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About Us
Before earning his driver’s licence or graduating high school, Chuck Fakes had already completed a full restoration of his first project vehicle, a 1958 Pontiac Stratochief. By the age of 20, he had designed, built, and campaigned his own race car, successfully competing in two seasons of circuit racing in the open sports cars class.
Chuck brings extensive expertise in mechanical and complex fabrication, futher developed through decades of practical experience in both automotive workshop and elite motorsport environments. In addtion to this he holds a motorsports degree, and has worked with one of Australia’s most respected V8 Supercar teams. This background has shaped a highly methodical, engineering-driven approach to vehicle design, performance, and reliability. His skill set is best reflected in the development of purpose-built race vehicles, including his custom dirt racer below, Astroflame.
Hi, I’m Rhea. I grew up in a workshop with a mechanic for a dad, which naturally led to a lifelong passion for muscle cars and all things mechanical. From spending my high school years working on old Falcons to completing the full build and restoration of my own 460 big-block–powered XB Coupe, cars have always been at the heart of what I do.
I’m a qualified mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, working in the field since 2006. At Heavy Metal Garage, I manage the parts side of the business and help ensure our workshop runs smoothly across all project builds. Prior to starting Heavy Metal Garage, I gained valuable experience working in custom automotive and hot rod shops, further refining my skills and industry knowledge.
Heavy Metal Garage was built on a genuine love for the craft and a commitment to quality workmanship. We’re incredibly grateful for the trust our customers place in us and for the ongoing support that allows us to do what we love every day. We truly couldn’t do this without you, so thank you for your support!
