In The Shop With Atomic Autoworks

Muscle car restoration specialist Jay Abbey returns to In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks for an honest conversation about building classic cars, rising restoration costs and the future of the industry.

In Season 3, Episode 2, Jay and host Eddie Barrett catch up on what has changed over the past year. They discuss increasing labor and material prices, customer expectations, reproduction parts, skilled-labor shortages and where the muscle car restoration business may be heading.

Jay also answers listener questions and shares practical tips, hard-earned lessons and stories from decades of restoring and building muscle cars. Topics include:

• What a quality muscle car restoration really costs
• Why restoration prices continue to increase
• Common mistakes people make before starting a project
• Repairing an original body versus using reproduction parts
• Dynacorn reproduction bodies, titles, VINs and registration concerns
• Why “bolt-on” parts rarely bolt right on
• Balancing originality, performance and drivability
• Managing unexpected damage, delays and rising costs
• The future of classic car restoration and the skilled trades
• Jay’s personal Camaro and the decisions behind the completed build

Whether you own a classic car, are planning a restoration, work in the automotive trades or simply enjoy hearing experienced builders talk shop, this episode offers a realistic look behind the finished paint and polished chrome.

Watch the video edition and see Jay’s Camaro on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@AtomicAutoworksTV

Learn more about Atomic Autoworks Garage:
https://www.atomicautoworks.com

Vehicle title, VIN, inspection and registration requirements vary by state and individual build. Always verify current requirements with the appropriate DMV before purchasing a reproduction body or beginning construction.

In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks
Season 3, Episode 2
Guest: Jay Abbey
Host: Eddie Barrett

Let’s grow our industry together.

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Why does a quality car restoration cost so much—and why are experienced automotive technicians becoming nearly impossible to find?

In this extended episode of In the Shop with Atomic Autoworks, Ed Barrett sits down with Marc Ulan, founder of Z2 Motorsports in New Britain, Connecticut, for an honest conversation about running an automotive restoration and performance business.

Ed and Marc discuss the victories, losses and difficult lessons that come with operating a shop. They examine how inflation, increasing material costs, expensive equipment and the skilled-labor shortage are affecting restoration businesses and their customers.

They also discuss whether automotive and technical schools are adequately preparing students for the real world, why some instructors may give students unrealistic expectations, what skilled craftsmanship is truly worth and how much a properly completed automotive restoration actually costs.

Other topics include:

• Finding and retaining qualified automotive professionals
• The difference between trained labor and experienced, skilled labor
• The effect of inflation on shops and restoration customers
• Business mistakes, victories and lessons learned
• The future of the restoration, restomod and performance industries
• Current projects underway at Z2 Motorsports
• Training and supporting the next generation of tradespeople

This episode also includes a message from Blue Collar Classified and its mission to connect skilled workers, employers, students and opportunities throughout America’s blue-collar industries.

Learn more about Z2 Motorsports:
https://z2motorsports.com

Visit Blue Collar Classified:
[INSERT BLUE COLLAR CLASSIFIED LINK]

Follow In the Shop with Atomic Autoworks for more honest conversations with the builders, craftspeople and business owners shaping the automotive industry.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a review and share it with someone who cares about cars, craftsmanship or the future of the skilled trades.

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Welcome to In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks Garage, where we celebrate the builders, collectors, enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and communities that keep automotive culture thriving.

In this episode, Eddie Barrett welcomes Miguel, founder of The Rad Stallion Car Club, to discuss the growing popularity of 1980s and 1990s automotive culture, iconic imports, retro styling, and one of New England's most unique automotive communities.

From legendary Japanese imports and European classics to vintage motorcycles, retro fashion, toys, music, and pop culture, the Rad Stallion community celebrates an era that continues to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts.

In this episode we discuss:

• The Rad Stallion Car Club
• 1980s and 1990s automotive culture
• JDM legends including Toyota Supra, Corolla, Nissan Maxima, and more
• European classics and vintage imports
• The Rad Stallion Car Show at Priam Vineyards
• The growing popularity of 80s and 90s motorcycles
• Initial D and its influence on car culture
• Car clubs and building automotive communities
• Automotive nostalgia, collectibles, and pop culture
• The future of enthusiast events and grassroots car culture

Whether you're passionate about Japanese imports, European classics, retro vehicles, custom motorcycles, or simply enjoy the stories behind automotive communities, this episode celebrates an unforgettable era of car culture that continues to influence enthusiasts around the world.

