Dream Job

[hammerhead]

My son has finally found his dream job —actually my dream job too. In a small well known to some restoration shop learning coach works and all aspects of high end restoration.

some pics of what he has been learning:

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this is the beginnings of a Jaguar xk120 rear fender

[hammerhead]

here's his first bike fender

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below is a Fiat Dino circa late 60's early 70's —my son has not worked on this car yet but it is an example of what happens at this shop. All exterior panels and some hidden and structural work was made by hand. The complete restoration of this car will start and finish here. Some cars restored here have been to Pebble. I'm super happy for my son and it will open a huge opportunity for his future. Just not in a lost skill but also meeting the right people. I couldn't be more proud!

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[5.4MarkVIII]

He’s a lucky guy. Hard to have that dream and avoid the trap that is a shop with insurance work. Most have to dream crushed out of them.

[MUSTANGWOP]

Great to hear Gerry, congratulations to your son!!

[ZR]

Coolest of cool jobs in my eyes, kudos.

[ChickenLips]

cool.

It's essentially an artist job. I learned the hard way with photography that learning the business side is just as, if not more important than the art itself. Really easy to concentrate simply on getting better, working on strengths, not weaknesses.

I'd suggest learning the business side and not becoming dependant on a sole employer.

Also, I'm jealous, good for him.

[hammerhead]

cool.

It's essentially an artist job. I learned the hard way with photography that learning the business side is just as, if not more important than the art itself. Really easy to concentrate simply on getting better, working on strengths, not weaknesses.

I'd suggest learning the business side and not becoming dependant on a sole employer.

Also, I'm jealous, good for him.

That's the ultimate goal. He is really lucky and this guy basically came out of retirement to train my son. Bought new welding equipment for my son because most of us old guys suck at tig. lol —Super nice guy and has suggested to my son to takeover the business in time. The shop is an awesome setup complete with frame straightening equipment and spray booth. I'm really really happy for him.

[Scrape]

That is incredible. Way to go! Congrats to your son.

[Uncle Buck]

That’s wonderful. Hope it works out well for him.

[hammerhead]

427 frame-off resto —I believe ‘67. The owner is shooting for a bone stock look including over-sprayed door jams and tight spots.

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Car nearing completion. My son is telling about an upcoming resto on a 1929 Cord. I will check on the model but it is extremely rare and needs full on metal work. I will be looking forward to that one.

[MUSTANGWOP]

Keep the updates coming Gerry!

[Gabe]

Amazing stuff, are there before pics of the 67?

[hammerhead]

Amazing stuff, are there before pics of the 67?

no —my son (Mitch) started there when the car had been disassembled. He did the priming and probably a lot of block sanding and now assembly. The next build will need a ton of metal work and welding should get a lot of progress shots. His boss welds with acetylene torch and Mitch will take over the welding with tig and get some good schooling in metal fab. I'm so jealous...haha

[Gabe]

sounds amazing, jealous as well

[Ponyryd]

That’s super cool, and Ana amazing set of skills to learn-true craftsmen are becoming more and more scarce.

[hammerhead]

Here's an update on the Dino. Its almost ready to go home but it didn't come without mechanical gremlins. The engine and trans work was subbed out. the engine has twin cams with mechanical timing and the builder had some trouble sorting that out. Also some transmission issues with leakage they hopefully are going to sort out within the shop and maybe less delay. The engine is running now just the trans is the sticking point. I'm heading down to Ridgetown this weekend and if time permits Im going to swing by the shop and maybe get a few more pics. (if it is still there) Enjoy your long weekend gents!!

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found tranny leak —I can only imagine the stess of have to pull the engine a trans from a freshly restored car. The engine itself was pulled a few times. Yikes!!

[hammerhead]

Good morning on this rainy Saturday. Here's and interesting project. It arrived just for paint from another shop local to where Mitch works. It's a '30's Packard Hearse. Something we don't see everyday. It's a massive car with a straight 8 flat head and a tiny carburetor. It's so big all the parts aren't in the shop yet for paint.

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[hammerhead]

It's about 20' long and I'm going to guess somewhere between 7-8" tall. I would of really like to have seen how he painted the roof.

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[hammerhead]

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[hammerhead]

This is what it should look like finished. All that ornate work will be made of wood and there should be vintage coach lights. I really hope I get to see it finished but it will be reassembled at another shop.
I will try and get more updates, perhaps the wood decor will come in for paint.

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[RedSN]

Cool! Pretty big booth to be able to paint a bus like that!

For quite a few years we had a ‘48 Packard ambulance in our barn. It was purchased by one of my father’s buddy’s who was making a homemade “Duesenberg” and wanted the straight eight. Don’t know where the shell ended up.

https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/uploads/newbb/2284_4c52d80a01273.jpg

[hammerhead]

wow that would of been cool. was that roof retractable?

What a drastic design change between the 30's and 40's.