Help!! I need a quality resto/mod shop in NJ !!

[TrdrScott]

Just picked up a 76 Bronco with a 351 and I would like to work with a local (Northern NJ) 4x4 resto/mod shop to complete the restoration and add some mods.

Can anyone recommend a TOP FLIGHT shop in northern NJ? I'm new to this, so any help and suggestions would definitely be welcome.

Scott

 

[trailpsycho]

You might want to contact a member of this site in New York...2Badrotties. He is our resident paint and body expert and finishing a Bronco for another member of this site now. Not sure how far he would be from you or if he would have the time...but he is a really nice guy and will treat you right. Best of luck. Maybe he will see this and chime in.

 

[tejayandtina]

The only place I know for sure in North Jersey is Turpike Coachworks in Mahwah. I always see old stuff and frame-offs when I pass by. I'm not sure about mods but it's worth a shot. I also second contacting Andy (2badrotties). He's up by Albany, but he's a good guy and does good work. Definately worth the trip if he's interested. Where are you at in North Jersey?

 

[njbronko]

Why not do the work yourself? You will have fun doing it and there is no better feeling knowing that it was your blood, sweat and tears that made it happen. If you need any help shoot me an email I live in bergen county. pm55@njit.edu

 

[Eoth]

Not exactly Northern NJ and not a resto shop, but theses guys are top notch when it comes to off road mods... http://www.ok4wd.com/
They are in Stewartsville, NJ.

 

[TrdrScott]

Thanks guys - keep the suggestions coming!

I'm not really mechanically inclined, although I am eager to learn. I would prefer that the majority of the stuff gets done at a qualified shop, but the probelm is finding one that's both good and trustworthy (oh,and of course not pricey haha). Either way, I will need loads of help and hand holding to ensure the truck is reliable and safe (I want to take my 2 kids cruising in it, so these are the priorities). I am in Morris county, so anything within 60 miles would be fine.

The seller included a fule injection kit for the Windsor 351 that needs to be installed, and I want to make sure the brakes, suspension, transmission etc are all tight and reliable. That's a good starting point, but I will definitely want to do a whole lot more over the next few years so getting good pointers from fellow Bronco owners in the area will be key.

 

[tejayandtina]

As per your stated starting point, I'd find a reputable, qualified mechanic whom you can trust to go over the mechanicals. Just about everyone knows someone they can trust to give an honest answer when it comes to that stuff. I can't count the number of times I've attempted to fix something and needed to be bailed out in the end. I feel I've learned alot at least trying to do stuff myself. Sounds like you're eager to learn so why not find some people in the trades to lean on and go for it? Besides, most answers or advice can be found right here in a pinch. Good luck either way!!!

 

[97XEB]

Similar Boat

I'm in the exact same boat!! Just (well back in May) bought a 72 that I had shipped from Utah. I'm also in Morris County, NJ and am not that mechanical. Eager and willing to learn, but just not there yet...

I had to have my mechanic do some engine repair work as soon as I got it, and I had him give it the basic "once over" your looking for. He is one of the best mechanics I've ever met / delt with. He also happens to be into BOTH high performance and off roading. LOVES to work on cars - really has a passion and knack for it. Unfortunately right now he's not taking any new clients. (In fact it took him 5 weeks to finish the work on my truck and it was probably only a 3-4 days of actual labor.) He's building a new garage on his property, works another FT job, coaches his kids soccer teams and still works on cars when he can...

Just b/c of how busy my main mechanic is, and until he gets his garage built, I'm looking for a back-up shop for minor things, and I'm trying to learn as much as possible and do simple stuff.

You might want to check out Bruce's Speed Shop on 46 in Rockaway. Great people - very friendly, very knowledgeable. (They even have a chasis dyno that I'm definitely gonna put my Bad-Dawg on one of these days... Just have to iron out a few more kinks first.)

I think Bruce has at least one bay in the back of his shop so he may be able to do the work. If Bruce's shop can't or won't do the work you want done, or if it would be too pricey to have them do basic stuff, Bruce could probably recommend someone.

OK Auto is a great place. I've been there once; great people inside. Nice, friendly, knowledgeable. Was amazed by all very built the rigs parked outside...and by all the super high-end / cool parts they have in stock. I intend to go back for one of their events - esp now that I have my mule. A little far from Morris County and probably too specialized (read pricey) for just basic once over or general service work.

JMHO. Good luck and please keep me posted.