily soiled vehicles.

Protecting Old Paints and Clear Coats

Larry Kosilla [74:11]: "I was like, just be careful. So no, I'm not down on coatings. Be smart about it."

Larry advises caution with ceramic coatings, recommending them as part of a broader maintenance regimen rather than a standalone solution.

Using Rotary Polishers

Larry Kosilla [86:34]: "You can practice on anything you want. I just got to be okay with the consequences."

He advocates for practicing on non-valuable surfaces to hone skills before applying techniques on prized vehicles.

Closing Remarks and Plugs

As the episode winds down, Matt and Larry promote Larry’s products and the Extreme Detailing show, encouraging listeners to watch and support the new venture. They also highlight the importance of Patreon support for sustaining quality content without relying solely on ad revenue.

Larry Kosilla [94:21]: "Ammo, nyc.com... If you can go on HBO Max or Discovery Plus and give the television show a watch so I can get some more views."

The hosts wrap up with light-hearted banter and acknowledgments, reminding listeners of upcoming episodes and collaborations, including Larry’s appearance on Adam Carolla’s show.

Key Takeaways

• Transition to TV: Larry Kosilla successfully transitioned from YouTube to a TV show on Discovery Plus, maintaining creative control while navigating production challenges.
• Production Insights: The episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of producing high-quality automotive content for television versus online platforms.
• Detailed Car Restoration: Larry’s passion for car restoration is evident, particularly his work on the Volkswagen GTI and Porsche 911 GT3, balancing personal satisfaction with practical considerations.
• Practical Detailing Advice: The Q&A segment offers actionable advice for car enthusiasts, addressing common detailing challenges and best practices.
• Community and Support: Emphasis on supporting creators through platforms like Patreon and engaging with specialized automotive communities.

Listeners who enjoy in-depth discussions about automotive detailing, production challenges, and personal car projects will find this episode both informative and entertaining. Larry Kosilla’s expertise and candid storytelling offer a comprehensive look into the world of extreme detailing, making it a must-listen for car enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.