About me and my passion for cars

As a kid I loved building models and reading Hot-Rod magazines. As early as I can remember my dad would take me and my younger brother to the 1/4 mile paved oval at Pinecrest Speedway in Woodbridge, Ontario. Later my brother-in-law had a 69 428 CJ Mustang and a 69 426 Hemi Road Runner. He took me to Cayuga Dragway. I was hooked. There is nothing like the sound of open exhaust and the smell of burning rubber. This is one addiction I'm proud to have!!!.

I went to college and became an Aircraft Mechanic, specializing in airframe repairs. My choice of a career really helped me with my real passion: car building.

I couldn't afford to have someone else build my cars for me so I bought some tools, a welder and taught myself the skills I needed to become a home hobbiest fabricator, bodyman and painter. I appreciate show cars but don't build them, just clean everyday drivers. Over the years I have helped many of my friends with their special interest rides; in return I have received lots of help with mine (no one can do everything). I continue to help my friends with their builds.

Special interest vehicles I have owned include a 40 Willy's, 48 Thames Panel, 48 Anglia, 70 Baracuda, 70 RS Camaro, 76 Trans Am 455, 77 Nova, a previous 57 Chev 210 2 door sedan, 55 Chev Belair Wagon, 56 Chev Convertible, 56 Chev Sedan Delivery, 56 Chev 210 4 door wagon, 90 Mustang 5 litre convertible, and my present 57 two door sedan.

My long term project is a 56 Chev 210 4 door wagon with a 2 1/4" chop. I started this project in 1989, dropped it for 20 years while my wife and I raised our two boys (there is not enough money for kids and cars, so the 56 went under a cover in the corner of the shop). In the fall of 2008 I got back to my hobby and started again on the wagon. In July of 2009 a buddy of mine in North Dakota had a virgin 57 Chev field car that he decided he was never going to get too, so for $2000 I dragged home Turdle. She was in surprisingly good shape (no salt in the farm lands of North Dakota). I will have her on the road by the spring of 2011.

Future builds include my 56 wagon, my oldest son's 49 Pontiac two door torpedo back (4" chop, air ride rat rod), my youngest sons 55 Chev 150 business mans coupe (1 1/4' chop, 572 pro touring) and my beautiful wifes 57 Chev 1/2 ton short box (S10 frame, 4.3 V6). Absolutely no show cars; I don't own a trailer. I build them to drive them.

I love the TV show Overhaulin' but I'd rather be in the shop pretending I'm as good as Chip, instead of watching him on television.

Family is everything to me and takes priority over everything else in my life. I am blessed to have a wife who is not only tolerant of my hobby, but encourages me to get it done. My two boys are involved in cars, are fun to be with and a great help in the shop.

If you look at my Coolbox you'll see I like all kinds of cars. Those people who are passionate with this hobby; it shows in thier ride, no matter what kind of car. I have a soft spot for those who tackle the job themselves; even if it isn't perfect, the pride that we feel in doing it ourselves is a far better feeling than owning a perfect car. No one is capable of doing everything, with a little help from our friends and some selective jobbing out we can produce an end product that everyone can appreciate. THIS IS FUN!!!

I don't participate or vote in challenges; politics get involved. Don't really care about trophies. I'm on Motortopia for the cars. I love the Show'n'Shine event albums; I get to see a ton of cars that I would never get to see if I wasn't on this site.

My favourite time of day is after a long day in the shop, I sit down in an old lawn chair, crack a cold one, assess my work and thank God for the glorious life I'm living.

My first car

1952 Chev 4 door sedan

Car I wish I still had

1976 Firebird 455 Trans Am

My dream car

- Hulking big 1957 Oldsmobile 88, 2 door sedan (I learned to drive on Dad's 4 door sedan), pro touring, air ride slammed, 730 HP 572 ground shaking, tire squealing, punch you to the back of the seat, monster. Get the freak out of my way!!!
- 1969 340, 4 speed, Dart Swinger pro touring. Get the freak out of my way!!!
- Oh the hell with it, I'll just walk. Get the freak out of my way!!!

Car clubs I’m in

Classic Chevy

Favorites

• Type of racing: Watching the squirrels getting pulled over on Portage Avenue. You street racers just don't get it; take it to the track!!!
• Driver: Don Garlits
• Driving song: Radar Love - Golden Earing; All My Friends Love a Low Rider - War
• Car movie: Hollywood Knights
• Car magazine: Custom Rodder, Rod & Kulture

— Profile last updated: May 23, 2013