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Who We Are
Dan, the owner.
Dan has had a lifelong interest in old cars & hot rods. After retirement from his career as a business executive, Dan spent full time playing with his personal cars. He was happy just playing when the opportunity arose to purchase a local custom shop. He accepted the challenge, purchased the shop and began building his team of employees. Each member of the Gas Guzzlers team has expert skills in their field.
Tom, designer and chief fabricator.
Tom has been building custom cars and bikes for over 20 years. His resume includes several well known custom shops in addition to having had his own custom shop for several years. Tom's career includes being the lead mechanic and fabrication manager for a well-known Indy Car / Champ Car Team. He is also a creative genius whose skills have been seen on the Discovery Channel program "Monster Nation". Tom is one of those blessed individuals that can fabricate anything that he can imagine. He is always improving and changing things and is never happy with anything that is stock. We jokingly refer to some of his creations as “demented creations', but it is truly amazing what he can do. None of us would be surprised if Tom converted a steam locomotive into a nitrous breathing wiener mobile.
Tom's creations include his own motorcycles and rides including the Mystery Machine. His projects have won awards, but Tom would much rather build and drive them then show them. Whatever he's driving you can be sure that it gathers a crowd when he parks.
One more indication of Tom's skills is the dragster (complete with nitrous tanks) inspired baby stroller that he made to bring his newborn daughter home from the hospital.
Tracy, paint specialist, designer and fabricator.
Tracy has been painting customs for over 20 years. He has been to the best manufacturer's paint schools and has probably forgotten more about paint then most people will ever know. His credits include being the subcontractor responsible for all the factory custom work for a major cycle manufacturer. It is not unusual for him to trade tips with manufacturers or to offer suggestions to them. Paint manufacturers also ask Tracy to evaluate their new products from time to time. Tracy is also well known for his flames, in fact several cars and bikes in the area are know for their "Tracy Flames".
Tracy is a biker who enjoys riding his self-built bike, Vamp. Even though Vamp has won several prestigious awards, he has always used it as his daily driver. Tracy and his bike can frequently be seen cruising the Fox Valley and other Midwest areas.
Angelo, Body and Restoration Specialist.
With more then 20 years bodywork experience, and with his perfectionist attitude, Angelo is in charge of bodywork. He can repair most any body part, and if necessary, he can fabricate a new part from scratch. When he says that a panel is straight and smooth, you can take his word for it.
Angelo is also rides motorcycles and raced cars for many years.
Rob, Mechanical Specialist.
Rob has more then 15 years mechanical experience and is ASC certified. His specialty is older cars. His hobbies include restoring cars, and he has single-handedly restored his 50 Ford and his Roadrunner. He also rides a motorcycle.
Additionally, Rob is our resident comedian and performs regularly at local comedy clubs.
Other Staff
Other unique talents of some of our staff, besides being qualified to work on our customer's customs, include ASE certification, vehicle appraiser certification, NCRS judge certification, performance /race engine experience - and the list of skills goes on. We don't expect our customers to leave their treasures in the hands of a bunch
of amateurs.
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TMSM