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Automotive paint restoration and custom bodywork for JDM classics and Porsche 911 wide-body conversions...

What does it take to turn a backyard hobby shop into a premier automotive restoration business during a global pandemic? 🤔🛠️

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Pratt, owner of Top Coat Garage, to discuss his journey from painting mini-bikes as a kid to running a high-end shop that handles everything from fender benders to full widebody conversions on Porsche 911s. Matt breaks down the science of automotive paint, the secrets behind "candy" coats, and why he regrets selling his heavily modified Honda Civic hatchback.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• 🎨 The Science of Shine: Matt explains the difference between metallic flake, pearl, and the new color-shifting "chameleon" paints, plus how layering candy coats creates "depth" you can swim in.
• 🔧 The "Widebody" Challenge: How Matt and his team hand-crafted a custom widebody kit for a Porsche 911 using race car parts that didn't fit.
• 🇯🇵 JDM Legends: Why the Acura NSX remains Matt's ultimate dream car, and the story of the $140k NSX deal that helped fund his new shop.
• 📈 The Covid Pivot: How he transitioned from a 1,200 sq. ft. hobby shop to a massive facility by betting on himself when the world shut down.
• 🚗 First Car Regrets: The story of his 2000 Honda Civic hatchback, inspired by Gran Turismo, that he built into a road race monster (and eventually bought back!).

Don't miss Matt's favorite episode featuring the faith and patience it took to import a very special JDM Honda Acty 4x4 Kei van: https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17645586-oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme-to-jdm-kei-van-dreams-deputy-dave-s-law-enforcement-car-collection-journey

Whether you are interested in the technical side of bodywork, love 90s JDM culture, or want to hear a genuine entrepreneurship story, this episode is a masterclass in passion and craftsmanship.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Follow Top Coat Garage on Instagram: @topcoatgarage
• Visit our LinkTree for more stories: https://linktr.ee/carsloved

📢 Join the Conversation: What is the one car you sold that you wish you could buy back? Let us know on Instagram @toallthecarsivelovedbefore

https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17645586-oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme-to-jdm-kei-van-dreams-deputy-dave-s-law-enforcement-car-collection-journey

🔗 Connect: https://linktr.ee/carsloved.com

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Connect with us: 

📧 Email: stories@carsloved.com 

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