About Atomic Autoworks Garage

Atomic Autoworks Garage is dedicated to preserving the skilled trades while celebrating every aspect of automotive culture through restoration, fabrication, custom interiors, paint and body repair, detailing, reconditioning, and conversations with the people who continue to shape the industry.

Our mission is simple:

Teach. Build. Restore. Inspire.

Visit us at:

🌐 https://www.AtomicAutoworks.com

Support the channel by shopping the same tools, materials, and products we use in our shop.

Subscribe for weekly restoration projects, automotive education, industry interviews, business insights, fabrication techniques, and conversations with builders, racers, collectors, and enthusiasts from every corner of the automotive world.

Thank you for listening and supporting our mission to Bring Back the Trades.

Support the show

Welcome to In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks Garage, where we bring together the builders, innovators, entrepreneurs, racers, and industry professionals shaping the future of the automotive world.

In this episode, Eddie Barrett sits down with Alex Batory, founder of Builds.Company, to discuss how technology is transforming car culture through innovative QR code vehicle profiles that help enthusiasts connect, share their builds, and tell the stories behind their vehicles.

From classic car shows and local cruise nights to track events and motorsports, Alex explains how digital technology is changing the way enthusiasts interact with each other and experience the automotive community.

In this episode we discuss:

• The future of car culture
• Builds.Company and QR code vehicle profiles
• Automotive technology and innovation
• Car shows, cruise nights, and automotive events
• Building stronger automotive communities
• Drifting, road racing, and track day experiences
• Racing simulators, esports, and driving simulators
• Performance driving and motorsports
• Automotive entrepreneurship and launching a new business
• Funny stories from the shop, the track, and car meets

Whether you're a builder, racer, restoration enthusiast, content creator, or someone who simply loves cars and the automotive lifestyle, this episode offers a fresh perspective on where the hobby is headed and how technology can bring enthusiasts together.

About Atomic Autoworks Garage

Atomic Autoworks Garage is dedicated to preserving the skilled trades through real-world education, automotive restoration, custom interiors, fabrication, paint and body repair, detailing, reconditioning, and conversations with the people driving innovation throughout the automotive industry.

Our mission is simple:

Teach. Build. Restore. Inspire.

Visit us at:

🌐 https://www.AtomicAutoworks.com

Support the channel by shopping the same tools, supplies, and products we use in our shop.

Subscribe for weekly restoration projects, automotive education, business insights, fabrication techniques, product spotlights, and conversations with some of the most innovative people in the automotive industry.

Thank you for listening and supporting our mission to Bring Back the Trades.

Support the show

Welcome to In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks Garage, where we bring you conversations with the builders, tuners, racers, entrepreneurs, and automotive professionals shaping today's performance industry.

In this episode, Eddie Barrett sits down with Derek Burton, better known as Bootleg Derek from Bootleg Tuning Solutions, for an entertaining conversation about performance tuning, drag racing, business ownership, and the passion that drives the automotive community.

With years of experience in engine tuning and high-performance vehicles, Derek shares what it takes to build reliable horsepower, grow a successful tuning business, and stay ahead in an industry that's constantly evolving.

In this episode we discuss:

• Performance tuning and engine calibration
• Drag racing and motorsports
• Building high-performance street and race vehicles
• Running a successful automotive tuning business
• Behind-the-scenes stories from the performance industry
• Shop ownership and entrepreneurship
• The evolution of modern engine management
• Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and automotive culture
• Lessons learned from years in the automotive industry
• The future of performance tuning and motorsports

Whether you're a performance enthusiast, drag racer, tuner, shop owner, technician, or simply passionate about horsepower and automotive innovation, this episode offers real-world insight from someone who has built a career around making vehicles perform at their best.

About Atomic Autoworks Garage

Atomic Autoworks Garage is dedicated to preserving the skilled trades through real-world education, automotive restoration, fabrication, custom interiors, paint and body repair, detailing, reconditioning, and conversations with the professionals driving the automotive industry forward.

Our mission is simple:

Teach. Build. Restore. Inspire.

Visit us at:

🌐 https://www.AtomicAutoworks.com

Support the channel by shopping the same tools, supplies, and products we use in our shop.

Subscribe for weekly restoration projects, performance builds, fabrication, shop business insights, and interviews with leaders from across the automotive industry.

Thank you for listening and supporting our mission to Bring Back the Trades.

Support the show

Welcome to In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks Garage, where we sit down with the builders, restorers, fabricators, entrepreneurs, and automotive professionals preserving the vehicles and craftsmanship that define our industry.

