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…{"id":5131,"date":"2014-04-01T10:07:09","date_gmt":"2014-04-01T17:07:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/?p=5131"},"modified":"2014-04-01T11:32:25","modified_gmt":"2014-04-01T18:32:25","slug":"guy-kellys-aluminum-repair-rod","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/2014\/04\/01\/guy-kellys-aluminum-repair-rod\/","title":{"rendered":"Guy Kelly’s Aluminum Repair Rod"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week we caught up with one of our swap veterans, Guy Kelly. \u00a0Guy has been selling aluminum repair rod on Road 26, Space 32<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0for nearly 25 years. \u00a0If you’re restoring a classic car, you’re bound to come across pitting, cracks, holes, or broken seams. \u00a0Whether 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. \u00a0Sometimes 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. \u00a0We had the chance to learn a little more about Guy and his business:<\/p>\n

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF…<\/b><\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 When and how did you get started in the industry?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 I started selling aluminum repair rod in 1987. \u00a0I started at San Diego swap meets, selling to support myself while taking college courses. \u00a0I was thinking about being a land surveyor, but it was too much math. \u00a0I 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. \u00a0When my kids were born, I cut back to mostly local shows so I was able to spend time with my family.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 What\u2019s the best part of your job?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 The friends I have made through the years at the different shows, being\u00a0able to travel, and not having to go to a job 9 to 5. \u00a0I like the freedom of being self-employed & the feeling\u00a0of a successful show.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 Have you always been interested in classic cars?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 My first car was a 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente. \u00a0What a piece of junk! \u00a0My dad said, “I know it\u2019s your money, but my advice is you can do better.” \u00a0I said, “Dad, it\u2019s a great car. \u00a0Look, its red with black interior.” \u00a0After about 2 weeks, I was putting a new short block in and I said, “Dad, I guess you were right.” \u00a0My best car was a 1968 Ford Mustang convertible. \u00a0That car was worth it. \u00a0Lots of fun and lots of looks.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 Do you currently own a classic car?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 I\u00a0am not too sure people would consider my project car to be a classic car, but it is unusual. \u00a0I have a 1966 VW Double Cab pickup truck. \u00a0I’ve had it for 7 years now, and I still haven’t driven it. \u00a0Lots of things to work on, but I have enjoyed doing\u00a0it. \u00a0So far, I have replaced the steel on the floor, put in all new brakes,\u00a0rubber for the doors & windows, but I still haven’t got to the expensive stuff: \u00a0tires, shocks, paint, upholstery. \u00a0So like most people, I wish I had more time and lots of money. \u00a0I look forward to being able to take it to the swap meets with me.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 If you won the lottery tonight, what\u2019s the first classic car you would buy?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 A\u00a01957 Chevy Bel Air convertible. \u00a0Red with white interior.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 Any favorite memories of the Pomona Swap Meet that you would like to share with us?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 Since I’ve been in practically the same space for 23 years, people around me have come & gone. \u00a0I remember most of them and we all had a good time. \u00a0The thing I remember most is standing in the pouring down rain trying to pay my bills!<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 Ford or Chevy?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 Six of one, half a dozen of the other.<\/p>\n

NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS…<\/b><\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 How can customers contact you?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0You can call me at 951-306-6444<\/strong> or email me at\u00a0GRK@gmail.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 What exactly do you sell?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 I sell a low temperature repair rod for aluminum. \u00a0It works like a brazing or soldering process, so you can make repairs with a propane torch.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 How long have you been in business?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 I started in 1987, and went full-time in March 1990.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 What is your main focus?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 Sales and customer satisfaction.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 What makes you stand out?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 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. \u00a0I have been selling aluminum repair rod for 25 years now and I still meet people every show who have never seen it before.<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 How long have you been selling at Pomona?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 The first time I came to Pomona was April 17, 1988. \u00a0Spaces were $18 and general admission was $3.75. \u00a0I still have the flyer. \u00a0I don’t remember how much money I made. \u00a0It must have been lots, because I keep coming back and so do the customers!<\/p>\n

PSM:<\/b>\u00a0 Anything else that customers should know?
\nGK:<\/b>\u00a0 I would like to thank anyone who has stopped by my booth and talked to me. \u00a0I always appreciate your business. \u00a0And 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/span><\/a><\/strong> a success! \u00a0For 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<\/a><\/span><\/strong>!<\/span><\/p>\n

P.S. \u00a0Yes, Guy, your 1966 VW Double Cab is a classic, and we can’t wait to see it!<\/p>\n\n\t\t