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Need a GOOD old Car mechanic/restorer - Individual if possible in D/FW Area. Any advice?
N/a | 11/17/2020 | Fwdude

Posted on 11/17/2020 1:40:48 PM PST by 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.


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Hobbies
KEYWORDS: automotive; texas
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To: fwdude

Local high school autoshop project?


21 posted on 11/17/2020 2:08:28 PM PST by JohnnyP (Thinking is hard work (I stole that from Rush).)
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To: fwdude

 
 
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.
 
 

22 posted on 11/17/2020 2:08:36 PM PST by lapsus calami (What's that stink? Code Pink ! ! And their buddy Murtha, too!)
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To: freedumb2003

“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.


23 posted on 11/17/2020 2:08:48 PM PST by LastDayz (A blunt and brazen Texan. I will not be assimilated.)
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To: fwdude

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


24 posted on 11/17/2020 2:09:10 PM PST by Basket_of_Deplorables (This is all a Soros funded communist insurrection! )
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To: fwdude

Have an old 1970 model GM car

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

25 posted on 11/17/2020 2:12:05 PM PST by ZOOKER (Until further notice the /s is implied...)
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To: JohnnyP

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


26 posted on 11/17/2020 2:12:10 PM PST by fwdude (Pass up too many hills to die on, and you will eventually fall off the edge of the world.)
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To: fwdude

Are you looking for mechanical or for body work?


27 posted on 11/17/2020 2:12:32 PM PST by PAR35
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To: Basket_of_Deplorables

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


28 posted on 11/17/2020 2:12:54 PM PST by fwdude (Pass up too many hills to die on, and you will eventually fall off the edge of the world.)
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To: Basket_of_Deplorables

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

74 Gremlin, 232


29 posted on 11/17/2020 2:13:08 PM PST by headstamp 2 (Socialism- Institutionalized Deprivation)
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To: PAR35

Are you looking for mechanical or for body work?

Yes.

30 posted on 11/17/2020 2:13:39 PM PST by fwdude (Pass up too many hills to die on, and you will eventually fall off the edge of the world.)
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To: evets

lol.....hold onto your wallet!


31 posted on 11/17/2020 2:14:16 PM PST by mad_as_he$$
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To: fwdude

Come on man.... where’s the pics?

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

The suspense is a killin me.


32 posted on 11/17/2020 2:14:17 PM PST by LastDayz (A blunt and brazen Texan. I will not be assimilated.)
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To: fwdude

Please don’t go to the Head Gas Monkey.


33 posted on 11/17/2020 2:15:05 PM PST by mad_as_he$$
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To: fwdude

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


34 posted on 11/17/2020 2:15:14 PM PST by JohnnyP (Thinking is hard work (I stole that from Rush).)
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To: fwdude

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


35 posted on 11/17/2020 2:16:04 PM PST by Adder ("Can you be more stupid?" is a question, not a challenge.)
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To: fwdude

What is it you want done?


36 posted on 11/17/2020 2:17:00 PM PST by eastforker (All in, I'm all Trump,what you got!)
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To: Gen.Blather

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.


37 posted on 11/17/2020 2:17:52 PM PST by wally_bert (I cannot be sure for certain, but in my personal opinion I am certain that I am not sure.)
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To: fwdude

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

Guaranteed 9 MPH, no matter how you build it.


38 posted on 11/17/2020 2:18:26 PM PST by LastDayz (A blunt and brazen Texan. I will not be assimilated.)
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To: LastDayz

MPH = MPG


39 posted on 11/17/2020 2:18:49 PM PST by LastDayz (A blunt and brazen Texan. I will not be assimilated.)
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To: fwdude

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.


40 posted on 11/17/2020 2:19:34 PM PST by dgbrown
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