Motorcity Grind, What Makes for a Quality Restoration? Jim Chatas Interview

Questions I ask Jim during our interview:

Take me through the early stages of Mustang Restoration -- you have a meeting with a new customer before they decide -- what does that process look like.

Tell me when you realized your passion would be your business? 

What did you do before Motorcity Grind?

Share some symptoms telling a classic pony owner that it is time to restore?

Who is on your team?

How do you juggle many projects at one time?

Do you own an early year Mustang?

yes

What do you do for a living and is it related to classic cars or Mustangs?

I retired from architecture and opened a restoration shop that specializes in restoring 1965-1970 mustangs. The business has really taken off over the last three years. I have been building mustangs since 1991. I turned my passion into my business. I love going to the shop every day and working or meeting clients.

Is there anything specific you would like to share on the show? 

I’d like to promote my company Motorcity Grind. It’s my restoration shop. We specialize in 65-70 mustangs.

If you own a Mustang or classic car, have you named your car? If so, what is his/her name?

I have several Fastbacks but no names!

How long have you owned your classic ride?

I have owned my supercharged coyote Shelby Clone for about 6 years. My 68 Fastback for about 1.5 years. I have a lot of S code Fastback project cars. I sold a very original patina 65 Fastback. Loved that car...

If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done?

Personally I do most of the assembly. My team does the bodywork and paint. I’m very involved in the day to day. Before the shop I had a friend who painted for me and I would build a car every one or two years. I have built engines and have done a lot of upholstery work as well.

Do you work on your classic cars yourself or do you have a mechanic or shop do the work? Explain please

I buy a lot of project cars and mix them in between the client cars. The project cars are stored in the shopping containers and we restore them. When they come out of the paint booth we list them for sale and they usually sell within a few weeks. I’m very fortunate to have a shop with a small team. I love building these cars! I’m not your typical business owner. Im driven by accomplishing rather than profit.

What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car?

For my 68 Fastback, I will be adding street or track’s front suspension kit. I found a nice 68 console that I want to put in it. That car has a built 351w and a T5. Rack and pinion steering and disc brakes up front. Great car.

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Thanks for listening, keep it safe, keep in rollin’ and keep it on the road! Until next time.