"SS427" relocating/expanding his resto business

[LVCamaro]

I am pleased to announce that sYc supporting member, Rick Nelson [SS427], is in the process of moving his resto business to Springfield, Illinois. Most of you long-time members know that Rick has been doing part-time GM musclecar restorations out of his home in Minneapolis, MN. for the last 28 years. For the last 10 years, his emphasis has been focused on Chevelle restorations, and more specifically....the 1970 LS6 Chevelle. For many years, Rick's day-job in the building industry only allowed him the time to do restorations on a "hobby" basis. That all changed last November when Rick's "corporate" employ fell victim to this economic recession that has hit the building industry especially hard [don't ask me how I know].

At the present time, Rick is in the process of finding appropriate facility for his business, "Musclecar Restoration and Design", in Annie Hartweg's hometown of Springfield, Ill. Annie has signed-on to handle the administrative and supervisory end of the growing business when she's not in the new shop spinning a wrench. It appears to be a good match, since Annie's expertise includes a lifetime passion for these old cars and penchant toward shouting instructions to coworkers.

Rick is emphatic that his intent is to NOT compete with existing sYc member/sponsor resto shops, but rather work together in the spirit of furthering the hobby with high quality restoration alternatives. Plans are now underway to drastically increase the size of the shop as well as add some personnel. He will also continue using one of the best bodyman and painters in the industry, Tom Scholtz. His work comes at a high price but the quality meets and exceeds Rick’s demands.

The restoration business is a tough, tough business, but it seems the guys that do-it-right always have work. The business end of this hobby is soft right now due to the recessive tendency of the national economy, but I predict that Rick and Annie will do just fine. Their reputation and collective experience will make the difference.


Rick & Annie...from all of us here at the sYc, we wish you the best! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
-SS

[mockingbird812]

What a team! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif Best wishes. Knock 'em dead!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[VintageMusclecar]

Rick is a class act all the way, and an enormous asset to this business/hobby.

Here's to his continued success. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Eric

[camarojoe]

Awesome... Rick and Annie are 2 of the coolest people I have met through this hobby... Congrats on the new digs and good luck to both of you! Hopefully see ya both in a few weeks.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[chads454Ls6]

Congrats guys! I am sure you will make a great team. Cant wait to see the new shop. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Late BrakeU2]

There is a reason I chose him to restore the Pilot LS6,being a genuine person wasn't one of them but it sure is a nice bonus. Usually on one of these resto oddysseys/nightmares/multiple delays/excuse bag wide open throttle deals you brace for all that-I have been pleasantly surprised to say the least.


As the saying goes the devil is in the details-in this case(and to quote a famous source) the difference IS the details. Ricks meticulous craft and true passion for these cars is second to none.



Congrats Annie and Rick( i'll assume the hours will be deducted off augusts statement for the shameless plug) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Xplantdad]

Congrats on the new business...you guys (and gals) will do great! Rick's work is awesome and Annie's administrative attention to detail is second to none.

The best part is they are awesome people as well...and I consider them to be my very good friends http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

Thanks for the heads up Steve!

[ORIGLS6]

.......and an endorsement from the guy in LV can't hurt either. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

Congrats to two of my Best Buddies on the formal announcement. It goes without saying, you can count on me for anything you think I can help with. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Salvatore]

Rick and Annie, The work in your Restoration Shop is trumped only by your work and outreach in the communities where you guys live and on this board. Good luck in all future endeavors. Sam

[1970ChevelleSS]

Great news! Good Luck.

[L72COPO]

Well, there goes the neighborhood. Glad to hear that the move is getting closer. Now I can properly supervise you (when Annie isn't). Depending on who gets elected in November I just may have to come out of retirement and may be looking for a job. What are you paying???????????

Looking forward to having you here.

Don and Judi

[J_D]

Good luck Rich and Annie. We (like all the others) are sure you will do well.

J. D. & Nancy

[SS427]

Steve,
Thank you very much for the unsolicited plug and one that means a lot especially coming from you. Hopefully one day we can work together on a project be it cars or lumber. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Don, according to Annie, I do not pay enough. She just recently took on a part time administrative job (he pays more) to prove her point. Guess she forgot about the fringe benefits of working with me. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

We are both very excited about the new venture and I must say, Annie has backed me 100% on every endeavor I have chosen and many times I even have to slow her down. I am a lot like Cumby and have that certain man pride where I like to prove I can do it on my own but she has shown me where she will be a huge asset to the business. It really makes a difference when your partner is not only on your side but wants to work with you not only at home but at the office as well though I must say I pushed the limits last weekend when I showed up with two deer mounts. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

Thanks for all the kind words. I am looking forward to making an honest living doing what I love to do best.
Rick

[Ls6 Ragtop]

Rick,
Congrats on your move to Illinois. I'm sure you will be successful in your new location.
Your distributor went out early this week to your engine builder.
Chris

[firstgenaddict]

I too have found that the guys who do the highest quality work are never lacking for something to do...

