Help finding engine rebuilder in OH, IN, KY, or MI

SFCKUNERT · Post by **SFCKUNERT** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 9:31 pm

I am looking for referrals that you might have used to have an F-Head from a 53 M38A1 rebuilt. I live in Ohio (30m north of Dayton) but would be willing to travel to Indiana, Mich, or Northern Kentucky for the right shop that knows what they are doing. The engine is currently seized, but is the original to the vehicle. This is my first restoration so I feel it would be in my best interest to have somebody do this that has all the right tools and know how. Any help that any of you great gentlemen out there could provide, this Soldier would be greatly appreciative. Thanks again for the help.
SFC Andrew Kunert

Boze · Post by **Boze** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:13 am

I recommend Automotive Machine on Garfield Road in Fraser, Michigan. They have built up their business over the years building racing engines, but also rebuild historic vehicle engines, including those out of production like Packard, Hudson, Willys, etc. My friends and I have had a few engines or short blocks done there and their work is top notch. They will do all of the machining work and sell you the parts (gaskets, pistons, etc.) for you to assemble or they will assemble it too. Look them up in the yellow pages.com or on the internet. The owner's name is Jack Maurer.

Deino · Post by **Deino** » Tue Jul 14, 2009 3:28 pm

It's further south than you'd prefer, but I would recommend Smith Automotive Machine Shop in Frankfort, KY. Butch Smith, the owner, learned his profession as a GI mechanic working on L and F Head 134's (so I've heard, anyway). He's pretty hands-on and is always out in the shop with his employees. I've only had a 4.0L I6 out of a Cherokee worked over by them, but I can say they did good work at a fair price. Just thought I'd throw this info out there for anyone looking for a rebuild further south.