Reference for a mechanic to work on my classic...

[jetdrive]

I've got a 64 Ford Thunderbird convertible with the 390 engine that runs ok but could use some engine and tranny work to make things run a lot smoother. There is also a little bit of body work that I need done to it...

I'm down here in South Orange County (El Toro area). Does anybody have any hookups with an honest, decent mechanic/shop that will give me a fair deal on getting things fixed on this car?

I am not looking to get it restored to a "concourse" level type deal, just to get it to the point that it can be reliably used as a daily driver.

Thank you all in advance for your referrals.

 

[RiverDave]

bump..

RD

 

[Skyskier]

Hit up Wheeler here on the boards, he's got a brother that has a shop in the OC. He had me lined up with a body man from his shop that was gonna come out & paint my Pop's hotrod here at my place. I'm thinking his brother MIGHT be a mechanic also

 

[SuperDave013]

If you don't mind coming up to Fullerton you will like this guy.

Kennedys Garage
2560 Fender Ave # J
Fullerton, CA 92831
(714) 773-0105‎

He works on high end cars. He does very very nice work. He's fair and just an all around nice guy. Give him a call and tell him Dave @ Sweet Performance sent you.

 

[jetdrive]

Thanx RD for the bump and everyone else for the referrals... This is a car that my wife drives and I want her to feel confident in driving it, so the reason to get it in a good mechanical shape.

I will follow up on the two referrals... And thanx again guys, much appreciate it...

 

[snake321]

My buddy has one out in the yard where I'm doing a job. 390,runs good,needs body work. The inside of that car was built well. Nice trim, slide over steering column.

 

[Flyinbowtie]

FWIW, I think that car has the cast iron Cruise-o-Matic transmission. They are a 3-speed automatic, and not every trans shop is going have a guy who is a) familiar with these things and b) willing to work on them. A close friend up here owns a trans shop, and he is the only guy in our town who fits the criteria above.
I have not seen one on his bench lately, but I do seem to recall that while parts for them are out there, sometimes they can take time to track down.
The 390 is really experiencing a rebirth, if you want to take some weight off of the car and bolt on some ponies, Edelbrock is now offering Performer aluminum cylinder heads and other matching goodies for it. Going to aluminum heads and an aluminum intake on that engine will be good for somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 lbs.
Many will say this kills the "value" of the car, but it sounds to me like it is a driver, and you can always box up the iron stuff and save it.

 

[SJP]

Have a great resource in HB. Briggs Automotive. Beach and Yorktown. His name is Gary. Small little shop.

 

[jetdrive]

You are absolutely right... It is a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic. I have no problem with getting new heads and intake and a whole new [more efficient] tranny too while I am at it, to make it more drivable, especially since my wife will be driving it.

U happen to know any good qualified shade tree mechanic that I can go to, to do all of this work for me? I've already gotten the funds allocated, just want to make sure that whomever is doing the work is proficient and trustworthy...

Thank you again for your advice...

FWIW, I think that car has the cast iron Cruise-o-Matic transmission. They are a 3-speed automatic, and not every trans shop is going have a guy who is a) familiar with these things and b) willing to work on them. A close friend up here owns a trans shop, and he is the only guy in our town who fits the criteria above.
I have not seen one on his bench lately, but I do seem to recall that while parts for them are out there, sometimes they can take time to track down.
The 390 is really experiencing a rebirth, if you want to take some weight off of the car and bolt on some ponies, Edelbrock is now offering Performer aluminum cylinder heads and other matching goodies for it. Going to aluminum heads and an aluminum intake on that engine will be good for somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 lbs.
Many will say this kills the "value" of the car, but it sounds to me like it is a driver, and you can always box up the iron stuff and save it.

 

[akakiller]

If you'd like to stay local, I'd recommend my buddy Jimmy White at Circle City Hot Rods.

714 279 0400

If you dont mind your car being in Hesperia, I can do it for you. We can pick up/deliver also....

Jason