independent Ferrari mechanic in Monterey, CA | FerrariChat
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independent Ferrari mechanic in Monterey, CA

Discussion in '308/328' started by Rich S, Apr 30, 2014.

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  1. Rich S

    Rich S Formula Junior

    Nov 30, 2013
    501
    Monterey, California
    Full Name:
    Rich Saylor
    #1 Rich S, Apr 30, 2014
    Hi, all. I need to have a major service done on my recently acquired 328 in Monterey, CA; there are no Ferrari dealers here, and it appears that there are only about 3 independent mechanics around, unless you go to the Bay Area, about 1 1/2 hours north. Any recommendations pro or con on service they've had done in the area, or even north of the Central Coast? I've heard stories about the local shops, both ways, and it's really hard to separate truth from fiction. ???

    My thanks for any responses-

    Cheers,
    Rich
     
  2. sltillim

    sltillim Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 22, 2009
    1,650
    San Diego
    #2 sltillim, Apr 30, 2014
    I know there are a couple guys like Forza down there. I'd give Adam Mohr at Mohr imports a call and ask for suggestions. I know they have had many ferrari's, personally and professionally. As for independents, there is a guy I have passed buy his shop in Santa Cruz called Emile's but I have no reference or experience. Pat Phinny of the Baja Cantina has vouched for Juan at Grand Prix Motors in the Campbell - a little drive for you. Here is another f-chat posting on him:
    http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/california-nevada-northern/180411-308-repair.html
    Also Roselli motors in San jose has a good reputation

    If you can find Tony Palladino in RWC I can vouch.

    Brian Crall is a stretch for you distance wise but a regular poster here and many will attest for skill with these now vintage cars.

    I have no experience with any of these shops.
     
  3. smg2

    smg2 F1 World Champ
    Sponsor

    Apr 1, 2004
    16,054
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    SMG
    #3 smg2, Apr 30, 2014
    Can't go wrong with any of those...
    Juan is great and knows the older models very well.
    Tony and Brian have probably forgotten more then most know on the vintage and classic models.

    closest to you is probably Juan.
     
  4. Rich S

    Rich S Formula Junior

    Nov 30, 2013
    501
    Monterey, California
    Full Name:
    Rich Saylor
    #4 Rich S, Apr 30, 2014
    My thanks to you both-

    Cheers,
    Rich
     
  5. lem321

    lem321 Karting

    Mar 7, 2009
    91
    San Francisco, CA
    Full Name:
    Wilson Lem
    #5 lem321, Apr 30, 2014
    Hey Rich,

    Congrats on the new 328. I would HIGHLY recommend Brian Crall in San Ramon (East Bay). I have an '83 QV that he "transformed" into a very dependable driver - no stumbles, no gas smell, starts right up and accelerates smoothly off the line. I've had 2 other mechanics work on my car in the Bay Area and they never got it right (after a lot of $$).

    It's a bit of a drive but would be worth your while IMO. I live in San Francisco and it was somewhat inconvenient for me as well but I have absolutely no regrets. FWIW, Brian also has a 328 so he's intimately familiar with that model. Good luck.

    Wilson
     
  6. Rich S

    Rich S Formula Junior

    Nov 30, 2013
    501
    Monterey, California
    Full Name:
    Rich Saylor
    #6 Rich S, Apr 30, 2014
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2014
    My thanks for your response, Wilson. In my case, it's more a case of normal maintenance than fixing stuff, as it runs and drives very well- just too many years with the previous owner unmaintained as per requirements. I have found tons of stuff on what's involved, though and am fully aware of the need for an experienced hand, but I was really hoping to find somone a bit more local, for obvious reasons. Anyway, we'll see.

    And- for those of you who've followed my postings about changing the entire interior, including new handmade seats to fit me (6'-4") so I can drive the car with the roof on I'll be posting some photos just as soon as the seat brackets (they hold the seat bits together) come back from the powder coater. It'll be nice!

    Is there going to be a 308/328 event in Monterey during the historic races/concours/auction week in August? Be nice to meet some of you all!

    Cheers,
    Rich
     
  7. smg2

    smg2 F1 World Champ
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    Apr 1, 2004
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    #7 smg2, Apr 30, 2014
    And that's why I have a Mondial (6'4") not to fond of looking over the windshield going down the road :D that and size 14 shoes don't fit in the pedal box.
     
  8. Il Tifoso

    Il Tifoso Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Oct 22, 2013
    1,624
    SF Bay Area, CA
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    Ruben
    #8 Il Tifoso, Apr 30, 2014
    Add one more to the mix: Dino Motors in San Mateo. Although not exactly near Monterrey, Johannes (owner) and Danny are absolutely top notch and true experts on these vintage cars... Great guys to boot. I can assure you that they're the only ones who will touch my car.

    Best of luck!

    Ruben
     
  9. Rich S

    Rich S Formula Junior

    Nov 30, 2013
    501
    Monterey, California
    Full Name:
    Rich Saylor
    #9 Rich S, May 1, 2014
    Size 14...? As it happens MINE are size 16. So there!
    Anyway the Mondial has much to offer but I preferred the 328, just slightly over the 308 QV. However I do like the console & parking brake location of the 308 over the 328. Can't have everything!

    I did think long & hard about the limited pedal & headroom of the 328 but after taking some serious tape measurements convinced myself that it could be done, using new seats.
    When I drove it with the factory seats I could hardly fit in it, with my neck bent over to see out of the windscreen, but now it's OK. And it DOES work, after all!

    I also added a 2" (50mm) spacer to the steering wheel, which was just right.

    Well, Cheers,
    Rich
     
  10. Mfoncerrada

    Mfoncerrada Formula Junior

    Dec 20, 2009
    419
    Monterey, CA
    Full Name:
    Miguel Foncerrada
    #10 Mfoncerrada, Jan 23, 2017
    Last edited: Jan 23, 2017
    Just found that my next door neighbor here in Monterey had a Mondial...he immediately recommended john bagioli at Forza motorsi - right next to back side of airport at 113 aviation lane in monterey (831-655-4943). No experience with him yet but he recommended him so highly I thought I would add that as an option. Exclusively Ferrari and Maserati...
     
  11. R.Robot

    R.Robot Formula Junior

    Nov 7, 2010
    350
    La Quinta CA.
    #11 R.Robot, Jan 24, 2017
    I have visited John at Forza and from what I have seen he runs a great shop. Sorry I haven't had my car there for service but he's been at it along time. Started in Los Angeles.

    I live in So Cal is the reason.

    Bob
     
  12. Russ Gould

    Russ Gould Formula 3

    Nov 8, 2004
    1,073
    #12 Russ Gould, Jan 24, 2017
    This thread is from 2014 ... Brian has moved to Austin TX ... fwiw yelcab2002 that posts here is the right guy for the job he is just south of San Fran but again the OP has probably sold his car by now ...
     
  13. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 3, 2002
    6,593
    Toronto / SoCal
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    Rob C.
    #13 Nuvolari, Jan 24, 2017
    John at Forza is exceptional. Very knowledgable and a gentleman to boot. You would be well advised to have your car serviced there
     

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