There is a new kid on the block in Dolores, and this die-hard motorhead has the mechanical and fabrication know-how beyond his years.
Steven Hurst, owner of Kool Kids Kustom, recently opened his garage doors at the top of the hill west of town. Just look for the giant billboard and follow the driveway up to a sprawling, well-equipped shop.
The juxtaposition of a 1940 Chevy truck being restored inside and a 2006 canary yellow Mustang parked outside describe Hurst's range of talents.
"I love taking care of cars, it's that simple," he said. "I can fix and customize anything, from classic to modern, ATV's, side-by-sides. This is my passion."
At 19, Hurst already has the chops to repair or fabricate vehicles to owner specifications.
He graduated from Wyotech in Laramie, Wyo., with a double major in street-rod and motorsport chassis fabrication. His specialty is custom cars and trucks, frames, and roll cages.
Hurst also has core automotive technology training, is skilled in computer analysis, and has experience with all types of welding. Hurst graduated with national technical honors and a 4.0 grade point average.
"I've always wanted to be a mechanic, but I've advanced my skills to building cars and trucks as well," he said, showing off a Ford 4.6 L vortex supercharger he plans to put in a modified 1969 Mustang.
In his spare time, Hurst attends regional car shows to network and hand out business cards, and it has already paid off.
"I've gotten two classic car fabrication jobs I've worked out bids for," he said. "I'm available now, and can turn jobs around quickly and with quality."
Always on the prowl for discarded vintage car and truck bodies, Hurst's mission is bring them back to their former glory.
"I don't just patch. I take it apart and restore it right every step of the way," he said. "For body work, you have to have patience, think how the damage happened and reverse it."
His rate is $65 per hour. Hours are 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Give him a call at 882-3383 at the shop or on his cell phone at (970) 394-0488.
Visit the Kool Kids Kustom facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fireupyourdreams
