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Figured I would start a new thread on my uncles 70 E type I started three years ago.
He is ready to pull the trigger to begin this restoration. He does not want me to invest the time into it. He wants a shop to handle everything under one roof and then hand it off to me. I am at a loss of words every time I think about this amazing offer of him.
Looking for recommendations in the New England area. Car is in Riverdale NJ. Once air gets into the tires I can haul it anywhere easy enough. I have done some hunting, but not much is showing up for some reason?
It has been fun lurking here and seeing all the amazing work many of you have done. I am looking forward to entering the brotherhood of E Types.
It would be worth at least talking to the folks at F40 Motorsports in Portland, CT. They're easy to find online. Owner Wayne Carini is the host of the show Chasing Classic Cars and his shop restores Jags and other rare cars. If they don't want to take on your project for some reason, they may be able to recommend a good Jag restoration specialist in your area.
I also live in NJ and when it became time to restore my 1964 E-type roadster I shipped it off to Muncie Imports & Classics in Muncie, Indiana. They sent a transporter to pick it up and the additional shipping costs were an insignificant part of the overall costs.
The complete nut & bolt restoration took 16 months because my car was in very rough shape and needed everything.
14 years later my car still looks and drives like new.
Check out their website: www.muncieimports.com. They are truly E-type specialists and when I visited their shop there were a dozen E-types in various states of restoration.
If you want it done right the first time ship your car to Muncie.
I have no affiliation with them other than being a satisfied customer.
First of all, there are a few things to think about. Unlike a typical repair, a restoration project really can't be accurately estimated. There will be days when the shop calls and says they've found some new horror that needs to be attended to before they can advance. At that point, the car will be in pieces and you'll be stuck. If you bind a shop to an estimate, then you'll end up with shoddy work. Whatever number they give is a plan, and you should be prepared to miss the target. That said, this car appears to have great bones, and should come together nicely.
You need to find a restorer you trust. This is a long term relationship (figure two years, could be more, won't be much less). And its someone who is playing on your dime. It may be better to use someone in your backyard than a shop two states away, because you'll need to see and understand what's being done.
Finally,, you should go to Jag-Lovers or the UK forum and read through several of the long threads where owners have documented their restoration projects. It's tedious to read at times, but the more you understand how these cars are put together, the better you can manage your shop. Whatever you do, find a shop with E-Type experience, as these cars are unique. Your low mileage original has many subtle features that can be erased in a restoration, only someone who works with Jaguars will notice and take efforts to preserve originality. These are becoming very valuable cars, so you want to preserve its value.
So that said, here is a list of restorers in New England. It's not comprehensive and I make no recommendation, but it will give you plenty to see. There are big landmark shops and one man operations. You need to visit and get to know who these people are and how they work before you decide. I know who I would pick from this list, but it's a personal choice.
One more point. You are close to SNG Barratt, which is one of the largest suppliers in the US for restoration parts. You should visit them and ask questions, because a lot of your money will end up there. The more you learn, the better your decisions will be.
I believe that place is in Manchester NH? I am 45 min from there.
I completely agree with many of your statements. My plan is to go interview these places and see what is happening. I also have a very good friend who does restorations. He has done three E-Types over the years, but can not do everything mechanical which is what my uncle is looking for. He is my sounding board and is willing to go with me on final discussion choosing a shop.
This is like finding a good chiropractor. Don't hear what you're looking for, and its time move on to another.
Last edited by MarkEkberg; Nov 19, 2020 at 08:24 AM.
So far here is what I have found on local New England shops.
Muncie is over 6 months out of beginning job. Seems like top notch place and prices reflect that. Can handle all under one roof. Would need to visit before decision is made.
Bassetts is only doing mechanical work. No body work at all.
Best of Britten in VT is not taking new customers. He is retiring when current projects are done. Super nice guy. Offered to drive down to Belmont and inspect car if I had it here in NH. Very informative.
F40 seems also top notch. Again, guesstimates on pricing reflect it. They also can handle everything under one roof. Need a visit to them as well. Wayne personally called me back and was very informative, with a wealth of information.
Donovan seems to have a bad reputation? More than one place suggested I keep away from them due to up selling and replacement of parts that didn't need to be. Phone call seemed to go same as Muncie. Very straight forward.
If others have different experiences I am interested in hearing them, but do not want to start a war.
Originally Posted by mxfrank
One of my favorite shops is Lippincott's Garage in Sinking Spring PA 610-678-6775
Another reason to go with Terry is he has a source for jaguar parts, and specializes in Xke's and Xk's. Someone like F40, and Wayne has done work for me before, doesn't work on Ike's all day, like Terry.
My uncle has decided to move forward. We have the short list of shops which include F40 and Lippincott.
F40 is a better drive for both of us to be involved.
Got air in the tires today and it is ready to roll out of the garage for the first time in 30 years. Rust on right fender Small amount of rot on left fender This is the rustiest spot. Inside of left fender Tried to clean up info tag. Door tag is easy to read. My uncle.
New England Restoration Facility?
