Project Impression
While PCC's business is booming, getting out on the show circuit has allowed Azevedo to showcase his talents on a much bigger stage.
That's why his '48 "Project Impression" became even more important to his future in this business. The car gods know that Chevrolet didn't start building Blazers until 1969. But, it did make a Suburban wagon.
"It started out as a panel wagon," Azevedo says. "Nothing is left stock on it. It has Mini Cooper headlights and taillights molded into the body. It has a DVD/navigation system with three TVs. One of them is fixed so that it pops out of the dash." This custom Blazer also has air-ride suspension.
"When it's parked, the running boards sit on the ground," Azevedo says.
To top it off, the Blazer, aka "Impressions '48," the project's working title, has an all-aluminum Corvette engine with a blower on it. "It should put out about 460 horsepower," Azevedo says.
But, building a piece of machinery so different and unique has opened the doors for Azevedo wider than he ever thought.
Business has become so good that Azevedo's one-man show will probably be expanding in the next few months, so he can accommodate the many builds he has pending. But, he doesn't mind, because then he knows business is good.
What's In The Garage?
Even though he started his career tinkering with cars and hot rods, Azevedo is hoping to move away from that end of the business and stick to strictly trucks. His plans are to cater to the truck enthusiast, with the hopes of continuing the word-of-mouth business that frequents his shop on a daily basis. PCC has the ability of doing anything with a chassis from body-drops to the ultimate truck lifts. PCC will do engine modifications when needed, while Azevedo noted the only thing PCC doesn't do is paint and upholstery.
Nick Patrino, of Napa, pinstripes...
Nick Patrino, of Napa, pinstripes a truck at PCC in American Canyon, California. Patrino has designed paintjobs for many heavy-metal bands, including Metallica.
A current project that PCC is working on is lowering a Chevy Silverado that is on 22-inch wheels. This means he has to build an aluminum fuel cell in the bed of the truck, which will completely eliminate the old factory gas tank. The build is a continuous process that sees Azevedo having to cut out the inner structure of the fender, move the fuse box, battery, radiator, build new inner fenders, and notch out the firewall in the frame, just to get a couple a more inches of drop for his customer's ride. But, it's builds such as this that get Azevedo's blood pumping.
"I have always had that passion for trucks, and hopefully that passion can push me into becoming one of the top truck builders on the West Coast," Azevedo says. "I have been raised to believe that things happen for a reason, and by building the Impression, people can now see my abilities. I love what I do, and people believe in me. I can't ask for anything more than that."
"I like to do things with...
"I like to do things with cars and trucks. And I told myself that when I wake up in the morning, I want to do something I want to do, not something where I say, 'Oh man, I have to go to work.' That's horrible."
What's a custom shop without...
What's a custom shop without a custom bathroom? The sink vanity made from a rolling tool box is too cool for words and be sure to bring some quarters if you plan on parking yourself on the toilet for a while.