IN THE GARAGE WITH ANDY
The leader of the Chop Shop Crew is Andy Cohen. Andy's interest in cars, trucks, boats, and motorcycles has spanned more than three decades. His career as an auto recycler has not only supported his car habit but also spawned new businesses of custom car building, aftermarket styling, and vehicle customization. An excerpt from a recent interview provides some detail on Andy and his love of cars.

How did you get started?
It all started in the 3rd or 4th grade, my Dad had bought his first junkyard. After school and on the weekends I would hang out there – taking stuff apart and trying to put it back together again. I guess you could say I got hooked. My experience grew over time as I would first take something apart then I would be able to put a quarter of it back together, then more the next time. Through the customers at the junk yard and friends I met, I learned a great deal. I think I have probably taken over 200 motors apart over the years.

Tell us about some of your first cars
My first car was a ’70 Chevelle Convertible, it was a beauty. I was 15 at the time and was itching to get behind the wheel. One night, I decided to take her out for a spin, it was great, but short-lived, I blew up the motor. Needless to say, the Chevelle was taken by my Dad and promptly sold. Several more American 80’s generation followed, I was always pushing the limits and seeing what the cars could do.

When did you start modifying cars?
The first car that I really modified was an '84 Z28. At the time, my Dad was recycling a lot of police cars. I had my pick of performance parts and utilized them to their fullest extent. It was a fast and fun car. The car that I am most proud of is the '32 Chevy. This is a car that I build from the ground up. It took about 7 years to build, but it is something that I did myself, completely.

Where did the idea for the "Chop Shop" come from?
I decided that I wanted to design and build my dream home. Of course, this home had to include a place for my cars AND most importantly a place for me to work on building and modifying cars. That was the beginning. Female friends say it is the ultimate "Man Cave", guy friends say "Unbelievable". I think it is great because it gives me a great place to live, work, and play.

How did you get involved in the "GREEN" movement and biodiesel?
In many ways, automotive junkyards or recyclers as they are now known have always played a crucial role in the efficient, ecological disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. I have been doing what I grew up on, what I know. The biodiesel interest is in some ways an extension of this… I have a passion for utilizing recycled materials whether it is to build something or to power something. I think that renewable energy resources are key for the future of all things that are engine powered.