This writer is excited that we have, in the Quad Cities, automotive restoration resources that have national and international connections and influence within our automotive culture. None speak to this more than Absolute Sheet Metal, a division of Bitchin Products. Around since the 1980s, Jeff Hill has continued operations at their factory in Chino Valley since 2012. They manufacture sheet metal parts including floors, wheel tubs, battery boxes, firewalls, running boards, tunnel kits, as well as many specialty sheet metal parts for the restoration, repair, and customization of Fords, Chevys, and most other makes. In case you need a deviation or special adaptation, Jeff’s your guy, as he can tweak a part to fit on a special-order basis.

Jeff has been a metal fabricator most of his life, working in Utah as a metal fabricator and restorer, and has a wealth of knowledge on how to make sheet metal his friend. Jeff apprenticed under John McDill, who always said, “It’s all junk when you start,” and this is so true for most of us. He can look at a piece of metal, see a part in it, and get it out, LOL! Being a bona fide motorhead, Jeff has numerous projects of his own showcasing their product lines. If you have seen his Chino Coupe, it’s a piece of art and is old-school all the way. Kool ride, and yes, Jeff builds hot rods that drive—no queens in this collection!

The majority of their product line is not made to order, as they maintain a large inventory available for immediate shipping. Walking through their inventory was impressive, with racks of products representing most every piece in their catalog. Jeff also does custom runs for other shops working on specialty projects and can offer R&D as well as prototyping for the special part needed for your project or production run.

Walking through the large factory shop was a treat, as this author is a metal fabricator. Sheet fabrication tools included shrinkers, stretchers, flangers, brakes, shears, welders, rollers, English wheels, planishing hammers, and dimple dies. Most were powered and capable of forming metal into just about any shape needed for our classic vehicles. During the factory tour, staff were working on a production run, and work progressed efficiently through the operation from layout and cutting to welding, final assembly, and packaging. Quality control was evident, as this writer did not see any deviations in the finished parts. It was impressive to see this operation in real time.

Jeff’s favorite task, aside from product development, is creating new parts for the classic car restoration market. He enjoys talking with customers, knows how to listen, and offers solutions to whatever sheet metal project you may have. Of course, the job he dislikes most is changing the oil in the factory compressors. But hey, Jeff is always on the shop floor, a totally hands-on guy who is actively involved in the operation, while Sheryll manages her share of the business.

When you see Jeff, ask him how he caught on fire while grinding. Most of us fabricators have experienced something similar, LOL. This is a very efficient operation, watching raw materials turn into finished products—definitely the definition of the American Dream.