Building an Empire with Silver Lining Restorations, West Coast Classic Interiors & Loose Nuts Safaris Ep73
DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast
Building an Empire with Silver Lining Restorations, West Coast Classic Interiors & Loose Nuts Safaris Ep73
DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast · Jul 18, 2026
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112:11
Concept
restoration
Restorations are the process of bringing an older car back to a desired condition—often by repairing corrosion, replacing worn parts, and rebuilding systems to match how the car was originally (or to a chosen spec). In the VW world, this can range from preserving stock details to doing tasteful upgrades while keeping the car’s character.
Term
rust
Rust is when metal starts to corrode and break down from moisture and air. On older cars, it can damage the body and sometimes the important structural parts too.
Term
paint gun
A paint gun is a spray tool that lays down car paint evenly. It helps you get a smooth, professional-looking finish when repainting parts of the car.
Concept
VW world
“VW world” just means the community of Volkswagen fans. It’s the scene where people work on, customize, and talk about VW cars a lot.
Car
Chevy truck
They’re describing a Chevrolet pickup truck they worked on when they were a teenager. It matters here because it’s the first car they learned to fix—especially rust and cosmetic issues.
Term
fiberglass
Fiberglass is a strong, moldable material used for car body repairs. People use it to patch or rebuild damaged areas so the car looks right again.
Concept
salvage tighter cars
They’re describing working on cars that were previously written off as total losses. After repairs, they’re sold again, usually with the focus on making them look good and run properly.
Term
welding them together
Welding is how you permanently join metal pieces. If it’s done wrong, the car can be weak or not line up correctly, so it’s a big deal for repairs like this.
Term
cutting the back halves off
They’re describing a major repair where they remove the rear part of the car. It’s usually done when that section is badly damaged and needs to be replaced.
Term
no motor damage
They’re saying the engine wasn’t damaged. That’s important because it means the car’s problems were mostly cosmetic, not mechanical.
Term
transmission issues
They’re saying the car’s transmission (the gearbox) wasn’t having problems. That matters because transmission repairs can be expensive and complicated.
Term
electric problems
They’re saying there weren’t electrical problems—things like wiring or sensor/computer issues. Those can be tricky to find and fix, so it’s a reassurance for buyers.
Concept
just cosmetic
“Just cosmetic” is a restoration/used-car framing meaning the car’s issues are primarily appearance-related (body panels, rust spots, paint), not core mechanical failures. In salvage or project-car listings, this distinction strongly affects cost and buyer confidence.
Term
bodywork
Bodywork is fixing and shaping the car’s outer panels—like dents and damage—so the surface is straight and smooth. It’s a big part of restoration because paint will only look good if the body underneath is right.
Term
running gear
Running gear is the collection of components that make the car move and handle—typically including suspension, steering, and drivetrain-related parts. The hosts argue that many people spend heavily on these areas before they get to paint, which is what everyone sees first.
Term
primer
Primer is the base coating applied before the final paint to help adhesion and provide a uniform surface. The speakers mention primer color (gray vs adding color) and how it affects what you see in update pictures during the restoration process.
Term
filler
Body filler (often a putty-like compound) is used to smooth out dents and surface imperfections before paint. The hosts’ point is that filler work is part of why progress photos can look “gray” for multiple stages.
Concept
bare metal
“Bare metal” means the car is stripped down to the raw metal, with old paint and rust removed. Restorations often need this before repainting so the new paint can stick properly.
Car
67 split window
A “split window” is a classic Volkswagen Bus with a windshield that’s split into two sections. The “67” means it’s a 1967 model year, and those early Buses are especially popular with collectors.
Term
body shop
A “body shop” is where they fix the car’s body—like rust damage, dents, and repainting. For an old VW, the cost can jump if there’s a lot of metal repair needed before paint.
Term
heater boxes
Heater boxes are parts in the engine area that help send warm air into the car. They connect to the exhaust heat and to the tubes/ducts that carry that heat to the cabin.
Term
lines
Here, “lines” means the tubes that move heat from the heater parts to where it needs to go inside the car. If they’re bent or damaged, you can end up with poor or uneven heat.
Term
door panels were he seen
They’re talking about how the inside door coverings are made on those early Beetles. The key idea is that the construction method changed over the years, so restorers try to match what was correct for that specific year.
Term
pressed
“Pressed” here means the material is shaped using a press so it holds the right pattern. They’re comparing that to stitching because the original factory method matters for a correct restoration.
Term
stitched
“Stitched” means the upholstery is sewn together with seams. They’re pointing out that later Beetles used a different method than the earlier pressed panels, and restorers want to match the original.
Term
aluminum die plates
“Aluminum die plates” are custom metal tooling used in pressing operations to shape trim or upholstery panels. Making them with the correct dimensions and thicknesses is how restorers reproduce the exact factory contours and patterns.
Term
pleated
“Pleated” means the seat fabric has folded sections that form a pattern. They’re saying the seats still have that pleated look even after the seam method changes.
Term
heat seams
A “heat seam” is a seam formed by heat rather than by stitching, used to join upholstery materials while keeping a period-correct appearance. The speaker notes that after 1959 the seats use heat-seamed construction, and that the heat seam runs to the edge near the piping.
Term
period correct
“Period correct” means they’re trying to make the car look like it did when it was new. Here, that’s about using the right interior materials and construction details for that time period.
Term
one-offs
“One offs” means they’re making custom pieces for specific needs, not producing a big batch. They’re describing a careful, tailored approach to stamping the trim/panels.
Term
door gaps
Door gaps are the small spaces around the door where it meets the rest of the car. If those spaces are even all the way around, it usually means the body panels were lined up carefully.
Term
body line
Body lines are the shaped lines you see on the car’s body—like the lines that run along the doors or fenders. When they look smooth and straight, it usually means the panels were fitted and finished well.
Term
seam sealer
“Seam sealers” are sealant products applied along panel seams to prevent water and air intrusion and to reduce corrosion risk. In a high-quality restoration, the seam sealer should look neat and be applied consistently so the car stays protected and the finish looks clean.
Car
62 beetle
That’s a 1962 Volkswagen Beetle. It’s a classic VW, and the person is saying the car is solid but needs interior work. They also mention it still has the original smaller engine and a six-volt electrical setup.
Term
1200
“1200” is shorthand for a 1.2-liter engine. The host is saying their Beetle still has its original smaller engine, which matters for how the car is set up and what parts it uses.
Term
six volt
“Six volt” means the car’s electrical system runs on 6 volts instead of 12 volts. That’s common on older cars, and it can affect what replacement parts and upgrades work correctly.
Term
1776
“1776” means the engine has been built to about 1.8 liters (1.776L). The host is saying they have a performance engine that came from track use, so it likely needs some fitting or small adjustments before it goes into the car.
Term
chrome exhaust
“Chrome exhaust” refers to an exhaust system finished in chrome, which is a common aesthetic choice on classic VWs and other show-oriented builds. It’s mentioned here as part of the visual/fitment expectations for the 1776-powered setup.
Company
loose nuts safari's
“Loose Nuts Safari’s” is a business the hosts are talking about. They explain that they changed the name so it’s not only about Volkswagen anymore, but still aimed at car enthusiasts.
Company
VW loose nuts
“VW Loose Nuts” was the earlier name of the group/business. The hosts say they changed it because they didn’t want the “VW” label limiting what people think it’s about.
Car
Chevrolet C10
The Chevrolet C10 is an older pickup truck. It’s the kind of vehicle people often modify or work on because it’s a popular platform for projects. In the podcast, it sounds like someone is showing updates or changes they made to one.
Term
rear window
The rear window is the glass panel at the back of the vehicle. If it doesn’t fit and seal correctly, you can get wind leaks and it won’t open/ventilate the way you want.
Term
gapping
“Gapping” means the small spaces between panels on the car. Getting those gaps right helps the window and trim fit cleanly and seal properly.
Car
GMC Safari
The GMC Safari is a large van made to carry people and gear. In the podcast, it’s brought up as something someone really likes and wants more of. Vans like this are often chosen because they’re roomy and practical.
Car
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV made to fit many passengers and a lot of stuff. People talk about it because it’s practical for everyday needs, like hauling people or gear. It’s also a common vehicle, so it shows up in lots of car conversations.
Term
stainless steel
Stainless steel is a metal that resists rust. If you swap from chrome to stainless on a car, it’s often because it holds up better over time, especially with rain or road salt.
Term
air cooled motor
An air-cooled engine runs cooler using air moving over the engine, not coolant in a radiator. Volkswagen’s classic air-cooled cars are famous for that design and for having a big enthusiast following.
Term
25 horse
“25 horse” means the engine makes around 25 horsepower. It’s a way of saying the engine isn’t powerful compared to modern cars, but it can still be fun and interesting.
Term
gear shifter
The gear shifter is the lever you use to choose gears. Swapping or styling it can make the car feel different and more personal.
Term
steering wheel
The steering wheel is the driver’s primary interface for controlling direction. In enthusiast builds, wheel shape, material, and design are often changed to match the interior theme and driving feel.
Term
door cards
Door cards are the panels on the inside of the doors. Customizing them—like using wood, metal, or vinyl—can completely change how the interior looks.
Term
air cooled car
An air-cooled car keeps its engine cool using air flowing over it, not coolant in a radiator. It usually has fins or special airflow parts to help the engine shed heat.
Term
cutaway
A cutaway is a car display where they open up part of the vehicle so you can see inside. It’s meant to help people understand what’s going on under the body.
Term
boneyard
A "bone yard" is basically a junkyard full of old cars. People go there to take parts off cars that are no longer running.
Term
safari windows
Safari windows are a special window setup used on certain VW-style custom builds. In this case, they’re designed to open so visitors can better see what’s inside.
Term
custom interior
A “custom interior” means the inside of the car is modified with different materials and styling. It’s a way owners personalize the car beyond stock.
Term
suspension
Suspension is the parts that connect the wheels to the car and help it ride smoothly. Changing it can make the car handle better and sit differently.
Term
bigger motor
“Bigger motor” means putting in a more powerful engine than what the car originally had. The goal is usually more acceleration and stronger driving feel.
Term
pearl
“Pearl” paint is a type of paint that looks like it sparkles or changes slightly depending on how the light hits it. It’s often used to make a car look more special.
Term
plaid and leather
“Plaid and leather” means the car’s seats and trim use plaid fabric plus leather. It’s a style choice that makes the interior look more custom.
Term
lowered
“Lowered” means the car sits closer to the ground than stock. People do it for the look, and it can also make the ride feel different.
Car
21 window
A “21 window” is a specific kind of classic Volkswagen van. It’s named for how many windows it has on the side, and that window layout is part of what makes it so recognizable.
Term
trauma rims
Rims are the wheels the tires sit on. “Trauma rims” sounds like a slang name for a certain wheel style people like in the VW scene.
Car
Porsche 356
The Porsche 356 is an old-school Porsche sports car from the early days of the brand. It’s a classic that a lot of car fans like to show off at events.
Car
Porsche 912s
The Porsche 912 is an older Porsche from the same classic time period as the 356. It’s another vintage model people like to bring to car shows.
Term
camp out
“Camp out” just means people stay overnight at the event instead of going home right away. It makes the car meet feel like a weekend trip.
Term
Sprinter van
A “Sprinter van” is a big van people use for road trips. A lot of owners customize them so they can sleep and travel like a camper.
Term
air ride
Air ride is a suspension system that uses air bags instead of metal springs. It lets you change how low or high the car sits, usually by pressing a button.
Concept
low back
“Low back” means the car sits very low to the ground. It’s mostly about the look (stance) and how much clearance the car has.
Term
hydraulics
Hydraulics here means a system that uses pressurized fluid to move the suspension up and down. It’s what allows lowriders to do that bouncing or “dancing” look.
Concept
low rider culture
Low rider culture is a community and style of car customizing where the goal is a super-low look and lots of showmanship. Many builds also use special suspension systems to make the car move in a dramatic way.
Term
barn door
“Barn door” is a style of rear opening on some VW buses where the back has two doors. The “23” sounds like they’re talking about a particular year or version, but it’s not fully clear here.
LIVE
[SPEAKER_00]: Welcome to Dub Life Diaries.
[SPEAKER_00]: The podcast where passion meets the open road.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm Joe Parson, your host, and also a lifelong lover.
[SPEAKER_00]: Book a love, because this ride is just beginning.
[SPEAKER_00]: This podcast is sponsored by Volk's Mania Magazine.
[SPEAKER_00]: Good times, great cars, awesome Volk's Maniacs.
[SPEAKER_00]: Visit Volk'sMania.com to learn more about this class leading VW Magazine.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, welcome back to Dublife Diaries.
[SPEAKER_00]: This is gonna be an awesome one guys.
[SPEAKER_00]: I hope you guys are ready for this one.
[SPEAKER_00]: I just just look at the background.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, need I say more.
[SPEAKER_00]: Now, you know what nobody talks about?
[SPEAKER_00]: They talk about how, well, it's easy to start a company, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: It's a whole different game to earn the trust though of the entire Volkswagen community.
[SPEAKER_00]: Today's guest aren't just build and Volkswagen's.
[SPEAKER_00]: They're actually protecting some of the biggest names in the air-cooled world.
[SPEAKER_00]: One man took a leap of faith, walked away from a very successful electronics business, but everything on restoring classic cars, because well, he couldn't really imagine doing anything else.
[SPEAKER_00]: The next generation didn't just inherit that vision, they actually expanded on it.
[SPEAKER_00]: So instead of letting legendary brands disappear, they stepped in to preserve them.
[SPEAKER_00]: So you got West Coast classic interiors, the name trusted by several builders for decades, loose not safaris.
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh, carrying forward a reputation, uh, handmade right reputation built in the USA handcrafted quality while pushing into an entirely new, uh, future beyond Volkswagen's, which is really cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: I appreciate that for you guys at the center of it all is a family that believes craftsmanship still matters that a handshake.
