Recomendation Needed

[James H.]

Sorry in advance if this is not the correct place to post this request, but I am new to the membership.

I am located in So. California (Palm Springs area) and I own a 1970 Corvette, LT1 Convertible, that I am looking at having a full restoration completed on. Ultimately I want to make the car a correct "driver", but I do want any work to be NCRS correct. Any recommendations on a restoration shop or expert in the So. California area would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Very Much
Jim

[Don H.]

Re: Recomendation Needed

Jim
the two that quickly come to my mind are Steve Luvisi in Huntington Beach and Jeff Reade at American Motoring Memories in Culver City. Both are Corvette Specialists, do outstanding work, and will cost you an arm and a leg. There are other shops in the LA basin. If you haven't yet, you should join the So Cal chapter and inquire of the judging chairs, John and Bev Legate. They can give you good advice. Contact info for all chapters can be found under Contacts in the large tool bar above. Thank you for joining NCRS and using the Tech Discussion Board.

[Pancho T.]

Re: Recomendation Needed

Jim
the two that quickly come to my mind are Steve Luvisi in Huntington Beach and Jeff Reade at American Motoring Memories in Culver City. Both are Corvette Specialists, do outstanding work, and will cost you an arm and a leg. There are other shops in the LA basin. If you haven't yet, you should join the So Cal chapter and inquire of the judging chairs, John and Bev Legate. They can give you good advice. Contact info for all chapters can be found under Contacts in the large tool bar above. Thank you for joining NCRS and using the Tech Discussion Board.

As usual great advice. You can not go wrong with either of these guys.

[James H.]

Re: Recomendation Needed

Jim
the two that quickly come to my mind are Steve Luvisi in Huntington Beach and Jeff Reade at American Motoring Memories in Culver City. Both are Corvette Specialists, do outstanding work, and will cost you an arm and a leg. There are other shops in the LA basin. If you haven't yet, you should join the So Cal chapter and inquire of the judging chairs, John and Bev Legate. They can give you good advice. Contact info for all chapters can be found under Contacts in the large tool bar above. Thank you for joining NCRS and using the Tech Discussion Board.

Don,

I am talking a bit with Jeff and plan to get to his shop soon to check it out soon and will give Steve a call. Has anyone had any experience with Mike Mermelstein in Ramona, CA at America's Finest Corvettes? He seems to be the largest advertiser in the NCRS publications. I would love to chat with anyone who has had any experiences with him, call me anytime, Thanks, Jim 805-338-814

[Don H.]

Re: Recomendation Needed

Jim
AFC is a reproduction parts vendor. Not a restoration shop. There have been quite a few posts recently here on the TDB about unfavorable experiences with AFC re. shock absorbers I believe. Others have reported positive experience with some of his other parts. If you search you will find threads on AFC. Again, the Legate's can give you some FB on AFC. They live in Ramona.

[James H.]

Re: Recomendation Needed

Jim
AFC is a reproduction parts vendor. Not a restoration shop. There have been quite a few posts recently here on the TDB about unfavorable experiences with AFC re. shock absorbers I believe. Others have reported positive experience with some of his other parts. If you search you will find threads on AFC. Again, the Legate's can give you some FB on AFC. They live in Ramona.

I did visit the AFC shop in ramona and they definitely do restorations. I saw only one in process and Mike seems knowledgeable, but I have had a hard time getting pricing out of him as he had promised to provide me. I will try to track down the "Legate's" to see if they can assist.

Thanks

Jim

[Darryl D.]

Re: Recomendation Needed

You may want to check with Corvette Specialties West (Palm Springs) that have been in the Corvette gauge restoration business for many years for a recommendation. They likely know everyone in your area.

[Bob B.]

Re: Recomendation Needed

I'll second that recommendation on Luvisi, I have seen his work and it is outstanding Scott@The Corvette Shop in Costa Mesa knows his stuff VERY WELL more mechanical repair shop than restoration. I am just finishing a 5 year restoration on a 350/350 convertible,
and I have learned alot the hard way I can give you a couple shops to avoid but I dont think this is the place to bum rap them. The SHARKS,
like your 70 are VERY VERY expensive to restore properly, I think WAY more than a 67-63. Sokolowski is a life saver, he HAS what you need,
dont offend him or you will hate life !!! I live in Indian Wells part time and would be more than happy to point you in what I think is the right direction. IF you got a good / REAL LT1 Conv you HAVE the right car, good move. But be prepared to spend a LOT for a real first class
car, driver is bad enough Top Flight hang on tight ! Bob

[James H.]

Re: Recomendation Needed

Bob,

You responded to me on this post a while back. I live very close to you in the desert, in Indio. I decided to make my 70 LT1 a respectable driver car, keeping it as original as possible. I am still working on it now. If you are out in the desert or have any plans to get out this way soon, I would like to invite you over to take a look at what I am doing with it. Any advice or expertise would be appreciated. Reach out to me if that is a possibility. jhubbard@earthlink.net.

Thanks

Jim