Advice for a Young Guy

[Charley Lillard]

That's why we keep Mark around.

[Craig_Maiorana]

The muscle cars and classics started as an obsession for me at very young age. In my younger days I was glued to tv shows like The Munsters, Dukes of Hazard, Starski & Hutch plus movies like Smokey & The Bandit, Hooper, 2 Lane Blacktop and especially Mad Max and The Road Warrior. All The while my uncles handed me tons of Hot wheels cars. I didn't realize until I was older that these were my humble beginnings. Then one day when I was 4 my pops asked me would I like to go to six flags or English-town Raceway park... My child hood curiosity peaked .. We went to E town. I spent a good portion of my life watching cars annihilate the 1/4 mile. I took auto in h.s all the while craving more information. Then I had the opportunity to take Vocational my junior and senior year. (when I was in school that was the equivalent of Wyo tech or Lincoln tech) As I got older i did odd jobs like oil change tech for a pontiac dealer then on to maaco and by the time I was 25 I made it in to the only Hot Rod shop in our town. My manager from Maaco worked there so he got me in. I literally started at the bottom. I didn't care after I made the jump from the body shop to the mechanic shop I took every chance to listen to the old school guys and learn. I was a sponge. I would go every February to the G. Potter King auction in Atlantic city with our shop. We would bring 10 to 15 cars and sell 9 and buy 5. I learned how to speak to people, both the blue collar guys and the well off guys that did not work on their own cars. I have tattoos but for the first time I did not feel like people were looking through me. When I spoke I spoke with purpose because I was finally doing something that I enjoyed. I was always the first one in in the morning and the last one out at night. I would be in the shop until 9 or 10 every night tinkering. I spent 5 years there until Greg decided he was done with NJ and moved his operation to NC. It was shortly after I met my future wife on aol and began the transition to California. I got to California as I turned 30 and bumped around from a few hack shops. Finally I found my place at Classic Industries. Now I maintain our collection of cars plus do test fitting and R&D of new parts. I have been afforded the opportunity to do magazine articles, TV shows, Assist with books on certain vehicles as well as babysit some high value collector cars. I have also met pretty famous people as well as my hot rod idols. I went from being a punk kid who people paid no mind to to being respected and appreciated for what I do and what I know. The moral is set your goals. Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't do something. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS respect your elders and above all listen to what they have to say. They know an easier way to do it and they are not just blowing smoke up you backside. Take their advice and tricks because they will not always be here and the information they are giving you is golden and will be gone when they are. I still learn daily and I will never stop. The guys here have a wealth of information and most will tell what you need to know and they are no b.s some of the smartest guys I have ever dealt with. There will always be naysayers .. Take them with a grain of salt... DO what you love and you will never work a day in your life ... Go forth youngan and remember always be willing to help those younger than you... They are the future of this hobby. .... Be good and best of luck to you. I just like the fellas here will always be available to help.

Be good
Craig aka Jerzy

[Mr70]

Alex
Kelly Oeste,(V8 TV),just posted this on facebook..

<span style="font-style: italic">Auto Body Restoration Techinician Wanted:
Do you have auto body experience restoring muscle cars?
Do you pay attention to details?
Do you prefer working on muscle cars instead of Hondas?
Do you want to build show car quality muscle cars?

V8 Speed and Resto Shop in Red Bud IL has an immediate opening for an experienced, talented, auto body technician.

This position is for someone with body filler, fiberglass repair, plastic repair, and body work experience. Your knowledge and expertise will be relied upon heavily and rewarded generously. We work on classic Muscle Cars so knowledge of the older cars is important. 40 hour work week with optional overtime available. We pay holidays, vacation, and health insurance, 401K. Great crew to work with. Our restorations are often featured in national magazines, trade shows, and car shows.</span>

Online Job Application: http://www.v8speedshop.com/jobs

http://www.v8speedshop.com/index.php?opt...&amp;Itemid=160