I think my love for cars began early on. I remember having to hold the flashlight for my dad as he would make repairs to the family car/truck just so he could make it back to work the next day. Many nights I would duck and dodge sockets being thrown due to a stripped bolt or newly busted knuckle he just acquired. Then being offered 1.00 in cash if I could go find that socket. Oh the joys of being manly men.

My first true hot rod was a fully restored 1977 Camaro. My uncle had built it for my older cousin. It was very nice, clean, and perfect. Oh how I miss that car!! The car was bright red with black interior. I mildly hopped up 350 small block. I loved racing that race. I couldn't compete with the big blocks though. So I vowed if I were to ever have another, it would have to have a big block. Due to legal reasons I was forced to get rid of the car. LOL!!

Since those days I have tried to no avail to build another one. For a good while I was stuck on 1967-69 Chevy Trucks. My last one was over 50% done and I got sick of it. Night after night I would cut out rust, and weld in new patch panels only to discover a new rust problem. No matter how many panels I replaced more spots would be discovered. I simply gave up. I sold it piece by piece on Ebay. I took that cash and began looking for another project with less rust.

I knew of this Camaro a mile away from me that was sitting in a cow pasture. It looked very clean and looked to have all the parts with it. I would pass by this house every day seeing this car just sitting. It was a 1980 Z28. I have never been a big fan of the polyurethane front and rear bumpers on the 80 model. As time passed I finally gave in and found the guys phone number. I gave him a call and as most of you car goes already know the story the car wasnt for sale. I didnt let that stop me. I asked if I could at least swing by and look at it. He agreed.

I showed up the same day and he met me outside. We walked over to the car and he explained how much he loved the car and wanted to restore it some day. I opened the door and to my surprise the body of the car had zero rust. The window sections and all other areas of the car body were rust free. This is almost unheard of in south Texas. I verified the VIN # with my lap top to make sure it was a true Z28 and not some basic Camaro that some one had put Z28 emblems on. It was real. Just then, his wife came out side screaming that he had better sale that car!! CHA CHING!!! 20 minutes later I had my tractor backed up to it and towed it home.

I took the 454 big block chevy that I had left over from my 69 chevy truck project and fitted it to the car. Currently the 454 is 50% done and I have rebuilt to door hinges on the Z and just waiting for more money right now. PLEASE NOTE: Don't ever build a car from ground up unless you have an unlimited foutain of cash and arent scared to spend it. You can save tons of money if you just fly down to Scottsdale in Janurary and buy one already done at Barrett Jackson on a Wednesday or Thursday.

The 454 update is the block has been machined by Dennis Knowls (engine builder), the rods have been reworked, Keith Black 9:2.1 comp pistons are in. New oil pan, timing chain and cover. I have all gaskets. Just waiting to get the heads machined and its on!!! Needing about 2k for head work.

I will upload pics soon.