A Classic “Cruise In” In Godfrey

May 01, 2014

Rick Law, the sole owner and operator of RL Classic Lawless Paints in Godfrey, is as passionate a business owner as there can be. And to help spread the word about his new business, Law opened up his body shop and warehouse showroom to guests at an April 26 event he called “Cruise In”. His business is located at the old Howes property at the corner of Westport Road and Highway 38 in Godfrey right across from McGowan's store. Law bought the circa 1880s property and buildings when they went up for auction last year, knowing that the property would be perfect for his new body shop and classic car restoration business. “A lot of people looked at it and walked away but I could really see the potential in it,” Law said at the event.

Law, who has been in the car body and restoration business for over 35 years, said he got a very early start. “I began at 18 and started just sweeping up shop floors. From there I slowly moved up and painted my first vehicle when I was 19 years old.” He's worked at Limestone Collision and LaSalle Collision in Kingston and for other businesses over his long career. While his passion is painting and restoring old classic cars, he also does “everyday” body work on newer makes as well.

But it is his love for classic cars that was very apparent on Saturday when plenty of them were on display. Guests were treated to free hot dogs and beverages and had a chance to peruse half a dozen classic cars and numerous motorcycles, including a 2012 Big Dog Chopper and two Harley Davidsons.

Law's own 1966 Plymouth Sport Fury convertible was on display; he calls it his “go to get groceries in Verona car”. He pointed to an old maroon 1949 Chrysler whose owner, Andrew Whan, had Law paint it for him. Whan swears by Rick’s work and said that he “does an awesome job.”

The set up of Law's warehouse demonstrates his passion for what he does. Old iconic gas station signs and historic corner store and railroad items hang on the building's wooden rafters. The warehouse will be where Law does his metal prep and fabricating. A second building on the property houses a professional paint shop and inside is a brand-new down draft paint booth that Law built himself.

Law is an artist when it comes to painting cars and he said he loves creating the artwork. “I love layering paint and creating 3D images.” He does custom paint work and custom writing as well as standard designs like pin striping, realistic flame work, snakeskin and marbleizing. He often uses positive and negative gels to get the effects he is after. Law is already becoming well known to classic cars lovers and owners in the area, many of whom brought their cars to the event to be displayed. His advice to those considering restoring an old classic car is: “Get ’er done. Old cars are fun and great to look at. Everyone loves them and if you don't do it now, you probably never will.” Rick’s shop is located at 16 Westport Road in Godfrey. He can be contacted at 613-374-1086.