Paintergeek Paintworks

05/28/2026

This awesome 1971 Chevy C-10 came in around the same time as the Apache. Due to my medical leave and the extensive time the Apache consumed, it had to be put in a bit of a holding pattern. But we got it torn down, into initial epoxy primer, and put back together since then and the body work began last week! here it is upon arrival. custom hood treatment is sick. Gonna be awesome. .n.fab

05/19/2026

Tomorrow, when I finish up buffing this tailgate, the 1959 Apache project will finally be complete. What seemed insurmountable since July
Of last year is finally reaching its end. And it’s gonna be a stunner. My paint work, and of course Indy Powder Coating’s extensive work on the chassis and more. This one is gonna hit good.

05/10/2026

😳

05/08/2026

05/01/2026

A day late on this, but absolutely have to share and give my warmest send off. As many of you know, I worked for his brother Tony Jr (and the subsequent surviving team after his passing) for 15 years. I worked crew for their brother Gary in his final race at Michigan in 1996. And after Tony’s passing, was able to meet and become friendly with Merle. He actually helped my family a lot selling me a car from the estate for a super reasonable price because he knew I was in need. Last time I saw him, sadly he did not remember me. But we shared pleasantries about Tony and Gary, and I was Able to thank him for what he had done for my family.

During the auction of the indycar team when they closed their doors, there was a lot of Bettenhausen stuff tucked in closets and mezzanines that I really wanted. I was bidding on certain items of Tony’s….until I realized I was bidding against Merle. I immediately stopped and made sure he was able to purchase back some of his brothers personal effects.

I won’t claim to have been best friends. But we had our time, and I was sure glad to get to meet him, and know him for those years. He was a true joy to be around. Such amazing and kind demeanor and a big smile all the time. Another chapter of that storied family comes to an end. Godspeed, Merle. It was truly my pleasure.

The inspirational Merle Bettenhausen, who overcame the odds to continue to race and win despite an accident that took his right arm, passed away on the morning of April 29, 2026, 26 days following a massive stroke. Born on June 9, 1943, the Tinley Park, Illinois racer grew up in the famed Bettenhaus...

04/24/2026

Hot Damn. This car feels like it was 100 years ago. Everything in 2025 feels like a different lifetime and a different person. But look at it now. Incredible build by Redstone. You’ll notice the all white one nearby which was also one of my jobs here at Indy Powder Coating paint shop.

04/12/2026

Holy smokes. Look at ‘er.

03/25/2026

‘I want it to basically look black unless it’s in bright light’. I think he chose his color well. Cab is all buffed and ready to go back on its frame, which is freshly powder coated.

02/07/2026

The car which could not be shared has been crated and picked up and headed for home. The small general clues to who the car was built by are present. But which one? And why is this one so special? Well, you’ll have to find out in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin at Road America , July 17-19th for its reveal. 🙂

02/06/2026

Prepping interiors is always hard. But when the inner roof is part of that painted area, it’s exceptionally thirsty work. (as opposed to, say, a car that the roof is hidden by a headliner so your interior prep is mostly focused on the dash). There simply is no easy or convenient way of doing this. Tonight I rest my knees, shoulders, back, and neck. 😆 the older I get, the more my body doesn’t care for such angles.

02/05/2026

Gary’s been hard at work on his truck. Well, I’ve been working on it too. But my end has been down to things like steering columns and grilles. He’s been busy getting everything underneath powder coated, the exhaust cerakoted, back glass trimmed and installed, and beginning the assembly. Bed went on today which is just a massive step in this long term project. Really taking shape now!