"Hooper's" Garage Talk
Welcome to Hooper's Garage Talk
Welcome to my section. My name is Kevin Guillotte a.k.a. "Hooper" in the Trans-Am community. This is an area where I get to talk shop, discuss what is going on in our garage, as well as share some special moments with you.
2010 has been an incredible year for the SCC Team!
Email me at hooper@screaminchickenchasers.com with what is going on in your garage!
I know this is telling off on myself, but I am sure that I am not the only one out there that has ever been accused of being like "Frank the Tank" a time or two.
Wife: "Wow, that’s really loud."
Frank the Tank: "Yeah, thanks. Took the restrictor plate off, give the Red Dragon a little more juice. But let’s keep that on the down low, it’s not exactly street legal."
The photo above and copy, which is one of my all-time favorite Trans-Am lines, are from the movie, Old School.
Hooper's Garage Projects
place holderWe are wrench turning, firebird loving maniacs just like you! Here is a list of just some of what we are working on in "Hooper’s" Garage.
Click their names to see more.
- "Eleanor" – A 1977 W72 Trans-Am Father and Son Project for my son, Mason.
- The "Black Pearl" – A 1979 Trans-Am that is being converted into a 1978 400 ci dream car.
- "Christine" – My first 1977 Trans-Am that has returned home.
My Trip to Trans-Am Nationals
place holderBefore I tell you about my incredible trip, I would like to say a very special thank you to "Raven".
"You are a great friend and I wouldn't have wanted to tour my first Trans-Am Nationals with anyone else! Again, I thank you for letting me be your wingman." - Hooper
"Raven" enjoying some time in Kevin's Concept TA
"Raven" and I got to spend all weekend at the Trans-Am Nationals in Dayton, Ohio.
Not only did I get to see 400 + birds, hang out with some wonderful friends from all over the U.S., cheer my friend Kevin Morgan on as he unveiled his Concept TA...I got to meet a legend in the Trans-Am world and watch a perfectionist at work.
Kevin, Me "Hooper", and "Raven"
We are very proud of Kevin and we were excited to be there to watch his dream become reality. It was a weekend that I did not want to end!
Getting to Meet a Legend
There are just some things in life that feel like a dream.
I got the chance to meet a true legend, John Schinella, the driving force behind the Trans-Am of the 70's, which was a dream come true.
Click the photo to view a video clip.
He was responsible for such things as the distinctive noses, shaker scoop, the snowflake rims and last but not least placing the Phoenix as a full hood graphic in 1973.
He spoke passionately about the birds we love so much.
People have asked me what it was like to meet him and I used the words, "passionate, genuine, humble and kind...a true artist." I have a degree in design and have been a fan of his work since I was 6 years old. My son, Mason, is a fan as well.
John Schinella and me "Hooper"
He was such a pleasure to meet!
Watching Tom DeMauro at Work
As if all of what I have told you so far was not enough excitement; I got the chance to meet Tom DeMauro, Editor of High Performance Pontiac, and see him at work.
(L to R) Kevin Morgan and Tom DeMauro
Let me start off by saying he is a true perfectionist and has an amazing eye for detail! I have been on hundreds of photo shoots over my career in Marketing and I was truly impressed by the images he captured.
He was kind enough to let "Raven" and I help with his shoot of Kevin Morgan’s Concept TA. We were there for all the behind the scenes action.
I can’t wait to get my copy of High Performance Pontiac! I am not going to give away any secrets, but I think you will enjoy Mr. DeMauro’s story, as well as his incredible images!
Also, as a Dad it was great to see the fun that he and his son had as the shoot unfolded.
Mr. DeMauro,
"Let me say sir it was an honor and a privilege to meet you and watch you work!" - Hooper
How I Got My "Handle"
Hooper was as big an inspiration to me as Smokey and the Bandit and with the addition of surviving a wreck that broke my neck, well the nickname "Hooper" just kinda stuck.
Not to mention my passion for red Trans-Ams.
Great Parts Find!
We had a new customer make a request for a nice pair of fenders for his project.
We jumped right on it and this is the result. Below is one of the pair.
(L to R) "zman" and "Hooper"
I think "zman's" smile says it all, but we'll let you tell you more about his experience.
Trans-Am Nationals Gallery
"Raven" and I shot hundreds of photos of the 400 + cars at the event.
Here is a collection of some of our favorite images.
Click the photo to see more!
Our Bird in Pontiac Enthusiast
Wow, "Eleanor" made it into the pages of Pontiac Enthusiast.
Click the photo to see and read more!
She is a '77 Buccaneer Red Trans-Am with black leather interior, which are the same specs as my first '77 Trans-Am.
We got her thanks to our friend, "Raven".
You can read all about her by clicking the photo. There is link to a full timeline of her restoration journey at the bottom of that section.
What, a Camaro?
I must say even though at first I called it sacrilege to have a Camaro in a Trans-Am shop, I must admit Donald located a nice Z28 Anniversary Edition.
Someone along the way was pretty creative with dual "cherry bombs".
As many of you know, I have owned a few Camaros in my time, but I still had to give Donald grief over it. What are friends for?
"Eleanor's" First Show
I had a blast bringing "Eleanor" to her first car show.
She drew people all night long.
YearOne Care Package
YearOne sent Mason, Logan, and I a great care package filled with hats, shirts, coloring books, and more!
Click the "+" to zoom in.
(L to R) Mason and Logan
Click this photo to see and read more!
Mason at Work!
When I turn the shop lights on he appears. My son Mason is ready to jump in and help in any way.
Click the "+" to zoom in.
He can sure clean up a car.
He is a great helper!
Thanks for Visiting Our Garage
If you would like to read how SCC got started, you can read the entire story in the About Us section.
"Thanks for checking out our garage!" - Hooper and Mason
