Meet Scott Stuart, owner of Pedal Werks. Scott specializes in restoring and customizing foot pedal assemblies for any and all Air Cooled VW chassis based&hellip;{"id":5308,"date":"2014-05-19T14:29:18","date_gmt":"2014-05-19T21:29:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/?p=5308"},"modified":"2014-05-20T11:23:59","modified_gmt":"2014-05-20T18:23:59","slug":"20-questions-with-pedal-werks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/2014\/05\/19\/20-questions-with-pedal-werks\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Questions with Pedal Werks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\">Meet Scott Stuart, owner of <strong><a title=\"Pedal Werks\" href=\"http:\/\/www.PedalWerks.com\" target=\"_blank\">Pedal Werks<\/a><\/strong>. Scott specializes in restoring and customizing foot pedal assemblies for any and all Air Cooled VW chassis based vehicles. Scott&#8217;s a long-time friend of the Pomona Swap Meet &amp; Classic Car Show (look for him on <strong><a title=\"Pomona Swap Meet: Area Map\" href=\"http:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/event-info\/swap-meet-area-map\/\" target=\"_blank\">Road 34, Space 5<\/a><\/strong>), and we recently had the chance to catch up with him for a quick round of 20 questions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF&#8230;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s your name and title?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Scott &#8220;Pedal Boy&#8221; Stuart, Owner\/Janitor.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0When and how did you get started in this industry?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0I bought a 1962 VW Baja Bug for my 16th birthday. I spent so much time at my local VW shop repairing or modifying it that one day they put me to work, and I&#8217;ve been working on them ever since. Except for when I was serving in the Air Force, I have always owned at least one VW.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s the best part of your job?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0By far people\u2019s reactions when they receive their pedals, or see them on my table at my spot. I get a lot of complements on them and I&#8217;ve been told many times that they look too nice to put on a car. I take great pride in them.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Have you always been interested in restoring cars?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Yes. I can remember modifying my Tonka trucks, then Hot Wheels, bicycles, and finally cars.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Do you currently own a classic car? What\u2019s the make\/model and how long have you had it? What repairs\/modifications have you done to it?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Yes, I currently own a 1959 Single Cab Transporter, a 1957 Bug, and 1955 Bug. I first owned the &#8217;55 Bug in the late 80s. I sold it, but several months later it was abandoned. I got it out of impound and have been restoring it ever since. Pedal Werks is paying for the restoration (and a few beers). So far the &#8217;55 Bug has been upgraded with disc brakes, taller gearing, and a larger 2017cc engine (stock was 1200cc), and probably the world\u2019s largest roof rack on a VW Bug. Mechanically, it&#8217;s brand new. I am currently doing a mechanical restoration with similar upgrades to the &#8217;59 Transporter, as it&#8217;s my primary transportation to the show.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-5351  alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-Werks-5-950x379.jpg?resize=950%2C379\" alt=\"Pedal Werks 5\" width=\"950\" height=\"379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-Werks-5.jpg?resize=950%2C379&amp;ssl=1 950w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-Werks-5.jpg?resize=300%2C119&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-Werks-5.jpg?w=1492&amp;ssl=1 1492w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Any favorite memories of the Pomona Swap Meet that you would like to share with us?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0I have several. Recently, I found a pair of original front fenders for my &#8217;55 Bug in perfect condition. These are &#8217;55, &#8217;56, &#8217;57 U.S. models only, and they are <em>very\u00a0<\/em> rare. I had been looking for many years.\u00a0Also, one Saturday night before the show, some kids, probably in their early 20s, didn&#8217;t bring any food so they were starving. I gave them an extra pizza I just happen to have. I thought they were going to eat the box they were so hungry. Anybody who knows me knows I do not go hungry!<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Why VWs? What\u2019s the appeal?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0They just have so much character. How can you not love them? And it\u2019s like going back in time when things were a lot simpler, when people actually enjoyed the drive and knew that if it happens to break down, some duct tape, bailing wire and a hammer will get you going again.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s your best VW story? Any special memories?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Yes, many I probably cannot talk about! But late one night in my \u201862 Baja Bug I was doing donuts in an off road area, when I unexpectedly got traction and we rolled over on the right side. My friend and his girlfriend were in the passenger seat and my little brother was in back. The rollover didn&#8217;t hurt anyone, but my 300 lbs. squished my friends pretty good! We got out, had a good laugh, and then rolled it back over&#8230; and it started right up!<\/p>\n<p><em style=\"line-height: 1.5em;\"><strong>NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY\u2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0How can customers contact you?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0My cell is 909-289-9655, and our website is\u00a0<strong><a title=\"Pedal Werks\" href=\"http:\/\/www.PedalWerks.com\" target=\"_blank\">PedalWerks.com<\/a><\/strong>. Or on <strong><a title=\"The Samba\" href=\"http:\/\/www.thesamba.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">TheSamba.com<\/a><\/strong>, search PedalWerks. And, of course, I\u2019ll be on <strong><a title=\"Pomona Swap Meet: Area Map\" href=\"http:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/event-info\/swap-meet-area-map\/\" target=\"_blank\">Road 34, Space 5<\/a><\/strong> at Pomona!<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0How long has your company been in business? Tell us a little about your company\u2019s history.<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Around 2004 I removed the foot pedal assembly from my &#8217;55 Bug to restore it. I couldn&#8217;t find the parts to repair it so I borrowed my brother&#8217;s lathe and made them myself. I told some friends and they asked me to do theirs too. I started to buy up cores, and then started to sell them. I had been going to Pomona as a buyer for a while so it made sense to get a vendor spot. I have been there several years now, and people expect me to be there in my spot. If I miss a show, I get calls and e-mails saying they missed me!