Ledfoot Racing

We may go to Pomona for the cars and parts, but we also go to meet diverse people and hear their interesting stories. This is what makes Swap Meet day such a thrill. Recently, we caught up with Geoff Blackmore of Ledfoot Racing to hear his story of a roofing specialist turned radiator distributor.

Geoff was a professional roofer for years where he spent his days keeping the rain out of people’s lives. Until he heard about a co-worker who made a few extra dollars by going to junk yards, finding radiators, reconditioning them and then selling them on eBay. Geoff was inspired. Seeing the business his co-worker generated with reconditioned radiators, he followed suit by selling inexpensive aluminum radiators on eBay. Things really took off and in no time Geoff was saying goodbye to the roofing business and hello to the radiator business. With Geoff’s departure from the roofing company, his old boss thought about the opportunity to manufacture high-quality radiators at affordable pricing and decided to reunite with Geoff. And so, Champion Radiators was born. Geoff ditches the roofing game for good and becomes a distributor for Champion Radiators.

After finding success in the radiator business on eBay, Geoff hears about the Pomona Swap Meet. He realizes the opportunity to advertise the great products his business has to offer and decides to rent a vendor space. Geoff explains, “In our price range, our quality is much better – we have thicker aluminum, we have billet fill necks, and we don’t use any epoxy. Our quality is closer to the guys charging $600 than to the guys $20 less.” What is more, all of their products have a lifetime guarantee. So, barring a band of pygmies shooting arrows through your vehicle’s cooling system, you’re covered.

In addition to his eBay business and Pomona gig, Geoff decided to open a shop on Glassell Street in Orange, CA. “We have a local outlet where people can see our stuff and where we can take care of the customer,” he says.

Ledfoot Racing can customize radiators if an off-the-shelf part doesn’t work for your ride. They also carry tanks, shrouds, fans and all the rest of the parts you need to keep your car running cool. Oh, they carry the parts for trucks too. “I’m shocked how many people are calling for 47-54 Chevy truck radiators,” said Geoff.

Geoff reflects on how lucky he has been in his self-made radiator business. “By the grace of God, I have a job where I can hire a few part time people.” In addition to these extra sets of hands, Geoff’s wife, Tracy, also helps out with the business. Tracy had been working at a property management company. As with so many people in that profession, however, when the bottom dropped out they were scrambling to find new places to hang their hat or in this case, purse. So when Tracy was unexpectedly laid-off, Geoff had been mulling over the idea of hiring another person to help out. Geoff didn’t have to look any further. “She didn’t have one day off – she went right to work here,” said Geoff.

As the summer heat starts to crank up and your car is looking for some relief, visit Ledfoot Racing’s booth on Road 17 Spaces 43 & 45. You will find an affordable cooling solution that’s has an unbeatable guarantee. If you can’t make it to Pomona to see Geoff, be sure to check out his website for more information at www.championradiators.com.

This article was written by Tony Barthel of the Curbside Car Show Calendar which features a whole new way to easily add or find your car show. Share your car show or other automotive event with the world today – it’s free and easy. www.curbside.tv

Geoff was busy all day helping his customers choose the right Champion Radiator for their ride.

Champion Radiators lined up and ready to take home.

Tyler Pierce removes each Champion Radiator to insure a perfect fit and confirm the quality for each customer!

Just a quick look into Ledfoot Racings’ space at the swap meet.