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Mechanics in SE Michigan

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helpful_person

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I have a 1963 3000 (BJ7) that has been sitting (in a clean dry garage) for about 20 years. Although I would like to do most of the restoration myself I don't have the time and would really like to get the car back on the road.

Obviously, after all that time, there is a lot of work to be done. There are certain parts of the work I can do myself fairly easily (such as brakes, fuel delivery, ignition), however there are areas where I certainly need help. These include, but are not limited to, the steering, suspension and engine. Interior can come later.

The car is in Ann Arbor. Any recommendations regarding a trustworthy and knowledgeable shop? Or should I wait until I have more time to tackle the work myself.

Thanks,

Richard
 
Hi Richard, I too have a '63 BJ7 model AH. Do you have the original top that came with the car? The one that has the two toggle clamps that hold the vinyl rear window in place. Also, are you planning on replacing the top with a zipper rear window?

Sorry about the diversion but I've been looking for one for awhile.
 
If you are in Mountain View, CA, I would have the work done out here. You will need to be able to "drop by" to see the progress and watch the process. Check with Dave Nock at British Car Specialist in Stockton, CA. They are a parts supplier/maintenance/restorer. You should stop by and see their operation. There are several other great restorers out here near you. (On The Road Again, I think is the name, is another near Morgan Hill, CA) If you have it done on the right coast, you are risking a trip where things can go bad if the restoration isn't good and then you'd have to get it back to the restorer. In my opinion, get it done where you live and will be driving.
 
I agree that it would be best to get the work done in Mountain View. However, the cost of transporting a non running car from Michigan to California is quite high. My present idea is to drive it out here after the work is done.

Richard
 
Johnny said:
Hi Richard, I too have a '63 BJ7 model AH. Do you have the original top that came with the car? The one that has the two toggle clamps that hold the vinyl rear window in place. Also, are you planning on replacing the top with a zipper rear window?

Sorry about the diversion but I've been looking for one for awhile.
Click to expand...

The car has been covered for so long that I'm not sure what top it has. I also never drove it with the top up except when getting it home (through a snow storm). However, I'm fairly sure it does not have a zippered window.

I'm also not sure which parts are correct. Although the chassis and body are in "like new" condition it has BJ8 seats and a BJ8 engine.

Richard
 
There is an all British restoration shop in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. This is *just* over the Ohio line, and he might as well be living in Toledo, as that's the closest decent sized town. He's probably 30 - 40 minutes from Ann Arbor, straight down US 23, and he has a truck and trailer so he could transport the car to his location.

Tim Kozlowski (Koz's Classics) isn't much for forums or chatting online, though he's been known to use a computer for car research. His son, Ed, does most of the computer stuff.

He finished a BT7 a few months ago for a neighbor of mine, and is currently doing a BN7 (he has an original unrestored BN7 MKII himself). He has numerous Triumphs, Morgans and all manner of MGs in his restoration resume'. Tim's been driving British cars since before he got his license (the seller drove the car to his parent's house) and he still owns that first TR3! And it's restored, not just a <span style="font-style: italic">someday</span> project! Given that he's about a year older than I am, I'd say he's been involved with British cars about 40 - 42 years!

Tim's number is 734 755 6498 or 734 888 1149 Tell him that "I sent ya!"

Tim has used my services numerous times to rebuild transmissions for him, and I also consider him to be a friend.

Good luck!
 
Randy,

Thanks a lot. I get back to Michigan about once a month, although my time there is fairly busy. However, on one of my next few trips I will certainly speak to Tim. Seems like just the person I'm looking for.

Richard
 
helpful_person said:
Randy,

Thanks a lot. I get back to Michigan about once a month, although my time there is fairly busy. However, on one of my next few trips I will certainly speak to Tim. Seems like just the person I'm looking for.

Richard
Click to expand...
Compared to my description of Tim, you'll have a much better impression once you talk to him. Real nice guy, and he'll tell you the truth.
 
I'd bet you could have the car transported to CA for around $1000.00 and you would probably be in a position to save that much and more if you were nearby the restoration project and saw things as they were happening.
 
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