And then Kiro came along...

I met Kiril Popov in April, 2005. I explained my dream and he said, "No problem. Whatever you want I can make." Kiro is from Bulgaria.

The first task I presented was to chop the stock 1928 bed by 8 inches and fix all the age and use-related issues. Kiro was on it. And to my surprise, he repaired metal with metal. In stead of buying replacement panels for complex shapes, he simply cut out the bad and welded good metal in its place. If he needed a shape, he made it. And shrinking metal to Kiro was nothing ... almost automatic. He’s the real McCoy ... a been there, done that, kind of guy.

Wow ... as I sat on the frame, next to my newly chopped bed, I remember thinking, I was one darn lucky guy to discover Kiro. I watched in awe ... and I got excited and enthused in the project again. Within a few days, I had the bed I wanted, but there was still a lot more to do ... a whole lot more!!!

Next on the build-list were the fenders, splash aprons and a valence in stead of a rear roll pan. Again, he cut out bad metal and replaced it with good metal. He heat-shrunk and expanded panels as necessary to get them to move, as he wanted—not as the panels wanted. He works with a gas torch, cutter, hammer, dollies, and other tools in his box, and of course he works steady with a keen eye for form and balance. Oh yes ... and he brings his chair!

The bodywork was extensive, yet here again, the work melted away under the command of ... Kiro ... The Metal Master.

As of this writing, most all the metal work is complete. And, Kiro has already helped me with many of the mechanical tasks, such as the steering column, the floor and trans tunnel, e-brake, etc. He will also build my half-hood and assist further with all that is necessary that I can not do ... yet!

During this process I renewed my enthusiasm and did my part to keep up with his progress. And now, the end of August, Black Widow 2 is about to hit the road for testing before being taken apart for paint, etc.

Again, if it were not for Kiril Popov, Black Widow 2 would not be a reality. I highly recommend Kiril Popov without reservation.