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Determination is the key ingredient in conquering any obstacle. With it, not many things can hold you back. For thirty-year-old Juan Carlos Boizo Salazars', determination set in at a very young age. Born in Mexico City, Juan struggled with the poor surroundings and constant depression in his home country of Mexico. At the age of fourteen, his parents decided to make their way to the United States to give their children a better life with the potential for greatness. With the strict policies of legalized citizenship and the extremely long waiting period, his parents decided to bring Juan and his two brothers through Texas. Juan Carlos and his father were the only ones to make it through, with his father returning to care for the family until they were able to try again. Juan Carlos stayed with his family until he eventually reunited with his brothers and parents, who decided to relocate to Athens, Georgia.

With their new found freedom, his father decided to instill a hobby into the young boys. For Juan Carlos, it became much more than that. He lived, breathed, and dreamed about cars night and day. He would attend every car show he could and this only furthered his determination to get his own vehicle and make it unique. After working successfully for a number of years, he located a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air in Georgia, but the price tag was a bit hefty. After a quick negotiation, Juan Carlos was the proud new owner! Around this time he became acquainted with Mike Wapniewski of Obsession car club and that proved to be the motivation and connection he needed to properly start his creation. Juan Carlos' first step was bringing the Chevy to a different level by adding new chrome throughout and purchasing wheels. The engine was the next in line, followed by a paint and body makeover. The last steps in the Chevy's transformation revolved around adding the sound system and cleaning up the trunk.

As a legal citizen, Juan Carlos enjoys every moment he has, and he is grateful for the life he has found in the U.S. Now a proud father of three with one more on the way, he vows to share his experiences with them so they know how fortunate they are. "I have to give special thanks to Mike Wapniewski for introducing me to Obsession and all the help he has given me throughout the build. Thanks to all the Obsession members for always willing to help with anything and everything, and a very special thanks to my love and wife, Jaclyn Boizo, for all her support and understanding. Lastly, I thank my mother and father because without them I wouldn't be where I am today. "

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"Mi Obsession"

Owner: Juan Carlos Boizo Salazar

Vehicle: 1957 Chevy Bel Air Convertible

City/State: Athens, Georgia

Club: Obsession

Paint/Body: Matador Red paint by Diamond, painted by Marcus Partida, of El Guero Alatorre, in Athens, Georgia. Double Nickel Chevy in Athens, Georgia did the chrome plating.

Interior: Israel Carrillo, of St. Joseph Upholstery, in Athens, Georgia, added the all-original Bel Air kit with red top.

Sound System: A full JL Audio system was installed by Stephen Conrad, of C2 Automotive, in Athens, Georgia.

Engine: An original three-speed Chevy 283-c.i.d. was added by Edgar Brito, of Brito Auto Service.

Wheels: 13x7 cross-laced Zenith in front and 13x5.5 cross-laced Zenith in the rear.

Tires: Cooper 155/80R13 white wall.

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