Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

[Andrew S.]

Hello!

I bought my first 'vette on Saturday ('66 L36) and need to get some things in order before I put her in storage for the Winter (including a battery issue, tune up, and a rust spot on the frame that needs cleaned, welded & painted).

I know about Corvette Mike's and was planning on going there, but thought I'd ask the group for any suggestions first.

Thanks!

Andy

[Peter L.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

Andy - Congrats.

There are a number of places in the Chicago area, so I'd recommend you check with some of the IL NCRS Chaper members.

If you're willing to go outside the immediate Chicago area towards Rockford, I'd suggest you contact Gary Bosselman at Roscoe Restoration in Roscoe, IL (815.389.9500 or 815.289.1559).

Have fun, Pete

[Joel F.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

Whereabouts in the Chicagoland area are you? You might try Bob Zimmerman at Classic Motors in Naperville. Long time Corvette guy, and thoroughly honest. (630) 357-5170

I have heard some bad things about D&M in Downers Grove

[Kenneth H.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

Wait a minute, Andy. You just bought your first 'vette on Sunday and you're already talking about putting it away for the winter? Drive it for a while first. It's still the Fall. Winter's still 8 weeks away.

Oh, and congrats!!

[Andrew S.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

The 3 weeks of constant rain in Chicago have gotten me thinking that the "good" weather for these parts is gone until next June. You're right, though, Ken, I will take advantage of every good day I can.

She really needs a tune and the battery needs to be replaced before I can enjoy her -- thought I'd do pre-winter checks while I was at it.

I'm in the city -- on Da Nort' Side. Mike's in Burr Ridge is about 30 minutes south of me and I'd rather jab a pencil in my eye than try to get to Naperville from the city, but if Bob Zimmerman's good with C2s, then I'd make the sacrifice.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

As was previously posted; stay away from D & M in Downers Grove. I have enough horror stories to fill a book about them. But, keep in mind one of their common practices which may be used by others - specially if you either don't know enough or have the confidence or facilities to address these issues you mentioned by yourself; and that is the old "blank check" procedure. By that I mean, do not leave your car with anyone with a vague description of the work you want done. Reason being, they will find a million things that should/could be done. Sometimes they will contact you and get your approval for additional work, and sometimes not. They will assume you have given them a blank check to do what they say needs to be done. Also, watch out for the ever slipping promised completion date. That's a clue, specially if it can't be justified as say "waiting for parts", etc. If your car is fairly original, get to know your original parts intimately. Don't let them change anything w/o your approval, and always insist on getting your old parts back. Don't let them con you with 'oh, that was junk/scrap, so we pitched it and the junk man is long gone". When you do get your car back, take another inventory of your original parts - specially things like your fan clutch, widshield wiper motor, starter, master cylinder, carburetor, distributor, alternator, etc.

In your particular case, from what you've said, expect them to try and sell you new heater hoses and even a heater core, as well as new battery cables (which are commonly replaced parts while changing the battery). On your tune up, expect advice to change at least your plug wires, drain, flush and refill cooling system, "boil out" your carb and new fuel filter, etc.

Just some thought from personal Chicago experiences.

Stu Fox

[Robert R.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

Andy,
Couldn't agree more regarding the weather. For the past few weeks when I was home, it was raining, so in mine stayed.
I'd like to suggest someone that I have known for almost 30 years, and he did my last two ('67 and '73). Robin at Harmony Corvette.
His shop is in Marengo and can handle jobs from complete frame off to simple touch ups.
His number is: 815 568-6337

Bob

[Glenn D.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

I couldn't agree more with Andy's recommendation of Harmony Corvette. I am extremely particular, as we can all relate to. I interviewed a dozen shops and searched for referrals , before I had my original owner 74' convertible frame on done by Robin. Robin communicates very well and is honest. Because he is also a Judge , he can look at your car from a judges perspective if that is what you are looking for. Someone told me that if D&M were the last Corvette shop on earth , do not go there.

[Glenn D.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

Sorry Robert , you were the one that recommended Harmony.

[Michael H.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

I'm in the city -- on Da Nort' Side. Mike's in Burr Ridge is about 30 minutes south of me and I'd rather jab a pencil in my eye than try to get to Naperville from the city, but if Bob Zimmerman's good with C2s, then I'd make the sacrifice.

