sunga93101

I forgot to mention: ANYONE but Top End!!!! http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21452&highlight=respond

I've looked in the archives and did not find anything... Preferrably in the valley. I went to the website, but was hoping someone would have first-hand personal knowledge of a tuner that was familiar with Z's....

I would take John Coffey's advice also. I've had a MONSTROUS experience with Top End Performance. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you avoid them at all cost! http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21452&highlight=respond

If you come to SB, make a point to go to the Santa Cruz island. Not many do it, but you'll be glad you did. They have a short ride (about 1 hour by high-speed catamaran) leaving from the wharf to take you out there. Lots of activity in the Channel (dolphin, whales, killer whales, etc.). If you do Heart Castle, stay in Cambria that night (great deals at Cambria Pines Lodge). Hearst has several tours and I highly recommend all of them. When in SB, make sure you go to Brophy's (seafood and great view), SB Brewing Company (great beer and better than Hooters - trust me on that one), and the Brewhouse (don't let the facade fool you - best food in town). If you're one for a drink, Joe's is the place.

I wasn't able to make it this year and really appreciate the photos. Great work!

Well, I still haven't had a chance to post some pics of my car, and the following story is why: I posted a month ago about the experience I've had with my recently purchased, beautifully restored, highly modified '73 240Z. If you'd like a refresher, here it is: http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20909&highlight=help%2Finput Please read it before you continue. I tried one last attempt to get the mechanic to respond to me and complete the project at the end of March. I wrote a very concise list of my grievances and demanded to know when he would complete the car. Well, once again, he would not give a completion date. Until yesterday (5/3/06), I had not heard from him since. Although some of the advice in the forum was helpful, I decided to contact the CA Bureau of Automotive Repair concerning the mechanic, Top End Automotive. Since the mechanic refused to complete the project (it has been 11 months!) they recommended that I go to the shop, demand my car, and if he refuses, to call the police. Well, I went to the shop yesterday, 5/3/06, and he refused to provided an unconditional completion date. I promptly called the police and waited (2 hours) for them to arrive, and although they would not allow me to take the car right then, I was told to persue civil action and contact the Automotive Detective in North Hollywood to discuss a possible Grand Theft charge against the owner. I have all the correspondence with Top End from the beginning to back me up - if Grand Theft is described as a willful intent to permanently deprive an owner of his car, then I shouldn't have a problem - even as of yesterday, Top End had no intention of completing my car anytime soon!!! I have also initiated a complaint with the CA Bureau of Automotive Repair. I realize their mediation process could take a VERY long time, be VERY FRUSTRATING and consuming, but at this point, this guy has screwed me for so long that I can't see a quicker resolution to getting my car back. I'd be happy to let a neutral mediator decide the outcome; I would simply like this to become part of his permanent business record to warn others of his conduct. Long story short: think twice before you deal with this guy. And please spread the word. He's dishonest, deceitful, and doesn't give two shits about your project. I'm writing this now because I intend to chronicle my experience from here on out so folks can share in the wonderful experience that I'm about to go through.

Precision Z in Canoga Park. Honest answers and excellent service.

I put the unit up for sale here and Zcar.com and it sold for $2000 in 3 days. It was a really well done piece of work. Gives you an idea of what the car is like. Any other suggestions?

It's definitely not Zmefly. I'm reluctant to identify him by name, but as you can see from jmortensen's post, he is quite well-known. That is one of the reasons I chose to use him for the project - experience, knowledge, and reputation.

Hi everyone, I've been an observer for a few years and decided it's time to get some help from you guys. I've owned a '77 280z and an '84 AE over the last 20 years and loved both cars. I finally decided to get my dream car - a beautifully restored, highly modified '73 about a year ago. The only issue is that it came with a Toms Turbo that ran on race fuel. I decided that, given I wasn't mechanically inclined and I wanted a daily driver, I would remove the existing turbo/carb setup and install a modern fuel injection/turbo setup. Although expensive and consuming, this was THE CAR I wanted for years. I asked the long-time mechanic for my '84 AE in Canoga Park for a referral and he sent me to a very well known and experienced Z shop in the valley. He is mentioned frequently on this site. He gave me a comprehensive analysis/cost-breakdown for the fuel-injection conversion that would complete my dream car - but that was last June. At the time, he told me he had all the parts in-house except the turbo, and that he would have the part within a week or so and would be able to complete the project soon thereafter. Well, the whole summer went by and the car did not get completed. I spoke with him frequently, but he said the car was just not finished. I went on vacation for a few weeks in late Sept/early October and returned to find the car still incomplete! Well, by Thanksgiving, the car was still not complete, so I went to visit him. He said the car would likely be finished by the end of the year. At the end of the year, the car was still not finished and I spoke with him at length about why/when the car would be completed. He assured me that it would be finished soon. Well, another month went by, I didn't hear from him, and I called/emailed several times and did not hear back from him. At this point, I was extremely angry (as if I hadn't been for months) and I called by old '84 AE mechanic and asked him what he thought of the situation, and he kindly offered to call on my behalf and inquire. Well, within a half hour, the guy finally calls and I politely explain my anger/frustration over what has transpired. He still won't give me a final completion timeframe, but agrees to contact me weekly to give me updates. He does so the following week, but hasn't since - and that was over a month ago. Sorry to make this so long, but I'm not kidding. This is what's happend and I can't help but feel my dream car is being held hostage at this point. I have been more than patient, reasonable, and understanding, and could really use some input from the more experienced individuals on this site. Please offer some suggestions!!!

My '84 Anniversary Edition has 116K miles, new timing belt, exhaust, cat, turbo, plus much more as of 1/2001. Want to trade for early restored 240Z. Mods okay (i.e. L28 engines, BW T-5 trans, upgrades). Preferred colors are silver, blue, or black. email john93101@yahoo.com