Machine shop(s) in my area?

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Sat Feb 09, 2019 6:48 am

I am looking for a machine shop or shops in the Houston Texas area having good references in general overhauling of an M-38 engine, or just good references period.

If any member has experience with such a shop, I would ask for that information/reference?

Any shop within a 100 mile radius of Houston is OK.

Trip

rgmutchler · Post by **rgmutchler** » Sat Feb 09, 2019 11:07 am

Trip,
I live near Snook. After a lot of searching I used Automotive Engine Service,5059 FM 2259 in Nacogdoches. Phone 936 569 1164.
I talked with the owner, Mike Pinkston and he seemed to know about the engines and told me that he had been rebuilding the Willys flat head for many years. We talked about the stress cracks that showed up on the blocks, rotator valves, the .4 oiling at the front of the engine and he seemed to be aware of all the different issues. I also talked to some folks from the antique car club in the East Texas area who had Pinkston rebuild their flat head engines from different makes. I was also impressed with the organization and cleanliness of his shop. His prices were also reasonable and he did my engine within the time frame he gave me. I also have to admit that since he rebuilt it, due to issues of my own I have installed it but haven’t cranked it yet.
Brent Mullins recommends Vilas Motor Works in Bryan. I have used them for some other things but when I talked with them about my engine they were 6 to 12 months out to be able to work on it. At the time I thought I didn’t have that much time so I went else where, turns out it didn’t matter since I haven’t finished the jeep.
The problem I had, and I called a lot of places, was that there are not many small engine/machine shops out there anymore. I called some that weren’t sure what a flat head motor was and others that didn’t know what a willys motor was. The advent of all the chain parts stores has closed down the independents that used to have machine shops. There is an engine rebuilder in Alvin, B&G on Hardie. I don’t think I thought about them when I did my engine but they used to have a good reputation, don’t know about them now.

Trip · Post by **Trip** » Sat Feb 09, 2019 1:29 pm

Thank you so much. I visit Bryan, College Station often. That time frame would actually work out ok for me.
I will touch base with both shops

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Mon Feb 11, 2019 12:43 pm

Best automotive machine shop in the world; Abrahams. Not near you though.
They are doing a Packard V12 Flathead for a guy from New Zealand, so they are internationally known. And they do know their engines including L134s.
They have a web site.

Post by **wesk** » Mon Feb 11, 2019 1:46 pm

Two Abraham's:

http://www.abrahamsmachine.com/engines/3312098

http://locations.bumpertobumper.com/ks/newton/2539032/

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 1:04 pm

Abrahams in Davenport IA.
That other one is called Bumper to Bumper which is confusing.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 2:31 pm

I do not believe Davenport Iowa is within 100 miles of Houston.

Post by **wesk** » Wed Feb 13, 2019 11:52 pm

Brian, No need. He already said that in his original post!

Best automotive machine shop in the world; Abrahams. Not near you though.