My friend Tony lost his battle with lung cancer over the weekend. He's the co-owner of the shop that's doing the cyclone. He'd been holding his own last I spoke with him a couple weeks ago. He apparently took a turn for the worse last week and passed away. Aside from the obvious loss of a friend, it also causes me concern for the future of the Cyclone as he was the driving force behind the completion of the car. I have a meeting with his sister (co-owner) Thursday to chart out what happens next. I fear I'll have to look for another shop to complete the work...
Sorry to hear about the loss Doug. I'd imagine the practical matter of "what now" for the car is causing a whole slew of weird emotions on it's own in light of the circumstance. I had a good friend neck deep in a Corvette restoration back in NJ - years and countless dollars, and the guy doing it had a stroke and passed away. She felt awful that one of the first things out of her husband's mouth was "shit, what about the car!" but I told her of course it was! It's good you're able to make a plan right away - probably not going to get any easier.
Whoops clicked on respond before I finished. I am sorry you lost your friend, I lost one similarly last year, a welder who welded since he was about 14. 41 and took his life.
Tough to lose a buddy, especially one that shares your interest and willing to share his talent.
FWIW, Cook's hourly rate is well below the national average and well below what another "restorer" on this forum says he charges per hour. Cook's marks up parts at 10% or less compared to the 40% or more that most shops do. Cook's charges out large sublet items such as chrome plating and upholstery at cost.
If you want bang for the buck you can't afford to go anywhere else.
Yes, and he doesn't even charge you for the insults and degrading comments.
_______________________________
Pain or damage don't end the world. Or despair or f*****g beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man... and give some back.--Al Swearengen
Sorry to hear that Doug... Hopefully everything works out. And I wish your friends family the best.
Just seems like a bad month for the automotive industry...
I guess I could put my ad in here before all the "Restorers" get done.
Greg Cook wrote, "If you want bang for the buck you can't afford to go anywhere else."
Well, I'll tell ya, With Greg's credentials, He'd be my number one choice if he were only closer and the waiting list wasn't longer than Ferrari's... Heck, unlike Chilly, I'd consider the insults and cheap shots a free fer nuttin perk.
Maybe it's time for a new bumper sticker, "I got insulted by Greg Cook".:)Chilly gets first dibs, with Gary and Chuck neck and neck for second place.
