| Author |
Message |
bob behner (Ferrari4bob)
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2001 - 5:28 am: | |
william,I do the most of my own work but when I need some extra help advice etc.I go to this shop in Van Nuys ca.called FRANCO,S EUROPEAN SPORTS CARS. AT 818 994-5656 i would that he is one of the most knowledgeable,honest and reliable mechanics. around.Why you say is because I have a auto transporting company and we go all over the place.And i find these peopole are very good. . |
chris cummings (Entelechy)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2001 - 9:16 pm: | |
Alex,
Thanks, that's a great idea - hopefully Eugenio would be cool with that. I'm lining up my ducks before purchasing my first 308, but may be going out of town for eight months on another film - I'd hate to finally purchase my dream car, then have it sit in storage all that time. Still, while I've got the time.
Are you in the L.A. area? If so, we should keep in touch.
Best,
~Chris |
Alex Vivaldi (Vivaldi)
| | Posted on Saturday, August 18, 2001 - 9:11 pm: | |
Chris - I agree with your comment on the mugshot (although I have seen these as an Internet funny before). However, I think he is well worth considering based on interaction so far, on backlog of willing customers and on pricing. Also, Eugenio offered to have me come look at his operation some weekend. I'm reasonably sure he would do the same for you. Best way to gauge something is to go see it for yourself. Good luck, and maybe we'll meet at Eugenio's someday. |
chris cummings (Entelechy)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 14, 2001 - 4:10 pm: | |
Alex,
I'm also interested in finding a reliable/competent mechanic in the L.A. area and checked out your link to Eugenio's site. Everything looked great, but what's up with the MUGSHOT he advertises with. Doesn't exactly inspire confidence and if it's a joke, it seems in poor taste. |
Arnaldo Torres (Caribe)
| | Posted on Friday, August 10, 2001 - 6:30 pm: | |
Oops! Sandra, never mind, I just saw your posting down below! |
Arnaldo Torres (Caribe)
| | Posted on Friday, August 10, 2001 - 12:45 pm: | |
Sandra, Where do you take your car? and what kind of experiences have you had?
Caribe. |
Sandra Cairncross (Sandrac)
| | Posted on Friday, August 10, 2001 - 1:42 am: | |
Ah yes, Kevork. I met him at a Concours a couple of years ago...nice enough guy. I've heard pros and cons about him, but I have no personal experience. One example for you to ponder however: on one Ferrari club event/run, he drove a Ferrari (maybe a 246 Dino but not sure) and he won the "car with most oil leaks" award...that would scare me off any mechanic. Get some more customer recommendations about him. |
Arnaldo Torres (Caribe)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 9:54 pm: | |
I have used a mechanic in North Hollywood for a couple of small items (oil change, and exhaust change), but I know a couple of Ferrari owners that have used him for major items such as the 30K service and differential replacement. His name is Kevork and his business name is Fine Auto Service (818)755-9555. I was recommended him by these owners and it seems that they think very highly of him. One thing that I noticed is that he wants to do everything that you car might need in one visit, hence you have to control his enthusiasm so that you get done only what you want on that visit.
Caribe. |
Alex Vivaldi (Vivaldi)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 7:58 pm: | |
I am about to trust my business (getting an 87 Mondial) to Eugenio
http://emelbon.tripod.com/eugeniosferrariservice.html
He guided me through selecting a car, was extremely professional, spent the time with me on the phone as well in e-mails, even assessed a set of pictures on an east-coast car. He does this because he likes to as a weekend thing, his prices are hard to beat (posted on website above)and he has a 2-month backlog. Only problem is he's located northeast of you - around Glendora. |
Sandra Cairncross (Sandrac)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 5:49 pm: | |
I use Steve Maxwell's Exotic Car Service and have been pretty much happy with his work, but you have to get to know him so he knows what you want and expect. He tends to not do work that isnt needed immediately, but will be needed relatively soon. I'm of the mind that while you're in there, go ahead and get it over with. He thinks all owners want to spend as little as possible...better than thinking in the opposite direction. (ie this guy's got bucks so I'll do anything and everything and they'll pay for it). A friend that also has a 308 lives farther north and used Los Gatos. |
Rob Breton (Parilla)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 4:11 pm: | |
Since you are in the South Bay area I would have to reccomend a local mechanic in the lomita / Torrance area. The name is Diro, They handle alot of the exotics in the Palos Verdes and local beach cities. We have used them for years and have refered many customers. Note: I dont usually reccomend people to anyone but the quality, care and cosistancy is worth a try. Feel Free to email me if you like any further info. |
Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 3:52 pm: | |
My 348ts had $12,000.00 worth of work done at Francorchamps of Costa Mesa six months before I purchased it. I have a service order describing the work. The description of work is as follows:
Major Service
Clutch rebuild
Tubi exhaust
The previous owner sold the car two months after this work was completed.
The major service had to be redone. I had it redone at Ferrari of Los Gatos. The technician at Ferrari of Los Gatos said the previous work was done by a totally incompetent *******. There were parts missing from the engine (clips, screws,caps) and an assortment of things that you would think a quality Ferrari tech would not let happen. Also there was a service bulleton that had to do with oil drainage. Either Francorchamps did not have the template to correctly drill the holes needed or they forgot about it. Half of the service bulleton was completed.
The clutch was never right so I had it redone. The clutch action was like driving a truck. Looking at the clutch rebuild, you could see that it was only half done. My clutch is a double plate. One plate did not have any material on it. That is why it never worked right.
The Tubi exhaust was installed incorrectly. After checking with Tubi, it was determined that the exhaust was defective from the factory. The flanges were too short. Tubi warrantied the parts.
I called Francorchamps and spoke with the owner. I asked the owner to call Ferrari of Los Gatos and speak with the tech about these concerns. He showed no interest. His answer was; "I'm sorry. But we did not do the work for you." That is true, they did not do the work for me. However, you would think that a business owner that claims to be in the business of doing quality Ferrari work would be concerned about any feedback.
Be careful if you decide to do business with Francorchamps.
Dan |
William F. Newland (Wmnewland)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 2:27 pm: | |
Anybody have any experience with a southern Califorina located Ferrari Mechanic (independent) and or body shop? Looking in the west LA area but will consider going farther for the right person/shop. |
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