Engine & Paint Recommendations, NorCal

bdeutsch · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 07:49 PM

Finally am coming to some decisions on the car, now need to start finding out about who NorCal members would recommend for construction of engine (small block) as well as who you might recommend to paint the car (aluminum and fiberglass).

I am located in a suburb of Sacramento (near Folsom) and looking for talent within about a 100-mile radius. I am not so much concerned about the cost (obviously within reason), as I am about quality and integrity of the shops recommended. First hand experience recommendations most appreciated.

As always, appreciate all membership input.

Thanks,

Bob

onefastmustang · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 08:18 PM

Personally I would go to see Ken in Yuba City for body and Paint. he did my cobra and I am quite happy with the outcome. As far as engine goes there is a great builder in Susuin City that does Ford motors if you want to make the trek.

onefastmustang · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2008, 08:21 PM

Personally I would go to see Ken in Yuba City for body and Paint. he did my cobra and I am quite happy with the outcome. As far as engine goes there is a great builder in Susuin City that does Ford motors if you want to make the trek.

DTurnbull · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 05:55 AM

Yep, go see Ken:

http://www.streetrodpainter.com/

Cobra's are a specialty of his.

gt350pilot · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 08:11 AM

I would also suggest the engine builder in Suisun City. They are T.O.E. (Tony Oddo Engines). They have built a BOSS 302 T/A engine and a vintage legal 289 for the team I work on. Both have made great power and good reliability. They definately know the tricks to make fords run.

kurtmart · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 10:42 AM

FE Specialties in Sacto is the motor guy. I came up from LA to have him due my 428PI and his small block work is excellent too. Plus, he's in your backyard, dude.
Advertises on this site.

Igofastr · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 06:45 PM

I would second FE Specialties in Sacramento. Tom knows his stuff, and has helped correct mistakes by the builder of my motor. I would suggest having a builder that is local, who can help you out readily in a pinch.

Seems like everyone uses Ken Pike for paint, he does very nice work.

Ron R

tmareina · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 08:43 PM

Tom Lucas at FE Specialties (has an ad on this site) is THE engine guy. He built my 428 (some pics in my gallery) I would highly recommend him...he's in the Sac area.

Tom

maurice19 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 09:46 PM

Tom Lucas

Maurice

jmarsey · #10 (**permalink**) 04-01-2008, 10:34 PM

Tom Lucas does all the work on my little 580hp/331 sb fire breather.
He is #1 in quality and integrity.

Ken Pike did major glass fabrication mods, body work, picked the color, and painted my car.
He is a very talented fabricator/painter and would use him again with no question.

thudmaster · #11 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 12:21 AM

Ken in Yuba City is the best........... The large picture is before my avitar. The car is currently in Kens shop being repaired and painted again.

pgermond · #12 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 05:35 PM

Just in case you missed it - Ken Pike in Yuba City, and Tom Lucas in Sacramento. IMHO you won't find any better any closer than these guys.

http://www.streetrodpainter.com/

http://www.fespecialties.com/

jperickson2001 · #13 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 09:33 AM

Ken's Custom Auto Body in Yuba City for paint

MFE III · #14 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 11:40 AM

I suggest checking Smeding Performance as an engine builder. They're located in Rancho Cordova.

http://http://www.smedingperformance.com/index.html

Matt

tcrist · #15 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 12:43 PM

You can also try Craig Hill at "Top Of The Hill Performance Center" in Livermore.

Terry

csingletary01 · #16 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 03:58 PM

I am new to Central Coast of Cali. I am working here for a couple of years. My Cobra is stored at my home in Bend, Oregon. Would like to find some on in Central Cali that could finish for me as I do not have shop here. it is a Pacific Roadster and is a roller with all of the parts ready to assembly. Would appreciate some guidance from the Cobra fate full

Chuck

thudmaster · #17 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 05:45 PM

Ken Pike finished a beautiful Pacific Roadster last year. It is in last months issue of Kit Car magazine. He is your man. 530-671-7250.....

csingletary01 · #18 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 09:58 PM

Thanks for the direction. Where is Ken located?

slithering · #19 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 06:05 AM

Bob,

Jim Ramirez painted my car, (209-983-1736) he's in the Stockton area. Take a look at my pics.

Chris

csingletary01 · #20 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 06:47 AM

I will need paint, but I also need someone to finish assembly of Cobra. I have motor, tranny and I believe at least 98% of the parts to finish. I had a speed shop in Alaska for 20 years but I have no shop here in Cali to complete car. It needs to be wired, plumbed, etc.