Referral for mechanical work on a classic XKE | FerrariChat

Referral for mechanical work on a classic XKE

Discussion in 'Florida' started by racergirl, Nov 6, 2013.

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  1. racergirl

    racergirl Karting

    Feb 24, 2005
    127
    Do any of you have experience with someone who works on classic XKEs? Preferably someone who knows how to look under the hood and not someone who will hook the car up to a computer and say there's nothing wrong with it even though the convertible top is stuck halfway between up and down right in front of your eyes. What about Gables Cats? Any opinions? Thank you
     
  2. beachmk4

    beachmk4 Formula Junior

    Mar 2, 2012
    260
    Florida
    Steve Smith at Twin Cam in Sarasota. The best. Did a complete rebuild on my E-Type motor as well as every race car motor I've ever owned, all British cars. He is the very best. Call 941-923-0024. Tell him Chip said to call. He does it all and has extensive knowledge of E-Types. Well worth the trip. I live an equal distance from him and wouldn't go anywhere else. He also works on my old Rolls Royces. I just did a 1000 miles in my 1933 and didn't have a single issue.
     
  3. racergirl

    racergirl Karting

    Feb 24, 2005
    127
    Thank you.
     
  4. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    I've known Steve for >20 years. He is the best for anything classic British. He did a great job on my Elan.
     
  5. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

    Nov 1, 2003
    35,532
    Victory Circle
    Full Name:
    HUBBSTER
    How do you hook an XKE to a computer ? :)
     
  6. paulie_b

    paulie_b F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    Jan 13, 2003
    6,842
    Jupiter, FL
    Full Name:
    Paul Bianco
    what year and model do you have?
    is Jupiter too far for you?
     
  7. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran

    Nov 3, 2003
    6,174
    En El 305
    Full Name:
    Barton Workman
    Distance Earth to Jupiter: 928,081,020KM.

    In astronomical units the distance varies from 4.2 AU to 6.2 AU.

    The Jag would need a seriously big gas tank to get there I'm guessing.

    BHW
     
  8. LouB

    LouB Formula 3

    Apr 15, 2001
    1,811
    FL, OR
    +100. he kept my XK150 runniing like a watch.
     
  9. racergirl

    racergirl Karting

    Feb 24, 2005
    127
    It's a 1963 XK-E coupe. Jupiter is good. My friend has a house on Jupiter Island.
     
  10. oss117

    oss117 F1 Rookie

    Jan 26, 2006
    4,185
    Plantation, Florida
    Full Name:
    Alfredo
    Mara, I would recommend Formula 1 in Naples: very good and very thorough.
    At any given time they have a number of classic / exotic cars under repair or restoration and they are the only one that I know of that can fix the windows of a Ferrari 456.
     
  11. htb3

    htb3 Formula Junior

    May 30, 2005
    629
    FL
    Full Name:
    Tom
    Hayes at Wire Wheels in Vero Beach sells a lot of old British cars and may be able to recommend someone in the area that can help you, since he goes to car events all over the state. Eagle Automotive is next to his shop and they have done work on some of the cars he sells, but I dont know if they are Jaguar experts.
     
  12. racergirl

    racergirl Karting

    Feb 24, 2005
    127
    Thank you, Alfredo. Hope you and Mara are doing well.
     
  13. racergirl

    racergirl Karting

    Feb 24, 2005
    127
    Thank you. Several people highly recommended Steve Smith, so I think we're going to go with him, but I appreciate the advice.
     
  14. beachmk4

    beachmk4 Formula Junior

    Mar 2, 2012
    260
    Florida
    BTW, Steve does work for Hayes as well!! They are good friends.
     
  15. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,855
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    Just curious, who would you recommend in or near Jupiter? I have a '70 XKE coupe I'll be bringing down there next spring, and a couple of friends with E rag tops there as well. Knowing a good local mechanic would be helpful.
     
  16. paulie_b

    paulie_b F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    Jan 13, 2003
    6,842
    Jupiter, FL
    Full Name:
    Paul Bianco
    Mara,sorry, for the delayed response. You can also try Ryan Noble in Jupiter 561-743-6441.
    He has a mechanic working for him that specializes in Jags. Mention my name if you call.
    Good luck.
     
  17. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    No worries about the tank. It would have to be towed, anyway.....
     
  18. ICUPhysician

    ICUPhysician Karting

    Aug 2, 2012
    55
    Boca Raton FL
    Full Name:
    Steve Frank
    I generally do all my own work on my E-type. If I can be of assistance please feel free to contact me. I've owned or restored a dozen of them over the years, beginning in 1974. My current and forever E type is a 1967 Coupe, fully restored. I've owned her since 1982, an engagement present from my wife.
    As for mechanics hereabouts, I've had some limited contact with The Jaguar Doctor here in Boca. He does excellent work but is kinda pricey. That being said he is very well informed, talented and quite trustworthy. Highly recommended.
    Contact me if I can be of assistance. Always delighted to meet fellow E-type folks.
    Steve
     

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