Blackwell Muffler Shop opens for business

A familiar location in Blackwell is roaring back to life with a new name and a fresh face behind the welder’s mask.

David Philhower, a longtime car enthusiast and experienced welder, has opened Blackwell Muffler Shop and Welding at 323 N. Main Street — the former site of Ron’s Muffler, a shop that served the community for over three decades. For Philhower, the move to open his business here was as much a twist of fate as it was a dream come true.

“I’ve been working on cars since I was about 14, but I’ve been around them since I was born,” said Philhower. Originally from Pasadena, California, Philhower got his start in welding thanks to a high school metal shop teacher named Mr. Morales. “I’ve always had a welder since then,” he said.

For the past 20 years, Philhower owned and operated a successful custom and classic car shop in Southern California. But in 2023, he and his wife, affectionately known as “Sniper,” began making their way to Oklahoma, eventually relocating full-time to Blackwell in the fall of 2024.

During one of their cross-country trips, a chance glance at a “For Rent” sign in the window of the old gas station on Main Street sparked a thought: “I’d sure like to have an old gas station someday.”

That wish came true a few weeks later when the building went up for auction. “We bid, lost, and then got a call from the auction company when the winning bidder couldn’t complete the purchase,” Philhower recalled. “So we bought it. It just made sense — I already had all the muffler shop equipment with me from California, and Blackwell needed more services like this.”

Philhower’s new shop specializes in exhaust system work — from mufflers and catalytic converters to custom piping — as well as welding services for steel trailers and equipment. “Right now we’re just welding steel, no aluminum or stainless yet,” he noted. “But we can do MIG welding up to a half-inch thick.”

In a region where muffler shops are few and far between, Philhower hopes to fill a real need. “To my knowledge, the only other muffler shop nearby is in Ponca City, so I’m planning to keep regular business hours and stock most parts so people can get in and out quickly.”

Blackwell Muffler Shop and Welding is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with a break for lunch). Philhower says walk-ins are welcome — appointments too. “You don’t need an appointment… we’ll hear you coming,” he joked.

As for hiring, the shop is currently a one-man operation. “If we need to expand, I’ll definitely look locally — maybe some students from the ag program. But right now, I’m keeping it simple.”

Despite being new in town, Philhower says Blackwell already feels like home. “I didn’t choose Blackwell — Blackwell chose me,” he said with a smile. “I hope this shop helps bring people back to Main Street. The town has a lot of charm — it just needs people to believe in it again.”

He’s also adding a unique twist to the shop — a small retail space in the front showroom featuring what he calls “cool guy” or “man cave” items. “It’s a little Man Cave Store — just fun stuff we find and think people might like.”

To keep up with shop updates, specials, and new man cave merchandise, follow Blackwell Muffler Shop on Facebook. “That’s the best way to stay in the loop,” Philhower said.

And while he’s serious about his work, Philhower admits he’s got a bit of a rough-around-the-edges charm. “There may be some arguments here — Sniper might disagree — but I think I’m honest and straightforward. I try to be fair. If I rub you the wrong way, it wasn’t intentional. We can still be friends.”

Blackwell Muffler Shop and Welding is now open and ready to serve the community with a mix of old-school craftsmanship, practical service, and small-town grit — all from a man who’s ready to call Blackwell home.