In this episode, Eddie Barrett is joined by Jay Abbey, a lifelong automotive enthusiast and respected restoration shop owner with a passion for late-1960s muscle cars—especially the legendary Chevrolet Camaro.

Jay shares his journey through the restoration industry, the lessons he's learned as a business owner, and what it takes to build high-quality classic cars while maintaining a successful shop in today's automotive world.

In this episode we discuss:

• Classic car restoration
• First-generation Chevrolet Camaro restoration
• Late-1960s muscle cars
• The evolution of the restoration industry
• Running a successful restoration shop
• Automotive craftsmanship and attention to detail
• Building customer relationships
• Challenges facing today's restoration businesses
• Life lessons from decades in the automotive industry
• Preserving the skilled trades for future generations

Whether you're restoring a classic car, running a restoration shop, building a muscle car, or simply passionate about automotive history, this conversation offers valuable insight from someone who has spent a lifetime in the industry.

About Atomic Autoworks Garage

Atomic Autoworks Garage is dedicated to preserving the skilled trades through real-world education, automotive restoration, custom interiors, fabrication, paint and body repair, detailing, and conversations with the professionals who continue to shape the automotive industry.

Our mission is simple:

Teach. Build. Restore. Inspire.

Visit us at:

🌐 https://www.AtomicAutoworks.com

Support the channel by shopping the same tools, materials, and products we use in our shop.

Subscribe for weekly restoration projects, automotive education, business insights, fabrication techniques, and interviews with some of the most respected builders and restoration professionals in the industry.

Thank you for listening and supporting our mission to Bring Back the Trades.

Support the show

Welcome to In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks Garage, where we bring you conversations with the builders, racers, entrepreneurs, fabricators, and industry professionals shaping the future of the automotive world.

In this episode, Eddie Barrett welcomes Rachel, better known as SubiGurlDrifts, Brand Manager for Ignition Speed Racing. Rachel shares her journey into drifting, motorsports, and automotive marketing while discussing what it takes to build successful race teams, strong brands, and engaged automotive communities.

Ignition Speed Racing supports drivers, race teams, businesses, and charitable organizations through professional branding, apparel, merchandise, content creation, marketing, and event promotion, helping competitors grow both on and off the track.

In this episode we discuss:

• The world of drifting and grassroots motorsports
• Rachel's journey into the automotive industry
• Building a successful motorsports brand
• Content creation for automotive businesses
• Social media marketing for race teams and drivers
• Branding, apparel, and merchandise in motorsports
• Supporting charities and automotive events
• Women in motorsports and the growing racing community
• Entrepreneurship and building relationships within the industry
• The future of automotive media and motorsports marketing

Whether you're a drift enthusiast, racer, automotive content creator, business owner, or simply passionate about the automotive industry, this episode provides valuable insight into how branding, marketing, and community play an essential role in modern motorsports.

About Atomic Autoworks Garage

Atomic Autoworks Garage is dedicated to preserving the skilled trades through real-world education, automotive restoration, custom interiors, fabrication, paint and body repair, detailing, and conversations with the professionals shaping today's automotive industry.

Our mission is simple:

Teach. Build. Restore. Inspire.

Visit us at:

🌐 https://www.AtomicAutoworks.com

Support the channel by shopping the same tools, supplies, and products we use in our shop.

Subscribe for weekly restoration projects, automotive education, shop business insights, motorsports interviews, fabrication techniques, and behind-the-scenes conversations with industry leaders.

Thank you for listening and supporting our mission to Bring Back the Trades.

Support the show

Welcome to In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks Garage, where we sit down with the builders, fabricators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders shaping the future of automotive customization.

In this episode, Eddie Barrett welcomes Ben from Countryside Customs in New Braintree, Massachusetts. Ben is one of the rising names in the custom vehicle industry, earning recognition with award-winning builds featured at events like the C10 Nationals, SEMA Show, and the Triple Crown of Rodding.

From custom C10 trucks and classic muscle cars to fabrication, design, and building a successful custom shop, Ben shares the experiences, challenges, and mindset that have helped him stand out in one of the most competitive industries in automotive.

