David Greenlees & Co.
What we do is simple, high quality auto restoration. The time is taken to preform each rebuild correctly in a manner that will preform as good or better then new. Many of the projects taken on are of the engine rebuilding and machine work nature. We do however enjoy evaluating a car and then working with owner to turn it into a safe and reliable touring or racing machine. The roads around here are the best type that you could hope for to drive an old car on. This advantage lets us use these great uncrowded roads that work well for the type of driving necessary to be able to make adjustments. Early autos had carburetors that where designed for a type of gas that is much different than todays gasoline with ethanol . The combination of being able to drive and adjust both the fuel and ignition systems and what ever else needs attention is what is needed. We have a test route that we use that is thirty miles long. It has all types of roads and speeds that let us drive and adjust until the car performs well under all conditions without the dangers of modern traffic.
The main focus is of rebuilding engines, transmissions and differentials along with complete chassis rebuilding. We have invested in the best machinery possible to do just about everything in house. In this way we are able to control the high standards that we are know for. It also is much safer by eliminating the risk of loss or damage in shipping something that maybe be irreplaceable.
Your vintage automobile correctly preserved, prepared, used and maintained will much more enjoyable and likely to survive in better condition. The constant frustration of problems will not diminish your enjoyment. You will use it more often because it is fun not work. We also see the after effects of lack of use as mechanical deterioration sets in rather quickly. It is in your interest to have your special car in a condition that preserves it along with it being much more enjoyable to use.
One other specialty is the conservation of automobiles that are in old or original finishes, instead of cosmetic restoration which is frowned upon in all other forms of antiques. We have learned to retain as much as possible of the surface finish of components and have learned how to patinize what gets disturbed during disassembly, machining and reassembly. Two cars that we have treated in this way have earned awards at the Pebble Beach and Amelia Island Concours.
We do whatever it takes to accomplish these objectives. In the past we have gone as far as having new cylinder blocks, crankcases, transmission and differential casings cast. The tooling is then made up to machine the castings to replicate an unusable component.
Should you have an early high quality automobile that needs expert care we maybe able to help you with it. It will be treated with expert care and at an hourly cost of less than most local shops.
About
Since nineteen fifty five when I was born, vintage automobiles have been a lifelong . I learned auto restoration from my father who was a master tool and die maker. He was also a very clever and patient mechanic, who apprenticed in a time when you actually repaired an object instead of replacing it. I grew up in a time when early automobiles were the first being collected, restored and enjoyed. Since then I have been fortunate to meet and work with active enthusiasts on a wide array of vehicles; all the way from the common to some of the most desirable and well designed pre 1932 automobiles built. Two valuable lessons have been learned. One being able to observe a wide array of machinery. The other that the most enjoyment possible is by using these great vehicles, participating in tours with like minded collectors and in vintage racing events. This gives us the full flavor and enjoyment of what they were intended for.
Greenlees.
David