[SPEAKER_00]: still mean something and that your reputation is actually one thing that you can never afford to lose.
[SPEAKER_00]: So today we're talking about taking risks or buying businesses instead of competing with them.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're restoring icons, we're building products that actually outlive you.
[SPEAKER_00]: And why the future of the VW hobby depends on people that are actually willing to protect its past.
[SPEAKER_00]: So whether you're into buses, whether you're into bugs, whether you're into guise, [SPEAKER_00]: or if you've never turned a wrench in your life, this conversation is really about something bigger.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's about legacy.
[SPEAKER_00]: So joining me today is Mori Hosen of Silver lining all the restoration, Mise Prohorov, of West Coast classic interiors, and Phil Prohorov of Loose Not safaris.
[SPEAKER_00]: This is Dublife Dyeries, and I got a feeling this one is going to be pretty special.
[SPEAKER_00]: Guys, welcome to Dublife Dyeries.
[SPEAKER_00]: You guys are so welcome back.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm super pumped for this one again.
[SPEAKER_00]: I just look at your background.
[SPEAKER_00]: I got goosebumps.
[SPEAKER_00]: Just looking back at some of that quality before we dive in.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let me just give a couple of shoutouts to a couple of my quick sponsors.
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[SPEAKER_00]: You guys know how I feel.
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[SPEAKER_00]: West coast of Florida scene.
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[SPEAKER_00]: We do promotions, we do swags, we can swag.
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[SPEAKER_00]: Use Wife 10 at checkout.
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[SPEAKER_00]: It doesn't work on our events though.
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[SPEAKER_00]: All right, guys.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's it.
[SPEAKER_00]: On my shoutouts, that's it on my sponsors.
[SPEAKER_00]: Now it's time for you guys.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, you guys ready?
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Let's do it.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: Now these questions are going to be kind of geared toward all of you, but some of you or any one of you can take the reins at any time.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: So let's start here for somebody who has never met you guys, who are you outside of cars?
[SPEAKER_03]: Well, um, I'd say for me and I'm a family man, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: So, so, so with which one are you?
[SPEAKER_00]: Just so because the YouTube version [SPEAKER_03]: I'm more heosen, you would, why want to say the founder, started the business along the 14 years ago probably now, I think in the 13 or 14 years ago and they're doing reservations pretty much my whole life, you know, since 13, 14 started it, started the passion, but then my two nephews kind of joined in about what's a 12 years ago,
[SPEAKER_02]: 1450s around.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, a couple of years after I started, they're always around me though.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, I was I was doing all sorts of stuff.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, in my father's barn and his shop.
[SPEAKER_03]: And they're always around, you know, they're 12 year olds as well.
[SPEAKER_03]: What are you doing?
[SPEAKER_03]: What are you doing, Uncle?
[SPEAKER_03]: Why are you doing that?
[SPEAKER_03]: Why are you standing like that?
[SPEAKER_03]: What are you doing?
[SPEAKER_03]: So, you know, they just were kind of always around and just stayed that way.
[SPEAKER_03]: I don't know about six years ago they bought into the business as well so they have power ownership and since then we have acquired two businesses with west coast and loose knots.
[SPEAKER_00]: so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: And that's how our paths connected.
[SPEAKER_00]: I reached out to you guys to find out some information about the safaris and then I kind of find out that that's got new ownership and stuff now and yeah man, exciting.
[SPEAKER_00]: So again, thank you guys for coming on.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: So nephews, introduce yourselves and tell us who are you outside of cars.
[SPEAKER_01]: Well, I'm going to say pro rough with West Coast and [SPEAKER_01]: Just always wanting to work on cars, really.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, if it's not at work, we're at home working on something.
[SPEAKER_01]: Families really important as well.
[SPEAKER_01]: So that, like you said, family vibe really, really are away from home.
[SPEAKER_02]: I like from work.
[SPEAKER_02]: You have a family, you've got kids.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, a wife and two kids, a boy in a girl.
[SPEAKER_00]: OK.
[SPEAKER_00]: Cool, man.
[SPEAKER_01]: All right.
[SPEAKER_02]: Other nephew.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I'm Phil Prohrough and pretty much the same.
[SPEAKER_02]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_02]: I got a guess a wife.
[SPEAKER_02]: I don't have kids yet.
[SPEAKER_02]: Pretty much any time I'm not here at work.
[SPEAKER_02]: I'm at home either working at home or spending time with her.
[SPEAKER_02]: So.
[SPEAKER_02]: try to get out.
[SPEAKER_02]: Don't get much time, but it sounds like you're the sort of it.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's been a time of the lady.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think I think that question for us a little difficult answer is because we're just here at work all the time.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: What's your outside of silver lining west coast and loose nons are like, I don't know if we have a life, you know.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you're like, what do you mean outside of what?
[SPEAKER_00]: Well, yeah, yeah, my wife's think our wife's think it's just about [SPEAKER_00]: So, let me ask this question that this can be geared toward all three of you.
[SPEAKER_00]: At what point did you guys realize for all of you, probably different times in your lives, that this isn't really just a hobby anymore.
[SPEAKER_00]: This is something I'm going to, you know, turn into a business and turn into my life.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, I think, you know, that started by with me again.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think, you know, being at a young age, [SPEAKER_03]: Father getting you know given that card to me at that young 13 13 years old and telling me hey if you want to drive about 16 you better get started and I think it's coming out of trouble through.
[SPEAKER_03]: through that that young.
[SPEAKER_03]: I was always motivated to work on.
[SPEAKER_03]: I had no idea.
[SPEAKER_03]: It was before the YouTube days.
[SPEAKER_03]: So, you know, I was going to shop local shops and asking them how do you do it?
[SPEAKER_03]: I had a grandfather figure who was in body work down in California that I always would call and say, how do I get the corner on this 52 Chevy?
[SPEAKER_03]: It's rounded and [SPEAKER_03]: All the blocks are straight.
[SPEAKER_03]: How do I make that curve, you know?
[SPEAKER_03]: And the blocks weren't even available that Ben now that they do they do and all that so I literally have like a wooden stick you told me get a paint mixing stick put it in water [SPEAKER_03]: and then get your six inch sandpaper and wrap it around it and then the the stick will bend and you can make your corners.
[SPEAKER_03]: That's the device you gave me.
[SPEAKER_03]: And literally four months of that I could go rob a bank because I know it was because of the the sanding saw.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean yeah for me it was just it was that and then through my 20s I got a 63 billar wagon.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I think that's what separated for my body work, you know, getting the panel straight because it's a 17 and a half foot panel, you know, from from front to back and just the blocks adding the hundreds of hours spending in that and then go through the 20s doing all sorts of different cars even, you know, newer cars doing, um, [SPEAKER_03]: salvage title cars, you know, getting a panel replacing it, a rear section replacing it, and then kind of just one day working and decided, I want to go do something on my own, and I want to kind of want to build a business.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I know this, I built a lot of tools, had a lot of tools from, from over the years of working.
[SPEAKER_03]: I said, why not?
[SPEAKER_03]: Let's try it.
[SPEAKER_03]: And the [SPEAKER_03]: went down to the state and started the corporation.
[SPEAKER_03]: And here we are 14 years later talking about it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Awesome, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: Awesome.
[SPEAKER_00]: How about you guys?
[SPEAKER_00]: Nephews.
[SPEAKER_00]: What did you realize?
[SPEAKER_00]: This ain't going to be a hobby for me.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm all in and this is going to be my life.
[SPEAKER_02]: For like for me, I mean, since as far [SPEAKER_02]: Um, probably when we started, I'll start a working, uh, say, I can't remember exactly.
[SPEAKER_02]: I think it was around 14, 15 when I started working.
[SPEAKER_02]: I got started, well, I working for him in the metal shop and I just loved it.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I was like, that's what I want to do.
[SPEAKER_02]: The metal work part.
[SPEAKER_02]: I I love that part.
[SPEAKER_02]: I just I just wanted a welder in my hand all the time and and be welding stuff and it was so fun fixing the rust and taking these old cars and and putting it back together.
[SPEAKER_02]: It was just It was somewhere on that, you know, held in the 16 I would have been 16 15 16 somewhere on that time.
[SPEAKER_02]: I just that is what I want to do.
[SPEAKER_02]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: And how about you.
[SPEAKER_01]: I was actually working at another place doing, I was in like a production area with metal fat, little, little making parts.
[SPEAKER_01]: And then he came to me one day and he's like, you wanna come work on cars?
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm like heck yeah, let's do it.
[SPEAKER_01]: And we've kind of always been with him and it was an opportunity to get to come in and work was started part time.
[SPEAKER_01]: And then, [SPEAKER_01]: It escalated really quickly into that, and at that point that it wasn't a hobby working at home, working on cars, it was actually working at work now, and it was, it was, like him, him with the welder, he's he wanted to start me with a paint gun, so that was, that was where I wanted to come in was to paint, I thought that was, that was the coolest thing ever, just to put color on cars, so.
[SPEAKER_01]: That's that's where that went.
[SPEAKER_00]: Awesome, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: So you guys are in deep, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: You guys got some iconic names of iconic brands.
[SPEAKER_00]: Did you guys think even up through six years ago, eight years ago, when you kind of bought in and started and even up through just last year with the safaris, did you guys ever really think that this was gonna equal?
[SPEAKER_00]: You guys running multiple iconic brands in the VW world.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean for me no way, I mean the first four years of opening the doors, seriously almost closed them three times and it was too tight, it didn't have money, I just, what you do, you know, go back to a day job and something would happen and the doors were [SPEAKER_03]: I'd never thought it would be this and you know it's still a struggle.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's that we still need our clients, you know, we still need guys calling us and wanting these reservations and wanting the builds and wanting interiors.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so we just, that's where we, we focus on that, giving the best quality we can give, you know, and and stand behind our product.
[SPEAKER_03]: And hopefully people want to put something peer incorrect, you know, for the interiors, peer incorrect, and have something that fits, you know, really tight and nice, and then [SPEAKER_03]: you know, our stamp, our fingerprints on each business, because ultimately the old owners, they run at the way they run it, and then we have the way we run it.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so we like to, you know, but no, I mean, answer that question, I would have never thought.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, they ever for me either.
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, I just thought I'd be just in the shop all the time and just, [SPEAKER_00]: kind of makes you want to wish you still are sometimes yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I'm interested to hear what's like a family gathering or family dinners like for you guys when everybody in the room is just absolutely obsessed by classic cars Volkswagen's even specifically but yeah what what are family gatherings like well we start with eating a lot of food and then if there's more food yeah [SPEAKER_01]: I think the second there's a moment of silence all over a wife's cringe because they know we're going great to work.
[SPEAKER_03]: We start talking about work and they just, they just, they just shrug their shoulders and they just appear at some point and then this kind of bored with it, but yeah, I mean, we try, we do we try to, you know, keep family time family time.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: but it's difficult.
[SPEAKER_00]: So how do you guys, who's the perfectionist?
[SPEAKER_02]: I'd say all of us, we all have our own area that were OCD on, and we all have our, we can't say one is more than the other.
[SPEAKER_01]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, and that's, and that's the, I guess, our strong point in that is every area we have.
[SPEAKER_01]: We have someone, one of the three of us are really focused on making sure it's right.
[SPEAKER_01]: So, yeah, it's kind of hard to pinpoint one person, specifically.
[SPEAKER_01]: Who's the risk taker?
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, more, right.
[SPEAKER_02]: All right.
[SPEAKER_02]: He takes the risk and then talks us into, you know, don't want to work with me.
[SPEAKER_01]: So he wants better.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's the salesman to do that, huh?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Who gets blame when things go sideways?
[SPEAKER_02]: I don't even say.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: Well, silver lining has been kind of the staple.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's the longest business that you guys have have kind of, you know, been involved with or started what 14, 15 years ago.
[SPEAKER_00]: So let's touch on that one first.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's get a little bit of backstory on silver lining if we can take us back to, I guess, what do you say?
[SPEAKER_00]: How old were you when your dad handed you that, that Chevy truck?
[SPEAKER_00]: You say you were 15, 16 years old?
[SPEAKER_03]: So it was a very basic, you know, I didn't know anything.
[SPEAKER_03]: I, you know, right, honestly, I was scared to well, you know, I didn't know you could actually well, you know, there was a little bit of a rust on the floor board.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I asked my father, I was like, I don't know what to do, a little rust here and he's like, I don't know either, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: I don't weld on cars and he's like, I've done fiberglass before, you wanna maybe fiberglass, I'm like, share it with fiberglass, and for the whole build, you know, I looked back on it and it was in gray, but it was my first and I was young.
[SPEAKER_03]: My parents were just pulling my leg, they, I didn't, wasn't going to drive that car, you know, I got a normal car, finished at that 17.
[SPEAKER_03]: And, but I just got me into that, you know, it was, it was fascinating to me.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then as the years went on, like I said, the 63-bell air, I got that one.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then a few people started hearing about me, I got a few little jobs on the side.
[SPEAKER_03]: I did another 19-50 Chevy pickup.
[SPEAKER_03]: did that.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then in my 20s, there was a lot of salvage tighter cars.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I would, I would got into preuses just on the, you know, side gig for myself.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I just literally be cutting the back halves off and welding them together.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I would show be transparent in I would show all the pictures of the process.
[SPEAKER_03]: and when I put them online for sale, people were buying with confidence because I wasn't hiding nothing.
[SPEAKER_03]: They saw that there was no motor damage, no transmission, issues, no electric problems, it was just cosmetic and that's what I was wanting to fix, it's just cosmetic.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then that just kind of kept going and then the thought was born.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, I knew how to do it.
[SPEAKER_03]: Well, I thought I knew how to do it.
[SPEAKER_03]: Um, you had an idea.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, you had an idea, but you know, you're always learning, you know, and so when that idea came, I just kind of thought to myself, you know, I'm doing this, I was in sales and electronic components and say, I want to do my, I just want to go my own, do it myself, see if we can make it happen.
