Jeff Zinck
Tool & Die Maker
- I was “born” a Car Guy!
- Growing up most toys, thoughts & activities revolved around some type of motorized vehicle.
- At age 15 my Best Friend and I split $75 to purchase a car to flip. This was before we even had Driver’s Licenses!
- I went to Lane Tech High School where I took the various shop classes. My favorites were Machine Shop and Auto Shop. I served Apprenticeships and became a Tool & Die Maker in and around the Chicago area.
- In 1977, at age 21, I purchased a muscle car from a neighborhood friend. This was after only 1 year of marriage and with Family on the way. I still have the car & Family, but not that marriage!
- After 39-1/2 years at Tempel Steel Co. in Chicago I had worked my way “up” as factory worker, Apprentice, Toolmaker, Supervisor to “There’s-the-door” at age 59+. Now what?
- Through a series of personal connections through my automotive enthusiast Friends I landed a job at McKee Engineering in Lake Zurich, IL. A “Dream Job” for me. My main responsibility was “Machinist” but I was involved with many aspects of automobile work, notably the fabrication and building of “Howmet TX Chassis #4” in 2016. Bob McKee has since sold his equipment but is still “engineering” from an office located at his home.
- I became acquainted Bob McKee’s Friend and Customer, longtime automotive collector, Herb Lederer. This is what led to my connection with Herb’s Son, Robert “Bob” Lederer and my current position at CPS.
- As part of Bob Lederer’s Team, I have been involved in Designing, Engineering, Machining, Fabrication, Restoration, etc. On everything from a 1903 Cadillac to race prepping & updating the 1968 Howmet TX Chassis #3, everything in between and more!
- At 65+ working with this talented group of Friends & Customers I have no immediate plans for retirement.