914-6 restoration, Plug for my shops in So. Cal. Options

[SP9146]

Bought a 1970 914-6 from original owner a year ago. Before pics are on the Pelican web site. Finally, after an unfortunate delay, the body work is in good hands. I should be able to post progress pics soon.

The shops I've used for this restoration, a restoration of my 1969 280SL and maintenance on my 911 Carrera were referred to me by club web sites. With one exception I have been delighted with the work. The peace of mind that comes from having your car in the right hands is worth so much.

To return the favor I want to give the following guys a plug and share some learning.

Recommendations

Ray Stephen, Costa Mesa CA -- I never see Ray's name mentioned on this board and I don't know why. He has a relatively low hourly rate and brought a car that had been sitting for 8 years back to life in a few days. I drove it for 2 months before taking it to the first body shop. Ray has the engine and trans and will be doing the reassembly when it comes back from body shop. I don't know how much longer he will be a mechanic for Porsches as he is in high demand from guys who use him to maintain their race cars. He is a factory trained 914 mechanic.

Advanced Automotive Refinishing, San Juan Capistrano CA -- These guys received a glowing review so I went to see them last Dec. to do the body and paint. They said they couldn't take the car until June so I went to another shop that had been recommended. That shop (I think it's best to keep it nameless) did nothing for 8 months because their body guy quit. I asked (begged actually) Jeff at Advanced Auto if he could take the car and he said yes. So it's there now and he is correcting the work from the first shop. Thankfully first shop didn't do much, just sunk cost and wasted time.

Brace's, Marina del Rey CA -- I wanted these guys to paint the 914 because they did such a great job on my 280SL 2 years ago. They said I'd have to wait forever and that's when I searched for the other shops. If you can get them to take your car do it. Brace the owner is getting older and they are taking very few restorations these days. Gary runs the place and is a little cranky (well more than a little) but it's a small price to pay considering the quality of the work. Get Brace involved if you can.

Tony Callas, Torrance CA -- He does great work but is expensive. I couldn't afford him to do the restoration on my 914-6 but he's close and I use him for Carrera maintenance.

Haydon Brothers, Anaheim Hills CA -- The first mechanic I used on the Carrera. About as expensive as Tony but also really good. Doug is the bro I worked with.

Autos International Escondido CA -- They will be doing the interior work. I visited their shop and WOW they do great work.

Pelican Parts, El Segundo CA -- I ordered all of the restoration parts from Tom Gould. He spent a ton of time with me on the phone and considering the size of the order gave me a discount on top of their already low prices.

For vintage Mercedes work (not that you guys care) -- Steve Marx, Costa Mesa and Peter Krausert, formerly Costa Mesa now Fallbrook I believe. Steve is in his 50s, Peter is in his 60s. 100% pros.

Learning

Age of the shop owners -- Fewer and fewer guys want to do restoration work. Ray, Jeff, Tony and Haydon Bros. are in their 40s. I wonder what will happen when they get older. Learning -- Get your restoration work done NOW. Brad Roberts in No. Cal. is the only young guy I know of doing this kind of work.

Waiting for the work -- The #1 warning sign on the first body shop should have been that they could take the car immediately. In So. Cal. you will need to wait a few months to get your car in.

You get what you pay for and it's worth it! -- If you start with a good rust free car the cost of the mechanical work and paint will be a good investment. I can recover the cost of the purchase price and all work done on the 280SL (but I will never sell it). If the 914-6 comes out as good as I think same holds true.

These older cars are going UP in value as the boomers retire and put more demand on the market. Combine the increased demand with the scarcity of good cars restored by guys who are giving up the trade and you have supply and demand working in your favor.

Would be interested in hearing from others who have had good, or bad, experiences with mechanics or body shops in So. Cal. I'm looking for a top notch bumper repair and plating shop so please chime in if you know of anyone.

If you visit any of these guys please tell them I sent you.

Pete H.
1970 914-6
1969 Mercedes 280SL
1986 911 Carrera Coupe