[SPEAKER_00]: And you touched on that, though.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I want to touch on that, too.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, before this, there was a successful electronics business, you know, talk a little bit about that.
[SPEAKER_00]: What made you, you know, kind of walk away from that, I guess, you know, even talk to us about maybe how your family reacted when you maybe took something that was a stable position in your life and traded it in for passion.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, I guess.
[SPEAKER_03]: I had the time I was working for somebody already in a, in a, in a, in a, for a company and, uh, I don't know.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think, I went to my wife and I was like, I think I want to, I like to do something, my hands.
[SPEAKER_03]: I got, I don't, I don't know what I'm selling and I want to build something.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I know cars and I love cars.
[SPEAKER_03]: I, you know, love the old cars.
[SPEAKER_03]: Um, and I always did, [SPEAKER_03]: And so she was just kind of well-do, you know, she gave me the vote of confidence, you know, just do what you want to do, do what you need to do.
[SPEAKER_03]: It was actually my brother, I called him and he was, I said, what do you think I should do?
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, go for it.
[SPEAKER_03]: It was absolutely, absolutely, just go for it.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then, you know, get in to feet, whatever you do, he wasn't really excited what I was doing.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, he's like, I don't think cars are really a good living.
[SPEAKER_03]: I don't think you're needed.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, maybe a slow down in an industry or slow down in the world, it's probably something that I wouldn't pick, but hey, not, you know, go for it.
[SPEAKER_01]: And then he's the uncle that he would drive a box with wheels on it.
[SPEAKER_01]: He could care less what he's driving.
[SPEAKER_01]: He cars are the least, I don't think he even knows what he drives today.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, so for him, it was a little bit dumbest idea.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you know, the younger brother.
[SPEAKER_03]: But they just kind of all reacted the same.
[SPEAKER_03]: They didn't think it could be something.
[SPEAKER_03]: But I think they had the confidence that if hard work, that was never a question.
[SPEAKER_03]: Putting the hours in, never a question.
[SPEAKER_03]: And there was just days and nights, literally days and nights, it was a lot of work.
[SPEAKER_03]: And it was really nice then, kind of being around a couple years [SPEAKER_03]: Um, showing up at night with me, you know, satin on cars, dead lines, and I'll try to get stuff done.
[SPEAKER_03]: I still have to do the office, the ordering, the, you know, organizing all of it.
[SPEAKER_03]: The whole, it's more than just, you know, if you're doing the work by yourself, it's everything, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, it's a full-time job just working, and then you have all the, the books, and all the ordering, and that as well.
[SPEAKER_03]: Right.
[SPEAKER_03]: And they always say two's better than one, and then what's better than two three.
[SPEAKER_03]: So a partner ship was born.
[SPEAKER_00]: So looking back though for use specifically in business now, what 15 years, what were some of the hardest times, or maybe even what was like your your hardest year?
[SPEAKER_03]: I want to think I think it was the second to the third year.
[SPEAKER_03]: Because the, you know, we kind of going into business, you have a pool built up.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, yeah, that little, little pool of funds that you can always rely on.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then at that ran out, it was gone.
[SPEAKER_03]: And it was real.
[SPEAKER_03]: It was kind of getting at that point like, okay, so every time a bump came, you didn't have anything to fall back on, financial.
[SPEAKER_03]: And they got to the point where yeah, I was like, I think I got to close the doors like I mentioned earlier, you know, three or fourth times, I seriously three times and fourth was just out of frustration, you know, just not not going forward and not thinking I'm just you get tired of it, a problems and all the the trials and tribulations that come up in running a business.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I was like, is this worth it?
[SPEAKER_03]: So let's say I say two to three from that year two to three was the hardest.
[SPEAKER_00]: How has silver lining evolved from those early days to really what it is now?
[SPEAKER_00]: Good help.
[SPEAKER_00]: Bay, which is actually one of the hardest things to find, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, I think I think with the two nephews joining, that was just the two pillars that you can count on.
[SPEAKER_03]: you can lean back on and that was huge right there and then just over the years adding the parts and pieces you know and building the crew and face it you know without a good crew you're nothing you know and how many of them how many you know how big is your crew.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think I think we're up to about 16 between the three companies.
[SPEAKER_03]: So it's, you know, we, everybody's kind of cross-training a lot of things.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, so that's, that's kind of nice as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, super cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: What values that you guys have, you know, that really have never changed this whole time?
[SPEAKER_02]: That's probably quality.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's just that's one of the most important things to us is do the best qualities we can.
[SPEAKER_02]: in everything and the metal work, the body work, the assembly, everything to have it.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I think in staying humble, to understand that we're not the best.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Right.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's nice.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I think that's what it looks like.
[SPEAKER_00]: What's in the background though, looks like you might be kind of teeter and on maybe some of the best.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's I think it's rewarding when people come in, you know, people do walk throughs, you know, they'll hear about us and they'll be like, hey, can we visit and come on down?
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, the reaction, I think it's rewarding, you know, we're just in our work, we're doing our stuff and and just doing our thing, you know, and then when people enjoy what we do is it's rewarding it really is I bet man, I bet tell me this guys, what's the biggest misconception that people have about restoration shops, I'm going to say pain.
[SPEAKER_02]: I want to say, I think that's where all agree on that because I mean, we see that so much and it goes goes and then it will get to the bodywork.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's always this it gets really expensive and if you don't pay it and ain't going to look good.
[SPEAKER_03]: And it, yeah, it's the whole, you know, like we hear people spend their money on their their frame right there their their their pants and they're are in the buses, they're running gear the suspension, the motor, the transmission, they spend endless amount of funds on that stop.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then when it comes to the paint, which is the whole entire car, the vehicle, that's the first thing you see.
[SPEAKER_03]: Everyone's going to look at the paint, and everyone has a problem with how much time a bodywork and paint perfect.
[SPEAKER_03]: It is ridiculous how many hours it takes.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, and I think I think the, it's on a primer company's faults because they make everything gray.
[SPEAKER_01]: So when our update pictures, you see gray and then next week, it's more gray and then there's filler that's gray.
[SPEAKER_03]: They need a mix up a little bit of blue in there, something we have a pink primer now.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, well, for other blind people like me sometime, it's a little bit called because there's a little bit.
[SPEAKER_03]: But yeah, I think we would say that that's the thing.
[SPEAKER_02]: And it's not like what you see on TV.
[SPEAKER_02]: And you see all these TV shops, it don't work like that.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's just, there's so much that goes in even on those behind the scenes, but it's not, it's not done in a week.
[SPEAKER_02]: You don't, just, [SPEAKER_02]: go from bare metal to paint in a week.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, I've actually had guys on, right, that have elite, you know, high level builds, you know, coast to coast, show winning builds.
[SPEAKER_00]: And they're like, yeah, well, well, I finally got it back from the shop about 26 months later.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm like, [SPEAKER_00]: damn over two years like whoa right like so I hear that type of stuff and then I even have some experience myself.
[SPEAKER_00]: I found a boss here a 67 split window that was sitting in this guy's driveway, you know, rusting to nothing.
[SPEAKER_00]: probably a year and a half ago or so and I picked it up for a really fair price and my dream was I've always wanted a split window.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm going to bring it to a body shop and I'm going to have them fix everything and I'm going to get it back and I'm going to drive it and it's, you know, okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I take it to a body shop locally, and they tell me the time and the investment, you know, we're looking at like between 60 and 80,000 dollars.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm like, hold on a second, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I can talk to what you guys are released.
[SPEAKER_00]: But look, this thing was bad.
[SPEAKER_00]: It needed all floors, everything up front.
[SPEAKER_00]: It had a couple of pieces of the frame that were questionable.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, it was pretty rough.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then I'll talk about that because that's a good company that you went to because they told you what it was about.
[SPEAKER_03]: There's a lot, you know, I think the biggest dysfunction in the automotive restoration industry is a lot of shops will tell you what you want to hear.
[SPEAKER_03]: Get you in the door and then oh, it's worse than we thought it's looking all this for us.
[SPEAKER_01]: Look at all this.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you've already made that investment and you're kind of into it, you know.
[SPEAKER_03]: a lot of work and a lot of the honest truth is it's hard to hear but you know when you spread it over a couple of years or even we have builds that went six years you know and just it's a slow process you know not everyone could afford it we get it I can't [SPEAKER_03]: You know, so it's, you know, we just try to help out in that way.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's what they say perfection takes time.
[SPEAKER_00]: And you know, clearly what's going on behind you guys back there, clearly you guys are are also doing it right.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that's pretty awesome.
[SPEAKER_00]: I want your opinion on this of what separates average restorations from, you know, the most elite restorations that we see at the shows.
[SPEAKER_03]: Probably time there's a time that's spent in them.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, you can't cut corners.
[SPEAKER_03]: are taking the time, you know, I think that's one thing that we, we kind of but on our updates for our clients is the amount of step by step that we take in the pictures of that process.
[SPEAKER_03]: So they see every detail that's going in and they do it's amazing the feedback because they'll be like, I don't even know, I didn't realize like, wow, that was interesting.
[SPEAKER_02]: As you say, your biggest return, you you see the most happening.
[SPEAKER_02]: You see the rest and then it gets cleaned out as a cleaned up, repaired, welded back and it looks good.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, the updates are a lot more.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, appreciate it.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, except it.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then like we said, it gets to the body working like, is anything happening, you know, then that's just a detail, you know, that when we go to shows, you know, we, we sponsor the local one here in Woodburn and they, they, [SPEAKER_03]: We get awards that we give out personally from our shop because we're sponsors.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you know, when we go through and we're judging other cars that are in the show and China, whatever.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you know, that's what we're looking.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're looking for the edges.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're looking for lines.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're looking for the details.
[SPEAKER_03]: And when you see it done, you just know the time that was spent.
[SPEAKER_03]: So a counselor question time is the difference.
[SPEAKER_00]: To the nephews, tell me what stands out, growing up around morey.
[SPEAKER_00]: What lessons kind of stuck with you guys before you even realized they were lessons?
[SPEAKER_02]: I would say, don't ever don't be afraid to just get in and do something and figure it out.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, kind of when I started, I was working from a little bit already and I knew I wanted to do a metal work.
[SPEAKER_02]: And he just, there was a bus sitting outside and he gave me some metal and he's like, cut the floor out, cut out the, there's like the outriggers, the top, like take the floor off the top hats and the long panel, there's like the lower section, you cut out to replace.
[SPEAKER_02]: And he just threw me the parts and did do it.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I mean, I'm just thinking back, it's embarrassing.
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, it was I damaged every single tube that he said not to damage.
[SPEAKER_02]: that goes through, you know, for your heater boxes, you're all those lines.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I think from that, I mean, it was terrible.
[SPEAKER_02]: I welded some stuff back.
[SPEAKER_02]: It was so crooked.
[SPEAKER_02]: It was terrible.
[SPEAKER_02]: But he always would just come and say, okay, well, that's not good.
[SPEAKER_02]: How are we gonna fix it?
[SPEAKER_02]: It was always how we're gonna fix it.
[SPEAKER_02]: And don't be afraid to just get in because after that, I wasn't.
[SPEAKER_02]: I kind of figured some stuff out.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then the next challenge, I just was able to get right into it and figure it out.
[SPEAKER_02]: And also to not get frustrated when you mess up, you mess up, you just figure it out and move on.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I don't make the same mistake twice.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's good.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's to, yeah, I think that's some of the kind of just thinking right now what I could come up with.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's what I remember.
[SPEAKER_00]: And you know that what you said kind of resonates with business across the board, you know mindset determines, [SPEAKER_00]: outcome, you know, usually is shifted by the way you, you feel the way you look at things, the way your attitude is toward things.
[SPEAKER_00]: So if you're a leader, the guy that was teaching you guys everything was just like, hey, all good, you mess this up, but what are we going to do to fix it?
[SPEAKER_00]: We're going to do about it, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: And that's what I think it really helped grow for me to grow.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: As if you would have got like frustrated and pissed off, then I would be like just, you know, [SPEAKER_02]: get discouraged.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, I get really discouraged.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I see that in when I started going into like training when people come in and they'd mess up and it is gets so pissed off.
[SPEAKER_02]: And by this, okay, just calm down, we'll fix it.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I think from the beginning, him teaching me that way really helped me for when problems come up, it's kind of, it's always was the solution, not oh crap, that's such a pile of [SPEAKER_00]: It's good leadership and it's even, it even makes good parenting, you know, I tell my kids all a time.
[SPEAKER_00]: Don't, don't bring me a problem.
[SPEAKER_00]: Come to me with a solution and let's, let's work it out.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, let's talk about it and let's figure it out.
[SPEAKER_00]: I try to not manage through an iron fist or manage through anger.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, an upstales trainer professionally, you know, my background, my wife and I own a real estate company here in Florida, but my last 15 years of my life professionally, I've been a sales trainer.
[SPEAKER_00]: and I teach leadership and I teach management and I even teach a big sales class several times a year.
[SPEAKER_00]: So a lot of these things that you guys are talking about are things that I teach, you know, to the way technicians should should run calls and should treat people.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it's just great to hear.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's great to hear you guys have had a great, a great leader and, you know, these lessons obviously have stuck with you.
[SPEAKER_03]: Let's talk about what we're doing.
[SPEAKER_03]: When we were [SPEAKER_03]: get you back up or something on some sales and how to, you know, happy to help there, happy to help there.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's talk about the family for a little bit.
[SPEAKER_00]: How do you guys, can you guys touch on this before, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: When we were talking about family gatherings and dinners, how do you guys actually separate family from business or do you kind of all in, it's kind of all in one, really, [SPEAKER_00]: Let me ask it this way then.
[SPEAKER_00]: Is it easier or is it harder working with people that you're related to?
[SPEAKER_00]: Let me back it up and even say this.
[SPEAKER_00]: I grew up in a professional business environment, banking, etc.
[SPEAKER_00]: I know this, like in banking, FDIC banking, Wells Fargo or Regents Bank or whatever, there's a question on the job application.
