Any reputable shops in NorCal Bay Area?

[john6mt]

Looking to get some work done on my 71 Chevelle such as rear disk brakes w/ e-brake install. Coilover install and basic engine tuneup. Any shops you guys reccomend that do not charge an aarm and a leg and does good work? I live in the east bay but am willing to travel around the bay for a good deal.

[jat5150]

Bump as I am in the search for a shop here as well.

[SLO_Z28]

I would look in to East Bay Muscle Cars.

[jat5150]

Thanks, I did look into East Bay Muscle and they are pretty awesome, only thing is that there are very pricey. $28k for an LS swap into my 69 camaro.

[Ron.in.SoCal]

Look into Rich @ Road Touring Customs. Closer to Monterey I think, but according to Dave/Flash68 well worth the trip.

[Flash68]

Look into Rich @ Road Touring Customs. Closer to Monterey I think, but according to Dave/Flash68 well worth the trip.

Yep, Rich is in Gilroy and has built and maintained some pretty killer cars around here. And I'm not even talking about my own. :) We are taking 3 cars he built down to RTTC in 2 weeks. All Camaros but he has a 66 Chevelle in the shop right now he's been doing extensive work on if you'd like to stop by and check it all out.

His number is 408-710-5988. Give him a shout. He is one of the best bargains in the bay area and he's a stand up guy to boot.

[camarosaurusrex]

I say 10X on rich he is also my gf's uncle so maybe im bias lol but great work my camaro is next :) or the guys over at Pacific Fabrication in Morgan Hill they seem to do nice work

[garickman]

You might want to check Dominator Street Rods in Tracy.

[Chad-1stGen]

Yep, Rich is in Gilroy and has built and maintained some pretty killer cars around here. And I'm not even talking about my own. :) We are taking 3 cars he built down to RTTC in 2 weeks. All Camaros but he has a 66 Chevelle in the shop right now he's been doing extensive work on if you'd like to stop by and check it all out.

His number is 408-710-5988. Give him a shout. He is one of the best bargains in the bay area and he's a stand up guy to boot.

I have respect for Rich. I saw him damn near save a track day for Dave by doing a full tyranny swap at the track. Nice guy to boot.

[TT302Z28]

Anyone have feedback on CARS (Campbell Auto Restoration)? I've seen their work displayed in their Pleasanton Goodguys booths and they are friendly enough.

They have done some really nice 1st gen work.

[john6mt]

I looked into East Bay muscle cars to get a quote but wasnt able to get any numbers. However I did get "we are more expensive but we do a great job". I'm on a budget so that crossed them out haha. I will give rich a cal

[EBMC]

Thanks, I did look into East Bay Muscle and they are pretty awesome, only thing is that there are very pricey. $28k for an LS swap into my 69 camaro.

Yes, its true for parts and labor to install a brand new LS3 engine (450-500hp)with all related parts INCLUDING TKO600,hydraulic throwout bearing system, clutch assembly,convert pedal assemblies, custom stainless exhaust system tig welded, v-band clamps, Ron Davis dual fan radiator,custom air intake, Ricks stainless tank w/ internal pump, complete EBMC hard lined fuel system w/TFE hose where needed ALSO includes Vintage Air Gen IV system w/relocated compressor, installed w/ custom hidden EBMC lines ect., ect., all to OEM/show quality standards- will easily run north of $20K for a reputable shop to perform. This 28k figure was just a quick reference to another car in the shop that many other things done as well (wiring, engine compartment detail ect.) which I explaned. There are many levels of Quality (just ask the guy with the ls swap Impala that just came in to get fixed). Dont take me wrong, I'm not trying to be defensive, its just in this business, I see many people have to get work redone all the time when they thought they were saving money with one shop only to spend much more money in the long run.

[jat5150]

Thank you all for the referral, I will definitely be giving rich a call.

EBMC, as I said you guys are awesome, I would love to get work done by you guys but i just can't afford it. If you guys have a budget build price for a LS please feel free to pm me and we can discuss. Thanks

[john6mt]

Just a follow up. I called rich and am getting a t56 mag installed by him. Great guy and his rates are very reasonable in comparison to other shops.

[EBMC]

EBMC, as I said you guys are awesome, I would love to get work done by you guys but i just can't afford it. If you guys have a budget build price for a LS please feel free to pm me and we can discuss. Thanks

Thanks for the compliments! all I wanted to do was clarify our estimate. If we can answer any questions in the future, dont hesitate to call. Sounds like you have a great start on the car and I'm sure it will be awesome!

[solarguy09]

I can say from first hand experience that East bay Muscle cars and Steve do great work...

They have worked on my car, and they will again..

[Flash68]

Anyone have feedback on CARS (Campbell Auto Restoration)? I've seen their work displayed in their Pleasanton Goodguys booths and they are friendly enough.

They have done some really nice 1st gen work.

They do some very nice work over there. Some impressive cars have come out of that shop. When I talked to them 2-3 years ago their hourly rate was about $100.

[doitbby]

I was charged 400 for a wheel fitting at east bay muscle cars. Btw it was wrong once I got the wheels on.

[EBMC]

I was charged 400 for a wheel fitting at east bay muscle cars. Btw it was wrong once I got the wheels on.

That is simply NOT true. The first thing I did this morning was go back and look at that invoice from 9/09 and you were NOT charged $400 for a wheel fitting. There were other items on the invoice and it is clearly stated on the invoice, " found rear end off center by 1/2" No way to get an accurate measurement on rear backspacing until corrected!" and "Note: leaf spring relocation neccesary to PROPERLY fit a 295 tire"

I know you werent happy about the previous shops work on the car but please dont take it out on me almost 3 years later on a public forum.
BTW, It doesnt change the fact that I think your car had lots of cool parts and alot of potential. I do hope you got things sorted out.

[qnitro]

Sent you guys at EBMC a question via email... I have a 1966 GTO with a 5.3 needs some help :)

[EBMC]

Got It! We will contact you later today. Thanks