Where In SoCal Do You Have Your Classic Vette Serviced?
11-13-2013, 03:14 PM
#1
Where In SoCal Do You Have Your Classic Vette Serviced?
Just curious to gather opinions on the best place to keep a low mileage, very original Corvette serviced/repaired. In my case, a 69 L46. Basically looking for someone who can keep my car original, very knowledgeable about the specifics of older Corvettes, will use and know the right parts and methods. Doesn't have to be the cheapest option, per se. More important that they are honest, and know classic Vettes backwards and forwards. I am willing to go as far as Corvette Mike in Anaheim, but the closer to the city the better. Any informed opinions will be appreciated. Thanks, gang!
11-13-2013, 10:40 PM
#2
Melting Slicks
I'm very happy with Mike Bradley in Chatsworth, he does our original '64 Corvette, and our hot rod '65 El Camino.
10121 Canoga Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 882-0717
Tim and Mike know their stuff and are great to work with.
Bruce
10121 Canoga Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 882-0717
Tim and Mike know their stuff and are great to work with.
Bruce
11-13-2013, 10:50 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
Probably the most knowledgable and best priced mechanic is Steve LuVisi at Automotive Expertise in Huntington Beach. He did his 100th body off restoration on the '64 on Overhaulin' many years ago and also did the '57 on that show. But don't hold that against him. 
He knows NCRS better than most people know the back of their hand.
Many people on the C1/C2/C3 Forums won't go anyplace else or let anyone else touch their car. When you go to his shop, it is always a car show/candy store in there.
(BTW, he has and drives an NCRS Top Flight '68 L-88 roadster.)
BTW, lots of people with bad experiences at Corvette Mike's.
He knows NCRS better than most people know the back of their hand.
Many people on the C1/C2/C3 Forums won't go anyplace else or let anyone else touch their car. When you go to his shop, it is always a car show/candy store in there.
(BTW, he has and drives an NCRS Top Flight '68 L-88 roadster.)
BTW, lots of people with bad experiences at Corvette Mike's.
Last edited by toddalin; 11-13-2013 at 10:53 PM.
11-14-2013, 03:32 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
i take my classic 69 427 Stingray to Miles at ACME garage in San Diego. this guy is a master of the carburetor, he has my tri power running like a freight train. they also do non performance work, like fixing door handles, windows, windshield wipers, etc...
Call and speak with Miles 858.874.6906
Call and speak with Miles 858.874.6906
11-15-2013, 04:28 PM
#7
Supporting Vendor
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: Harbor City California
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OP We are a Corvette Specific/ Specialty Shop located in the South bay. In recent years we have become a more dedicated corvette performance and race pre shop but we have lots of experience working on Corvettes of all years from C2-C6. PM us for any additional information.
11-19-2013, 01:47 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
Like Corvette Mike, many mixed reviews for J&D. My experience with them was mostly bad and I was even friends with the owner (Noel Park) at the time.
I had them assemble the rear end that Coast Corvette built (to the wrong ratio, but that's another story). I told them to use the big block end caps and replace the U-joints.
They didn't use the BB end caps and had to redo the job. When I finally picked up the car, much of the exhaust had not been reattached and when I pointed it out, I had to wait for it to be done.
I asked if they replaced the U-joints and they said they were good so they just lubed them.
I took the car to the 1/4 mile and a U-joint let go. This caused over $3K worth of damage as the half shaft came into the car with me bouncing on the pavement and doing lots of damage under there (noisey too).
Steve LuVisi then did the repairs (and is now the only one who touches the car). He told me that the U-joints were badly worn and bone dry and had not even been serviced.
I told Noel what had happened and his response was (and I quote), "We don't warantee cars that are raced" and would have nothing to do with it.
But, if you need a used part, sometimes they are the only game in town.
I had them assemble the rear end that Coast Corvette built (to the wrong ratio, but that's another story). I told them to use the big block end caps and replace the U-joints.
They didn't use the BB end caps and had to redo the job. When I finally picked up the car, much of the exhaust had not been reattached and when I pointed it out, I had to wait for it to be done.
I asked if they replaced the U-joints and they said they were good so they just lubed them.
I took the car to the 1/4 mile and a U-joint let go. This caused over $3K worth of damage as the half shaft came into the car with me bouncing on the pavement and doing lots of damage under there (noisey too).