[SPEAKER_00]: Has any family members ever worked here before, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: If you say yes, you're not eligible to get hired, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: So there's always been this kind of dynamic in the background of like, you know, that, oh, it's impossible to work around your family.
[SPEAKER_00]: Well, we all know that's not true, but I just want to hear the opinion harder or easier working with people you're related to.
[SPEAKER_02]: I say for us, it's easier because like for me and my brother, I mean, we grew up together.
[SPEAKER_02]: I think about year and a half apart, I mean, we did everything together.
[SPEAKER_02]: We kind of know how each other thinks.
[SPEAKER_02]: We know our strong points, we know our weak points.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I know when I have a problem that's more better suited for him.
[SPEAKER_02]: I know I could push that onto him.
[SPEAKER_02]: And he could, you know, the other way.
[SPEAKER_02]: I don't know when we started this and going in partnership together was always, we're not going to let.
[SPEAKER_02]: anything get in the way of family.
[SPEAKER_02]: The family is most important.
[SPEAKER_02]: And we're always we're always going to be related.
[SPEAKER_02]: If there's something comes up, there's not to be anything that we can't work through.
[SPEAKER_03]: And forget quit.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_03]: And forget quit.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: That's what it is because you go through business and there's push patients, you know, there is.
[SPEAKER_03]: We have different characters no matter what.
[SPEAKER_03]: Right.
[SPEAKER_03]: And just forget quick.
[SPEAKER_03]: And don't go home and then talk to it with our wife because they're going to take our sides, you know.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you know, let's just leave work at work.
[SPEAKER_03]: But really, there's not a lot of that.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, it's just, we try to, we're a team.
[SPEAKER_03]: We really are.
[SPEAKER_03]: And like he mentioned, every one of us have our strengths.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we just lean on each other.
[SPEAKER_03]: And if [SPEAKER_03]: we don't we get through it we just get through problems and we have each other's backs and I think that's that's what's most exciting hopefully that will never change [SPEAKER_00]: It doesn't seem like it's going to, especially with your level of just kind of almost natural natural leadership, how do you guys protect your relationships though when money is involved?
[SPEAKER_00]: Because you hear this a lot, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: Like usually money is what gets in the way of a lot of families working together, regardless of its, you know, nephew or brothers or whoever, how do you guys maybe even intentionally protect your relationships when money is involved like this?
[SPEAKER_01]: I would say the same way.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, we're all in it for the same goal.
[SPEAKER_01]: And we just want to get ahead in life, get ahead in business, get ahead for our families.
[SPEAKER_01]: And if he wins, we win.
[SPEAKER_01]: If Phil wins, we win.
[SPEAKER_01]: Which it always, we're in it together.
[SPEAKER_02]: If things go bad, we're all in a bad spot.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: So if we were to if we were to pick each other on money and he gets more and he gets more and and it's you know what was me that does no good for anybody so it's it really it's not I don't I don't think there's a there's an issue there and he does on family you know for me The future is more important than anything you know I'm I'm definitely you know hopefully you know [SPEAKER_03]: I'm going to go first right and then the legacy will continue and I got 11 year old son he has a what is he three three so we have fam you know we have we have now the next generation we're we're we're wanting to prime and they can come into the business there's you know hopefully it's still around we can keep moving forward.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then they have opportunity and I think with multiple businesses there's different opportunities for each person and it also keeps us a little separated as well because each each person's kind of in their area and we just all know what we need to do already and we just need to do it and we just get it done.
[SPEAKER_00]: I like it, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: You guys all have level heads, good attitudes about growth and about each other, and it really sounds like almost a refreshing dynamic.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's dive into West Coast for a couple minutes if we can.
[SPEAKER_00]: So let's talk first about the opportunity in itself.
[SPEAKER_00]: Describe maybe how this opportunity came to acquire West Coast classic interiors.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think I was just working with Lenny Cobb for so many years.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we would only install his interiors over the years.
[SPEAKER_03]: We used other companies, and we just didn't like the quality.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we would tell clients, hey, if you want to go to them, that's fine, just you and Stella, after we're going to the restoration.
[SPEAKER_03]: But we're not willing to install that kit.
[SPEAKER_03]: So over the years, we were just solely using West Coast class interiors.
[SPEAKER_03]: And, um, however we did, uh, so fine.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Now, so fun and tear years.
[SPEAKER_03]: Uh, they, they build a good quality as well.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we would install their stuff.
[SPEAKER_03]: But it was more like a, they kind of a different style than original.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so, but stay in good quality.
[SPEAKER_03]: But when it came to, um, you know, installing, we really just only installed the last coast.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then, you know, let any cop just kind of was getting older over the years and working with him.
[SPEAKER_03]: There was no one taking it over.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so the future of it, it was kind of that.
[SPEAKER_03]: I went to him one day.
[SPEAKER_03]: I said, Lenny, who's going to take over business?
[SPEAKER_03]: Something happens to you, where does this business go?
[SPEAKER_03]: And I think he was at a point at that point, where he was kind of just frustrated.
[SPEAKER_03]: It was a lot to manage.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I think he was going to take it over.
[SPEAKER_03]: One day I was in Los Angeles and I just showed up on an ounce and I got out.
[SPEAKER_03]: He looked at me and he just said, this is crazy.
[SPEAKER_03]: Mori literally, I told Sue who was an office manager at the time for him.
[SPEAKER_03]: I told Sue yesterday that we need to call Mori and sell the business.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I just said, well, Lenny, I'm here to buy the business.
[SPEAKER_03]: Let's do it.
[SPEAKER_03]: And as a first time ever was there, Adam who shot.
[SPEAKER_03]: And did a walk through, I brought my father back the next day.
[SPEAKER_03]: We went through his books, made an offer, he accepted, and literally, I think it was like two weeks later.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Two weeks later, we've helped went down there with trailers, and we moved everything back up.
[SPEAKER_00]: Wow.
[SPEAKER_03]: And West Coast was born.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: The reborn, and I said, you know, having it in our own show for a group.
[SPEAKER_00]: So look, look and back at [SPEAKER_00]: I guess maybe the legacy or what he built, what did Lenny build that made the brand truly legendary?
[SPEAKER_03]: I would think it was just the quality and the correct materials are the best possible.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, since we took it over, there's been a lot of changes, but he did, he for me, it was a good quality product and it was period correct, which when we were all [SPEAKER_03]: desire for all our clients.
[SPEAKER_03]: So I think just with that we naturally went to him for his interiors and they were just the best that we found.
[SPEAKER_00]: what now separates your kids from competitors' kids?
[SPEAKER_01]: I think it'll be the same focus on originality.
[SPEAKER_01]: We're not, like you mentioned, so fine.
[SPEAKER_01]: We talk, I mean, I just talked to them last week.
[SPEAKER_01]: We all have our own lane in a way.
[SPEAKER_01]: They work on a lot more custom stuff and we work on a period correct.
[SPEAKER_01]: So our focus is on [SPEAKER_01]: As period correct as we can we're always looking for closer and closer materials getting original panels taking a part looking at the back of the pocket the back of certain areas just to get a little more closer to original and you know I think that the add on to what he's saying right now day one we have a CNC machine waiting for the business where Lenny would cut everything out by hand.
[SPEAKER_03]: So the filament wasn't we used it all the time and it wasn't perfect and we always were trimming and so we had a CNC wedding so everything was in CNC cut all the panels and we were constantly making adjustments by computer who doesn't make a mistake.
[SPEAKER_00]: Right.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that was a big add to add all right away right away.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then, you know, you got to talk about the 1559s because that's kind of cool.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: We have 58 59 beetles.
[SPEAKER_01]: But the first year that the door panels were he seen.
[SPEAKER_01]: They were pressed as opposed to stitched.
[SPEAKER_01]: And so that was a, I [SPEAKER_01]: a four-year project we took on.
[SPEAKER_01]: We had aluminum die plates made and with all the correct dimensions and thicknesses and widths and everything to make that pressing.
[SPEAKER_01]: So we have our flat panels now that we press the correct pressing into for those years and then up to 64.
[SPEAKER_01]: They [SPEAKER_01]: pattern and then from 60 to 64 is another year with different size lines.
[SPEAKER_03]: And over the year where the seats are heated, they're pleated still.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: And the panels are heat seam.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then after 59 everything's heat seam.
[SPEAKER_03]: So the seats are heat seam.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you know, just, you know, I think there's a few suppliers out there.
[SPEAKER_03]: The heat seam goes all the way to the edge to the piping.
[SPEAKER_03]: Well, we try to get it two and a half inches or whatever it is to get it.
[SPEAKER_03]: period correct.
[SPEAKER_03]: So again, one offs, we are stamping one, not a whole roll and just using the all the way to the end.
[SPEAKER_03]: So just those details, trying our best.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, again, Joe, everybody has something to say about everybody and we just do our best.
[SPEAKER_03]: We have with the material colors, [SPEAKER_03]: We're just doing the best that we can and we just hope people are at least appreciate that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, no, it's something I appreciate about what you guys just said a second ago was, you know, that kind of you guys, everybody kind of has their own lane inside of what you guys are doing.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I almost kind of relate that to.
[SPEAKER_00]: my background and what I've been doing last 15 years, which is coaching contractors, you know, HVAC, plumbing electrical companies on, you know, performance and, you know, creating a better brand, creating a legacy inside of craftsmanship for what they do, obviously in a similar thing, right, working with their hands.
[SPEAKER_00]: But it's interesting because I teach them all the time that your competition is not your enemy.
[SPEAKER_00]: They're actually your close friends.
[SPEAKER_00]: There's enough to go around.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we don't badger our competitor.
[SPEAKER_00]: We don't talk shit about them.
[SPEAKER_00]: We don't like, there's no sense in doing that because it only makes you look bad, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: It looks very good.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: That's just then you really heard us talk about so far.
[SPEAKER_03]: So fine.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: We have no promise so funny.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's why.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: That's fine.
[SPEAKER_03]: There's tons of companies out there that make good stuff.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we'll install.
[SPEAKER_03]: There's enough to go.
[SPEAKER_03]: That's my point.
[SPEAKER_03]: The cooling with West Coast is we do installs as well.
[SPEAKER_03]: So say a guy wants to have a team, my interior, a sofa and interior, a custom interior, anything.
[SPEAKER_03]: We'll put it in for them.
[SPEAKER_03]: If they really want the headliner done, we'll go through that.
[SPEAKER_03]: But we would advise them.
[SPEAKER_03]: Hey.
[SPEAKER_03]: Our opinion would be this about this company and this is just our opinion in our our our experience and what happens the length of how it holds up and this is why we would say maybe [SPEAKER_01]: And like these there's there's reasons that that like C covers for example there's companies that make the C covers fit a little bit bigger so they're easier to install we get customers that that'll that'll get our interior in a box right and they'll try installing it.
[SPEAKER_01]: And it's they can also say it doesn't fit.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's too tight.
[SPEAKER_01]: But that's how it was.
[SPEAKER_01]: That's how it originally was.
[SPEAKER_01]: So companies as opposed to focusing on originality and trying to get it that way, they'll make them a little bit bigger.
[SPEAKER_01]: So they're easier for everybody to install as opposed to, you know, you need to put these out in the sun.
[SPEAKER_01]: You need to use steam.
[SPEAKER_01]: You need to heat these up.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, these wrapping these seats are are.
[SPEAKER_01]: pretty difficult.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, I remember the first one I did.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, it's not for the week.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, we had a paint booth.
[SPEAKER_01]: We had a bunch of gas heaters in there.
[SPEAKER_01]: And it was it was hot.
[SPEAKER_01]: And that's what it takes sometimes to get.
[SPEAKER_01]: And then after is it looks so good.
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, it's just high.
[SPEAKER_02]: There's no ripples.
[SPEAKER_02]: It just, and it's stretch it over the years.
[SPEAKER_03]: So if you start something loose, it's going to get [SPEAKER_03]: Right.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's when you see those ripples and just six months in.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: I feel you.
[SPEAKER_00]: I feel you know in in a world that Chase is more speed sometimes and even as a company from a company standpoint, Chase is more profit.
[SPEAKER_00]: Why do you guys feel like you double down on craftsmanship?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, CD.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's see.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, that is that.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, just being caring what you're building, I think.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, we've had multiple times, clients would take their bus to a show.
[SPEAKER_03]: And people would walk up to when they tell us after.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, so somebody walked up as, is this a silver lining restoration?
[SPEAKER_03]: And they're like, yeah, it is.
[SPEAKER_03]: How do you know?
[SPEAKER_03]: Like, you can just tell.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's just different.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that means, that means so much to the clients.
[SPEAKER_03]: Because they understood that they, they was done right if someone can recognize it.
[SPEAKER_03]: So I think, I think just the passion for caring, [SPEAKER_03]: I love it.
[SPEAKER_03]: That would be it.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, what Barry well said.
[SPEAKER_00]: And again, I hate to always, you know, bring my, my background into it.
[SPEAKER_00]: But it's just cool how they, how they're so different and they also mesh.
[SPEAKER_00]: So technicians, a lot of times when I'm teaching them how to, how to get better results, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: There's little things that I, that I say, but a lot of times what it always comes back to is look, all you have to do is care about the outcome more.
[SPEAKER_00]: than your competitor.
[SPEAKER_00]: If you just care a little bit more than your competition, it's going to show in your work.
[SPEAKER_00]: And so I always say that.
[SPEAKER_00]: So you said that, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: You said, you know, just just care care about the outcome.
[SPEAKER_00]: So yeah, man, I'm totally I'm totally viving with that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Talk to me about customers have modern customers, customers of today have they become more demanding or are they more patient, but more appreciative.
[SPEAKER_03]: In the times that we're in right now, [SPEAKER_03]: at the Amazon age.
[SPEAKER_03]: The Amazon age everyone thinks that it needs to be there tomorrow.
[SPEAKER_03]: In addition, yeah, yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I think, you know, I think that's we'll get into that.
