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hammerhead
01-18-2024, 03:21 PM
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
01-18-2024, 03:29 PM
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
01-18-2024, 06:51 PM
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
01-19-2024, 07:33 AM
Great to hear Gerry, congratulations to your son!!

ZR
01-19-2024, 08:22 AM
Coolest of cool jobs in my eyes, kudos.

ChickenLips
01-19-2024, 10:01 AM
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
01-19-2024, 10:14 AM
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
01-19-2024, 10:57 AM
That is incredible. Way to go! Congrats to your son.

Uncle Buck
01-19-2024, 11:57 AM
That’s wonderful. Hope it works out well for him.

hammerhead
05-29-2024, 11:25 AM
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
05-29-2024, 11:47 AM
Keep the updates coming Gerry!

Gabe
05-29-2024, 12:43 PM
Amazing stuff, are there before pics of the 67?

hammerhead
05-29-2024, 12:53 PM
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
05-29-2024, 02:43 PM
sounds amazing, jealous as well

Ponyryd
06-07-2024, 09:47 PM
That’s super cool, and Ana amazing set of skills to learn-true craftsmen are becoming more and more scarce.