FIAT IN SOUTH FLORIDA

MIGHTY 8 · Post by **MIGHTY 8** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 11:00 am

Hello everyone,

Can anyone recommend a garage in S. Florida?

I would be looking for both general maintenance, and also someone to rebuild my engine. In some cases they could be different establishments.

The car is in Aventura Florida (near Fort Lauderdale airport), and I would be willing to go as far as West Palm Beach.

Thanks for your help,

MIGHTY 8 · Post by **MIGHTY 8** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:49 pm

Hello??

Does anybody remotely live near S. Florida for a response?

How about, some tips on "googling'' or just simply using the yellow pages for some info. on engine shops?

Like pulling teeth here

TVST*R · Post by **TVST*R** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 9:56 pm

It does seem odd....

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Mon Oct 02, 2006 10:54 pm

I did a search thru the memberlist and there are only 2 members that listed Fla as a location. Neither of them has posted much so I assume they're not on this board very often.
The thing is, these cars are pretty much restoration projects now and many owners have them just for that reason and do as much of the repairs and maintenance themselves. Are you willing to do some maintenance yourself?

MIGHTY 8 · Post by **MIGHTY 8** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 11:27 am

TVST*R, So Cal Mark:

Thank you gents, for taking the time for a response. I was beginning to lose hope!

Thing is Mark, I fall into that category where I can only do so much, because I was only taught so much.

I've had the car for well over 15 years. I've done quite a bit of stuff myself, but to be honest, I know my limitations.

I am looking to rebuild the engine. Starting with the oversized pistons, and well, I would feel more comfortable taking it to a "speed shop" then a simple maintenance garage.

Seeing as to how these garages dont necessarily fall under a FIAT link, I don't know what direction to turn to.

I looked up PAECO and they seem to run a very good shop, but it would put the rebuild in the neighborhood upwards of $6000. A little pricey, but then again, I'm admittably out of touch with weather this is in line with a quality rebuild or not.

Thanks for getting back to me

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 3:37 pm

hmm, $6000! I could beat that price by a few bucks

. Seriously, unless you're building a custom race engine that price is over double what the costs should be.

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 4:15 pm

I was quoted $1500 by an established local shop. Thats with them supplying the parts, said they had wholesale sources. I haven't taken the plunge yet, so it remains to be seen if they can actually get the parts.

I am in a similar situation, no one around here works on Fiats. I think the key is finding a shop that has been around for years and will stand behind their work. I found a family owned place that is very clean and organized inside. They are always busy and know their stuff. The grandfather has been rebuilding for 50 years!!
We like to think these engines are special, but in reality they are very simple compared to todays engines. Any good shop should be able to rebuild the engine without much trouble.

mdrburchette · Post by **mdrburchette** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 6:33 pm

One of the fellas that used to post here is from Fort Lauderdale. I'll email him to see who rebuilt his engine. $6k sounds a bit extreme..just like Mark says. Maybe you should just crate the thing and send it to him. At least you'll know it's right when you get it back!

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:04 pm

$1500 is a pretty low price and an extremely low price if they're also doing the R & R.
Pistons are hard to come by these days and sell for at least $365 a set. It's pretty hard to get away with less than $1100 in parts and machine work. I'd get a detailed estimate of what the rebuild includes from anyone before taking the plunge

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Oct 04, 2006 12:38 pm

I'd like to ask why you believe that the engine needs to be rebuilt and why you believe that you need oversized pistons.

$6,000 buys quite the all ready to go Fiat Spider.....would not recommend pumping that much into just an engine, unless the owner really knew what was going on.