[SPEAKER_03]: I'm sure later on with loose nuts, but West Coast, I think they understand it takes time.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I think people call in advance.
[SPEAKER_03]: Um, when they're doing the restoration to start that process of what interior I'm going to need the restoration shop will tell them, hey, I want to start thinking about an interior.
[SPEAKER_03]: So there are a lot more acceptable.
[SPEAKER_03]: I would say, they have found the lead time that it takes that it may have, but loose nuts.
[SPEAKER_03]: No one wants to wait because they want it now for a show.
[SPEAKER_03]: It needs to be yesterday and, you know, I think it's a mixture, the restorations, you know, same thing.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think things are getting a little tighter.
[SPEAKER_03]: So everyone wants to know where their funds are going.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, why is it taken so long?
[SPEAKER_03]: Things like that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: But I think through a process and and showing them what's going on and being transparent, letting them come here.
[SPEAKER_03]: Walk throughs, you know, showing up.
[SPEAKER_03]: I, you know, we've we've had great clients.
[SPEAKER_03]: I've been we've been blessed.
[SPEAKER_03]: I don't know what house to say it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: I know how it feels to get pictures to have something that you drop money on that, you know, sometimes you sit, you know, two, three, four weeks and you're like, [SPEAKER_00]: Like I know he said it was gonna take some time.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know what I mean?
[SPEAKER_00]: And I really don't want to text and like ask like for progress But right, it starts kind of building up on you.
[SPEAKER_00]: So you don't ask and you get pictures or you get progress or you get invited to come, you know, tour the shop or whatever [SPEAKER_00]: I, like, personally, I know how that feels from a consumer standpoint.
[SPEAKER_00]: So just to hear that, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: And again, that probably even ties into carrying more about the outcome, recognizing that that's something that people actually appreciate, like you said, they want to see where their money's going.
[SPEAKER_00]: So, yeah, man, I've, I've, I've I've with that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's talk about details for a second.
[SPEAKER_00]: What details do customers never notice?
[SPEAKER_00]: But professionals always notice.
[SPEAKER_03]: All those, everything like a line, you know, door gaps, line, body lines, the straightness on the panels, you know, all the corners, the edges, the hard to get areas, all the details, the edges and lines.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I think people see it back to when he was talking about the show, the shows, people will see [SPEAKER_01]: a card done right and just know it's right they don't know why if you ask them why is it right they don't know but I think there's a general feeling that you have when you see something where a professional is going to see and notice there's there's no build up in this corner or there's the seam sealers flat in this area or or the details that [SPEAKER_01]: disappear for most people, but it's an overall just look that people recognize, but professionals can, or someone that's in and every day can pinpoint.
[SPEAKER_01]: You said it though, overall.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's a feeling.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: And that's, oh, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: So, so well said.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, big picture.
[SPEAKER_00]: Where did we see the West Coast five years from now?
[SPEAKER_03]: I think what there's moved that we've had in [SPEAKER_03]: and offer a little bit more of the actual installs.
[SPEAKER_03]: A lot of clients, a lot of shops, they don't, they'll only do certain things and having that ability to say, okay, all of the Pacific Northwest can easily just bring their cars now to us.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we can sit here and start doing the installs of whatever they want.
[SPEAKER_03]: And when the cars here, we can do customer, you want plaid, [SPEAKER_03]: inserts you on different seats, you know, there's so much more you can do on the custom man when we have the car in our location and the room gives us that ability.
[SPEAKER_03]: So I think I'll just, I would say that.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, is having a lot more cars running through here on on installs and opening that door a little bit wider where before it was just it was a tighter area and it took a [SPEAKER_03]: a job done.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, we're more focused on mail order production, making panels, making seat covers and shipping them as opposed to having, you know, two or three cars that were able to work on in the interior shops specifically specifically for interiors of the post to full restorations.
[SPEAKER_00]: I sure what you guys were close.
[SPEAKER_00]: because i've got a 62 beetle that needs some love right now on on the interior uh it's a little past the project i mean it's a really solid dry car but it's got the original 1200 and it's still six volt um i've got a 1776 in my garage [SPEAKER_00]: uh... that came off of a track so it's like all chrome out has to be you know big big chrome exhaust and stuff on it uh... i've got to make some some minor adjustments there uh... but it's ready it's ready to go in that car and you got the good point bring on in a bring up his distance we get clients from all over the u.s i mean i don't want to work on your Georgia you know it's it's one time shipping to us
[SPEAKER_03]: transit and one time back.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, just for an interior job, I can see that it would add a lot to the overhead of it.
[SPEAKER_03]: But for restoration, we say I'm coming from over the U.S. because, I mean, they can trust and it's a location that everything could be done.
[SPEAKER_03]: A lot of companies are switching only to metal work.
[SPEAKER_03]: And only and they don't want to do bodywork anymore because it is of it is a [SPEAKER_03]: area that a lot of guys don't want to do.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's messy.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's dusty.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, so a lot of guys are getting out of that body work in pain.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then having someone to go to do the network body recompane assembly.
[SPEAKER_03]: But in the interiors, it's it's becoming a one stop shop.
[SPEAKER_03]: And with quality, not a lot of guys will say, well, what is it, a jack of all trades, master of none?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: What's the trio here, that's not the case, because each one of us has our expertise right in in what we do.
[SPEAKER_03]: So, you have a well-rounded companies that have the craftsmanship in each one.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, fast forward, little bit.
[SPEAKER_00]: Now we're at loose nuts safari's.
[SPEAKER_00]: Most recent business venture.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's get into it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's talk a little bit about it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's teach the VW community about what's going on with loose nuts.
[SPEAKER_00]: Now, first things first, why the decision to rename it from VW loose nuts to loose nuts safari's?
[SPEAKER_02]: That was because of Volkswagen.
[SPEAKER_02]: VW, we didn't want the name VW in there for...
[SPEAKER_03]: Okay, that's that's probably just one right off the bat, but I think the vision backing that up with number two was we love cars.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we're not stopping our votes wagons.
[SPEAKER_03]: And perfect.
[SPEAKER_03]: We've already have a Chevy window for the Chevy guys.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we are an R&D right now.
[SPEAKER_03]: Actually, if you went on our Instagram, we just made a post and we flashed onto the cab of the C 10.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we are we are not stopping with Volkswagen.
[SPEAKER_00]: I thought I saw Cati on the page the other day, I think I shared something.
[SPEAKER_00]: So for you guys to go from VW loose nuts to just loose nuts to Far East, it takes away the limitation of just Volkswagen.
[SPEAKER_00]: But also naturally for branding and stuff with Volkswagen thing.
[SPEAKER_00]: And by the way, the logo is sick, I love that new logo.
[SPEAKER_00]: I see it on your hoodie.
[SPEAKER_00]: I've been eyeballing.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: I've got one sent to you.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Awesome, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: So, let's do this.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's touch on, why is it important to distinguish the new ownership?
[SPEAKER_00]: or even how can you distinguish the new ownership, while still kind of honoring Jeremy's legacy?
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, I think on that one, we've already built our name.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, we feel silver lining is a pretty, it's a well-pocked about Maine, a lot of people with all of us.
[SPEAKER_03]: And they say, hey, I heard a lot of good things about you, and there's, you know, there's reviews written about you guys.
[SPEAKER_03]: Right.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then we made the, we made, we put our imprint on that one as well.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you know, and going into loose nuts.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's the same.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, the quality, everyone was really enjoyed the quality over the years.
[SPEAKER_03]: And okay, what changes could we make.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you know, immediately we put our fingerprint on it.
[SPEAKER_03]: We change the bracketry.
[SPEAKER_03]: We change the logo when you open that window that that one logo on the window now house that logo that you love.
[SPEAKER_03]: And it's just those little details that we love because when we're looking at it.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, we want to, we want to, you know, it's all, it's just putting our fingerprints on it, I guess.
[SPEAKER_03]: I'd say that.
[SPEAKER_03]: And making that distinction change, you know, from we now know what's what, you know, what was built and what we built kind of the better help all of our clients, you know, when they're calling with questions.
[SPEAKER_03]: Well, you know, we know, okay, by the logo, we will know, you know, if it was the old, [SPEAKER_03]: The ownership or if it's our own ship that built that window.
[SPEAKER_03]: So I think just that put and put and put in our or imprint on it, making those adjustments and then just carrying on.
[SPEAKER_03]: where we can make them better, adding products.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, you want to talk about the gear?
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: We just launched a rear for the rear window of the gear, which man that thing is hard.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, that window, the bottom section, it goes this way, this way, it's doing almost perfect.
[SPEAKER_00]: And it's like a potato chip.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's re-a-a-a-a.
[SPEAKER_00]: you know you don't you don't think that I have one I've got a 71 it's uh it's it's getting some some really cool custom paint on it right now but it's my wife's and she loves it we picked it up out of Pennsylvania uh super dry clean car one owner 46,000 miles [SPEAKER_00]: really, really, really, really, really, really nice car, but man, I'm a, I'm a safari window guy.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm down here in Florida.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's hotter than hell, especially in the summertime here.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I just got to find ways to get ventilation.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, the gear doesn't have the, the windows that open that I can flip and demand all that draft.
[SPEAKER_00]: So you almost got to look for ways.
[SPEAKER_00]: But when I look [SPEAKER_00]: I guess invention right and I saw that this new gear back window when I looked at it opened I'm like damn I didn't realize there was that much contour and that wind I really didn't so hats off to you guys pretty awesome when's the windshield going to become an out [SPEAKER_02]: That was actually I was working on it this week.
[SPEAKER_01]: So it's a great close.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, cool.
[SPEAKER_02]: OK. Yeah, it's just figuring out the little last little, you know, how the brackets are in all that's going to work.
[SPEAKER_02]: But that's always a challenge.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: First challenge, you figure out how to make the bends and make the window fit in all the gapping around.
[SPEAKER_02]: And the next challenge is making everything.
[SPEAKER_02]: We try to have it to where some of that has a painted car can both, both everything in.
[SPEAKER_02]: And well, we prefer weld because it's stronger, of course.
[SPEAKER_02]: So it's making everything fit where has a good strong place to screw it on.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, and those those gear pillar of a real narrow.
[SPEAKER_01]: So yeah, he was he was doing some pretzel work on some metal trying to get that.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yet it to fit well look good and still be structural.
[SPEAKER_01]: So it's not, you know, a thin piece of metal barely on there with a couple of screws.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, right, right, right.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's still a big window.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we're going to see it.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, we don't have a gear to put it on and drive around.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we're going to see, you know, it's a big window or definitely not telling people drive with the windows open, but you know cautiously, you know, test the kit and see where it goes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, awesome, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's go back just back up just a little bit though because we're already kind of getting point and sorry my camera just it follows me.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let me stop.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't that off.
[SPEAKER_00]: I want to go back to this though before we get past it and get a little bit more into what's coming.
[SPEAKER_00]: Why loose nuts anyway, like what was what made you even want to do this in the first place what what made loose nuts kind of [SPEAKER_00]: maybe so respected that made you guys even interested to try to, you know, I guess purchase this company.
[SPEAKER_01]: Did we mention were risk takers?
[SPEAKER_01]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_01]: He comes to us.
[SPEAKER_01]: He goes, we're going to buy a business.
[SPEAKER_01]: We are.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think, you know, I think with with with West Coast classic interiors, there's, you know, having not been a California company moving [SPEAKER_03]: You know, there was a lot of business with installs that we lost when we took it up to Oregon, okay, a lot of California fine base found other companies locally, right, so they didn't really follow the business right when we took it over.
[SPEAKER_03]: So when we were just kind of looking around and it was kind of just organic, you know, a journey came by our shop for the first time, and we started talking and I just said it, you know, [SPEAKER_03]: He glops his kind of check that he was in a Pacific Northwest, not too far away, so still around where it was originated.
[SPEAKER_03]: Everyone in this area, you know, they appreciated his quality, what he built over the years.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I was just kind of, I told him, I said, and you know, just knowing and hearing his desire to spend more time with his family.
[SPEAKER_03]: It was kind of just I threw it out there and I just said, you know, if you're ever interested in in selling, um, we might want to sit down and talk and I didn't I person didn't think it was going to be as fast as it was, um, you he called back, I think a couple, couple months later, then says let's sit down and let's do this and.
[SPEAKER_00]: I have a big picture and looking at it, you know, I've seen a lot of companies get acquired, especially in the trades and again, going back to what I know.
[SPEAKER_00]: But you see a lot of times when how excited I guess somebody can get when they know they're acquiring a company that has truly has quality and has a reputation, a good reputation.
[SPEAKER_00]: So again, [SPEAKER_00]: to hear that the follow up was there and it happened faster.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like you guys were probably excited like oh shit like it's going down like we're going to do this like wow like we're going to it's really happening.
[SPEAKER_00]: So and I see that even happened inside when when when guys I know have acquired.
[SPEAKER_00]: let's say a plumbing company and they already own an HVAC sector or they add electrical and they're already HVAC and plumbing.
[SPEAKER_00]: So now they're all home services combined and the plumbing company that they, you know, might inherit or might purchase, you know, has been in business 35 years and has this just unbelievable thousands of five star reviews online, et cetera.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like, [SPEAKER_00]: Oh my goodness, like we're we're we're striking gold type thing, so yeah, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: I did it.
[SPEAKER_00]: But how much knowledge was actually personally handed down during this actual transition?
[SPEAKER_03]: Definitely the techniques on how things were built.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, and definitely the time spent kind of going through the processes of the windows and the different windows and how all the [SPEAKER_03]: But very quickly, I think, Jeremy, he was looking for, you know, I think he was excited too because he already knew our background.
[SPEAKER_03]: He knew the craftsmanship.
[SPEAKER_03]: He knew that we already, we already have a background in all that.
[SPEAKER_03]: So for him, he knew what was going into hands where it wasn't going to get worse.
[SPEAKER_03]: Like, there's no way.