In my opinion, if that's worth anything, there's no contest. Bob Zimmerman would definitely be my choice. Absolutely one of the most knowlegeable and most honest Corvette restorers in the midwest. It doesn't get any better than this. Definitely worth the 30 mile trip.
He's been doing Corverre repair and restoration for almost 35 years.

[Jim C.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

I'm not recommending any particular business or individual. I'm sure there's good ones and bad ones everywhere. I've read a few negative things about D&M Corvette in Downers Grove, in the above posts, and in prior posts. I've had many business dealing with them over the course of several years to include selling them my first car, and buying my current one from them. When I bought my current car in 2006, the salesman was happy to put the car on the hoist for me, and one of the mechanics went over the car with me from front to back, top to bottom, pointing out EVERYTHING - good or bad - about the car. They answered EVERY question I had, and many I didn't have, but should have had. I've had some repairs done there, including mechanical work, paint work, and parts purchases. My experience has been VERY positive every time. I always got what I asked for and nothing else. All my original parts were still on the car when I got it back. I always received my old/replaced parts back without having to ask for them. The work performed was done right the first time, and I had free, unhindered access to the the mechanical shop, paint shop and the workers anytime I happened to show up - even unannounced. So, that's been my repeatedly positive experience with D&M Corvette.

By the way, about a month ago, I sent my non-power master cylinder to White Post Restorations for an overhaul. I read a few negative comments about them too after sending it down there. From a cosmetic perspective, the part came back looking Top Flight. Round trip there and back was seven days. Can't beat that, and I received back the SAME original part that I sent them for restoration, and when installed on my car last weekend, it worked PERFECTLY. So, there's my one and only positive experience with White Post.

Jim C.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

That's a nice ringing endorsement of D & M, Jim. Perhaps they have gotten religion since the 90's, specially in the service Department. Back when I had my work done on my 63, most of the Mechanics couldn't speak English and were fresh off from working on Skodas.

They also did my body work when I hit a Deer in 92. State Farm and I paid for a complete NOS front (doors forward) and, what we got was a splice job from mid wheel wells forward, repaired hood and headlight buckets which still don't work right. The job that was supposed to be done in a month took 3 months. On the parts list they charged me for a new headlight wiring harness which they never installed - in fact, they shortened up the existing wires so that they it would no longer fit into the retaining clips, instead hung down in front of the radiator. They joked about how they were tempted to take my glove compartment door as it was the best they had seen - guess that would be too obvious.

They took my Master Cylinder (63 only) which I was finally able to replace a few years back. They took my fan clutch, starter motor, windshield wiper motor, and possibly my 3461S AFB carburetor (can't confirm as there was one other possible situation). The new brake lines they installed were too short to fit in the original clips, and they put my heat riser butterfly on 120 degrees out of position. They painted over the markings on my engine.

In short, they practically destroyed any chance I had of restoring my original owned car in my life time and turned it into, at best, a good driver. They took advantage of me at a time when I was recovering from open heart surgery and couldn't monitor their work like you did. I had trusted them.

I'm sorry, but until the day I die, I will tell my story at every venue I am able to.

Stu Fox

[Jim C.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

Hi Stu,

Sorry for the slow reply. To say that you had a very bad experience at D&M is a huge understatement. I'm REALLY sorry to hear that. I realize that you were recovering from some serious health issues, but how was D&M able to get away with that sort of behavior? What they did was outright theft!!! Did you confront them? Who did you talk to? Did you speak to the owner (Dave Glass)? He seems like a pretty reasonable guy. Did you talk to the local police? I'm surprised that the insurance company let shoddy repairs go unquestioned, when it paid for NOS parts, etc. I'm just amazed that D&M would be so bold!! They've been in business for several years. I wonder how they manage to stay in business with stories like yours. You would think that just a few incidents like that, and they'd be done and out of business. No one would ever go there. I'm still trying to figure out why D&M would risk its reputation doing something so foolish - and criminal?!?!?!?!?

Jim C.

[Jake D.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

In my opinion, if that's worth anything, there's no contest. Bob Zimmerman would definitely be my choice. Absolutely one of the most knowlegeable and most honest Corvette restorers in the midwest. It doesn't get any better than this. Definitely worth the 30 mile trip.
He's been doing Corverre repair and restoration for almost 35 years.

'Nuff said--He's the best!!!

[Nick L.]

Re: Chicago Engine/Body Work for '66

I also think very highly of Harmony Corvette and of Vetteran Auto in Crystal Lake.