“My wife and I bought the Camaro as a retirement gift for myself. I had always wanted a first-generation Camaro. When I bought it, it was not put together and needed to be. It had a beautiful paint job already. It had been painted and been covered and garaged since 2005. It was the body on a rolling chassis. I did get parts with my Camaro (new and used), so as a project for myself, I was going to take the challenge and put it together. The day after I brought it home, I went to cover it up and saw that there was a crack in the bodywork (bondo) on the hood. Of course, I was sick about it and now I wondered what other problems I was headed for.
I found out about Classic Industries and went there to buy myself a book for the wiring and get a parts catalog. I can't remember the gentleman who helped me at Classic Industries, but I told him my situation and asked him if he knew of any businesses that did classic car work. He mentioned a place named "Platinum Black" in Huntington Beach that was nearby. He said they did great work, according to customers.
I found Platinum Black down the street from Classic Industries. I stopped in and spoke with Jon Wainwright (owner of Platinum Black). I sat with Jon and had a great conversation. Jon showed me around his shop and explained everything to me in detail. After talking with Jon, I felt that Jon was an honest man and I felt good leaving my baby (my Camaro) with him to get the work done correctly. Jon agreed to do the work fixing my Camaro and getting it put together for me.
I had my Camaro towed to Platinum Black. Jon and his crew (Jason Jones and Chris Jonas) saw that whoever had done the bodywork prior to the paint, covered over rust and never fixed the damage that was on the body. Jon notified me every step of the way. I was always welcomed at Platinum Black. Jon and his crew ended up taking my Camaro down to a skeleton. It was nothing but one big rust bucket! At this point, we decided to buy a reproduction body. But that didn't work out either. It was then when I asked Jon to rebuild my Camaro using reproduction parts.
I basically told Jon and his crew what I wanted and let them run with the ball. I would try to stay involved with the build of my Camaro. I went to the shop once a week. Jon, Chris, and Jason would always show me the progress of my Camaro. They always took the time to explain everything they had done and showed me. Chris and Jason built me a machine that is a one of a kind, second to none. All the nuts and bolts are hand polished. Most of the lines and brackets are custom made. I'd say 85% - 90% of my parts (OER) were purchased from Classic Industries.
A little more than two years later, I have an off the hook 1967 Camaro that I can't take my eyes off of. The build didn't take that long, but because of the parts situation, it took longer than expected.
I want to say "Thank You" to the Platinum Black crew of Jon, Chris, and Jason. As well as Classic Industries and their awesome employees for the stellar customer service. And last but not least, my wife Connie for putting up with me during this process. Not only did the Platinum Black crew build me my "dream car", but we built a true friendship!”
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