[SPEAKER_03]: And both sides.
[SPEAKER_03]: It was quick.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, we went through our first initial walk through and we started building frames with him.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, and again, more essays background in parts and, you know, CNC and what he can do with bracketry and design on that.
[SPEAKER_03]: He was just, I mean, we can't, we remember coming home the first time we went through the walkthrough.
[SPEAKER_03]: And everyone, everyone just, I've already given the right ideas of all the little details that we were going to change, automatically, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: Right.
[SPEAKER_03]: And it was like, you know, the rear window.
[SPEAKER_03]: He built it completely different.
[SPEAKER_03]: And Phil was like, oh, I'm shaking.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think I could do it.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I'm saying, like, yep, we already have that process.
[SPEAKER_03]: So, you know, the rear window, we didn't even build it the way he built them.
[SPEAKER_03]: We completely do it a different way.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so there was definitely [SPEAKER_03]: There was all the techniques passed on, but you know, and then him coming down a few times, checking, kind of giving us that confidence of, yeah, guys, this is this is great, you know, this is all being done and and and and more so and so through that process, it was, you know, months and now, you know, we're we're doing it and we're now we're designing windows that were never designed before.
[SPEAKER_02]: Definitely have our little pile.
[SPEAKER_02]: I have my little wall of my my first windows that are won't fit [SPEAKER_02]: And little problems here, but yeah, I was pretty quick.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, and since, you know, the past three months, I would say past two months, we've been retooling.
[SPEAKER_03]: So all the dies, all the tooling that we've been using where we were remaking, just trying to help us in that last final finesse, we just take less time.
[SPEAKER_03]: Because as you know, the business was built with him hand-fitting, hand-creating, every window.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that's still done.
[SPEAKER_03]: because we understand the frustration when we're installing safaris from other suppliers and they're not doing that.
[SPEAKER_03]: And if you're if you're die and tooling goes off, how do you [SPEAKER_03]: correctly, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: We start hitting a little bit more.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so that process is so important.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so that last bit of finesse, we're just kind of retooling as well.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we're just have less hand work, and it's just more guiding, getting it in, making sure it's lining up.
[SPEAKER_03]: So that's been a cool thing too as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I think it's pretty important to also, you know, to note, you know, you said handcrafted handmade, it's going to continue to be that way.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's also important to note, you know, you guys are.
[SPEAKER_00]: made in America, you know, these are, I have to products made in America.
[SPEAKER_00]: There are a lot of cheaper options out there.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's not an option that you guys are willing to explore.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's awesome.
[SPEAKER_00]: And that's awesome to know, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: The hand made aspect, hand made feel is still still going to be there.
[SPEAKER_03]: Joe, in a phone number, you can call when you have a problem.
[SPEAKER_03]: Right.
[SPEAKER_03]: Right.
[SPEAKER_00]: Big time.
[SPEAKER_00]: In time.
[SPEAKER_03]: So I'm going to talk to you every living.
[SPEAKER_03]: No one answers their phone.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that's that's something my father instilled in me.
[SPEAKER_03]: You have a business.
[SPEAKER_03]: You answer that phone.
[SPEAKER_03]: And people are counting on you.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that's something again, just a reminder, made in America.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we answer our phone.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, thank you for pointing that out.
[SPEAKER_00]: So funny story, I'm a real estate agent.
[SPEAKER_00]: My wife's a real estate broker.
[SPEAKER_00]: We own a brokerage here.
[SPEAKER_00]: And a lot of times people ask us about levels of success that we have and why.
[SPEAKER_00]: And it's funny.
[SPEAKER_00]: I always say this to people when they ask me.
[SPEAKER_00]: Damn, man, how are you guys so busy?
[SPEAKER_00]: I always look at them and go, because I answer my phone.
[SPEAKER_00]: because it's like an ongoing thing in our industry like you call agents you're outside of a of a house there's an issue with a key you can't get in you call an agent their numbers on the sign it's their cell phone and they don't answer and you text them they don't respond and you're like do what are you doing are you one of the business or not so you know a value the heck out of that a value the heck out of that [SPEAKER_02]: And then you look on the other end of that.
[SPEAKER_02]: And so when we try to take a day with our wives and that phone rings, guess what happens?
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, I don't know.
[SPEAKER_01]: Because we answer it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: I know that feeling too, right?
[SPEAKER_01]: It's like, you know, yeah, if it's part of it.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm hearing you, just give me one second.
[SPEAKER_00]: I totally understand that.
[SPEAKER_00]: But again, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: It's it's not easy to build a legacy.
[SPEAKER_00]: And, you know, usually it's not even really there's not even a realization that it's happening until it's much far past that it's already done.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're just three guys from Silverton, Oregon, and we have a couple of businesses.
[SPEAKER_03]: I don't know how to answer the legacy and all that, you know, it's different when you think about it and you reflect on, you're like, I guess we do do a lot.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, I guess it is kind of cool, but you know, dude.
[SPEAKER_03]: You don't really think about it.
[SPEAKER_03]: You're just trying to do the best you can.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I appreciate that.
[SPEAKER_00]: I really do.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's talk about the expanding beyond Volkswagen into other other makes, other models.
[SPEAKER_00]: What's the future look like there?
[SPEAKER_00]: What what opportunities I guess does this create for you guys moving forward?
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, like he touched on earlier, we've got some, we have a, the Chevy's at Jeremy's ready.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's been building for a while for this 40 47 47 to 55 Chevy truck rear window.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then like we're doing the C 10 right now.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I mean, I would love a, I would love a safari in every car that could take one.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, that's, that's my vision.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, my.
[SPEAKER_02]: Me, too.
[SPEAKER_00]: There's my order.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's on his hell here.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, and they look cool.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's a different look.
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, it's super cool when it's at a show where when you're just driving and it just popped open a little bit or that I love rear windows when they're open, I just think that it's the to me.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's a trend.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like it's a whole lifestyle to me.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's not just something it's a fan.
[SPEAKER_01]: I feel like every color is a far enough.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: And we know other people have that vision because I, the emails and calls like a, hey, can you do it for a suburban, yeah, a Metro van and you know, people have that thought because they see the VWs that have that they say, oh, that would be cool.
[SPEAKER_03]: We had a model A here.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: In the 30s.
[SPEAKER_00]: They were on the something back then.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: And they just stopped it.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we're just going to, we just got to now continue it.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we're going to bring it back.
[SPEAKER_00]: So talking on continuing, tell me, how do you guys scale production over time without sacrificing on quality?
[SPEAKER_00]: What do we keep alive?
[SPEAKER_03]: no sleep, I think you know, as we build it, it's going to be the fitment of each window in the opening of every car.
[SPEAKER_03]: That will never change.
[SPEAKER_03]: Because I think [SPEAKER_03]: You talk about the frustration when a window doesn't fail.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: You're the metal guy.
[SPEAKER_02]: I was on that would would install them.
[SPEAKER_02]: And sometimes you're like adjusting the the metal on the vehicle to make the window fail.
[SPEAKER_02]: And that's it's not how it's supposed to be.
[SPEAKER_02]: And you just, you want to pull out of the box and you want it to fit.
[SPEAKER_02]: And that's what I want to give to every customer that orders.
[SPEAKER_02]: I want to, I don't want a phone call saying, hey, why is it not fitting?
[SPEAKER_02]: I want it just to go righty.
[SPEAKER_02]: And that's my goal when I'm building Bill and each window is just that.
[SPEAKER_01]: And to never lose that.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: Jeremy's fit.
[SPEAKER_01]: It just where you start getting lacking and and you know, oh, it's it's good enough.
[SPEAKER_01]: That's where when you start or the diet start wearing out or always to keep an eye and an attention and focus on making sure they continue to fit and get worse and worse and worse as the time goes.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that's where we always said handcraft and he was [SPEAKER_03]: You know, without even being said, it's it's an easy continuation.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're just kind of having every single window and adjust where we need and if we need make new tooling.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so I think that that process will never change.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we can build from there.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, as we get our processes, as we get build up again, you talked about this earlier, it's about help.
[SPEAKER_03]: you know, at some point we're going to be adding.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we'll build a grow the brand.
[SPEAKER_03]: We'll build an offer job opportunities for guys that want to have an opportunity in doing metal work and fabricating and doing doing work like this.
[SPEAKER_03]: So I think that's our vision is we got to build the product.
[SPEAKER_03]: But what we're really focusing on is trying to get that three month lead time down the stock.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we just want to say thank you for all the outpour of business we've been getting and the trust that people understand that, hey, this under new ownership, but the reviews, guys are installing their their that's getting out there and the orders just keep on coming and and we appreciate that.
[SPEAKER_03]: I've been out of the confidence from the Volkswagen community and keep it common and we're trying.
[SPEAKER_03]: We are.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's apparent.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's apparent.
[SPEAKER_00]: You can completely tell just as an FYI.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm kind of like a Volkswagen community connoisseur if you will because I'm kind of ingrained in it because I get to see it from so many angles just by by default because of this podcast.
[SPEAKER_00]: I can see the effort, and I love what what you said here a second ago, you said this without saying it.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're going to inspect what we expect over time.
[SPEAKER_00]: And if we can take it, we can continue to end really good.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, so when he's making a note for that, we can maybe put that on our way.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, but that's that's actually what you're doing.
[SPEAKER_00]: You said it without saying it.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're going to continue to make sure that the standards there that we're meeting that that excellence of standard, you know, over time and that and you can't do that without inspecting, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: So yeah, man, good good good good stuff.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, let's touch on kind of, you know, the collaboration, the run in the three, the three brands, again, these are not to any of you, but to really all three of you.
[SPEAKER_00]: Do you guys look at yourselves or think of yourselves more as entrepreneurs?
[SPEAKER_00]: Or do you look at yourself and think of yourselves as more as restores and craftsmen?
[SPEAKER_02]: I'd say for me, I would probably see myself more of as a craftsman, a restoreer.
[SPEAKER_02]: I hate doing any kind of office work.
[SPEAKER_02]: I run away if I can from that.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, I rather just be in the shop.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's me.
[SPEAKER_02]: I just love the work.
[SPEAKER_03]: I'm going to have to say, I'm the entrepreneur.
[SPEAKER_03]: I love that challenge.
[SPEAKER_03]: The risk sleepless nights.
[SPEAKER_03]: I don't know why, but it's interesting.
[SPEAKER_00]: But you know, you can say this and I can say it with pride.
[SPEAKER_00]: Not everybody's built for that.
[SPEAKER_00]: And we can hear that just in two family members right now, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: One likes to be inside one person.
[SPEAKER_02]: ones more of the risk taker ones one likes kind of the hey just you know give me my metal work and let me do my thing uh and again and again that goes back on all of our strength and weaknesses like that's right that is strength in in our partnership and that's not mine but so loose not kind of cool because bills a guy when we when we say like I think we're thinking about this business.
[SPEAKER_03]: He'd be, he'd just be rolling his eyes and be like, no, stop.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're done.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're too busy.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're too.
[SPEAKER_03]: Threat up.
[SPEAKER_03]: No, but this one, I came out of him a little different.
[SPEAKER_03]: Hey, you can be building these frames.
[SPEAKER_03]: David, you're going to be in the metal shop.
[SPEAKER_00]: Can you tell he's the sales manager?
[SPEAKER_00]: He got buy-in before he presented the idea.
[SPEAKER_03]: He's like, yeah, that'd be cool.
[SPEAKER_03]: I'm like, good, because we bought the business.
[SPEAKER_00]: talk about dangling the carrot man.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's awesome.
[SPEAKER_00]: So growth for you guys overall from the perspective of growth.
[SPEAKER_00]: Exciting or terrifying.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think I'm exciting.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: But in that way, terrifying.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, I think that, you know, because so we're lining, we're going to be expanding because I think we mentioned we're sure I'm a Chevy guy.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, I do Volkswagen's.
[SPEAKER_03]: I love them now.
[SPEAKER_03]: But 14 years ago, I was not a Volkswagen guy.
[SPEAKER_03]: I didn't even know what they were.
[SPEAKER_03]: Right, right.
[SPEAKER_03]: It just happened to be the house when we my wife got married.
[SPEAKER_03]: We went looking for houses.
[SPEAKER_03]: We bought a house and the person there that was running the house was in the Volkswagen.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I did restoration and body work on the side.
[SPEAKER_03]: So I told them, hey, if you ever need a boss painted or something painted, I could do that.
[SPEAKER_03]: And he's like, well, I know we're a whole bunch of these are, why don't we do something together?
[SPEAKER_03]: And so I just started with him buying them and then I like, yeah, and quit our, hit the day job, and then here we go, you know, so.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then we took, we restored one double cab, took it to Woodburn.
[SPEAKER_03]: and it started.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, everyone was just like, who is this guy?
[SPEAKER_03]: Where did he come from?
[SPEAKER_03]: Everybody never seen it in the industry.
[SPEAKER_03]: Never out of show.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, it was just boom.
[SPEAKER_03]: We came down and yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it's funny to mention it that way, too, because it's as big as it is and as vast as it is and as much opportunity as out there for people, it really is kind of a small world, too.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, inside it is a cool plug in community is very, and I think that's, you know, something [SPEAKER_03]: In having all the those qualities, you know, craftsmanship and and just stay in humble and the trying to mean good business guy, you know, doing what what's right, it's kind of it's it's easy and it's when it's such a small community because you you got a bad name quick.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, really quick.
[SPEAKER_00]: One way or another, you keep saying something, though, and it goes into the quality of your business, what you're building and what you're building in these guys as your team as well, and that's doing it right.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, we had a meeting probably 2013 room full of technicians.
[SPEAKER_00]: And this same topic kept coming up with just, you know, do it right the first time, you know, do the right thing, do the right thing and it actually became like a phrase that we would say in our company to the tune that we had it stitched into the right sleeve of all of our our our textures do the right thing.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we would always point at it when we were talking with customers and stuff and it was red.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was stitched and red on a navy blue shirt.
