[Jim-Bob]

My background is a bit odd, but then again so am I! I have delivered pizza for 14 years but have also been working on a mechanical engineering degree on and off for a while now. I enjoy studying theory and read every technical thing I can get my hands on as well as learning from the technology and construction of vehicles in junkyards. As for cars, I started out as most kids do-modifying them to make them faster and better handling. I've built several along the years of varying descriptions (mostly musclecars) but have wanted to build the ultimate in practical transportation for about the last 7 or 8 years. My original idea was a B16B1 powered Austin Mini with a tall gear ratio, but it would be too cost prohibitive for a person of my limited means. I have instead settled on building a 1992 Suzuki/ Geo Metro for maximum fuel economy in a city driving environment. The projected cost is about 20% that of the Mini with better fuel economy and cheaper parts as well. In ultimate form, it would be powered by a 660cc kei car drivetrain up front and an electric drivetrain out back. Both drivetrains could be used independently or in tandem when needed. That is a long way off however as my present project is just putting it on the road in a mostly stock form so I can start saving money on fuel costs. The more elaborate plans will have to wait for better economic times and probably another car to experiment on.

As for skills, I can build damn near anything I need to. I do some of my own welding ( some a neighbor of mine does for me), build engines and suspensions, do all my own paint and body work, some upholstery work and plan to rebuild a 5 speed for the Metro once I find it. I never could afford to pay for labor so I have always just had to learn how to do it myself. The biggest obstacle is always money. Everything else is easy to figure out.