This week we caught up with one of our swap veterans, Guy Kelly.  Guy has been selling aluminum repair rod on Road 26, Space 32 for nearly 25 years.  If you’re restoring a classic car, you’re bound to come across pitting, cracks, holes, or broken seams.  Whether it’s pitting in the pot metal, or a crack in a valve cover, your oil pan, radiator, engine block or intake manifold, consider repairing the damage yourself with aluminum repair rod and a propane torch.  Sometimes it’s just not worth it to take a part to a professional welder, and Guy’s aluminum repair rod provides a much more affordable repair method than buying a MIG or TIG welder for your garage.  We had the chance to learn a little more about Guy and his business:

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF…

PSM:  When and how did you get started in the industry?
GK:  I started selling aluminum repair rod in 1987.  I started at San Diego swap meets, selling to support myself while taking college courses.  I was thinking about being a land surveyor, but it was too much math.  I didn’t like math so I just kept going to swap meets, then I expanded into car shows and motorcycle shows. Eventually, I started going to big, expensive shows like Ag shows, county fairs, boat shows, and RV shows.  When my kids were born, I cut back to mostly local shows so I was able to spend time with my family.

PSM:  What’s the best part of your job?
GK:  The friends I have made through the years at the different shows, being able to travel, and not having to go to a job 9 to 5.  I like the freedom of being self-employed & the feeling of a successful show.

PSM:  Have you always been interested in classic cars?
GK:  My first car was a 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente.  What a piece of junk!  My dad said, “I know it’s your money, but my advice is you can do better.”  I said, “Dad, it’s a great car.  Look, its red with black interior.”  After about 2 weeks, I was putting a new short block in and I said, “Dad, I guess you were right.”  My best car was a 1968 Ford Mustang convertible.  That car was worth it.  Lots of fun and lots of looks.

PSM:  Do you currently own a classic car?
GK:  I am not too sure people would consider my project car to be a classic car, but it is unusual.  I have a 1966 VW Double Cab pickup truck.  I’ve had it for 7 years now, and I still haven’t driven it.  Lots of things to work on, but I have enjoyed doing it.  So far, I have replaced the steel on the floor, put in all new brakes, rubber for the doors & windows, but I still haven’t got to the expensive stuff:  tires, shocks, paint, upholstery.  So like most people, I wish I had more time and lots of money.  I look forward to being able to take it to the swap meets with me.

PSM:  If you won the lottery tonight, what’s the first classic car you would buy?
GK:  A 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible.  Red with white interior.

PSM:  Any favorite memories of the Pomona Swap Meet that you would like to share with us?
GK:  Since I’ve been in practically the same space for 23 years, people around me have come & gone.  I remember most of them and we all had a good time.  The thing I remember most is standing in the pouring down rain trying to pay my bills!

PSM:  Ford or Chevy?
GK:  Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS…

PSM:  How can customers contact you?
GK:  You can call me at 951-306-6444 or email me at [email protected].

PSM:  What exactly do you sell?
GK:  I sell a low temperature repair rod for aluminum.  It works like a brazing or soldering process, so you can make repairs with a propane torch.

PSM:  How long have you been in business?
GK:  I started in 1987, and went full-time in March 1990.

PSM:  What is your main focus?
GK:  Sales and customer satisfaction.

PSM:  What makes you stand out?
GK:  Whether at the show or on the phone, I try to answer all of the questions that a customer has, and I help however I can, so that my product is used correctly.  I have been selling aluminum repair rod for 25 years now and I still meet people every show who have never seen it before.

PSM:  How long have you been selling at Pomona?
GK:  The first time I came to Pomona was April 17, 1988.  Spaces were $18 and general admission was $3.75.  I still have the flyer.  I don’t remember how much money I made.  It must have been lots, because I keep coming back and so do the customers!

PSM:  Anything else that customers should know?
GK:  I would like to thank anyone who has stopped by my booth and talked to me.  I always appreciate your business.  And a big thanks to the people of the Pomona Swap Meet, past & present, for having a winning formula for a swap meet and for making it better through the years.

And we would like to thank Guy, not only for taking the time to talk with us, but for helping to make the Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show a success!  For more information on aluminum repair rod, call Guy at 951-306-6444 or come see a demonstration in Pomona. Guy will be on Road 26, Space 32!

P.S.  Yes, Guy, your 1966 VW Double Cab is a classic, and we can’t wait to see it!