April 17, 2026 Benchmark Abrasives

McLane Menting

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with McLane from @perpetual_packard_project and talk a little shop.

If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!

Name: McLane Menting

Location: Detroit, MI

Socials: IG: @perpetual_packard_project

Website: Project Blog

Specialties: Restoration, Engineering, Powertrain, Body Work

Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long?

It all began when I was promoted to be a professional flashlight holder for my dad as a child. Later on when I got my first car ('85 Ranger) at the very appropriate age of 13, I had enough time on my hands before getting my license to build up a 302 H.O for it out of an old T-bird. At that point I couldn't get enough and decided that I had to dig more into how cars are made, so I decided to duaL enroll in highschool in Auto Body and later pursue automotive engineering as a profession.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
What really keeps me motivated throughout the day is knowing that my wife fully supports me and my project car, ensuring I have the time and resources needed to perform my duties as a weekend warrior.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
Although very simple, my favorite shop tool is this old green handled screwdriver that I got in a thrift store in the UP. It's been everything from a wedge, prybar, chisel, hammer... and screwdriver.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
By far my favorite piece I have worked on is the monstrous straight 8 288 powering the mighty 1949 Packard Deluxe Eight.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
If I could have any job relating to question 1 above, it would be to blend my passion of engineering and restoration to create new tools and/or accessories or reverse engineer hard to find and discontinued replacement parts full time.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

My favorite BA product is the 5" purple sanding disc. These are used a ton when I need to prep a surface for paint or shape up some body filler. They last long and resist clogs better than any other disc I've used.

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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?

The BA product that surprised me the most in terms of quality has to be the blue flap discs. I used them with a buddy to add some clearance between a caliper and a wheel. By the time we were done the disc didn't even look used. After that point I've used the same disc countless times, most recently to add a new edge on my flathead valve spring compressor, and it has a ton of life left still.

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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?

The biggest tip I have is to buy the variety pack of grits. I have a few that I typically grab for metal, but there were a couple of wood projects that came up and I was glad to have the "in between' grits on hand and ready to go.

If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?

If I could collaborate with anyone, it would be Japhands Kustoms. Karl is extremely talented and definitely a master of his craft. There is a ton that I could learn from him!

Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?

The best advice that I have is some advice that was given to me by my Highschool Shop Teacher Dan Juzswik who always encouraged me in hot rodding (and let me do a frame swap during school hours on my hotrod). He told me to try and look at the problems I'm facing from another perspective when I run into a challenge. He was helping me pull the axles out of the aforementioned ranger at this time to fix an axle seal, but I have used his advice across many scenarios in my life from social situations to professional challenges. Thanks Mr. J.

What are your future plans for your shop?

In terms of the future, I'm hoping to expand the square footage and install a lift eventually to really maximize my abilities and work area.