Sorry for limping in here unannounced, but there doesn't seem to be a sub-forum for Rhode Island, so I figured I'd ask a question here.

I'm in Pawtucket, RI, which is very close to Attleboro and Seekonk, and I'd like to know if there are any good nearby vendors for:

Machine shop / cylinder head (porting) work

Driveline shops (ZF tranny rebuilds ...)

Spring shops ...

Vendors that represent a good balance of price and value for paint / minor body repair.

I'm happy to driver farther (Boston) if someone is really outstanding at what they do.

 

Don't know anybody on that side of Boston, but if it comes down to it, RJT Machine up in Lawrence is stellar. Rick is probably not the cheapest around, but he's definitely fair, and I couldn't say enough about what a great guy he is to work with.

Other than that, I've had no good experience with local shops in the Boston area doing actual work on a car. I had a body shop in Brighton refuse to paint a cab because it wasn't collision work and they couldn't make any money on it (my guess - they asked me to leave when I asked why they wouldn't do it, no kidding). If I find a local shop to do actual work on anything, believe me, I'll be on here shoutin' about it.

That said, I've made do through bloody knuckles and mail order. www.partsguyed.com is a sponsor here and is awesome. He and NumberDummy together have sorted out serious jams for me. I have a link somewhere for a trans rebuilder - again, not local - and will post if I find it. Springs I got from Eaton Detriot.

Not the short, Attleboro-based answer you're looking for, but hopefully that will give you some options.

 

Thank you so much for the response.

I've just had a chance to chat with Richard, and he seems to be a very knowledgeable guy. Not much experience with this engine yet though. He has the right equipment to do a good job and we might end up doing some business.

 

He'll tell you if he doesn't know something - one of my favorite things about him. Which engine you building? I gave him a 302, but he cut his teeth on Chebbys ad now has customers who drag race those 1000 hp Supras.

 

It's the 4.9L inline six. He did say that it was an older engine that he didn't have a lot of experience with.

 

Nobody does - they never need to be rebuilt! Good luck with it - keep us posted on your progress.

 

c4 - There are a couple guys in town here that will paint about anything.
If you really want to drive far to get the thing painted.