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In the heart of Orange County, GCD Auto Studio, located in Florida, NY, goes beyond restoring and customizing classic cars, actively engaging with the local community while shaping the next generation of automotive professionals. Founders Gilbert Monge and Linda Nilon not only run a boutique-style studio but also use their platform to inspire creativity and skill in others.
Supporting the local community
GCD Auto Studio has found ways to connect with the community both locally and beyond. “We’re involved with the Chamber of Commerce and like to host open houses twice a year,” says Linda. “We invite people to walk through the shop, bring their cars, or just visit. We also support local businesses by picking restaurants for holidays, making sure our community thrives.”
Gilbert adds, “We help organize car shows at the Florida Family Fun Fest here in Florida, NY. Normally it’s on Main Street in the village, but last year construction prevented it. It’s a way to engage the community, showcase our work, and inspire people who love cars.”
Training the next generation
One of GCD’s biggest challenges is finding skilled workers in an industry where traditional hands-on expertise is becoming rare. “It’s hard to find people who share our values and skills,” says Linda. “A lot of the next generation doesn’t pursue this kind of work, so we partner with local schools like the BOCES program. Students come here as part of their schooling, and we train them in real-world projects.”
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Gilbert highlights the variety of skills available in the industry: “It’s not just turning a wrench anymore. You have CAD design, 3D printing, CNC machining, upholstery fabrication, and painting. Exposing young people to these nuances lets them find what part of the industry excites them.”
Linda adds a perspective on female representation: “From a female perspective, it says a lot that a woman owns a business like this, in a male-dominated industry. Hopefully, it encourages more girls to say, ‘I can do that. I can own a business or even work as a mechanic.’”
Embracing technology and innovation
Technology has transformed classic car restoration. Gilbert explains, “Now you can incorporate 3D scanning, 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC work. You can modernize the chassis, brakes, steering, electronics, and even engines. The technology makes it possible to blend classic aesthetics with modern safety and performance.”
Linda notes, “We also work on creative fabrication, whether it’s wood, plastics, or fiberglass. Every interior, every detail, can be custom-made to fit the vision. Technology has opened up possibilities that were unimaginable a decade ago.”
Memorable projects and upcoming builds
After completing the high-profile Downey’s Dream Cars project, GCD continues to tackle ambitious builds. “We have three full builds on order right now,” says Linda. “An ’80 Chevy pickup, a ’69 Camaro, and a ’57 Ford Ranchero. Each one is unique and will involve chassis work, metal, paint, and interiors. By summertime, they should be arriving here in Florida, NY.”
Gilbert adds, “We’re also finishing season three of our TV show, Married to the Rides, on PowerTube TV. We do full builds for other shops and customers as well, managing everything under one roof—from start to finish. That’s very rare in New York State, especially here in Orange County.”
A complete, cohesive approach
GCD’s clients benefit from a one-stop experience. “Other shops often outsource interiors or engines. We manage every part of the build ourselves, ensuring cohesion between interior and exterior,” Gilbert says.
Linda adds, “From renderings to final touches, we make sure every detail matches the client’s vision and our high standards. It’s controlled, professional, and thorough.”
Inspiring creativity in Florida, NY and beyond
Through community engagement, hands-on training, and embracing technology, GCD Auto Studio is more than a car shop—it’s a hub for creative professionals. “It’s about showing people that you can do something different, be creative, and still have a thriving business,” Linda says.
Gilbert concludes, “Whether it’s a young student, a local entrepreneur, or a client with a dream car, we want to make the process inspiring and accessible. Classic cars meet modern innovation here in Florida, NY, and everyone can be part of it.”
About GCD Auto Studio: Founded in 2019, GCD Auto Studio specializes in high-end custom and classic car restoration, offering full builds under one roof—from metalwork and paint to interiors and mechanicals. Located in Florida, NY, the studio emphasizes superior quality, innovative design, and close client relationships.
