Sorry to ask such an open-ended question. I recently purchased a 1954 XK120 DHC. I live in Southwestern Ontario (London to be exact), and I’m wondering if anyone knows of a mechanic/shop that they have had experience with and would be comfortable recommending.
Thanks very much for any help
Steve
My sister and BIL lived there til a few years ago. I’d be surprised if there’s a shop with a mechanic that’s even SEEN a 120-140 up close. DO NOT take a shop’s word for it if they say they can “do it”. Consider picking a shop as you would a job interview.
BTW, what do you need to be done? Maybe we can help.
Yes. An opportunity to open a business in SW Ontario that specializes in LBV maintenance … except I’m too old and have other priorities. It is far more cost effective, and infinitely more personally satisfying, to get and study the manuals and do the work yourself. These are not complex machines. If you have a middling IQ like mine then you are capable of doing your own work.
Though I generally find myself in agreement with you much-more than middlin’ IQ, there are folks who either care not to do their own work, or may be incapable of it (as I am rapidly becoming).
I thought you might have a contact for our new lister.
Thanks for the feedback. At the moment I only need it safetied, but was more thinking for the future. And I agree completely, I won’t take it to someone who only thinks they know what they’re doing. I need to have confidence.
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While I understand that doing your own maintenance is the most rewarding, at the moment with my work schedule and travel, I’d really rather have a contact I can be confident with. Perhaps there isn’t one in my area. I’ll keep looking. Thanks.
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The closest LBV specialist to London I’m familiar with is Reg Beer in Bolton, two hours away. They might be able to recommend someone.
Great. Thanks for the contact.
There’s also RM Classic Cars in Blenheim, about an hour west of you, but they are big bucks and very busy.
Yep for sure big bucks
Also Legendary Motorcars in Hilton Hills
They’ve restored XK’s and in speaking with them have a couple of mechanics with a good working knowledge
Hi Steve:
Welcome. I own a 1953 DHC and reside in Ancaster, Ontario, just up the road from you so to speak. I had my speedometer rebuilt at RM and was shocked by the cost, almost as much as I paid for the car in 1963. There was a chap in Toronto, Tom Owen, who ran his own shop and was pretty knowledgeable about Jaguars and belonged to the Ontario Jaguar Owner’s Association, though admittedly that is a bit far from your location.
Chris Phillips
www.racing-art.com
Hi Steve
I am way over in Ottawa, and have a 140 DHC, but perhaps you might consider joining one of the two Jaguar Clubs of North America located in Ontario ?
Im sure members would be interested in just seeing your 120 DHC, and even if you choose not to join up, they could recommend someone near to you who might be able to assist with tech advice/repairs/maintenance etc.
The Ottawa Jaguar Club is based here, The Ontario Jaguar Owners Association is based somewhere near you. Just try searching each club online for specific info.
And of course, just ask Jag Lovers for help anytime…enjoy your car !
Thanks very much Gary
Great suggestion
I do indeed intend to join the Jaguar club of NA and look forward to meeting other enthusiasts
Best regards,
Steve
Thanks I will contact him
Thanks a lot Chris
I’ll see if I can find something closer, but always good to have the contact name
Best regards,
Steve