LarryK

[Lawrence K.]

I am looking for a trustworthy (won't sell off original parts and replace with cheap substitutes) and competent (pays attention to details) mechanic to do a rebuild of my 63 engine. I am in the Detroit Michigan area. Can anyone make a recommendation? Also, any other suggestions that can be made to make the rebuild a success are also appreciated. Side Note: Brand new NCRS member but I am the original owner of this 63 Coupe.

[Tom H.]

Re: LarryK

Can't give you a good place to have the motor done but I will give you a big old fat WELCOME to the NCRS !!

I am a fellow 63 owner as well. Very interested in hearing about your car. I'm sure someone here will chime in with some help !!!!!

[Don H.]

Re: LarryK

Contact MasterWorks Automotive Services, 32327 Stephenson Hwy, Madison Heights, MI 48071, 248-583-0590. The owner is Werner Meier a NCRS member who was instrumental in setting up many great things at the Novi Convention this summer. A great guy and first class operation. Good luck, Don H.

[Lawrence K.]

Re: LarryK

I did a rather amateurish restoration back in '96-'97 where I had the frame sandblasted and fixed only those items that needed fixing, mostly strucural. I primed & painted the frame with a gloss enamel. I did not think this far ahead that I would still own the car or that it would appreciate in value this much. I just wanted a driver but knew it would be garaged for the winters.

It was originally Daytona Blue but had it repainted to '72 Targa Blue as I really liked that shade. Big mistake. Paint job turned out nice and the stress crack repairs really held up nicely but I should have stayed with the original Daytona.

It was my plan to take an engine rebuilding course and redo the engine someday. To get the car back on the road I bought a crate engine, a quadrajet carb, swapped out other parts, put all this back in the car and was back on the road. Took almost a year to get it done Well I guess I got lazy after that, paying attention instead to job & family and just enjoying the car.

The engine sat on a stand in the garage (somehow always in my wife's way, foolishly thought that was the my domain) until now. At 73 I figure it's time to do the right thing and get moving on it again. I figured I'd get the original engine redone while I remove the old crate engine and get it back to more like it's original configuration. Won't be a show car but it's still a '63 split window. Drove it several times in our Woodward Ave Dream Cruise, it got a lot of compliments.

Picture is attached.

[Lawrence K.]

Re: LarryK

Thanks for the tip on MasterWorks. I was out to see Werner about 2 years ago but I understand he does not do engines in-house. He seemed reluctant to divulge his machanic's name so I just figured I would look elsewhere. Also I would like to get someone a little closer to where I live. If I can't do any better I may revisit MasterWorks.

[Patrick H.]

Re: LarryK

Thanks for the tip on MasterWorks. I was out to see Werner about 2 years ago but I understand he does not do engines in-house. He seemed reluctant to divulge his machanic's name so I just figured I would look elsewhere. Also I would like to get someone a little closer to where I live. If I can't do any better I may revisit MasterWorks.

Check with John Hinckley (contact him through the board here) and see if he knows of any contacts in your area.

[John H.]

Re: LarryK

Thanks for the tip on MasterWorks. I was out to see Werner about 2 years ago but I understand he does not do engines in-house. He seemed reluctant to divulge his machanic's name so I just figured I would look elsewhere. Also I would like to get someone a little closer to where I live. If I can't do any better I may revisit MasterWorks.

Lawrence -

Talk to owner Mike Henderson at Motor City Muscle, division of D&S Engine Specialists, on Rochester Road in Clawson, (248) 583-9240. They do lots of vintage engine rebuilds. www.motor-city-muscle.com