I own a 1969 series 2 roadster. the car has been in storage for 30+ years. Even though the car had been sprayed with cosmoline, the paint spyder web cracked and I made the decision to repaint. the car has been disassembled and media blasted down to bare metal (amazingly their wasn't even any surface rust). After a sobering acceptance of the cost of paint and reassembly (that I will be actively involved in) I decided that this car was only going to be apart once so it might as well have everything gone through. As a fair to good mechanic, I decided that I would rebuild the mechanically components myself. After pouring over 2 or 3 manuals I decided that this was a job better suited to someone who has intimate experience with the XK engine and the IRS from the E-type. So I began my search looking for a qualified shop to perform those functions. After searching the Web, I find that everyone is "the worlds foremost authority on XK engines and suspensions" and further more most sites tell you that the XK engine and IRS is as complicated as a nuclear reactor and if you send your stuff to anyone but them the car will end up sounding like a piece of farm equipment. While I am quite sure that their is a definite value that needs to be given to a shop who has experience (lots) with the cars and its systems. I personally don't know how to separate the "wheat from the chaff" read "the hype from the reality". If anyone can share their experience on choosing a shop to perform these tasks or who could recommend a shop it would be appreciated. on another note if anyone would like to see the car, click on the link below and click on "check vehicle" and click on "ID#: 68235". I cant say enough good about the shop. I went to a car show in Boca Raton and saw a 60's vintage MG they had done and that made my choice easy on a body shop.
thanks in advance