"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!
-SS

[mockingbird812]

What a team! Best wishes. Knock 'em dead!!!!

[VintageMusclecar]

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

Here's to his continued success.

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.

[chads454Ls6]

Congrats guys! I am sure you will make a great team. Cant wait to see the new shop.

[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)

[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

Thanks for the heads up Steve!

[ORIGLS6]

.......and an endorsement from the guy in LV can't hurt either.

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.

[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.