Jimmy Meeks

Body Work & Paint

His family always had hot rods, so Jimmy Meeks has been around cool cars all of his life. In 1994, at the age of 19, he began restoring show-quality cars professionally. Since then, he's restored over 100 classic cars.

"What I like best about my job is that I am able to take something that looks like junk and resurrect it into an awesome ride" Jimmy explained. "Using my hands in a creative way I often fabricate metal and turn it into an obsolete part needed to complete a project."

Over the years, several of Jimmy's customers have been collectors. One of his customers has 150 cars and trucks -- all with varied restoration needs.

"Above all," Jimmy emphasized, "customers want to know that their car is secure and well taken care of. They don't want 'smoke and mirrors.' They want honesty and up-front behavior about what the project will entail and how much it will cost.

Who would Jimmy trust to work on his own cars? "Any of our crew--Mike, Dave or Blake. They are all perfectionists, just like I am, so we work really well together. They are the best of the best. Our customers will see our dedication in the high quality of our work, because all four of us will work on every restoration job that comes into our shop."

Awards

Jimmy's passion for perfection has led him to the winner's circle numerous times with awards that include:

• "Top 10" list - Hot Rod Magazine
• Best of Show
• Best Paint
• Best Hot Rod or Best Street Rod

Jimmy's Favorite Restorations

1. 1932 Ford Coupe
I've done several restorations from the ground up, but this was my favorite. (I have dreams of owning one someday.) It was your typical 70-year-old car. I replaced several panels and the floor and made a street rod of it. It was a brand new car from one end to the other. I was responsible for much of the body and paint work. The beautifully restored 1932 Ford Coupe has since wracked up countless awards: Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Hot Rod or Best Street Rod.

2. 1940 Ford Coupe
There was so much fabrication work to do that the project took a full two years to complete, making it the longest project I've worked on. This restoration was well worth the time it took because it went on to earn a spot on Hot Rod Magazine's prestigious "Top 10 List."

The Top 10 Hot Rods of 2008
Jim Blackburn '40 Ford Business Coupe, September 2208 Issue
There are a lot of nice '40 Fords out there, but there was just something about Jim Blackburn's that caught our attention. The subdued paint and stock body and trim with steelies juxtaposed with the supercharged 4.6 Ford and the well-designed suspension are intriguing... read more
photo and text © Hot Rod Magazine