Good Luck http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Zedder]

Best of luck Rick...I know you'll succeed!

[rubbinisracing]

I wish both of you great success in your joint ventures!

[Bill Pritchard]

Best wishes in your new endeavour http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[bkhpah]

Good luck guys on the new venture. I am sure it will work out well..BKH http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[TOM K]

Congrats on your move to Illinois. Annie and Rick good
luck in all your future endeavors. Tom K.

[1970Ls6]

Congrats and the best of luck to ya! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Reid

[Postsedan]

Congrats Rick....Now you`ll have to become a Bears fan and choose either between the Cubs and that other South Side Team http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Good Luck! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Dan.

[Schonyenko2]

I've seen those deer mounts. And I kinda expected that she might have a "special" place for you to put them. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
Glad to have you in the neighborhood. Stowers is ok, but I don't know if I'd let that Cumby guy hang around the shop. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ORIGLS6]

Hope you're a light sleeper. I'm sending the First Lady a Home Barber Kit.

[Stefano]

Congrats http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[lwkitt427]

CONGRATS AS A OWNER OF A SMALL BUSINESS THERE ARE DAYS WHEN IT IS TOUGH, BUT WHEN IT COMES TOGETHER IT IS THE BEST GIG TO HAVE, AGIN CONGRATS AND THE BEST OF LUCK

[DarrenX33]

Awesome you two. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

And congrats neighbor. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[shor]

best of luck and congratulations! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[Kim_Howie]

Couldn't happen to a nicer couple!! Congrates Rick!! Sounds like a good move for you both. THE BEST OF LUCK!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Tommy_Mathison]

[ QUOTE ]
Congrats Rick....Now you`ll have to become a Bears fan and choose either between the Cubs and that other South Side Team http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Good Luck! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Dan.

[/ QUOTE ]

Dan, you mean these guys?? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://images.art.com/images/products/large/12042000/12042602.jpg

[mrrec]

QUALITY PEOPLE + QUALITY WORK = SUCCESS.
No question it will happen here.

Congratulations to you both!

[JChlupsa]

[ QUOTE ]
QUALITY PEOPLE + QUALITY WORK = SUCCESS.
No question it will happen here.

Congratulations to you both!

[/ QUOTE ]

Cant say it any better that. Congrats on the new venture.

[Chateau Slate 66]

Sorry to see you leaving the Great White North.

Good luck in your future endevor. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[JK98SS]

Annie, do you know Barry Brown? He lives/lived in Riverton and owned the Riverton Party Store. It has been 15 years since I have been in contact with him. He has/had a red 70 SS LS6 Chevelle with black stripes, vinyl top and white bench seat 4 speed car. He also had 77 Can Am, a couple 80's Monte SS cars, and a 454 SS truck.
The Chevelle was a #s matching car with the original LS6 on a stand and a 1970 over the counter GM LS7 in it.

[PeteLeathersac]

Doing what you love with who you love...the quintessential dream come true!!

Best wishes to both of you in your new endeavor together!.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif
~ Pete

[bbbenny]

Rick, The only thing changing here, will be your address! Your work and your personality, is already spoken for!!!!BBBenny http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[P.J.]

Congrats Rick
wish you and yours all the best.
PJ

[kwhizz]

Effort=Results..........And Rick is lacking in neither http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Ken

[Rixls6]

Wishing you all the best in your "new" full time venture.

[ZAPPER68]

Rick and Annie, you couldn't ask for as a better combinatiion for a successful venture....all the best.

Cal

[wheelhop]

Hopefully fuel prices will drop some more so I can afford to come down and visit the new shop!
Best of luck!!

[hvychev]

Congrats to two of the best people in this hobby! Rick & Annie are TRUE friends of mine and I am absolutely delighted that Rick is going to be able to live out a dream.

All the Best! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[camarojoe]

Hey Frankie, you coming to the Reunion?

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[TXSS]

"Doing what you love with who you love...the quintessential dream come true!!"

Ditto that!!

My only regret was that I didn't do it sooner.

Good luck to both of you!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[mmcporter]

Congratulations to a true class act--I cannot think of anyone more informed or more passionate about LS6 Chevelles. Rick is also a genuine gentleman and a real "stand up" guy, who has more friends and people he's helped around the country than he likely realizes. He and Annie will fit in well among the other superstars in the restoration business who frequent this site. Congratulations to Rick and Annie on what I know will be a great decision and award-winning venture. Best of luck - not that you will need it!

[scuncio]

Congrats to both of you!

[bashton]

This is great news; Congrats Rick & Annie!

