Press featuring "Konik's Klassiks"
Monte Carlo Kings—among other things
February 2011, Cruisin’ News
Story and Photos by Marty Wuchte
Anyone who has had the occasion to meet Leo “Monte” Konik realizes his life is centered around his family and Chevy muscle since he bought his first SS/454 Monte Carlo at age fourteen (Which he still owns).
His passion has evolved into a family owned and operated business. The business started thirty years ago by Leo, his wife Sue and son Mike.
Everyone is auto body school trained and state licensed. They pride themselves on producing quality craftsmanship at a fair price. Leo specializes in GM cars, however he can handle any American classic car restoration. In fact, under construction is a 1927 Essex, along with a 1978 1-ton Chevy pickup, a 1965 Mustang, and not to be overlooked, a 1965 Impala.
As his nickname suggests, his first love is the Chevrolet Monte Carlo (sorry Sue). They have five first generation Montes in different stages of development.
Konik’s sheet metal work is impeccable. He specializes in metal fabricating. Examples can be seen on a 1967 Chevelle pro street and a 1967 Impala 427SS which Konik owns. If you want a quarter panel hung, a full floor pan, or just a small patch panel, Konik can handle it all.
If that wasn’t enough of an incentive to visit Leo, he is the local distributor for DII, Trim Parts, PUI Interiors, Shermans, Right Stuff Detailing, and Goodmark. Along with many used and new NOS first generation Monte Carlo parts.
Unlike many suppliers, his inventory is date coded and casing organized for vest identification and shipping. They use and install the products they sell.
Leo and the crew can also help on technical support on any part he sells. Konik’s Klassics can work on hoods, grills, glass, steering columns, and stainless trim. Leo, Sue and Mike invite you to check out their professional workmanship.
Click on koniksklasssics@sbcglobal.net or call for an appointment to view his many classic cars for sale at 810-334-4162. St Clair, Michigan.
A replica 1972 Chevy Monte Carlo Nascar “Konik’s Klassiks” helped build, featured on superchevy.com:
http://www.superchevy.com/features/chevellemontecarlo/sucp_0801_1972
_chevy_monte_carlo/index.html
Testimonials & Kustomers' "Klassik" Rides
Leave a Testimonial
15. Oct, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Thanks Again Leo for the great 71 Monte SS that i Bought from you. It drives and rides like a dream just as you said! I can;t wait till we start the restoration soon!
Thanks Again Leo & Mike, See ya soon
Mike M.
15. Aug, 2011 at 6:22 pm
I used to believe all restoration parts came from a catalog,,,, until I met up with Leo Konik. Leo has provided me with the best used, new parts and knowledge with the most honest description for finishing our 1970 Monte Carlo. If you want the “correct” parts and looking for the original items that the catalogs do not even comprehend yet, Konik Klassiks is where you need to call. I have never been more satisfield with the quality, and customer service in resorting a car than with Konik’s!!
20. Jul, 2011 at 1:45 pm
My son and I took on a massive 70 Monte restoration in 2008. I had a 70 Monte hot rod as a kid in Detroit and always wanted to find and restore one later in life. Our base car was a driver from Iowa but required new paint and mechanical repairs. When we stripped the paint we discovered years of rust and low quality metal repairs. We have little to no restoration expertise on Monte Carlos in Georgia so we searched out and found Konik’s Klassiks. We contacted Leo and quickly discovered he new Monte Carlos inside and out and was able to supply us with difficult to find parts like front fenders, doors, and glass. We elected to make several non factory resto mod changes during the restoration with Leo’s advice. I would recommend Konik’s classics to anyone interested in a real partner for a Monte restoration. This car will be at the shows, hoping we can meet Leo face to face at one of these events.
17. Jul, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Not only a master craftsman but an innovative thinker. I just finished installing a pair of steel Chevelle inner fender wells on my 72′ Monte. The badly cracked plastic ones are on their way to the dump. Thanks for the great suggestion Leo.! They look fantastic and went in without incident. Leo and Mike have been invaluable in sharing their extensive knowledge base. In addition, they have been gratious enough to include us in my custom hood project . As a hobbist , I have found Konik’s Klassiks to be very encouraging and down to earth shop.
16. Jun, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Thanks to Leo for supplying me with a used quarter panel for my 71 Monte. Leo described the panel honestly to me, along with a fair price, and not making up figures with shipping and handling! Leo has supplied many other “finishing touch” parts to my Monte over the years.
Thanks again Leo, great to see there are still good people out there!
Tony D.