Brad has worked professionally in automotive repair and paint for 40+ years. Cars are in his blood. His grandfather who emigrated to the USA, worked for Henry Ford. His grandfather was on the last Lusitania voyage from Liverpool to America – Feb 1915. The Germans sank this ship on May 1915. Before war broke out, he brought 14 other family members, including his mother from Bohemia. All of the family menfolk were skilled metal-guild workers, employed by the Vitkovice Mining and Iron Company. After emigrating, most of them settled into Detroit and were employed by Ford Motor Company. His grandfather worked his way up to a management position in the tool and die department.
The interest in automotive continued down the family line. Although Brad’s Father worked in R&D, he enjoyed driving hot, fast cars. He put Brad to work turning wrenches when he was eleven. The first Stude Brad worked on was a ’54 Champion. From this starting point, there’s a long list of Studebakers that his Dad and he bought, fixed up and turned.
A few of the high points:
’50 Landcruiser, ’53 Commander Hardtop, ’58 Packard-Hawk, ’56 Golden Hawk, ’63 Daytona Wagonaire, ’63 GT Hawk, ’63 Daytona Lark
Add a ’66 2+2 Pontiac Catalina and four Olds Toronados into the mix and you get the picture…they are to the core motor heads.
One of Brad’s most enjoyable rides was a ’63 Avanti, which he rebuilt. He hopped up the 289 to 299 cubic inches, rebuilt the transmission and upgraded the brake system, restored the fiberglass body and painted it in Cadillac Opera Red. His wife fell in love with this car. All it took was giving her the keys that first day they drove it home. She loves nothing more than beating the young homie boys off the line at red stop lights. This Avanti delivered the power to leave them slack jawed and eating her tire smoke…e.v.e.r.y.t.i.m.e.
Avantis are Brad’s superpower – his resto specialty. He also restores other Studebaker makes and models. If you’re stumped, hung up on your car restoration project and need to talk to a car guy who’s worked on a few Studes, give him a call. He’s always happy to visit with you and will try to help you sort out your car challenges.
Bez Auto Alchemy 