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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s grow our industry together.

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

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

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

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

Other topics include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode we discuss:

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

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

About Atomic Autoworks Garage

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

Our mission is simple:

Teach. Build. Restore. Inspire.

Visit us at:

🌐 https://www.AtomicAutoworks.com

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

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

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

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