Rick, as you know, I couldn't do what I do without the help and support of my "better half", so it is neat to see the two of you jumping in with this together.

Quality and commitment, along with the knowledge and ability the two of you have will indeed insure a successful venture.

Besides...think of all the money you'll keep in your pocket with your gas savings when you bring the latest out to Chevy Vettefest!

If I can help in any way, don't hesitate to let me know.

BA

[WILMASBOYL78]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Good Luck...!!!

Tom and Karen

[AnnieHartweg]

Many, many thanks to all. Each of you and your well wishes mean SO very much to us! Special thanks to SS for the shout out, we truly appreciate your efforts and kind words of encouragement! Again, thank you one and all.

[Jeff Murphy]

You are back on line? I was going to sound out a carrier pigeon! You guys will have to get a more robust communications set up if Rick is going to flourish out there in BFE where you live, lady.

Congrats to both of you on your new endeavour(s). You've been sitting on your posterior for too long Hartweg!

[ohhawk]

Best of luck to you Rick. Would welcome meeting you and talking Chevelles if you're ever in the Des Moines area.

[J_D]

[ QUOTE ]
You are back on line? I was going to sound out a carrier pigeon! You guys will have to get a more robust communications set up if Rick is going to flourish out there in BFE where you live, lady.

Congrats to both of you on your new endeavour(s). You've been sitting on your posterior for too long Hartweg!

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh come on Jeff................tell us how you really feel ! ! ! ! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

[J_D]

[ QUOTE ]
Best of luck to you Rick. Would welcome meeting you and talking Chevelles if you're ever in the Des Moines area.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hopefully Rick, Annie, D.C. & Vickie will come over to the Des Moines area sometime to see us (hint, hint)

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Best of luck to you Rick. Would welcome meeting you and talking Chevelles if you're ever in the Des Moines area.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hopefully Rick, Annie, D.C. & Vickie will come over to the Des Moines area sometime to see us (hint, hint)

[/ QUOTE ]

Rick and Annie will have to make a side trip to AZ soon as well... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[SS427]

Already in the works but it will have to wait until 2009. I think next year there may be a few more trips ahead of us once we put all these changes behind us. We will have to get all the Arizona guys together for a big barbecue! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

Dick, my daughter is going to college at Iowa State so you can count on it!

[indyjps]

Best of Luck. I grew up about 45 minutes from there. Springfield is a good central location and property isnt priced bad.

[Xplantdad]

I'm holding you to that...We will have a blast!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/headbang.gif

[Born30YrsLate]

I'm obviously late to this party...best of luck to the both of you...can't wait to see an LS6 powered broom!...

[SS427]

[ QUOTE ]
...can't wait to see an LS6 powered broom!...

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah great.............just what she needs... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Well it is official. I put the house on the market last week with an estimated 6-9 month turnaround and it sold to the very first couple that walked through. Now I am in a panic as I was not totally ready. Thank goodness for Ann on the other end taking care of arranging the shop.

I sent anyone in my address book my new address but if there is anyone who has my Lakeville address and wants the new one, please shoot me a note and I will forward it to you.

Thanks for all the kind words and well wishes. It has been a long hard road and one that will be well worth it.

[mockingbird812]

Congrats on the quick sale of your house http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif . Ain't that the way it always works out?! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[Born30YrsLate]

Hey Rick, you obviously didn't price your house high enough...HA!

[Xplantdad]

Rick...get 'er done! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[SS427]

[ QUOTE ]
Hey Rick, you obviously didn't price your house high enough...HA!

[/ QUOTE ]

That is what I would have thought but the market here is TERRIBLE!!! Sales are down 10% and prices are down 8% over last year. There were 61 homes in my neighborhood that were priced within $50k and the ones that were slightly higher then mine were much nicer. I met the buyers tonight and according to the Mrs, she said she was immediately sold when she walked in and saw that it was a 100% turn key home needing nothing. The realtor told me the same thing before it sold but still did not think it would sell that fast. It took the buyers 2 years to sell their original home so I guess I was very lucky. Just glad it is almost over and I can move forward. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Xplantdad]

Rick...Is Limbo close to where Annie lives? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[SS427]

Half way in between...........

[Xplantdad]

[ QUOTE ]
Half way in between...........

[/ QUOTE ]


Oh...I get it...by Crumbly's place http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ChevelleFreak68]

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[hvychev]

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[SS427]

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[camarojoe]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[hvychev]

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[JChlupsa]

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[SSjeff427]

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[m22mike]

I'll 4th that http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Mike

[Charley Lillard]

This was a topic congratulating someone for expanding their business but for some reason a couple people decided to try to make it ugly without providing any real knowledge or facts to back up their claims. Please take it somewhere else if you just come to crash parties.