Need a GOOD old Car mechanic/restorer - Individual if possible in D/FW Area. Any advice?

N/a | 11/17/2020 | Fwdude

[fwdude]

Okay, here’s my situation. Have an old 1970 model GM car that runs but need minor restoration items and some mechanical. I’ve run into roadblocks with local mechanics, who either want a quick and profitable project, or a full rebuild, but doesn’t want to work on problems piecemeal. That describes the bigger auto mechanics and chains around town.

I would love to get my hands into it, learning in the process, but don’t have the capital equipment needed or the time or inclination, so don’t go there.

Does anyone have any off-the-beaten-path recommendations for individuals, perhaps hobbyists, who have a passion for older cars and who would be willing to work at their own pace on a project car like mine? I’m in the D/FW area, but would really prefer someone in the westernmost area, preferable Tarrant County or further west.

Thanks for any help in this. I don’t want to see this car in the derby.

[JohnnyP]

Local high school autoshop project?

[lapsus calami]

 

 

Odd you couldn't find someone who would work with you. Around where I live there are all sorts of shops that will do however much or little you want. But there is a pretty intense car culture around here too. Yelp can be another resource in finding or checking out a shop. A piece of advice is to watch out for places that have some beater race car that they can never seem to get dialed in. They are liable to be focusing on that thing a bit too much in anticipation for the weekend races, and may only be legitimately working on customer cars 3 days out of the week. Avoid those sort.

 

 

[LastDayz]

“This thread is no good without pics. Women are great to see but classic cars are THE Beauty in life.”

Amen brother.... love the classics. Simple to work on and diagnose. Despise the computers on wheels.

[Basket_of_Deplorables]

Fer gawd’s sake, what model and engine???

[ZOOKER]

Have an old 1970 model GM car

I was gonna suggest you find some Cubans, but your car's about 15 years too new.

[fwdude]

High schools apparently don’t do this anymore. I’ve checked.

[PAR35]

Are you looking for mechanical or for body work?

[fwdude]

1970 Buick Estate Wagon, 454-V8 with 4-bbl.

[headstamp 2]

[[[Fer gawd’s sake, what model and engine???]]]

74 Gremlin, 232

[fwdude]

Are you looking for mechanical or for body work?

Yes.

[mad_as_he$$]

lol.....hold onto your wallet!

[LastDayz]

Come on man.... where’s the pics?

Cutlass, GTO, Chevelle, Vette, Nova, 442.

The suspense is a killin me.

[mad_as_he$$]

Please don’t go to the Head Gas Monkey.

[JohnnyP]

Military bases used to have a place to work on cars. Do you know anyone in the service that has access?

[Adder]

Lot of the big shop mechanics do side work at home, usually for cash.

[eastforker]

What is it you want done?

[wally_bert]

I am supposedly a member of the American Motors Owners Association.

A few magazines and a membership card is about it.

The chapter president called me early on. We talked a lot that time.

Nothing since going on 2 years.

I used to be a member of the VJMC. Always magazines and online newsletters.

[LastDayz]

“1970 Buick Estate Wagon, 454-V8 with 4-bbl.”

Guaranteed 9 MPH, no matter how you build it.

[LastDayz]

MPH = MPG

[dgbrown]

Prepare to spend some money. You think it only needs small fixes. They tend to turn into a project all by itself, then a few more projects get uncovered.

I’ve been working on my Willys truck for the last few years. I started like you, saying I’ll fix this and this and I’ll be all set. Turns out I’ve essentially refurbished/replaced all of the mechanical stuff on the truck. “The knee bone is connected to the leg bone....”

Roll up the sleeves and buy some wrenches. It is satisfying if you can do it. Plus you will have a bunch of new tools.