A Quest for Knowledge
The intent of this writing and submission is to be one of encouragement to your readers and to promote your helpful product line at LMC Truck.
At the ripe old age of 65 I decided to complete a passionate dream to start a part-time classic car and truck restoration business. Right away , I got a license for Vosburg Classic Cars & Restorations, LLC filed with the State of Virginia. This endeavor led to building a $100,000 garage carefully designed and built with a door access to a working pit (my property sits on a hill). This would also act as a downdraft for painting. I further installed an explosion proof fan in the pit door for this reason. Much side and overhead lighting would complete this part of the design.
Next, I needed to learn the fine art of auto bodywork, painting, welding, and auto wiring to my basic knowledge of auto mechanics to be able to bring these older vehicles back to life. Richmond Adult Tech School would be where I would learn from the great teachers on how to do all of the above.
However, I am fascinated at some of the metal shaping, painting and custom design work done on the hot rod cable channels. Some of these custom car fabricators and restoration build amazing, show stopping, jaw dropping vehicles.
Therefore, I wanted to go further deciding to study metal shaping with Wray Schelin, Pro-Shapers in Charlton, Mass. In addition to purchasing various shop tools, compressor, portable lift, body tools and welders, I now possess an English wheel, shrink stretchers, bead rollers and other metal shaping tools.
At the Tech school, I managed to work on small projects that would be in line with my long-term goal. For example in paint class, I stripped, painted and did body work on my Craftsman riding lawnmower. Now, I have one the sexiest custom painted lawnmowers on my block! The logic was, if I messed up, it would be on a small project and not a whole car! Welding, I built an 8’ rolling fabrication table that I would eventually need for this new business, etc.
Enter the 1997 Chevy S10
Two years ago, a friend called and asked if I would be interested in an old truck his widowed neighbor has sitting in a cul-de-sac for years. Well, my thought was, I could use a shop truck. So, I met the lady and purchased the vehicle for $700. As you can imagine, the truck needed refreshing fluids, tires and some TLC to get it running. However, there was typical cab corner rust and degradation of paint and clearcoat. Just what I needed to apply my newly learned skills.
First job up was metalwork shaping, welding and replacing any rusted cab cancer. Second, was to sand off the existing clearcoat down to color but not bare metal. This, I learned from one of the hot rod channels that the original paint can act as your primer coat. With the help of a friend, we disassembled the truck except for the cab, sanded with the proper grit to prep the surface to which received primer sealer was applied. Paint is OEM original Chevy red for this S10. However, I put red metalflake in the clear coat. I am hoping you will include a close up picture as the paint job really pops and sparkles in the sunlight or city lights at night, but looks regular Chevy red most all of the time. Finally, I put SS Camero style striping for looks, as the engine is still a stock Vortec V6.
Another step to update the interior was to make it two tone: original dark gray and light gray. I went to the local junk yard and got light gray seats & door panel cards. This required major cleaning, as you can imagine, but the perseverance paid off. LMC supplied the new rug bringing the interior into the present with a fresh look. LMC also supplied finishing parts: grill, exterior lighting, molding etc.
The End Result
The end result, since this paint job and all the learning leading up to it, is a feeling of great personal satisfaction and accomplishment. I have now completed several classic car and truck projects and a few more are in the pipeline.
I hope a few of your readers will take the step to fulfill their dreams and get involved in a project with their son, daughter or grandchild. Thanks to LMC for “Keeping Them on the Road”.