Steve LuVisi then did the repairs (and is now the only one who touches the car). He told me that the U-joints were badly worn and bone dry and had not even been serviced.
I told Noel what had happened and his response was (and I quote), "We don't warantee cars that are raced" and would have nothing to do with it.
But, if you need a used part, sometimes they are the only game in town.
11-19-2013, 09:13 PM
#10
Race Director
Interesting! I've had good fortune taking my C4's and C5's there and every time I pull on the lot I see the early Vettes. I think Noel even races a C1 or C2 and u know about the parts and body shop so I am a surprised
11-19-2013, 10:52 PM
#11
Le Mans Master
Noel runs (or ran) a yellow '58. We've known Noel and Diane since ~'84 from days of The Vette Set of Manhattan Beach. IIRC, prior to owning J&D he was an architect or draftman. He also has (or had) a beautiful green '66 back in the day.
Last edited by toddalin; 11-19-2013 at 11:01 PM.
12-01-2013, 01:46 AM
#12
Instructor
Member Since: Sep 2011
Location: Lake Forest CA
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Probably the most knowledgable and best priced mechanic is Steve LuVisi at Automotive Expertise in Huntington Beach. He did his 100th body off restoration on the '64 on Overhaulin' many years ago and also did the '57 on that show. But don't hold that against him.
He knows NCRS better than most people know the back of their hand.
Many people on the C1/C2/C3 Forums won't go anyplace else or let anyone else touch their car. When you go to his shop, it is always a car show/candy store in there.
(BTW, he has and drives an NCRS Top Flight '68 L-88 roadster.)
BTW, lots of people with bad experiences at Corvette Mike's.
He knows NCRS better than most people know the back of their hand.
Many people on the C1/C2/C3 Forums won't go anyplace else or let anyone else touch their car. When you go to his shop, it is always a car show/candy store in there.
(BTW, he has and drives an NCRS Top Flight '68 L-88 roadster.)
BTW, lots of people with bad experiences at Corvette Mike's.
12-01-2013, 12:02 PM
#13
It's so hard to recomend a shop. We all have different experiences with the same shop. I was friends with my local Vette shop. I took my 12000 mile C5 in for a transmission service. He recomended a part that would help with faster shifting. He ended up breaking my housing. Three times the trans came out. He blamed it on the trans. I ended up paying him $1500 just to get my car back. He lied every step of the way. I share this story with every Vette owner who will listen. Don't give him a chance to screw you. That would be Top Flight Corvette in San Diego. Some people love him. I used too.....
12-01-2013, 10:27 PM
#15
Le Mans Master
Last edited by toddalin; 12-01-2013 at 10:33 PM.
02-22-2014, 07:56 PM
#17
I just had a prospective car looked at by the HB guy, and would never go back to him. He is rude and acts as if you are bothering him. His testing equipment was not functioning correctly either. He may know a bunch about the older cars, but needs to understand customer service when people are paying him.
02-22-2014, 08:04 PM
#18
Instructor
Member Since: Sep 2011
Location: Lake Forest CA
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I just had a prospective car looked at by the HB guy, and would never go back to him. He is rude and acts as if you are bothering him. His testing equipment was not functioning correctly either. He may know a bunch about the older cars, but needs to understand customer service when people are paying him.
08-28-2017, 01:28 PM
#19
Cruising
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Location: san juan capo calif
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08-30-2017, 01:18 AM
#20
Melting Slicks
Probably the most knowledgable and best priced mechanic is Steve LuVisi at Automotive Expertise in Huntington Beach. He did his 100th body off restoration on the '64 on Overhaulin' many years ago and also did the '57 on that show. But don't hold that against him.
He knows NCRS better than most people know the back of their hand.
Many people on the C1/C2/C3 Forums won't go anyplace else or let anyone else touch their car. When you go to his shop, it is always a car show/candy store in there.
BTW, lots of people with bad experiences at Corvette Mike's.
He knows NCRS better than most people know the back of their hand.
Many people on the C1/C2/C3 Forums won't go anyplace else or let anyone else touch their car. When you go to his shop, it is always a car show/candy store in there.
BTW, lots of people with bad experiences at Corvette Mike's.
Steve diagnosed and fixed a belt issue on my C4, in <10 minutes, then refused to take $$ for it. This, a problem that baffled a couple 'expert' Vette shops.
Ditto > (CM)
Last edited by whalepirot; 08-30-2017 at 01:19 AM.