Acknowledging that “we’re always learning,” Kevin and Willie embark upon a fond trip down memory lane, citing some major lessons they’ve learned along the way. Like the importance of strapping down whatever it is you’re moving, and why not to use a fire extinguisher on an engine. Or the danger of running nitrous at the wrong temp, and the wisdom of making everything foolproof. “There’s so much strength in the struggle, and typically one of your best means to educate yourself is your last mistake,” notes Willie, “and isn’t that really what makes the story so great?” Adds Kevin, “There is no better way to learn and never forget than to just screw something up.”

Kevin Tetz has been a professional painter, teacher, and well-known TV host for decades. His wealth of knowledge and easygoing delivery style have made him THE go-to guy for novices and DIYers. As he tells Kevin and Willie in today’s episode, “The difference between a painter and a paint gun owner is your ability to get yourself out of trouble,” which is something everyone should both expect and embrace. Don’t be afraid to mess things up, he says, because “experience is the ultimate teacher… just get in there and do it!”

With winter in the rearview mirror, Kevin and Willie welcome spring and the reawakening of their own automotive dreams. “We’re cars all day long, every waking moment, we’ve got our shows, we’ve got our day jobs,” notes Kevin, “but it’s always about finding our time and what we want to do for ourselves.” Willie’s got his sights set on reviving several projects, including his “Anti-Bandit” Trans-Am, 1980 Blazer, and purple 1970 Charger 500 (1 of 9 Chargers!). Meanwhile, Kevin’s jazzed about his ’65 Mustang Fastback, projected to take him 5 years to complete. “I wanna dive into somewhere I’m not sure I can swim and keep my head above water,” he says about the A-Z build. “I’m gonna see if I can drown and somehow get out of it!”