Car restoration program turns youth passion into automotive careers

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) — A nonprofit program is turning passion into careers.

For the last seven years, Jack Weaver has led Kustom Build Cars, an educational program designed to inspire the next generation of automotive engineers.

“I really enjoy what we do and teaching the kids and working with them and everything. And it’s just got better and better every year,” Weaver said.

Weaver is also the owner of Acme Chop Shop, which houses the program for six months out of the year. Youth from all over come to turn an old car into a luxury vehicle. Each participant tackles different aspects of building a car, from welding to mechanical work and even paint jobs.

Weaver said the students not only get hands-on experience but stick it out to see the fruits of their labor.

“They get kind of worn out. It’s hard in this industry and it kind of gets tiresome and then as soon as they see it shiny, everything changes. That’s when they really start to, that or hearing it run, one or the other,” Weaver said.

The build from 2025’s program is a 1953 Chevy 3100. Weaver said the vehicle features a custom Roadster Shop chassis, an LT4 engine, a custom leather interior and more. “Just about everything on it is totally custom,” Weaver said.

The 1953 Chevy, built by students from the 2025 Kustom Build Cars program, sits outside Acme Chop Shop in Grand Junction.

On Jan. 15, the truck will be transported to Scottsdale, Arizona, for the Barrett-Jackson auction. It will roll across the auction stage on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Weaver said one of the most exciting parts of the program is the experience that his students get to have.

“I want them to be able to make a career out of it and enjoy what they do. That’s everybody’s ultimate dream, right, is to enjoy what you do for a living. And so that’s what I shoot for,” Weaver said.

The money from the Chevy will go toward funding next year’s program and providing scholarships to students. Weaver said scholarships can range from partial to full coverage depending on available funds.

When students finish the program, they take their newfound skills into the industry.

“We work on job placement no matter where they’re from, whether it’s here or, you know, another state, because in this industry, there’s jobs available everywhere everybody needs help,” Weaver said.

Weaver said the 2026 program is set to start in May.

More information about the program is available on the program’s website.

Copyright 2026 KKCO. All rights reserved.