Here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, this winter has been one to remember! Record snowfalls, consistently cold weather and now heavy rains have made us yearn even more than usual for the first signs of spring.

Here at the shop, we have been busy all winter with our restoration work; our sights are set on some warm weather deliveries.  

History has taught us that, without fail, we get very busy after the first nice, sunny, warm weekend of spring. Sometimes our schedule is full two months out into June!  

We believe that many vintage car owners dig out the garage, move the snow shovels aside and drag the snow-blower from behind their prized possession. After a couple of failed attempts to start, we get the call. This results in a high demand for our services from many owners all at once.   

NOW, before the first couple of warm days, is the time for you to call us. Taking action NOW will insure that you get one of the first spots in line and is actually the best way to be able to DRIVE your vintage automobile during the first beautiful warm days of spring. 

As an incentive, if you book an appointment before April 1, 2010, we will include our Comprehensive 40-Point Vehicle Inspection at no additional charge!

Trust me spring is coming….

Happy Motoring. 

Mike Engard
Owner

Shop Tour

Last issue, we told you about the 1957 AC Bristol we've been working on in the metal department. It's coming along…our metal technician has been focusing on the boot section of the aluminum body. Notice the AC has several new fabricated pieces that have been fitted and welded in place.

Meanwhile, the 1972 Roadrunner rear quarter patch panels finally arrived. They are being test fitted and welded into place. Once these patch panels are installed and the doors, trunk and hood are installed and aligned, the Roadrunner will “BEEP –BEEP” its way over to the paint department for a spray of HUGGER ORANGE.

Over in the mechanical shop, we're re-assembling the 1935 Hudson Terraplane. The technician is focusing on re-installing the exhaust system with a new down pipe and the repainted, clean fuel tank with new fuel lines. The upholsterer is continuing on installing a complete new interior.

In the paint department, the Railton body and panels have been painted in the correct shade of blue. Then next step is to color-sand the paint and then buff it to a shine. After that work is complete we'll transport the car back to Ragtops & Roadsters for re-assembly.

Barbara (Heppenstall) Plant
Manager of Operations

Employee Spotlight:
Dorian Custodia

Dorian Custodia, my first employee, is a master fabricator 'panel-beater' who has been here since 1991. He came to the shop looking for TR-7 parts and I offered him a job. He does our metal work, straightening and welding and is capable of creating any body panel that can't be repaired. 

Dorian amassed experience from inside and outside the shop, working on both British and American automobiles. Dorian is mostly self-taught and learned some advanced metal working techniques from Kent White of TM Technologies. 

Dorian's 1967 Jaguar 420 is awaiting slight modifications and rust repairs; he also owns numerous Triumphs, including a convertible GT-6 with a 5-speed gearbox and suspension modifications.

-- Mike Engard

Out and About

February and early March were extremely busy for the Pollock Auto Restoration crew as we ventured out of the shop, despite the challenging winter weather, to display cars at several important shows and events. 

Continuing a tradition, we took several cars to the Philly Auto Show. In addition to giving us a chance to show off our great work, the show is an opportunity to promote the Concours d Elegance of the Eastern United States. Unfortunately, the Concours, which benefits the Burn Prevention Foundation, won't be held this year as organizers search for a new location; it's tentatively scheduled for June 2011.

One of the four cars we took to Philly was a 1960 Chrysler 300G, which we've been working on after it was in an accident. The Chrysler is a rare example of a stander shift model- one of only three made. We also brought a 1941 Cadillac to display.

It's always neat to see folks come by, especially the kids, so they can get a close up and personal look at the cars we bring. We usually see lots of familiar faces, but we also make plenty of new friends, too.

Next up was the Antique Auto Club of America National Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Philadelphia Feb. 12-14. Unlike the Philly Car Show, which draws more causal fans, the AACA show brought out the hardcore collectors. Even though snow held down attendance, everyone had a great time. Once again, we brought the '61 Chrysler 300G; somehow, we managed to squeeze into on a 19-foot freight elevator -- with a scant few inches to spare -- for the trip to the fourth floor. 

On March 6, the crowds came to us for a Tech Session and Shop Tour, the first since we acquired Pollock Auto Restoration. About 30 members of the Delaware Valley Regional Chapter of the Classic Car Club of America stopped by to learn about cleaning and detailing a car for the upcoming show and driving season. They also had a chance to talk with nationally-known upholsterer John Shiban, highly-qualified painter Curtis Bohn, and our experienced panel fabricator Dorian Custodia.

Barb and her staff did a great job showing everyone a good time. We've already received quite a few positive complements on the day!

Restoration Quality Coachwork
Available at Pollock Auto Restoration

When it comes to body repair, fabrication and paint in a do-it-yourself restoration project, talented classic car enthusiasts have always had just two choices: go it alone, or entrust the job to an auto body shop.

The problem with the first choice is that most hobbyists lack the equipment, facilities and expertise to complete the work. The problem with the second choice is that body shops often prefer to work on insurance claims and might not be willing to invest the time it takes to do the job right. Plus, they may not have the right specialized equipment, either.

Here at Pollock Auto Restoration, we understand the dilemma. That's why we're offering a third choice: "Restoration Quality Coachwork," which makes our award-winning fabrication and painting capabilities available to you, the talented enthusiast.

Here's how it works: you dismantle your vehicle and bring us the bare body. We'll address any body issues and paint it to your specifications, all with the same attention to detail and quality that we provide to our own restoration projects. 

"The benefit to the customer is that he saves time and the job is done right," said Mike Engard, President of Pollock Auto Restoration.

Visit the Pollock Auto Restoration website to see examples of the high quality work we perform on behalf of our clients. Then gives us a call at 610-323-7108 to get started on "Restoration Quality coachwork" for your vehicle.