65 fuelie questions

[John S.]

First post from a new member. I am looking at buying a 65 fuelie car. I have many many other questions for later posts but have one main one right now. Three names seem to stand out for restoration of these units. Chuck Smith, Jack Podell, and Jerry Bramlett. I have talked to Chuck and Jack and both seem very knowledgeable about them. Jerry's web page looks like he is very good also. Any body out there used any or all of these guys. Are they all good? Not looking for any bashing, just honest opinions on who I could send the unit to. Thanks, John

P.S. John Degregory... Thanks for your email ealier. Glad to here you are busy. I saw in an earlier post on your concerns for guys that work on the fuelie units. I am 47, and besides seeing them have never touched one. I do look forward to maybe learning. Currently I have quite an extensive knowledge of newer computer controled LT1 fuel injection as I have 2 in classic cars now and have worked on them quite a bit for friends. Still learning some programing tricks there. Time will tell.
John

[Joel F.]

Re: 65 fuelie questions

John,

Welcome to the board and the organization. I have had transactions with John DeGregory, Jerry Bramlett, and Jack Podell. If I were having my fuel unit rebuilt, I'd go with John or Jerry (in no particular order). I know John is super busy though. They both do Top Flight quality work, and you can be sure your fuel injection until will perform properly. I do not care for Jack Podell and will only buy parts from him as a last resort, and look elsewhere for service and even advice.

If you have not yet bought the car, I would advise getting in touch with Jim Gessner ( v.vettefinderjim @ verizon.net ). He has a registry containing info on many of the 65 FI cars. I'd also invest in the services of someone who knows 65 fuel injection cars. They are rare, desireable, expensive, and often "reproduced".

Just my $.02 (not accounting for the weak dollar).

Good luck,
Joel