GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A nonprofit initiative is helping young people transform their passion for cars into successful careers. For the past seven years, Jack Weaver has been leading Kustom Build Cars, an educational program aimed at inspiring 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 also owns Acme Chop Shop, where the program is housed for six months each year. Students from various locations come together to convert an old car into a luxury vehicle. Each participant takes on different aspects of the car-building process, including welding, mechanical work, and paint jobs.
Weaver explained that students not only gain hands-on experience but also stick with the project to see the results of their hard work.
"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 2025 program’s build is a 1953 Chevy 3100. Weaver noted that 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," he said.
![]("https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1UflsH.jpg")
The 1953 Chevy, built by students from the 2025 Kustom Build Cars program, sits outside Acme Chop Shop in Grand Junction.
On January 15, the truck will be transported to Scottsdale, Arizona, for the Barrett-Jackson auction. It will be showcased on the auction stage on Saturday, January 24.
Weaver highlighted that one of the most exciting aspects of the program is the experience his students gain.
"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 proceeds from the sale of the Chevy will support the funding of next year’s program and provide scholarships to students. Weaver mentioned that scholarships can range from partial to full coverage depending on available funds.
Upon completing the program, students apply their new skills in 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 mentioned that the 2026 program is set to begin in May.
For more details about the program, interested individuals can visit the program’s website.