The HeadSkratcher PAGE:2
TSK- Where have you traveled lately?
Skratch- Oh man! I’ve been all over the place! I’ve been to Switzerland, England and Sweden. The A-Bombers Weekend in Sweden was a blast! The cars in Sweden are really nice and built to a very high standard. England has some of the nicest hot rods and customs and amazingly some of the WORST roads! Ancient bumpy brick roads, but that doesn’t keep them from driving their rides. The European cars have amazing body work and are actually finished! I’ve also been traveling all over the states to shows and striping cars along the way. Just been to the Grand National Roaster Show where I met my hero- “The Fonz”!
TSK- What are some of your upcoming projects?
Skratch- I’m building a couple more trucks. First one up is a budget minded ’60 Ford with a 460 engine. I’m also working on my own clothing line, hair grease and developing some vintage style induction systems with Barry Grant.
TSK- Who are some of your biggest influences?
Skratch- I’m a huge fan of Larry Watson and Dean Jeffries. Their work always pushes me to do better with my next paint job. My personal influences are my mom & dad and Chip Foose.
TSK- What’s the biggest difference between building cars on a large team as you did on “Overhaulin” and building alone in your own shop?
Skratch- In my shop I always know where my tools are! It always helps to work on a team. In my own shop it just takes a lot longer to get things done.
TSK- Did you always know you would end up building hot rods?
Skratch- Yeah, I started looking a bunch of old Hot Rod magazines when I was twelve years old. I especially focused in on the ’64-’68 era. I was intrigued by Mickey Thompson and the advancements he made in hot rodding. He made me want to build hot rods.
TSK- What do you see as the future of hot rodding?
Skratch- I see more and more finished cars with rat rods slowly being phased out as people grow up. I see the scene just getting better and better all the way around. I also see a greater need for more tech schools to train more new talent.
TSK- Show rods or driven cars?
Skratch- There is definitely a need for both. People shouldn’t be afraid to drive their cars after they are done showing them. Cars like Aaron Grote’s “Atomic Punk” keep things interesting because he went the distance. Darryl Starbird is still building revolutionary cars. Jimmy White at Circle City Hot Rods puts out some amazing cars because he keeps all the avenues open.
TSK- Last words for us?
Skratch- As big as I am, I am just as small.
TSK- Humble words from a kool kat!