Sunday, August 28, 2016

Day Trip to Tempe for AAROC Event: Antonio's Metal Craft - 27 August 2016

 
The F.I.A.T. and Southern AZ Pantera clubs coordinated with the Arizona chapter of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (AAROC) to participate in their August event: Antonio's Metal Craft.  The event was followed up with lunch at Four Peaks Brewery in Tempe, Arizona.


Antonio Brudaglio is the proprietor and chief craftsman of Antonio's Metal Craft in Tempe, Arizona.  Raised, trained and self-taught in Italy, he moved to California in the mid-1990's where he established a reputation for craftsmanship in automotive restoration and custom hotrods.  He moved to Arizona several years ago and continues hand-crafting metal in the finest traditions.  He gave us a tour of his facility and discussed the services he offers.  Antonio's shop today continues to offer automotive restoration, replication/duplication for out-of-production parts, and custom fabrication.  In addition to answering a myriad of questions from participants, Antonio gave us a demonstration of shaping panels using an English Wheel and pneumatic air hammer and dolly.


In his shop were a couple of Porsche 911s, a Mercedes 230SL, a couple of Alfa Romeo Spiders one of which is Antonio's personal car retro-fitted with an Alfa V6 that is in the midst of becoming a show car with a lot of custom bodywork.  Also in the shop was a VW Transporter customized with wicker panels and a retrofitted interior - very cool!

 





After the tour and demonstration at Antonio's, participants re-grouped at the Four Peaks Brewery just a few blocks away where the Pantera's took center stage as they found parking right up front just before the rush.  The place became busy but we did not have to wait as AAROC had arranged a reservation for the group.  The food was good and the service prompt with servers checking on us often.


A hearty "thank you" to Bill Greenslade and the members of AAROC for allowing us to participate in your event.  It was a lot of fun!

Additional photos of the event can be found by selecting > here.<