Expert fabricator, TIG artist, hot rod aficionado
Although Gerry has a degree in auto body repair, and has been trained in all areas of coachwork, he specializes in true one-off fabrication of both ornamental and structure metal. He's been shaping metal by hand for more than 15 years and is our go-to guy for replicating panels with compound curves, bends, creases and channels.
His welding talents include TIG, MIG and arc welding of steel, stainless steel and aluminum. When you see the precise symmetry of his beads, you'd swear they were formed by a robot. But make no mistake, they have the touch only a skilled craftsman is capable of.
Immense skill and natural talent are important, but Gerry possesses the key traits we search high and low for at Black Horse Garage -- true passion for what he does and a willingness to go extra lengths to solve complex automotive challenges.
What's one challenge with working with metal?
"You have to know how metal reacts to heat and pressure and how to overcome its memory, the tendency for it to return to its original shape. It's important to understand which direction to take with a piece of stock and know how to transform it."
How does your job reward you?
"Everything we do here is one-of-a-kind. You can't simply buy the parts you need. You have to be patient and think through the challenges. The reward comes when you see the project grow, morphing into a beautiful, complete car."
Your skill focuses around the appearance of automobiles: the shape, the styles, the proportions. Which cars are your favorites?
"Even being surrounded by beautiful sports cars all day, I enjoy the rawness and simplicity of hotrods and street rods."