[SPEAKER_00]: So dude, it stood out like a sore thumb and you know, that's it, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: If you want, you know, quality inside of, you know, the swag of the brand and in total.
[SPEAKER_00]: If you operate and function, everything off do the right thing.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, can you really lose anywhere?
[SPEAKER_00]: no.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, you're doing the right thing.
[SPEAKER_00]: You're doing what's right for people.
[SPEAKER_00]: And if you do right by people, people always turn around and do right by you.
[SPEAKER_00]: So now it's like this unexpected kind of community slash.
[SPEAKER_00]: just this growth that just happens.
[SPEAKER_00]: This is organic like feeling because your hearts there, it's in the right place, you're doing the right thing.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I've heard you say this by 10, 12, 15 times throughout all these questions in this conversation.
[SPEAKER_00]: So yeah, man, it fits.
[SPEAKER_00]: Give me the biggest lesson that you guys have learned from acquiring existing brands instead of maybe starting from scratch.
[SPEAKER_02]: I think the first would be when we move West Coast.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, we have a lot of good and a lot of bad, but to answer the question, you know, why not start it yourself versus buying a company that's already been in it just that alone without all the other I think you need to talk about location.
[SPEAKER_03]: And what it is and where it's at, you know, you have to look at all that.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, I think West Coast.
[SPEAKER_03]: We touched on that on the one bad was location.
[SPEAKER_03]: We uprooted a business.
[SPEAKER_03]: I was in for 30 years and one location.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we moved it a thousand miles away into Oregon in a month in a month.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, it was no treason.
[SPEAKER_03]: We didn't really help.
[SPEAKER_03]: It was just when you mean where's Lenny, you know, and so it wasn't really a broadcasted move.
[SPEAKER_03]: So there's all those, but buying an existing company, day one, you're inheriting everything, zone, website, you know, social media, and everything that came with the quality of the parts already in place.
[SPEAKER_00]: So you could end that.
[SPEAKER_03]: Good and bad, and you just identify what you want to change, because we're the new owners, and we could have changed now what we want with loose nuts, what we want with West Coast Classic.
[SPEAKER_03]: because we're the owners and it's under new madness, man.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we get a pick what we want to change and what we don't want to change and continue on.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so I think with that day in one, already structure in place, that has value and taking the risk of purchasing it, I feel that it takes a lot longer because we've done we've done silver lining.
[SPEAKER_03]: We started that from scratch, almost closed the door three times, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: So it's difficult.
[SPEAKER_03]: You have to have a lot of time, you know, you're a lot of investment in getting something running.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then why compete with another maker when you can just acquire it?
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, then you're not adding another product out there and you're just coming right in.
[SPEAKER_00]: Well, they teach us a lot to see some success, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: You're supposed to hit the ground, run it.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's like a bumper sticker, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: Hit the ground, run it.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's what you do when you buy a brand that's already set to go and you hit the ground, run it.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then you get to, you know, as, [SPEAKER_00]: a success in your own right already now you get to put your personal spin and your touch on things to make it even better and it's not to say that it wasn't absolutely fantastic already.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, but it's going to be better because we say.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think no, I think that's effective.
[SPEAKER_00]: Sure.
[SPEAKER_00]: It should be not even people that you buy from.
[SPEAKER_03]: exactly because I think our client are going to question, you know, we heard a lot of comments like, well, who are these guys?
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, please tell me no, and it's a quality going to go down.
[SPEAKER_03]: And Jeremy was like, guys, this is silver lining.
[SPEAKER_03]: This is the ownership of sir lining.
[SPEAKER_03]: He was instilling the trust in everybody, but we need to make it better.
[SPEAKER_03]: We have to make it better because everyone is going to be looking at us with even more of a critiquing eye.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we just feel that we have to bring it up.
[SPEAKER_03]: And I think those little changes that we made with a directory and all those little things.
[SPEAKER_03]: It gave us our little, just that little blue our fingerprint was put on the business.
[SPEAKER_03]: And now we make it our own.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, day one the website [SPEAKER_03]: Um, you know, for the future as well, right, so this a new look on day one with the loose nuts of Faris, being now loose nuts of Faris, not VW loose and Faris, all these little just time changes, but having that quality and then now bettering, and you know, we're excited to talk about it.
[SPEAKER_03]: Um, you know, we want to think about doing the stainless steel instead of the chrome.
[SPEAKER_03]: Um, to have again, a quality that's going to last, you know, a lot longer versus something that could break down.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we're just constantly going to be R&D, constantly pushing the limits, seeing what we can do.
[SPEAKER_03]: And again, [SPEAKER_03]: the tolerances on these windows, they're so tight, you know, and if a guy screws it in, just a little bit over, it's going to change it, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, he could just find stalling it wrong, get it.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, so it's, it's a very difficult product.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's a built, we feel, and I think but when you, when you get it right, it's rewarding.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, and you'll continue to inspect what you expect.
[SPEAKER_00]: See, we, we, we, we, we, we, we don't on something good here.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's stop.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's touch a little bit on Volkswagen community.
[SPEAKER_00]: I guess future of big picture because this is a VW podcast.
[SPEAKER_03]: Well, I think in every industry, there's an, there's Evan flow in just the overall collectability, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: So as we know, it peaked about four years ago, really hard.
[SPEAKER_03]: So you we had so many investors that weren't even into Volkswagen's wanting a Volkswagen in their collection.
[SPEAKER_00]: And see that in the pricing.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: On this last three years now it's coming down and now you're kind of getting back to just the hardcore Volkswagen guys right.
[SPEAKER_03]: But the one thing I would say is that we we went to like the Portland Roachers show here in our our city here.
[SPEAKER_03]: Big of Roachers show.
[SPEAKER_03]: It makes all.
[SPEAKER_03]: All brands, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: You're your Chevy's, your Ford's, everybody's there, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: Pot rods and so Volkswagen's, they're mixed in there, but every year they want us there.
[SPEAKER_03]: And they put us in the front.
[SPEAKER_03]: And there's a reason because there is always a story with Volkswagen's.
[SPEAKER_03]: And the amount of people that we see at a Volkswagen show versus let's say a hotrod show, age difference.
[SPEAKER_03]: We see a lot of younger kids at Volkswagen shows versus the hotrod shows.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so I just think we're hopeful.
[SPEAKER_03]: that there is a next generation that could enjoy an air cooled motor running.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, it is unique, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: Yes, it is.
[SPEAKER_03]: I could speak for this, because I was in a Volkswagen guy.
[SPEAKER_03]: And these guys are further away from it than me.
[SPEAKER_03]: I mean, these guys, these are heavy guys right here.
[SPEAKER_03]: Come on, the heavy brother.
[SPEAKER_03]: Right?
[SPEAKER_03]: Well, I've been all that and they love that muscle.
[SPEAKER_03]: They, you know, we got some cool cars, you know, we got a 1950 split bug and we're all geeked out about it, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: And with a tiny little 25 horse moor at the motor, I'm going to find out, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: So, I think you, you could always just appreciate it.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think because the amount of stories that the generations, you know, prior had, but how does that look in 10, 15 years, I can't, I can't say that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Well, it's up to us, um, you know, speaking on the stories.
[SPEAKER_00]: I started a podcast because, well, every Volkswagen has a story, every owner usually has a slew of stories.
[SPEAKER_00]: My first Volkswagen I'm 48 years old was 17.
[SPEAKER_00]: I bought it fresh out of high school, 17 years old.
[SPEAKER_00]: I paid two grand for a 72 standard beetle, the corner of the Tyrone Square Mall Park and lot.
[SPEAKER_00]: One owner I bought it from a little lady was 76,000 miles on it.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was my favorite car.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, I I still think about that.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, they say the ones that get away.
[SPEAKER_00]: I still think about that car all the time.
[SPEAKER_00]: But [SPEAKER_00]: the point was there's always stories and again there's a reason why that this podcast even even hits and is you know celebrated and downloaded in 75 countries and you know it's because Volkswagen's always kind of have a story.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's up to us though.
[SPEAKER_00]: you know, as the enthusiasts, as the craftsmen, as the guys that are building kind of the cars for the next generations, it's up to us to create that excitement in these younger generations to think that these cars are cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: Be open to some of the trends.
[SPEAKER_00]: Be open to, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm cool with, you know, keeping things completely stock and the purists and all of that as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: But hell, man, I like the Voltarod, too.
[SPEAKER_00]: What a badass car, you know, chop the top, put metal seats in it, do all, whatever.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, the cool thing about this, this hobby as a whole is exactly that.
[SPEAKER_00]: There's so much personality in it that it's just ridiculous.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like every avenue you take, the, [SPEAKER_00]: the car can be the exact same year even the same color.
[SPEAKER_00]: But the personality of it can completely change because it's the little things.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's the gear shifter.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's the steering wheel.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's the way the dashes dressed up and set up.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's the color of the interior.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's the floor mats.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's the the door cards.
[SPEAKER_00]: Are they wood?
[SPEAKER_00]: Are they metal?
[SPEAKER_00]: Are they vinyl?
[SPEAKER_00]: Like it's like there's so many cool options and features.
[SPEAKER_00]: But my point is it's up to us.
[SPEAKER_00]: to get these kids excited and you know I'll take that responsibility and I'll hold that you know that that torch you can pass it to me because I'm going to work hard on making sure that the next generation is excited about an air cooled car you know making this cool as possible how do we do that put the kids inside of let them touch them let them touch it you just saying [SPEAKER_03]: because it was in Harvey W's a cutaway car.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that idea was stem from being at shows with our interiors, West Coast, and everyone being so respectful.
[SPEAKER_03]: They don't want to open the door.
[SPEAKER_03]: It closed.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're constantly opening it so they can see the interiors.
[SPEAKER_03]: They want to come up, you know, carefully look at everything.
[SPEAKER_02]: Which is awesome.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's what you want.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, I mean.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's what you want.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Well, looking down and going, guys, let's just make a cutaway.
[SPEAKER_03]: Let's just open up half the car.
[SPEAKER_03]: And let's do it and it's so controversial because a lot of guys think that it's actually a real oval.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's not like seven different cars that we got from our bone yard.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's an intersection.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's a 55 front end of 56 rear back end.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's a 58 pan.
[SPEAKER_03]: Fenders are from all sorts of cars.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we made it at a high-end restoration to show every business.
[SPEAKER_03]: So now we have the restoration with the body we're contained.
[SPEAKER_03]: We have the interior that's open.
[SPEAKER_03]: Everybody could walk up and see it.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then now we have the Safari windows being able to open up and it's a piece.
[SPEAKER_03]: But above that, [SPEAKER_03]: we let all the kids climb in there and take pictures inside this cutaway.
[SPEAKER_03]: And they just get so excited because they're told all day long, don't touch, don't touch, don't touch.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_03]: And then they come up to the car and we're like, get in there.
[SPEAKER_03]: They look at their parents every time, you know.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you sure, and then the parents are so thankful.
[SPEAKER_02]: They're like, they're like, thank you so much.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's what I like.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's up to us.
[SPEAKER_03]: It's truly, truly.
[SPEAKER_03]: I'm gonna resonate when you said that story just thinking about that.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, giving that opportunity to jump and touch the cars.
[SPEAKER_03]: Go for it.
[SPEAKER_00]: awesome guys awesome and I'm glad to hear that you know you you built something inspired by that that very thought of letting them letting the younger generations get inside and feel and see and yeah man that's that that's how this whole thing continues that's actually the only way that it continues if we continue to to keep it reserved and not make it cool there's not as many [SPEAKER_00]: so now they're already rare so like my kids are even your guys as sons three and eleven you know they're only gonna see these cars at shows well figuratively your guys as kids are gonna see them all in your shop but but regular families that have a three and eleven year old right now they're hardly ever going to see them so when you
[SPEAKER_00]: get that very rare opportunity to get a kid excited about a classic Volkswagen.
[SPEAKER_00]: Man, let him take the frickin' full experience.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let him sit in it, grab the wheel, and pretend they're dropping it in all that stuff.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I think that's super important.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's touch on the trends of the Volkswagen community.
[SPEAKER_00]: Do you guys have any trends that excite you or any trends right now that are concerning to you?
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, you touched on the original?
[SPEAKER_03]: I think that's changed a lot.
[SPEAKER_03]: I would say, you know, over the past 10, 12 years at the beginning it was all about the purest and original period correct, you know, now it's a lot more suspension, bigger motor, custom interior, and we're seeing that with bills that we have, you know, guys will put different color paints on the outside, you know, they'll put, um, [SPEAKER_03]: something with the pearl in there, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: And, and then the interior is a plaid and leather and and they're bringing all these different things together.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so we kind of, we see that, that has changed, I would say.
[SPEAKER_02]: Kind of like what you said earlier with the everybody puts a room flavor on it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: And it's every, every, every car is different, which is cool.
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, we have like this white bug we built for Scott, is this crazy, I mean, it's a, was it a 54 54 what color do we call it, it's a rural white from Toyota.
[SPEAKER_02]: And it's crazy.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's white with all, I don't know if you've heard you've seen it, but it's got all this chrome and it's lowered and at a show, it brings so much attention.
[SPEAKER_02]: But then you have your people like, I wouldn't build it, but it's cool.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: But it's everybody's personal, you know.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, hot rotters are coming up to us.
[SPEAKER_03]: At the Portland Road to Show.
[SPEAKER_03]: And they're like, okay, I don't like Volkswagen.
[SPEAKER_03]: I would never own a Volkswagen, but if I did, this is the one I would own.
[SPEAKER_03]: Right.
[SPEAKER_03]: Oh, my God.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, we're seeing that change a little bit.
[SPEAKER_03]: But then again, we're talking about that.
[SPEAKER_03]: And right next to us is a 21 window.
[SPEAKER_03]: And it's lowered, trauma rims, and he wants to take it back to stop.
[SPEAKER_03]: So, everybody's different.
[SPEAKER_03]: Everyone, everybody has their flavor.
