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Restorer recommendation

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I also give a thumbs-up to John and Robert Wilson of "Healey Lane Restorations" in Marcola, Oregon. Their sole focus is restoring big Healeys. He and his son Robert have been restoring cars for many years, and they have a busy shop filled with Healeys under restoration, as well as for service. Their cars have consistently reached very high values ($100K+) at Barret Jackson, so you can be sure you'll have a car which is recognized (at least by auction buyers) as a desirable restoration. Full disclosure- I've known John since I was about 12 years old and have become good friends with Robert, and when I grow up I want to do what they do for a living!
You can reach John at 541-933-2016.
 
jcsb said:
Randy,
Your car looks great.
John
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Thank you!

MarshgrassA said:
Randy,
Your car does look great but where in FL did you find snow?
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And thank you too! I've only been in Florida 1-1/2 years, though I was at my parents house for Thanksgiving in 1982, and it snowed in (Spring Hill) Florida then.

About 10 minutes after I took that profile shot of the Healey, it started snowing and didn't let up for about a day and half, dropping about 9 or 10" on us. It might rain a lot in Florida, but at least you don't have to shovel it!
 
Hi Patrick,
I sent you a pm for some information on who you used. Got back the car with the Jules frame on it. Would be interested in who and how much.
John
 
Since you live partially in Santa Fe, I suggest you talk to Dave Porter of Porter Customs in Albuquerque. He is quite familiar with Healeys. He really doesn't do concours level restorations but he will fix what's broken and deliver a decent driver and looker at a reasonable price.

I would be reluctant to send a car across the country to a specialist unless I was willing to let the restorer loose to do whatever is needed for a concours level restoration. I would prefer to deal with a local person so I could visit and be part of all the decisions that come up when working on these cars.
 
Hi Bill,
Thanks for the information. Presently the car and all the parts are in Houston. I'm doing all the mechanical's and electric. I really need someone to finish the body and paint.
John
 
Hi Randy.
I meant to ask you this before; Are those Dayton "Cobra" center laced wheels? Are they 15x6's? Thanks, it looks beautiful BTW.
Chris...

Randy Forbes said:
Well, that's the exact reason I chose Paul Tsikuris; I had restored the chassis and running gear from the ground up, but at the final finishing stage, I had to either accept my limitations, or swallow hard and pay the man. I knew for a fact that Paul had already restored many Big Healeys, so he'd be well aware of the pitfalls of their bodywork, and how to manipulate it for acceptable gaps and finish.

I was trying to find a couple pictures representing the door gaps, but this was the best I think of...

IMG_7623.jpg
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I like Healey Surgeons in the Washington DC area (MD side) 301-270-8811. Bruce and Ian know more about Healeys than anyone I know. I've never bought an incorrect part there and never had quality issues with the parts, and they can repair/restore anything you need. If you're doing a project yourself but need their help on one portion (e.g. rebuilding front end but need them to ream the king pin bushings and press in new ones) they can to the portion you need and let you do the rest of the job.
 
jcsb said:
Actually I had one of the members look at it who does the kind of work I need done. I found another shop who is in Tomball (north Houston) who seems very capable.
John
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John:.

I know of a shop in Montgomery (north of Houston ~50 miles) that does good work. I had some shipping damage on my Sprite done there last year (note - I didn't pay for it) -- the car turned out great. I am interested who you found in Tomball - can you PM me the details?

Thanks!
 
AN6-TX said:
John:.

I know of a shop in Montgomery (north of Houston ~50 miles) that does good work. I had some shipping damage on my Sprite done there last year (note - I didn't pay for it) -- the car turned out great. I am interested who you found in Tomball - can you PM me the details?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
PM sent.
John
 
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