Other: Recommended repair shops

[pauldornbach]

I live in Sacramento Calif and have just purchased a 1964 GT Hawk R1 from back east and am having it shipped to me. I flew out there and looked it over but did not have a mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection. As far as I know the car does not have any mechanical issues. It starts up the owner took me for a dive in it and claims it has not known mechanical issues (for what thats worth) and that he takes it out several times a month. Once I get the car back to California I may want to have a mechanic go over it for a safety inspection, but more importantly, since I have never worked on cars I would like to have a mechanic whom I can take it to in the future if I do have stuff that needs working on There several shops in Sac that are performance/classic repair shops . I have not called all of them, but there seems to be a hesitancy for working on Studebakers. Are there any recommendations for a shop in Sacramento (preferred) or the Bay area (thats OK i will just have it shipped on a flat bed)

Thank You

Paul Dornbach

[mw2013]

youre in luck, i would have made it to Studebaker west long time ago,if i didn't live in so cal

i heard Carl and his bro, is the real Mccoy

https://studebakerswest.net/

[pauldornbach]

To mw2013:

Thank you for your reply but what I am looking for is someone who works on Studebakers, not a parts dealership

-Paul

[JoeHall]

youre in luck, i would have made it to Studebaker west long time ago,if i didn't live in so cal

i heard Carl and his bro, is the real Mccoy

https://studebakerswest.net/

About 15 years ago, someone from there called me for tech advice on install of the TH400 in a 56 Golden Hawk, using JackNordstrom's kit, since I was one of the few who'd done that. He was a pleasant fellow, and I enjoyed the conversation. I found out (from the customer) several years later they made a special tool to center the GM torque converter onto the Packard flywheel. I used a 2-pound coffee can, but guess they thought that was not 'professional' enough. LOL

[55coupe]

Ottis Auto in Fair Oaks he’s a Packard guy and knows Studebaker’s very well.

[ddub]

To mw2013:

Thank you for your reply but what I am looking for is someone who works on Studebakers, not a parts dealership

-Paul

Their (Studebaker West) ad in Turning Wheels states "Parts and Service."

[StudeRich]

I have known Carl and Herman Thoms since the Late 1960's and they have been working on Studes. for Many Years, in the future they will have to "wind it down" on the Service Part of their Business, the Wire Harness Manufacturing and Parts Sales are more than enough for 2 Brothers to handle, as Age creeps up on them like a Lot of us.

So the time to jump on the opportunity to have a REAL Studebaker familiar Mechanic work on your Car is NOW, not next Tuesday!

[mw2013]

To mw2013:

Thank you for your reply but what I am looking for is someone who works on Studebakers, not a parts dealership

-Paul

call them in the morning, they work on them and doesn't sound like you car needs much...but then again i didn't think mine need much either

[RadioRoy]

To mw2013:

Thank you for your reply but what I am looking for is someone who works on Studebakers, not a parts dealership

-Paul

What gave you the impression that Studebakers West does not work on Studebakers?

[Jeffry Cassel]

Call Studebakers West. I've always found them to be helpful, honest and nice!!

[creegster]

What gave you the impression that Studebakers West does not work on Studebakers?

Yeah, and if Studebakers West cant do the work, they will for sure be able to recommend shops for you....

[pauldornbach]

To 55coupe:

Thank you for your suggestion of Ottis Auto in Fair Oaks. Unfortunately the gentleman is recovering from Covid19 and isnt expected back until the end of the year.

[pauldornbach]

Thank you for your suggesting Studebakers West, I stand corrected they do indeed do repair work! The guy I talked was very helpful and knowledgeable and sounded like straight shooter. They sound like the type of people I would want to take my car to. Unfortunately they are pretty much booked up until early October. Hopefully when my GT Hawk arrives in a couple of weeks there will not be any major issues. If there is a problem, are there any suggestions in the interim?

[studegary]

Thank you for your suggesting Studebakers West, I stand corrected they do indeed do repair work! The guy I talked was very helpful and knowledgeable and sounded like straight shooter. They sound like the type of people I would want to take my car to. Unfortunately they are pretty much booked up until early October. Hopefully when my GT Hawk arrives in a couple of weeks there will not be any major issues. If there is a problem, are there any suggestions in the interim?

The brothers at Studebaker West are good guys that know Studebakers. I have ridden a long distance in their 1964 Hawk.
A couple of weeks brings you to mid-September. I am surprised that they quoted an opening as soon as early October. If you are only talking about two to three weeks, book an appointment now and wait.

[rockne10]

Unfortunately they are pretty much booked up until early October.

That's a whole four weeks from now!
I work at a Bosch authorized general repair shop for modern cars, and we are booked up 3-1/2 weeks as well.
Frankly, I'm surprised their schedule isn't three to six months deep.
Why not spend those four weeks getting to know your new Gran Turismo? Unless you don't plan on keeping it long.