Mechanic suggestion?

Bought my 328 GTB about two years ago, despite a lack of service records. (the limited number of GTBs available and a glowing PPI from the local Ferrari dealer pushed me to make the deal).

I figured I would take care of issues as they arose...thankfully, none have.

But I'm getting nervous.

I'd like to take it to someone trustworthy for a thorough going over to find any hidden issues that I may not realize are there.

Unfortunately, living in the wilds of northwest Arkansas gives limited options...I would be willing to drive 5 or 6 hours to get to the right person. This puts St. Louis, Memphis, Little Rock, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Kansas City into play.

I am thinking Vince Hill (formerly in Joplin, now just outside of KC) is the man to see, but thought I'd solicit opinions from the braintrust here before I make any final plans.

Thoughts?

 

I have some good names in the Chicagoland area. I am guessing too far. PM me if interested.

 

Chris Parr in Kansas, not sure which city?

Norwoods, in Dallas

Rifledriver, in Austin.

 

Bob Smith Coachworks in in Gainesville Texas, even closer.

He's more of a vintage high doller Ferrari guy, you'd better call and inquire about a 328GTB!

 

Yeah...Chicago is probably a little farther than I want to go (unless I have no other options).

I'll let you know if I decide otherwise.

Thanks!

 

Thanks...Norwoods and Rifledriver were in the back of my head, this confirms they need to be on my list.

 

I will be in Austin Thursday, you can help Amanda move, and then we will go to the Broken Spoke..

Bob Smith is closest to you, I think Chris Parr is in KC, look down at the Crescent Classic threads, that's his event...I met him in New Orleans, he in the F40LM and his wife in a Dino 246.

 

Chris Parr's member name here, is now "cmparrenzo".

Send him a PM, and ask where his shop is located!

 

Don't tempt me...my wife used to live in Austin, and we still love to visit.

 

David Moore at Moorespeed is also a fine shop to use, in Austin.

If you can get him away from the gazillion vintage Challenge racers he cares for there. He has done a lot of great work for me before Brian arrived!

Brian has worked on 308s since they were new, but David is not yet that old...

 

At the Broken Spoke.😄. Are you still sneak'n in

 

Ozark Imports in Springdale employs an FChat member who owns a 308 and 355 and I've spoken to them and they seem to be on the level. My car's never seen the inside of a shop since I bought it though, so I can't say much more from personal experience. If I ever had a catastrophic mechanical failure beyond my ability or free time then they would probably be where I would go.

If I were looking for the ultimate PPI (post purchase, in this case), based on my FChat lurking, it would be Rifledriver in Austin.

 

I had my car in to Ozark Imports for an oil change (normally would have done it myself, but had a scheduling issue). I was pleased with their work, and felt confident in their ability.

But one of the things I'm also looking for is "notoriety". Given the lack of historical service records, when and if the time comes to sell, it seems like a careful assessment (and corresponding repairs) by a well-known mechanic would help to ease the mind of a potential buyer.

...does that seem reasonable?

 

Problem here. This site will not let members know what places are bad

 

I reccomend Ron Rineke here in Atlanta. it would be worth the drive / or ship the car both financially and quality wise.

 

Hmmmm.

Not against the rules for someone to PM me with their experience, though...right?

 

Thanks!

Looks like I've got quite a few phone calls to make.

 

Definitely, and I think maybe I misread your original question. The difference between a shop capable of working on a car and one that's seen countless examples and able to pass on their time-earned wisdom is pretty big. No local shop in NWA is going to be able to provide that level of experience, there just aren't enough of the cars around this part of the woods.

I've seen word get around plenty of times regardless. Truly bad reps are virtually impossible to erase on the Internet.

 

We have smoothed all that over, I still steer clear of the younger daughter, that teaches the dance lessons...

We will get you inside, no problem!!

 

I just completed a major maintenance/upgrade on my '79 308 GTB with Vince Hill (Black Horse Motor Werks). His shop is about 30 minutes south of Leawood, KS, a Kansas City suburb. His customers include service/support for several challenge cars. I highly recommend him. He knows what he is doing and he is an all around "good guy".
I believe Chris Parr closed his shop.

 

Sorry I don't know any of them personally save one(actually, two). I do know Rifledriver from a shared love of the same sport from many years ago. His handle here says it.

If he is the same absolute meticulas (read: "absolutely anal") down to a knat's ass, individual I knew then, now, and there is absolutely no reason to believe otherwise based on his posts here, he and the "Mile-High Mad Man" would be my first two choices.


ABSOLUTE No Dis intended to the others here, I just haven't met or know them personally in any way.

 

Thanks...Vince was top of my list...I was kind of surprised no one had mentioned him yet.