Recommend a good shop in Los Angeles

HowardV · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2004, 09:22 AM

Since House of Cobras is closing down, can anyone recommend a good hot-rod shop in the Los Angeles area? I know there are a couple in the Costa Mesa area, but I was wondering if there were any closer ones (in LA county, preferable in the W. Los Angeles area).

I'm having a bit of a problem with my brakes and HOC told me to only take it to a hot-rod shop, not your average garage for brake issues. They stated average garages are fine for oil changes only - nothing else.

Thanks,

Howard

David Kirkham · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2004, 10:20 AM

Mike McCluskey 310.375.1234 does exceptional work at reasonable prices.

Dennis Cann Cresenta Valley Ford Specialists. Don't have his number handy right now, but I am sure you could look it up in your local phone book. If you can't find the number, drop me a line and I will look it up for you.

Both Dennis and Mike are honest good guys who won't take you for a ride. We have dealt with them for years.

David

hoppy · #3 (**permalink**) 05-01-2004, 03:25 PM

Ronny Morgan at Quality Automotive on Sawtelle Blvd in West L.A. has done a lot of work for me and friends of mine. A very talented and good guy. Has always stood behind his work when a problem didn't resolve at first effort, which has been rare.

Stop by his shop and see how neat and clean it is and what caliber of cars he is working on. Nothing beats seeing it first hand.

HowardV · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2004, 06:48 PM

David, thanks for the referrals. I spoke to Mike earlier today, but he said they only deal with restoration of vehicles, not maintenance and repair. He referred me to Dennis Cann! Unfortunatly, Dennis's shop is closed today, so I couldn't contact him.

Hoppy, I looked up Quality Automotive and they're less than a mile away from me!!!!! WoooHooo!!! I will contact them first thing on Monday. Thanks a bunch!

Howard

hoppy · #5 (**permalink**) 05-02-2004, 05:08 PM

Howard,
You can't help but like Ronnie. Having said that, I don't know exactly what you need done, and I'm looking for a a guy like him that has a chassis dyno and really knows FE's like the back of his hand. I got a couple of referrals from this board but just been buried with work and dad stuff. Wife out of the country till next Sunday night.
It won't harm you to tell him I told you to call. Maybe the only place I know where that's true.
Good Luck. Let me know what happens...if it turns out well for you. Otherwise, well you know.

werthie · #6 (**permalink**) 05-02-2004, 11:52 PM

Howard,
If you're looking for maintenance, not restoration, your absolute best bet is Steve Beck at Checkpoint Automotive on Grandview just south of Venice in Mar Vista (310-391-9774). Steve's main business is BMW service and repair, but he is a Ford Fanatic of the highest order. He has a Model T, several Model A's (stock and hot rods), a 64 Lincoln, a 57 pickup, and a 65 Shelby he's owned for decades. He is a founder of the LA Shelby Club and the caretaker of many original 289 and 427 Cobras. Steve also takes care of many anitique and exotic cars for the Petersen Automotive Museum, including an original GT-40 MkIII. There isn't a more knowledgeable, honest and talented mechanic out there.
Again, his main bread and butter is BMW's, and hobby cars can be a distraction. If your brake problem is straightforward and doesn't require re-engineering, Steve is your guy. On the other hand, if your problem will tie up one of his bays for weeks on end, then he'll probably suggest you go elsewhere . . . .
Good luck!
Alan

SPEEDEAMON · #7 (**permalink**) 05-03-2004, 08:18 AM

Werthie is absolutely right. Steve Beck takes care of my '65 Mustang K-Code Fastback as well as my Cobra. In fact I'm next in line to get my Cobra serviced. Plus, its fun to hang around at his shop. Many interesting cars and early Ford engines while the BMW work goes on. Why would the Petersen Museum entrust their cars to him? Becasue he's good and you can't find a more enthusiastic honest good wrench than him.

Shin

tonysshelbys · #8 (**permalink**) 05-03-2004, 10:32 AM

To all,
Have to agree with Werthie and SPEEDEAMON regarding Checkpoint Automotive and Steve Beck. He takes care of my 65 Shelby GT-350 and is a Ford Fanatic. He has taken care of Cobras as well and I'm looking forward to his taking on my CSX 7000 series car.
Tony Sousa
tonysshelbys

HowardV · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2004, 12:42 PM

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm gonna take my car to Quality Automotive as recommended by Terry (Hoppy) because I can walk there!

Terry, I talked to Randy earlier today and I told him you referred me to him. He knows and remembers you well. I have an appointment for early tomorrow morning - and then I can walk back home - that's great! If you're ever in the neighborhood, give me a call (310) 477-1235.

And thanks to all who recommended Steve Beck. I'll give him a shot if Quality Auto doesn't work out. If I take it to Beck, I'd have to beg the girlfriend to get up early and give me a ride back - and I don't want her to lose any of her beauty sleep :-)

Howard

hoppy · #10 (**permalink**) 05-03-2004, 06:22 PM

Hi Howard,
I just dropped my Suburban off at Ronnie's this afternoon as the tattletales on the breaks were chirping. He said he spoke to you today.
Of course he remembers me, I must have one or another of our cars there every month.
When you go in tomorrow, take a look at the white 62 Vette that I bought on Ebay for a friend of mine. It is a great ride.
Good luck.

MartyH · #11 (**permalink**) 05-05-2004, 07:14 PM

Probably too late, but I regularly frequent a little West L.A. shop called WESTSIDE PERFORMANCE
12223 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
310-826-7991

Ted the owner is a great engine guy .... rest of the staff are also first rate. As far as I know this is the last hotrod shop west of the 405 freeway! Well worth supporting!

HowardV · #12 (**permalink**) 05-08-2004, 09:27 AM

Terry, just wanted to say thanks for recommending Ronnie. Great guy and a great shop! They had my Cobra for 3 days and did a fantastic job on it. Nothing major, just change all fluids, change plug wires and cap, compression test, go through the whole car, and take care of a sticky brake problem (master cylinder issue).

Not a cheap shop, but worth the cost. I'll definately go back to him. And if anyone else needs a shop around W.LA, Ronnie has my praise. And I can drop off my car and walk home in about 5 minutes! Talk about convenience!

MartyH, thanks for recommending Westside Performance as they are also close to me. I'll give 'em a try if Ronnie is ever too busy to do something.

Thanks again,

Howard

hoppy · #13 (**permalink**) 05-09-2004, 12:24 AM

Howard, glad you were satisfied with the work. Ronnie is a good guy, but the shop gets a lot of action and sometimes they are a little slow on making the completion as estimated. I have never heard any other type of complaints and I would rather be a litttle patient in exchange for the comfort level I have with his shop.

Turbo Ron · #14 (**permalink**) 09-29-2021, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowardV

Terry, just wanted to say thanks for recommending Ronnie. Great guy and a great shop! They had my Cobra for 3 days and did a fantastic job on it. Nothing major, just change all fluids, change plug wires and cap, compression test, go through the whole car, and take care of a sticky brake problem (master cylinder issue).

Not a cheap shop, but worth the cost. I'll definately go back to him. And if anyone else needs a shop around W.LA, Ronnie has my praise. And I can drop off my car and walk home in about 5 minutes! Talk about convenience!

MartyH, thanks for recommending Westside Performance as they are also close to me. I'll give 'em a try if Ronnie is ever too busy to do something.

Thanks again,

Howard

I am in West Los Angeles CA. I just bought a Superformance Cobra. I notice these post are since 2004. Do you still recommend these mechanics.

Turbo Ron · #15 (**permalink**) 09-29-2021, 07:43 PM

Checkpoint only works on real Cobras.