[SPEAKER_03]: But the trends, I think it's going to be there for a long time.
[SPEAKER_03]: You look at the shows in California.
[SPEAKER_03]: I'm sure on the East Coast, the campouts.
[SPEAKER_03]: and the amount of people that are coming.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, this year I would burn was the biggest show we've by had that since I've been there.
[SPEAKER_03]: How many cars?
[SPEAKER_03]: I don't even know.
[SPEAKER_03]: In thousands here.
[SPEAKER_03]: And it was cool because we were able this year to talk with the who puts on the show.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we got the Porsche guys now coming.
[SPEAKER_03]: We opened up a spot for the 356 and the 912s.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so now they're excited to keep building that row up.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so just [SPEAKER_03]: You know, the whole family between portion Volkswagen and we just see a lot of people enjoying that camp out that laughs lifestyle.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, I think we see it in the in the in the US with the events, you know, what are the trips and printers the sprinter van you know people are building those out now and making that their life on the road.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that fogging kind of, I think, it's been, you know, the West Folly and the camp, they're the original, you know, though.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think those guys started that trend.
[SPEAKER_03]: And so I think, I think some of those guys that do that could appreciate, you know, having a Volkswagen and having that old one in a new, new as well.
[SPEAKER_03]: So, yeah, I don't think I could say anything concerning, I would just say, [SPEAKER_03]: You know, an economy would be the only thing that would be concerning, but, but other than the passion, we could talk about that for the, try the rest of the afternoon.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, we don't want to get it out of the right.
[SPEAKER_03]: I'm cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: I keep in that at bay, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: Let's stay positive boys.
[SPEAKER_03]: We have to do and take care of ourselves.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know what I mean?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: And we can do what we can do.
[SPEAKER_03]: And our job is to build Volkswagen into the highest level we can.
[SPEAKER_03]: And what the clients are wanting us to build.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that's all we can do.
[SPEAKER_03]: Stay in our lane.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're about what we can do and what we can build and how we can build it and just hope for the best.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, right on, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: I got some rapid fire questions for you guys.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: These are questions that are going to demand a fast response.
[SPEAKER_00]: So when I ask it, each of you go, but each of you give me a quick response.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: Don't think too much on it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Just hit me with the gut.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: You're not going to say anything bad or wrong because there is no wrong answer.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: Rapid fire.
[SPEAKER_00]: You guys ready?
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: Don't matter who answers first, but favorite [SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, specifically, 1958.
[SPEAKER_03]: If you win though, okay, press bombs or love them.
[SPEAKER_00]: Unlimited budget, dream build.
[SPEAKER_00]: Be double your Volkswagen podcast.
[SPEAKER_02]: Let's go VW for me would be just a really nice 23 window with a big motor in it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Not really slam just just just.
[SPEAKER_02]: talked a little bit.
[SPEAKER_02]: And maybe just some drops of windows.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, or air ride, but not slammed.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's part.
[SPEAKER_02]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, that's my.
[SPEAKER_00]: So, so partially inflated.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, I don't like the sitting on the ground thing, but personally, but I just like a good cruiser.
[SPEAKER_00]: My thing is as low as it can go.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I want to take reflectors up off the street.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think it's my age.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I'm a, you know, I was born in 77, and I'm kind of grew up in the 80s.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then the 80s, the low rider was everything, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: Even into the early 90s, the 80s, into the 90s was the mini trucks.
[SPEAKER_00]: And you know, everything was low back then and the low rider was real big.
[SPEAKER_00]: Then we get into the 90s and we started getting hydraulics and all the cars are dancing around and stuff.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I really grew up in low rider culture.
[SPEAKER_00]: So everything that I look at, I always look at it.
[SPEAKER_01]: Go, how's it going to look when I lower it?
[SPEAKER_00]: Take all that.
[SPEAKER_00]: How do we get a little more kind of it?
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: I'm going to say mine's I always like the rare the rarest.
[SPEAKER_03]: So and I'm in the buses.
[SPEAKER_03]: I like my buses.
[SPEAKER_03]: So I'm going to go to a 23 barn door.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know and just go crazy, Bill.
[SPEAKER_01]: I would that's what I would do, but Plus yeah, that would be mine.
[SPEAKER_01]: Okay, I've I'd stick my 15 window.
[SPEAKER_01]: Okay, kind of the same style he has with the air ride not all the way down, but [SPEAKER_01]: which is really really clean, functional, and big motor, big motor, huge, big as we can get in there.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yes, I'm cool, turbo stuff, yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, relative to your craft, you guys are all kind of different and you're doing different ventures.
[SPEAKER_00]: So far, biggest restoration mistake, relative to your craft.
[SPEAKER_00]: Letting customers give us paint.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, all right, I agree, or recorded, yeah, yeah, we, you know, [SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, we just we when you let the customer sometimes tell you what they want sometimes is not the best for actions.
[SPEAKER_00]: Why they're coming to you.
[SPEAKER_03]: They don't for the products.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, for the product.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: How you want it built for what we use to kind of the most expensive.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, I think to say we had two problems with paint jobs and both times were with [SPEAKER_03]: 10, 12 years ago and another one about six months ago.
[SPEAKER_03]: So we're done.
[SPEAKER_03]: No more paint for many clients.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're done.
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: Last one biggest restoration mistake.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean the biggest one I've still seen is the paint.
[SPEAKER_01]: That's okay.
[SPEAKER_01]: We're all the biggest.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, we heard us all that hurt us a lot because we're going to stand behind our stuff.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know.
[SPEAKER_00]: How about this one?
[SPEAKER_00]: This one might catch maybe some some subtle differences or maybe I don't know, maybe it won't most memorable customer, we're probably all going to agree again.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, okay, let's hear it, let's hear it, we're going to say Scott Myers, okay, I mean, because he's been with us since the beginning, you know, and his build kind of put us on the map with the double cab that got in a hobby W's and he let us do our thing and just overall, [SPEAKER_03]: Overall just being within the whole time, even though he's building a square body right now, extended cap square body duly, and he's not bringing it to us for body.
[SPEAKER_03]: We're contained for a little little offended, but you know, everyone, every relationship has a condo and once in a while, and hopefully he's listening to this one day.
[SPEAKER_00]: Hey, yeah, overall, he's been hopefully he's listening.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, he is that he is the best.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, [SPEAKER_03]: Griffin.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_03]: Every time we're building his car, he'd come with the stories and oh man, it was, it was too much, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, I'd say those two guys.
[SPEAKER_03]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right.
[SPEAKER_00]: How about this one?
[SPEAKER_00]: Because this is definitely going to be different for all three of you.
[SPEAKER_00]: One tool that you can't live with out.
[SPEAKER_00]: Well, they're.
[SPEAKER_00]: home computer.
[SPEAKER_01]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_01]: That's, and it, it goes back to what we do best.
[SPEAKER_01]: You know, he talks on the phone.
[SPEAKER_01]: That's his thing computer.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm sourcing.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm doing, I'm doing all that kind of stuff and welder for him.
[SPEAKER_01]: So it's, it's our strong point.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's the tool that works in our strong point.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's touch our legacy, even though you don't see it as such.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're going to go kind of, you know, we'll section this out just a little bit, but when people hear the name silver lining 50 years from now, what do you hope that they think about?
[SPEAKER_03]: The same foundation that we built today, quality and whoever takes it, the generations, the generations stay humble and stay passionate and keep that quality going.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think that's the biggest thing, you know, they've got to be good people running these businesses and our job is the past that on not just businesses, but how you are as a human being and the next generation needs to have that because if they just, if like you said that, you're sure, just do the right thing.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that goes a long ways and I would say that for me starting the business.
[SPEAKER_03]: You know, silver lining, you know, having them join join in and then the next generation hopefully coming in, you know, that that was what I would hope is that everyone keeps the thing the main thing.
[SPEAKER_03]: And that's just being good people.
[SPEAKER_00]: Love it.
[SPEAKER_00]: West Coast, what responsibility comes with caring Ford, just a very respected interior brand like this.
[SPEAKER_01]: I would say kind of the same way as with silver lining.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, I don't know what more to say about I don't know how you can be better than just trying the best you can to get better and to keep that to the right thing mentality and to keep that.
[SPEAKER_01]: You know, if my son goes into it, to keep him in that.
[SPEAKER_01]: So he.
[SPEAKER_01]: he follows along, doing that same way, answering the phone, making sure the product is done right, you know, in that, in that way, I think, because the same way.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, and then loose nuts.
[SPEAKER_00]: How do we, how do we honor Jeremy's legacy while still making loose nuts your own?
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, I think just, [SPEAKER_02]: kind of we touched on a bunch before Jeremy, he was known for his quality, his fitment, and standing behind his product.
[SPEAKER_02]: So that is, I think, and we're 100% we're the carry that on.
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, send.
[SPEAKER_02]: I'll tension the details if there was a problem, which we're all human.
[SPEAKER_02]: There's something there could be a problem and standing behind our product.
[SPEAKER_02]: answering that phone if we get a call something's wrong, taking care of it, whatever if it's meaning sending out a new frame or whatever it is to fix that and make it right for the customer.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then just doing our best to can to expand, get better, and yeah, I think that's- I don't know if it gets much better guys.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's it.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, how about this then?
[SPEAKER_00]: If you could just leave maybe one final message for either the next generation of builders, the next generation of restores, next generation of dreamers inside of the Volkswagen community, what would it be from each of you?
[SPEAKER_00]: One final message.
[SPEAKER_03]: Or maybe it's gonna be never be afraid to try, right?
[SPEAKER_03]: And the younger you start, [SPEAKER_03]: the E0B.
[SPEAKER_03]: And if you never start, you will never know.
[SPEAKER_03]: So jump in two feet forward and ask for help.
[SPEAKER_03]: I think the Volkswagen community, I would have to say, is the best with that.
[SPEAKER_03]: You can go to a show and you can talk to a builder or you can talk to a guy and they will give the information needed or help where they can.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you know, don't be afraid to ask because I wasn't when I started, you know, my venture and body ripping all that.
[SPEAKER_03]: So just get it.
[SPEAKER_03]: Go and don't look back.
[SPEAKER_03]: And you're going to make mistakes.
[SPEAKER_03]: But who cares?
[SPEAKER_03]: You just fix them.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I think he pretty much said it.
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, that's, yeah, just get into it.
[SPEAKER_02]: And like I said before, I will you talk me.
[SPEAKER_02]: Just go for it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, don't be afraid to fail because well, there is no really mistake if we learn and failure is easy if we don't look at it as a negative if we look at it as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's no big deal.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's a positive what we learned from it and how can we move forward and not make that same mistake again and again that goes back to leadership and and all the rest of that that we talked about before.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then just enjoy them.
[SPEAKER_02]: Enjoy the cars.
[SPEAKER_02]: They're fun to drive when you go to these events.
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, they're super fun.
[SPEAKER_02]: You go to camp out and everything.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's it's a great time.
[SPEAKER_02]: We don't get to go to all of them, but when we do, it's great.
[SPEAKER_02]: You have barbecue.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then just a community itself is the family is just awesome.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, yeah, well said, amen to that, too.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's why I did this.
[SPEAKER_00]: This whole thing with this podcast is because I've really enjoyed the lifestyle over the course of my life, one of a kind community, one of a kind, you know, so yeah, man, I'm, I'm with you.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, last at a movie.
[SPEAKER_01]: I heard something really interesting recently about, and I really, it really stuck to me, you hear the word, you only live once, but when it comes to mistakes, you don't you live every day, you only die once.
[SPEAKER_01]: So you make a mistake today.
[SPEAKER_01]: tomorrow be better.
[SPEAKER_01]: Don't make the same mistake two days in a row or you know in general don't make the same mistake again and just move forward.
[SPEAKER_01]: Jump it with two feet and and don't make yesterday's mistake today or tomorrow.
About this episode
Trust, legacy, and craftsmanship drive this conversation with Mori Hosen of Silver Lining Restorations, Mise Prohorov of West Coast Classic Interiors, and Phil Prohorov of Loose Nuts Safaris. The hosts connect business growth to preserving air-cooled VW culture, then dig into the realities of restoration—time, paint/bodywork costs, and tight tolerances. They also cover interior fitment, CNC vs hand work, salvage-based learning, and ownership transitions, including why they renamed Loose Nuts Safari’s and how they keep quality consistent as they scale.
Original notes
What does it take to build one of the most respected names in the air-cooled Volkswagen restoration world?
In this episode of DubLife Diaries, I sit down with Morrie Hozen of Silver Lining Auto Restoration along with his nephews Moisei Prohoroff and Phil Prohoroff, the team behind West Coast Classic Interiors and Loose Nut Safaris. Together, they're preserving the craftsmanship, quality, and passion that keep classic Volkswagens on the road for generations to come.
We dive into how Morrie left a successful career to follow his passion for restoration, the challenges of building a business from the ground up, and how the family has grown their companies into a thriving operation specializing in some of the finest restorations and parts in the classic VW industry.
We also discuss:
• The truth about running a family business
• What separates an average restoration from an award-winning one
• Why quality craftsmanship still matters in today's world
• The evolution of the air-cooled Volkswagen hobby
• The future of Safari windows and classic VW interiors
• Lessons learned from acquiring legendary VW brands
• Advice for anyone restoring their first Volkswagen
Whether you're restoring your dream Beetle, Bus, Ghia, or simply love hearing the stories behind the people shaping the VW community, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories.
🎙️ Guests:
• Morrie Hozen – Silver Lining Auto Restoration
• Moisei Prohoroff – West Coast Classic Interiors
• Phil Prohoroff – Loose Nuts Safaris
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another VW enthusiast. Every share helps keep the air-cooled community growing.
Follow DubLife Diaries for more conversations with the builders, restorers, racers, collectors, and personalities who make the Volkswagen lifestyle unlike any other.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dublife-diaries-the-vw-lifestyle-podcast/donations
DubLife Diaries The VW Lifestyle Podcast
Joe Person
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