If you love seeing old, abandoned, rusty cars brought back to life, you might know Garage Vice Grip. Derek Bieri, the charming host, rescued countless examples of what looked like useless classic cars from the clutches of the chipper. I had the chance to interview Derek and get a little more inside information about him and his channel.
Q: You’ve been making videos for about two years. How did the idea of creating a YouTube channel come about?
A: I’ve been doing what you see on YouTube for about 20 years, but as you said I only started filming and uploading recently. There seemed to be a big gap in YouTube content, specifically the need for more shade trees, a small budget, and a blue-collar spread. So one night I decided to give it a try, since that’s what I do, and it really took off.
Q: You have a lot of experience repairing cars, regardless of make or model. Where does this knowledge come from? Do you have formal training as a mechanic or something?
A: I am not a certified mechanic. What I know, I learned over the years watching my father and grandfather on the farms. I learned to do whatever you could to find work, to be creative with solutions, and not to be afraid of failing or messing something up. Eventually I started reading books on mechanical and electrical theories and such. Self-education is the key to success in any career.
Image courtesy of Vice Grip Garage
Q: What’s your favorite car you’ve saved from scrapyards and why?
A: I would say the 1972 Chevelle known as the “Independence”. It was a disaster. Literally anyone else would have scrapped it. But with its patriotic painting and history, it reminded me a lot of our country now. We’re all a little tired, a little ragged and torn, but as Americans we don’t give up and we won’t give up. I couldn’t leave the car. So I’m putting on a chevy big block, just because I can.
Q: Speaking of favorite cars, do you have a dream car?
A: 1956 Buick Special 2-Door Hardtop
.
Q: What do you do with all the cars you save? Are they all flips or do you keep some too?
A: I keep those that have sentimental significance for others (in case they want to redeem them), or likewise for me. Or, those that appeal to me or that may have potential future value for my children. The rest I have to sell to fund the YouTube channel.
Q: How many cars do you find and how many tips are given to you by your viewers?
A: 99.9% of the vehicles I save, I find myself. However, the number of vehicles I get to sell has increased dramatically, which I honestly don’t care about. The hardest part is traveling to get them. Most people don’t realize how much it costs these days.
Many thanks to Derek for allowing me to interview him and I hope you all enjoyed hearing about him and his channel! Keep an eye out later this week for an interview with someone a little more local to me!