Mechanic in LA.

[glimmertwin]

Hello,

Neeed work done on a 1967 West Coast Cobra Replica which just arrived in LA:

Engine

Body

Brakes

Suspension

If you know of a trusted and competent mechanic or shop in the LA area I would be gratefulf for your guidance/recommendations.

Thanks,
GT

[lovehamr]

Might PM member name "David Gagnard," he's in some part of LA., maybe he can help.

[D-CEL]

Hey GT,

I send alot of work to Vinny (Vince Borzilieri) at JV enterprises in Azusa. He has a great crew that has not disappointed me.
It is a full service Fabrication, Mechanical, Body and Paint shop and his prices are excellent!
He just did a complete on a friends 40 Ford and it is spectacular.
I have pics of a bunch of cars he has done for me, Ill be happy to send some to you if you’re interested.
This is his web site: JV Enterprises - Auto Restoration and Custom Hotrods
If you would like to talk to him, Id be happy to introduce you.


Jason

[glimmertwin]

Hi Jason,

Thank you for responding. Today I spoke with Tony at TG's Performance and after checking out his web site (::TGs Performance Racing Engines Machine Speed Shop Los Angeles) I seem to have found a competent shop. I am also very impressed with your recommendation and would like to take you up on your offer to introduce me to Vinny.

Thanks again,
GT

[D-CEL]

GT,

That’s great you found a shop!
I don’t know if this is your first build or if you have this all covered. If so, please forgive me.
I would strongly recommend you physically go there and meet with them to get a feel for who they are and what they can do. Ask to see their portfolio. Ask for references. See if your needs are their niche. Discuss your plans, needs and wants. (Take notes! they should too)
With whomever you decide to use for your build, make a detailed plan and contract with them. In as much detail as humanly possible, down to who buys the nuts, bolts and wiring connectors. Create a project time line with scheduled progress points and payments dates.( I have found that no dates lead to very long running projects with much higher than anticipated costs.) I recommend onsite inspection of the work. Does the work they performed meet your expectations? If they are ahead of the schedule or doing a little extra, I like to give small ($20) cash bonuses to the guys who have their hands on the project. If they are behind, hold the scheduled payment until that progress point is reached. (Have that written into your plan/contract) On the big days (motor assembly, First “spray day”, motor install, etc.) you want to be there at least for a little while.
Plan on an extra 25-30% (if its more that that I didn’t do a good job planning) to the original contract price, things are always forgotten, added and changed during a big build.


Vinny is a cool guy, his shop is in Azusa just south of the Miller brewery off on the 210 at Irwindale. I pass the exit nearly everyday. Tell me when you’re available and Ill meet you there.


Jason

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by lovehamr

Might PM member name "David Gagnard," he's in some part of LA., maybe he can help.

He meant Los Angeles...not the swamp.

[glimmertwin]

Jason,

This will be my first ever experience with a "speacilaty" car. I just bought the car and had it shipped here from FLorida. On the drive home from the shipping terminal (Gardena) the engine blew on the Harbor Fwy after barely 4 miles of driving at low RPM......Needless to say I am completely shattered and mad at myself for having let "boyish" enthusiasm (I'm 52) overcome my usual business acumen.

I can meet you at Vinnie's shop tomorrow or Friday anytime between 9 am and noon.

Appreciate your advice.
GT

[D-CEL]

GT,

That sucks! Do you have an idea of what happened to the motor?
Don’t be shattered. Everything is fixable, try think of failures like this as justification for a better/upgraded part! If it threw a rod, then it obviously needed better ones! Maybe a little extra HP thrown in as an added bonus. LOL
These cars are different in a lot of ways. They require a lot of involvement. Driving them is great, but its only part of the experience. Adjusting, fixing, tinkering is the other part of the deal.

Can you give me the basics of the car:
Motor
Trans
Axel
Brakes
And tell me what you’re looking to do with it. Shows, drag racing, road racing, commuting?
Aside from a blown up motor, what else do you not like?
Today (Thursday)I booked until about 2:00
Friday is no good

Jason

[glimmertwin]

Jason,

I could not wait any longer.....drove out to Azusa today and spoke with Vince's son. Vince called a couple of minutes ago and it looks like I'll have the car towed to his shop this afternoon or tomorrow morning for an evaluation.

Engine: 1969 429 CJ 400 H.P.

Custom C-6 Transmission/B&M Shifter

FORD 4 bar rear axle w/a 9” dropout center section.

Wilwood Front Disc Brakes 11" & Rear has Drums ( Does not have ABS ) not vented Rotors.


I have not yet mentioned your name to Vince but will do so this afternoon if OK with you.

Thanks,
GT

[D-CEL]

GT,
LOL, I get it! It would suck to have a new toy and not be able to play with it!
That’s cool you have a 385 series big block. I have an all aluminum, 466ci 385 series motor in my Superformance. It’s a great engine family.

Yes, tell Vinny I sent you.

Are you looking to have more than engine repair done?

Jason

[glimmertwin]

I asked Vinnie to please inspect the car top to bottom since the engine situation is making the entire car suspect....Additional work depends on his expert opinion. Will keep you posted.
Best,
GT