<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0What&#8217;s your company\u2019s main focus? A simple mission statement, if you will.<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0To help my clients improve the safety, performance and longevity of their beloved VWs by providing the best quality pedals available, anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0What differentiates you from the competition? What makes you special?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0I am taking the restoration\/build to the extreme by addressing every issue that has gone wrong or worn out with pedals over the years, and I&#8217;m improving what the factory produced many years ago. You should not have to buy another set for your VW ever again.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0What are your company\u2019s specialties? What do you do best?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0I build each set of pedals with the car and driver in mind. I look at the engine\/clutch size, type of carburetors, type of driving, driver&#8217;s foot size (I offer a widened version to keep drivers from hitting the wrong pedal), budget, and, of course, style &#8211; from concourse to full custom.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Where do you get the parts that you sell?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0I source parts from the best available on the market, and only if they will improve safety or performance.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s your most popular product? Tell us a little about it.<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Probably my Bulletproof Pedals. After I&#8217;m done with them, they are far stronger than stock. I have several race\/street cars running these pedals with 3,000&#8211;pound clutches and no problems. In the past, people&#8217;s only option was to modify their cars with hydraulic clutch systems that are expensive and can fail without notice.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Any new or different product offerings that we should know about?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Not right now, but I&#8217;m always thinking about ways to improve our products.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0What are different options that someone restoring a VW might have? Any recommendations for someone new to the hobby?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Whether you&#8217;re doing the work yourself or getting help, go to shows and talk to people about their cars, and the good or bad experiences they&#8217;ve had. I have not met anyone that did not like talking about their VW. Also, ask the vendors lots of questions about why their product is best, the pros and cons, etc. I personally give advice and information freely. People who withhold information have something to hide!<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0What\u2019s trending right now? Is one restoration method currently more popular than another?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0In the VW world, it&#8217;s common for people to have a different year body on top of the chassis (pan). I can build a set of pedals to fit the current chassis, but still look like the period correct one to match the body. Many people don&#8217;t know that VW changed their foot pedal design several times over the years.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Any other community events that you sponsor or attend?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0I sponsor several shows throughout the year, and a couple of off-road, class 5 race cars.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Do you offer any special swap meet deals or discounts?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0I&#8217;m offering free shipping to people who place orders, with a deposit, at the Pomona Swap Meet.<\/p>\n<p><b>PSM:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0Anything else customers should know about your company or products?<br \/>\n<b>SS:<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0I started my career in 1978 working on VWs. I was proud to serve our country in the U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 1986, and I am an FAA licensed aircraft mechanic. I also currently work for the railroad&#8230;\u00a0so the term &#8220;Planes, Trains and Automobiles&#8221; really does apply!<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5393\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-2.jpg?resize=1740%2C739\" alt=\"Pedal 2\" width=\"1740\" height=\"739\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-2.jpg?w=1740&amp;ssl=1 1740w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-2.jpg?resize=950%2C403&amp;ssl=1 950w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-2.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5389\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-1.jpg?resize=1739%2C738\" alt=\"Pedal 1\" width=\"1739\" height=\"738\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-1.jpg?w=1739&amp;ssl=1 1739w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-1.jpg?resize=950%2C403&amp;ssl=1 950w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-1.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-5391\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-3.jpg?resize=1737%2C737\" alt=\"Pedal 3\" width=\"1737\" height=\"737\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-3.jpg?w=1737&amp;ssl=1 1737w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-3.jpg?resize=950%2C403&amp;ssl=1 950w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pedal-3.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":98,"featured_media":5386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cos_headline_score":0,"cos_seo_score":0,"cos_headline_text":"","cos_headline_has_been_analyzed":false,"cos_last_analyzed_headline":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,5],"tags":[1337,1336,1335,1341,1339,322,1344,465,1334,1333,557,1348,1282,1347,1283,1284,1350,1351,479,74,1343,1338,1346,44,1342,603,1345,1349,1340],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Capture.jpg?fit=521%2C470&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9nnZN-1nC","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5308"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/98"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5308"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5308\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5399,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5308\/revisions\/5399"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5308"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5308"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pomonaswapmeet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5308"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}