All Things Automotive: Hot Rod Heaven
Seyfer Specialties in Wheat Ridge is a road trip of classic automobiles and experiments in hot rodding.
Like a good hot rod with dual exhaust or twin turbos, Troy Seyfer owns two auto repair shops in Wheat Ridge. His father, Donald Seyfer, started Seyfer Automotive, a AAA-Approved Auto Repair facility, back 1961, but now Troy runs the shop. Right next door is Seyfer Specialties that Troy started in 2013, which focuses on hot rods and vintage automobiles. Walk in, and you’re likely to see a classic Ford Mustang, an International Scout, or another example of automotive Americana. Troy took a few minutes to talk about his family and his shop’s place in the Wheat Ridge community.
Why has Seyfer Automotive had such longevity?
The interesting part of taking over the business after my dad passed away is the number of loyal customers he took care of in the community. He went above and beyond to take care of them, and now we’re taking care of their grown children.
It sounds like your dad made a lasting impact here in Wheat Ridge. What was his secret?
People come by, or send us notes, or call and say, “Your dad was awesome.” We really understood his footprint in the community, so it’s important for us to keep that legacy alive. Mom and Dad both were involved in every type of community event or volunteered for several different councils. If you don’t back that up with good business, it’s going to hit you pretty fast.
Why did you start Seyfer Specialties?
I grew up in the automotive business, but I left and worked in IT right before Y2K. The money was phenomenal, but it was a lot of pressure. My wife worked in the defense industry—we were both in these white-collar jobs, but she was frustrated. So I told her it’s time to make a change, and we just jumped in.
What’s the coolest car you ever got to put your hands on?
We have a good customer who has a 1967 Shelby GT 500. This car, with the options and the engine, is one of only five. It’s arguably worth a half a million dollars. We work on it and maintain it for him. It’s absolutely spectacular.
Is it ever hard to find parts?
Yes. Sometimes you have to get real creative and scour the internet for rare parts or ones that are no longer being made, especially if it’s an old International or something like that.
What’s in your garage?
I have a 1957 Ford F-100 I call our “Shop Science Experiment.” It has a complete Crown Victoria drivetrain and a Cobra Mustang independent rear end. Then, I put a pair of turbos in the bed. My wife, Tinamarie, drives a 1967 Mercury Cyclone convertible. I also have a little crazy Ford Focus that has a supercharged V-8 in it. It’s a handful.
