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.
My dad grew up with a guy who is a mechanical and automotive genius and all around good ole country boy.
He works as some consultant to heavy equipment manufacturers and isn’t really available any more. The guy gets called in when the people who designed and built whatever machinery can’t figure out the problem.
After asking some questions and getting whoever to check this and that plus drawings, he will say the problem is way over in some subsection that appears not to be involved. They will balk some then they try his solution. It works.
His brother is said to be even better. I didn’t know him well.
“Give me a tip on posting photos on here. I have some on my device and on my cloud drive, but how do you get them here?”
Gotta find a photo hosting site and upload to there, then link whatever you want to post to FR via HTML (see HTML sandbox) for specifics.
Sure you can, a lot cheaper than hiring a mechanic. You could get by with about $500 in tools. You would pay possibly thousands for a mechanic.
I don’t know any either and my 79 K5 is even newer.....
I know about that work for nothing bit too.
People used to hit me up for photos and video plus editing and not want to pay anything.
My grandfather had one of those back in the day except it was an Electra 225 4dr. with a 455 4v. Big ole tank but it sure cruised the road like a breeze. My uncle got a hold of the engine and beefed it all up using Kennebelle components. Thing ran like a scalded ape. Sure wish my uncle would finish restoring it as it’s a neat old classic.
You are correct. 455 engine.
I want a car that is factory stock. People who want to low-rider cars are into artificiality.
All the signs of a blown head gasket. Eating antifreeze, oil the color of chocolate milk, using oil. Moist exhaust.
I have the photo on Pinterest, but the link won’t bring the pic over.
Would be best to find someone with the skills that Elizabeth Montgomery had... If she were still with us, she could do the whole job in a twitch of the nose..
Unfortunately she died of cancer at a very early age (62) in 1995...
Maybe Barbara Eden, now 89, could help you out... She is still beautiful, but I don't know if she retained her powers...
Other than that, if you don't have 20-to-30K to spare, keep buying those lotto tickets...
Generalize much? Low rider guys were the leaders in many of the suspension improvements that make today’s cars ride so well.
What model car is it?
Old square body. Those are classics and fairly tough to find that aren’t ate up with rust. Found a early 80’s Bronco in the wrecking yard over the weekend with the removable top still on it. Blew my mind that it was even back there as it should been up front with a price tag on it. Some places just don’t have a clue what they have with respect to classic vehicles.
Low rider guys were the leaders in many of the suspension improvements that make today’s cars ride so well.
Doubtful. I do know a reliable mechanic who I trust well and he told me that people who monkey with their suspensions, including low riders, are crap mechanics. He charges double to work on such cars as they are such crap.
1970 Buick Estate Wagon, factory green, 455 V8- 4bbl
Ha!!
I have a ‘61 VW two door truck....
“I have the photo on Pinterest, but the link won’t bring the pic over.”
It’s gotta be a photo hosting site.
Cigars?
That could also be a cracked head, that’s why I said, if you pull the heads, send them to the machine shop to have a valve job and have the heads magna fluxed for cracks. How many miles on the car?
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