[freebird69]

I've had my 69 Firebird for over 20 years and I have always at least tried to handle all of the mechanical problems myself. The sad truth is that It's getting difficult as I age and the days of me crawling around on the concrete are over. Last summer I had to take my car in to have a broken motor mount bolt and rear main seal replaced and I had to call around to find someone that actually had experience with old cars. It would be nice if others had positive experiences.

Do any of you around SE MI know of any good an reliable shops that you can recommend?

[Pershing]

I am in SE Michigan and I feel your pain. There was a great guy in Manchester that I used for many years but he passed away last year. He even had a paint shop and a body shop in addition to a machine shop. A fellow in Ann Arbor ran a normal service station but he liked to work on "60-'80 cars too. He sold it and the new owners just want the normal wear and tear, brake jobs, AC repair, oil change lube, etc. So no, sadly i can't find anyone either that is reputable, trustworthy and can and likes to work on older cars.

[freebird69]

I assume that there must be guys that enjoy working on older cars and can be trusted. FYI, I just had some work done by a guy in Pontiac MI who was recommended by a Pontiac owner I met at a car show. The guy is apparently experienced with Pontiacs but I had a horrible experience with this guy regarding shoddy and incomplete work. The only thing that I can think of to do is to call around to local shops and start picking guys brains.

[Sirrotica]

Car clubs would also be another source to find a competent mechanic in and around your area. Some of the members have to be in the same boat as you are in, and have had to source out repairs.

Many times excellent mechanics can be found that are connected to race tracks and events. Usually dirt tracks can have some high quality mechanics around them, there are hacks too, in every field, so reputation is the key.

[freebird69]

Originally Posted by Sirrotica

Car clubs would also be another source to find a competent mechanic in and around your area. Some of the members have to be in the same boat as you are in, and have had to source out repairs.

Many times excellent mechanics can be found that are connected to race tracks and events. Usually dirt tracks can have some high quality mechanics around them, there are hacks too, in every field, so reputation is the key.

That's a great idea, thanks! Since it's winter and no events happening I might just reach out to some Pontiac related clubs near me via email or whatever and see what I can find.

[RedBird67]

Originally Posted by freebird69

I assume that there must be guys that enjoy working on older cars and can be trusted. FYI, I just had some work done by a guy in Pontiac MI who was recommended by a Pontiac owner I met at a car show. The guy is apparently experienced with Pontiacs but I had a horrible experience with this guy regarding shoddy and incomplete work. The only thing that I can think of to do is to call around to local shops and start picking guys brains.

I’m in exactly the same predicament. Being in the Detroit area, it would seem solid mechanics, especially for the iconic cars from the Big 3, that we’d be deep with builders and talent.

Im glad to have found this thread, since I’m in need of substantial (but straightforward) work on the car. Basically, I need to pony up and get a lift for the garage but also need skilled input with what I’d like to do.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by RedBird67

I’m in exactly the same predicament. Being in the Detroit area, it would seem solid mechanics, especially for the iconic cars from the Big 3, that we’d be deep with builders and talent.

Im glad to have found this thread, since I’m in need of substantial (but straightforward) work on the car. Basically, I need to pony up and get a lift for the garage but also need skilled input with what I’d like to do.

I'd say we are swimming in local (and national level) talent but they are working on their own stuff.

Contacting the local clubs is a good idea. I would suggest the Widetrackers chapter of POCI (more like the Lapeer area) and the Motor City Chapter (Howell/Milford area).

K

http://miwidetrackers16.org/pageone.htm

https://motorcitypoci.com/

[freebird69]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I'd say we are swimming in local (and national level) talent but they are working on their own stuff.

Contacting the local clubs is a good idea. I would suggest the Widetrackers chapter of POCI (more like the Lapeer area) and the Motor City Chapter (Howell/Milford area).

K

http://miwidetrackers16.org/pageone.htm

https://motorcitypoci.com/

Yep, there are a lot of motorheads in our area but not in the shops apparently. Like I mentioned in the OP, I called a bunch of shops in my area not long ago and most said "sorry but we don't work on old cars." In my mind I think.... but aren't older cars easier to repair than new ones? Heck, I had to consult Mr Youtube just to replace the battery in my Equinox!

FYI, I popped onto the MIWidetrackers site and they have a link called "Mechanics that do good work." When you pick it it has one link that is permanently closed. :-(

[freebird69]

Originally Posted by RedBird67

I’m in exactly the same predicament. Being in the Detroit area, it would seem solid mechanics, especially for the iconic cars from the Big 3, that we’d be deep with builders and talent.

Im glad to have found this thread, since I’m in need of substantial (but straightforward) work on the car. Basically, I need to pony up and get a lift for the garage but also need skilled input with what I’d like to do.

You would think with all of the classic cars around our area there would be enough demand for repair that shops to work on them. I know a lot of guys work on their own cars but there are many that don't and they all need stuff done. Maybe it's too seasonal?

[XLR8STEVE]

I am in SE MI also. DM me what you are looking to have done as what you need dictates who I may be able to give you for referral.