My first experience with working on engines was at the young age of ten years old. I was at my neighbor’s house and overheard him complaining about not being able to start his lawn mower. I offered to help get the lawn mower started and my neighbor sarcastically replied “go ahead see what you can do”. I took it home and wrenched on it for twenty minutes and got it running.
After lawn mowers I moved on to building and repairing mini-bikes and go-carts. This was my simple beginning that sent me down the path to working on anything that was motorized .
While my friends were going on dates and to the Prom, I spent my days and nights in my father’s garage working on cars to earn extra money to buy a Chevy Nova, which was a dream of mine for as far back as I can remember.
In 1984, when I turned seventeen I was able to buy a 1970 Chevy Nova. Spending every free minute and every dollar that I had, the transformation of a plain street car turned into a Masterpiece Show Car. It took 1st place four years in a row at the World of Wheels show in the “Pro-Street Class” in Philadelphia, Pa. in the late 1980’s.
Racing this prize winning Nova, and being able to have it run mid 9-second passes in the quarter mile with an all steel body and a small block; was and is still quite an accomplishment even by today’s standards.
This same Nova is going through another transformation. It has become a full tube, dual frame rail car. When it is completed, it should run in the 6 second range.
In the meantime, I purchased a dual frame rail tube chassis for a ’67 Nova that was built by Tommy Mauney. 2200 hours later, it is now an all steel and all factory glass blown 7-second street car.
I worked for GM dealerships for almost fourteen years. In that time I was able to receive many certifications (ASE and CCT) that enabled me to progress in this field.
In 1994 I moved to Arizona (for the warmer climate). I since opened my own shop for muscle cars, race cars, show cars and everyday drivers. Many of my friends would refer new clients to me, and say “go see Motor Mike he will take good care of you.” So that is how the name “Motor Mike” came to be. I have a passion for what I do, and view it as more of a hobby.
I give innovative solutions to the most complex problems; you dream it and I can build it for you.