In this episode we discuss:

• Building award-winning custom trucks
• 1964 Chevrolet C10 fabrication and restoration
• Classic truck and muscle car customization
• Preparing vehicles for SEMA and national shows
• The Triple Crown of Rodding experience
• Shop ownership and growing a custom fabrication business
• Design, craftsmanship, and attention to detail
• Working with industry leaders including Chip Foose, Bobby Alloway, and Billet Specialties
• Current projects at Countryside Customs
• Setting goals, staying motivated, and building a career in the skilled trades

Whether you're a fabricator, restoration professional, hot rod enthusiast, C10 owner, shop owner, or simply passionate about custom vehicles, this episode offers valuable insight into what it takes to build world-class vehicles and a respected name in the automotive industry.

About Atomic Autoworks Garage

Atomic Autoworks Garage is dedicated to preserving the skilled trades through real-world education, automotive restoration, custom interiors, fabrication, paint and body repair, detailing, and conversations with the builders and innovators driving the industry forward.

Our mission is simple:

Teach. Build. Restore. Inspire.

Visit us at:

🌐 https://www.AtomicAutoworks.com

Support the channel by shopping the same tools, supplies, and products we use in our shop.

Subscribe for weekly restoration projects, fabrication techniques, shop business insights, custom builds, and interviews with some of the most respected professionals in the automotive industry.

Thank you for listening and supporting our mission to Bring Back the Trades.

Support the show

Welcome to In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks Garage, where we bring you conversations with the builders, fabricators, technicians, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals shaping the automotive world.

In this episode, Eddie Barrett sits down with Nils from Accurate Fabrication in Bristol, Connecticut, to discuss race car fabrication, drift car roll cages, welding, chassis design, and the engineering that keeps drivers safe while competing at the highest level.

Known for building precision roll cages and custom fabrication projects, Nils shares what goes into designing and constructing safe, high-performance race cars while explaining why proper fabrication is critical in motorsports.

In this episode we discuss:

• Drift racing and how the sport has evolved
• Roll cage design and fabrication
• Race car safety and chassis construction
• Welding techniques and fabrication principles
• Custom motorsports fabrication
• Building competitive drift cars
• Working with professional drivers and race teams
• Running a fabrication business
• Skilled trades and careers in motorsports fabrication
• The future of custom race car building

Whether you're interested in drifting, welding, fabrication, race cars, motorsports engineering, or simply enjoy learning from experienced professionals, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most specialized areas of the automotive industry.

About Atomic Autoworks Garage

Atomic Autoworks Garage is dedicated to preserving the skilled trades through real-world education, automotive restoration, custom interiors, fabrication, paint and body repair, detailing, and conversations with the professionals who keep our industry moving forward.

Our mission is simple:

Teach. Build. Restore. Inspire.

Visit us at:

🌐 https://www.AtomicAutoworks.com

Support the channel by shopping the same tools, supplies, and products we use in our shop.

Subscribe for weekly restoration projects, shop education, automotive business insights, fabrication techniques, and interviews with leaders from across the automotive industry.

Thank you for listening and supporting our mission to Bring Back the Trades.

Support the show

Welcome to In The Shop with Atomic Autoworks Garage, where we sit down with the builders, technicians, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders shaping the automotive world.

In this episode, Eddie Barrett welcomes James from ACT Audio in Vernon, Connecticut, for an in-depth conversation about custom car audio, mobile electronics, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to build a successful automotive business.

From humble beginnings to becoming one of Connecticut's trusted names in automotive electronics, James shares the lessons he's learned while building ACT Audio and adapting to an ever-changing industry.

In this episode we discuss:

• Building a successful car audio business
• The evolution of mobile electronics
• Custom car audio systems and installation
• Amplifiers, speakers, DSP tuning, and modern vehicle integration
• Customer service and building long-term relationships
• Running a small business in today's automotive industry
• Entrepreneurship, leadership, and shop management
• Industry changes, technology, and the future of automotive electronics

Whether you're a mobile electronics installer, automotive technician, shop owner, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about custom vehicles, this episode offers valuable insight from someone who has spent years building a respected business in the automotive aftermarket.

About Atomic Autoworks Garage

Atomic Autoworks Garage is dedicated to preserving the skilled trades through real-world education, automotive restoration, custom interiors, paint and body repair, detailing, fabrication, reconditioning, and conversations with the professionals driving our industry forward.

Our mission is simple:

Teach. Build. Restore. Inspire.

Visit us at:

🌐 https://www.AtomicAutoworks.com

Support the channel by shopping the same tools, materials, and products we use in our shop.

Subscribe for weekly restoration projects, automotive education, shop business insights, and conversations with industry professionals.

Thank you for listening and supporting our mission to Bring Back the Trades.

Support the show