J.J. Patrick is a contributing outside author of the Toolbox and an experienced automotive journalist. Patrick’s older brother got him into custom cars. When J.J. was a kid, his older brother let him tag along to the local car shows. In high school, J.J. took an auto body class while helping a friend restore a 1965 Mustang. Later, he’d help assemble a Speedway Motors 1927 T Roadster kit with some friends and also crew for a couple of race cars. J.J. graduated from UC Davis in 2004 with a Bachelor’s in American Studies, which fit well with his passion for cars.

J.J. has worked with photographers like Wes Allison, Jess Walker, Larry Chen and Rob McGaffin. He’s a self-described mediocre welder, passable painter, and also says he’s not bad at bodywork. J.J.’s friends call him humble.