Lou Santiago
Encyclopedia
Lou Santiago is a retired U. S. Navy Seabee, an automotive builder and fabricator, and television host/personality.
where he graduated from Uniondale High School. While attending Uniondale, Lou earned a two-year trade certificate in diesel mechanics from the Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES). Lou's love of car building began with the help of his life-long friend, Wayne Swanson and his 1968 Dodge Dart
.
After retiring, Lou earned an Associate's Degree in Human Behavior from Central Piedmont Community College
in Charlotte, NC. He began working as a Behavior Management Technician at a school for children with behavior challenges. To supplement his income, he began to teach himself how to build transmissions, brackets, roll cages and chassis.
In 2005, Lou was given the opportunity to showcase his talents on Spike TV's Muscle Car. Lou was the Host of Muscle Car for 44 episodes chronicling a multitude of car builds and entertaining viewers with his charismatic personality. In 2009, Lou joined the Discovery Channel as a Host for Ultimate Car Build-Off.
Lou's current project is GarageInsiderTV.com. An online resource for car enthusiasts providing full length episodes of Garage Insider TV, tech tips, a forum for discussions, and custom fabricated parts by Swanyago Performance.
Biography
Lou was born in Bronx, New York to Raul and Lily Santiago. His family later relocated to Heampstead, (Long Island) New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
where he graduated from Uniondale High School. While attending Uniondale, Lou earned a two-year trade certificate in diesel mechanics from the Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES). Lou's love of car building began with the help of his life-long friend, Wayne Swanson and his 1968 Dodge Dart
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart is an automobile built by the Dodge division of the Chrysler Corporation from 1960-1976 in North America, with production extended to later years in various other markets. The Dart was introduced as a lower-priced, shorter wheelbase, full-size Dodge in 1960 and 1961, became a...
.
Career
Lou joined the U.S. Navy in 1981 as a Seabee mechanic supporting Navy Seal Team Eight. As a Seabee, Lou was responsible for maintaining heavy equipment that was vital to the safety and support of Team Eight. His fabrication abilities were an asset, as parts were sparse and conditions intense. After a decorated career, Lou took an early retirement in 1997 to care for his wife.After retiring, Lou earned an Associate's Degree in Human Behavior from Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College is a large community college in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The school was founded in 1963; it is the result of a merger between Mecklenburg College and the Central Industrial Education Center....
in Charlotte, NC. He began working as a Behavior Management Technician at a school for children with behavior challenges. To supplement his income, he began to teach himself how to build transmissions, brackets, roll cages and chassis.
In 2005, Lou was given the opportunity to showcase his talents on Spike TV's Muscle Car. Lou was the Host of Muscle Car for 44 episodes chronicling a multitude of car builds and entertaining viewers with his charismatic personality. In 2009, Lou joined the Discovery Channel as a Host for Ultimate Car Build-Off.
Lou's current project is GarageInsiderTV.com. An online resource for car enthusiasts providing full length episodes of Garage Insider TV, tech tips, a forum for discussions, and custom fabricated parts by Swanyago Performance.