superior1980 Posted December 14, 2013 Share Posted December 14, 2013 Hello All!Just a couple weeks ago I purchased my first pre-war car, a 1942 Packard ambulance. It was a California car its whole life, so there is no rot and everything looks to be there, but it does need a complete restoration. It looks like it was parked in the desert 30 years ago and forgotten about. From what I've read, it appears that only 10-12 of these were built in the first place, and until mine was discovered last year, none were known to have survived. So, there is no shopping around for a better one. Anyway, the car's new home is in north suburban Chicago, and I am wondering if anyone can recommend a Chicago area restoration shop. I am aware of Old Coach Works in Yorkville, Illinois, but I've also heard mixed things about them. So, any suggestions? I appreciate your time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Yaros Posted December 14, 2013 Share Posted December 14, 2013 I can recommend, based on personal experience, Bennett Coachworks (<== Link) in Milwaukee, WI. They worked on my '55 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. You need to meet with and talk to Bob Bennett about your project. If you do, tell him Dave Yaros sent you.Milwaukee is but a hop, skip and a jump (make that tow) from the north burbs of Chi town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Mellor NJ Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 Anybody who was in Great Lakes boot camp knows that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plymouthcranbrook Posted December 15, 2013 Share Posted December 15, 2013 You might contact the Volo Auto Museum. They led me to an excellent old time Mechanic who was able to help me with some issues I was having trouble with. I would expect that they would have some leads on Full restoration shops as well.https://www.volocars.com/index.php#sthash.4uwVOXC8.dpbs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Paulsen Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 With such an unusual project, I'd strongly encourage you to find someone familiar and qualified with similar vehicles no omatter whee they may be. The price of shipping a car to the 'right' restorer will be well worth it as opposed to finding someone local that may or may not be able to restore it correctly. Like you said, it is likely the last one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 Are you a Professional Car Society member? We have restored 3 funeral vehicles that have been featured on the cover of their magazine, a '53 Henney Packard ambulance, a 1958 Eureka Flower Car and a Studebaker Ambulet. On the down side we are about 600 miles East of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLong Posted December 16, 2013 Share Posted December 16, 2013 I highly recommend this shop, the owner's integrity is beyond question. Excellent work, from repairs to National Concours winners.Scott Stazney at : Deluxe Auto Werks 319 Wilson Ave West Chicago, IL 60185 (630)-293-7750 (630)-293-7790 Fax deluxeautowerks@att.net e mail deluxeautowerks.com web sight<var id="yui-ie-cursor"></var> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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