So I found this auto body supply place the other day. While I was there I met this guy Gary. He pulled up in a beautiful Red 55 Chevy nomad. Twist out seat from a Monte Carlo, AC, 427 motor, remote control hatch. Very nicely done. He told me he drives it everywhere and has 2 others. One him and his wife took to Florida. Gary had a paint shop where he did auto body and paint work. A few years back he was in a small plane crash. Broke his back, some ribs and had a lot of facial issues. Doctors said you are lucky to be alive. The bad news was he would not be able to do the kind of work he did any longer. Well Gary didn't here that part. Fast forward, today Gary has a shop at his home and has 11 projects going on for other customers. He does most of the work himself with help from his son when needed. The only thing he doesn't due is the upholstery. He still does the body work, fabrication and of course and the painting. He told me that all of the 11 projects are paid up to date on what's been done to each and the figure is 6 digits. The inspiration part is Gary is 72 years old. So for me and others that feel like things are going down hill or we just can't do it. Think of Gary out there from 6am till 5pm working everyday at something he really loves and enjoys and was lucky enough to be able to continue.
Just thought I'd say.
ZIO

 

Crap know I feel like a slacker I am 60!!!

 

I know what you mean, I'm 67 and I really need the energy boost some days.
R

 

Great story!



NOW..................................... ......Where did I put those gummy vitamins?

 

Hi r,
The math bothers me!
Eleven current projects, 6 digit $$$ bills to this point on each, that's over….at the minimum….a MILLION dollars!
Works by himself with occasional help from his son? Eleven current projects? Works 11 hours a day…. one hour per car, or 5-6 hours per car per week.
Do customers live long enough to see their cars completed?
Where does he find customers who will pay him more than $100,000 for a project he's working 5 or 6 hours a week on?
?????
Regards,
Alan

 

When I am invited out to his shop I will take some pictures. I believe not all of the projects are full ground up projects. Some of the projects are already completed and just getting tweaked if you will. Some are done minus the paint work and yes some of them have been in his shop well over a year. I probably could have left that out because my point of the story was his age and that he had a lot of work and was very thankful that he could still do it after his accident. The money aspect was not meant to be the point. Sorry if it came across that way.

 

Relax fellas!

6 digits.......

$$$,$$$.00.....

$100,000.00 to.....

$999,999.00.......

$100,000/11......

$999,000/11.....

72 is the number that impresses me!

 

Hi DG, just the thought of having a shop with work at 72! I hope I have the strength to get out of bed when I am that age.

 

Gosh, I hope I have the energy to get out of bed TOMORROW!!!!

Paul

 

Heard that Paul, Gary does some beautiful work. Hopefully I can get out to his house/shop and get some pictures.
R