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Post Info TOPIC: Looking for mechanic/shop recommendations in the North Subs (Anoka County)
sgulasch


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Looking for mechanic/shop recommendations in the North Subs (Anoka County)
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Hey all. I'm looking for recommendations for a mechanic/shop that could do some service on my 1970 Chevelle SS396 that my dad last restored in 1980 and had running until 1996 when he passed. 

Nutshell background:

I ended up getting it from my mother in 2012 when i finally bought my first house and got a garage. Two years later I eventually had the timing chain nylon fail and clogged the oil pump thus ruin the engine and my uncle and I rebuilt the engine in 2014. The following year I ended up buying a 2016 Camaro SS and put the Chevelle on hold as it was having a variety of electrical issues that left me stranded more than I care to count.  I pretty much mothballed the Chevelle only performing basic winterization/maintenance task with gas, oil, and tires. I eventually figured out the electrical issues during the Covid summers and enjoyed limited summertime runs maybe putting 200-500 miles on it annually just to keep it from sitting to long.  The Camaro was quite the car.  It's hard to drive the tank, when the jet is in next to it in the garage.

Anyway I had the Camaro and life went on like this for 8 years and another midlife crisis change happened and in 2023 I traded the Camaro in for a new Sierra 1500.  Ignoring, nor neglecting the Chevelle worn on me and I feel guilty for not using/enjoying and protecting the car as much as I should have.  A lot of that was in the Camaro payment and other house expenses and just how life makes you prioritize different things.  Now I'm older and doing better across the board and want to get back and focusing on the Chevelle. I know there's plenty of steering, cooling, and suspension/stabilization work that needs to be reviewed for failing from 40 years of age and low/moderate use. I'm handy in general, but my level of expertise, equipment, and working space isn't what this car deserves. I also don't feel this is the car I learn those practices on, it's too important to me for me to get my ego in the way and F something up  I'm looking for the guy who's already done that years and years ago and has the skills, knowledge, and "Art&Science" of working on classic cars. 

Any recommendations? 



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Derek69SS


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Ryan Buck at Radar Customs in Columbus MN.
radarcustoms.com/



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Derek Kiefer - Mantorville, MN

69 Malibu Pro-Touring stroker LS1-383/T56 - 69 SS396-325/3spd project
Chris R


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We have been known to come out & give owners and club members a hand with their projects. I dont see a reason why we couldnt make plans to come help you out getting the car running.

 



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Chris - Ramsey, MN.

Dear Optimist, Pessimist, and Realist.

While you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water. I drank it!

Sincerly,

The opportunist.
John D


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Actually this is the perfect car to learn on... It's cromagnon in comparison to anything on the road now. Extremely simple electrics (NO computers), basic mechanicals, practically no "special tool XY9Z7-kjxfli" needed, it's just a car.

As Chris mentioned, we have a talent pool of members approaching 200+ combined years of experience dealing with Chevelles (and other old crap!). If there's a problem or maintenance need with a particular system (brakes, steering, axle, trans, engine, electrics, body, windows, whatever) there's someone in the Club who "specializes" in that area, or has been there/done that. And, we work cheap!

Some of our best Club activities have been getting together at a Members house/garage and helping them out with a problem they are uncomfortable or unsure of repairing themselves. We'll bring tools or a specialty gadget if needed, and help you out.

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John D. - St. Louis Park, MN.

1965 El Camino - LT-1, 4L60e, 4wh discs, SC&C susp.
2013 F-150 Platinum - Twin Turbo 3.5

2018 Factory Five MkIV Roadster build thread
AK


Event Coordinator

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Scott,

Agree with other club members' comments. They have been incredibly supportive of my 71 project over the past 10 years and I always enjoy working with the club on my car and helping others.

Consider a working session to reivew (we are looking at options for August, but often folks are available before then)

The club typically meets the 3rd week of every month.

Maybe you know this already, but want to share.

 

Thanks,

Andrew Kraling



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Andrew K

Minneapolis

1971 Chevelle M22 468
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