Meet The Crew

Dave Vinson – Mechanic

Back in the 1960′s, Dave Vinson used to hang out with his sister’s boyfriend and help him and his friends work on their cars. “Those cars were fast!” he laughed.

Dave bought his first car in 1971 — when he was just 14 — a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air. He paid $75 for it, and all it needed was a clutch.

In 1977, Dave started automotive training at vocational school. He was trained on 60′s cars and worked for a GM dealership for nearly 20 years. “During that time,” Dave remarked, “I must have worked on 25,000 cars, doing heavy engine repairs, regular mechanics, electronics, emissions, and electrical work.”

In 1998, Dave started building muscle cars, hot rods, and restoring classic cars from the 1930′s and 1940′s. He figures he has worked on 300-400 restorations. “I’m very particular about my work,” Dave said. “I listen to what my customers want, and I pay attention to every detail of the job.”

Car restoration is a very tight community, where word-of-mouth is the driving force of recommendations. “I try to exceed my customers’ expectations and gain their trust. That’s how you build a reputation in this business,” Dave concluded.

Justin “Blake” Vaughn – Mechanic

With 10 years of professional experience as a degreed mechanic, Blake Vaughn is the youngest member of the Dream Team; but the quality and perfection of his work belies his age.

“I like the old cars, because they are more fun to drive,” Blake said. “Plus, there are no computers that can mess up things.”

When Blake first started restoring cars, he was concerned about being able to find parts. “Many customers want a full, authentic restoration to the original condition when the car first rolled off the assembly line. That means we have to do extensive research to locate original parts. Every detail of an authentic restoration is critical, because these cars are usually going to compete in classic car shows. You can be sure that judges will carefully scrutinize the car inside and out.”

Just like his crew members, Blake always treats his customers’ cars as if they are his own. He loves to see his clients’ reactions when they first see their car completely restored, their reactions can be summed up in a few words: “Wow! That’s Awesome!”

Nick Henderson – Body Work and Paint

Nick “helped” his father restore classic cars when he was 2 years old. He claims his interest was fostered at birth, as he was born with a Hot Wheels car in his hand!

Nick got his first shot at painting a car when he was 15 years old. It was a 1923 T-bucket. When he was finished with the car, as he puts it, “It was black!” His first large project was a 1957 Bellaire which he helped build for a good friend. When finished he says, “It was beautiful – like a new car!”

Nick’s dream car is a 1987 Buick Grand National – wicked fast! Nick definitely has an eclectic taste in vehicles. He drives a custom 95 Chevrolet truck, and has built a drift capable 240Z. Be careful because Nick is always hunting a suitable location in any car to install a fish tank!

New Team Members:

Mike Lundeen

Clay Archer

Marty Gravitt

Joe Driver

High-Five!

An Interview with the owner of American Resto Mods, Ralph Sikes.

Restomods.com: How did you get into restoring and modding out classic cars?

Finished Projects

1969 Firebird 400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8DS7CJjLUk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWw1M2Q61VE

1960 Chevrolet Corvette Makeover

Some Before Shots:

After Shots:

American Resto Mods, Inc.
4983 B U Bowman Drive
Buford, GA 30518

Phone: 678-835-5690
Fax: 678-835-5692
Email: [email protected]

Shop Hours
Monday – Thursday 7:30am till 6:00pm
Friday and Saturday by Appointment Only