Classic/Antique Car Repair/1959 Bentley LHD

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Expert: - 8/19/2010


Question
When the brakes (servo type) need service, I have over the years paid from 300 to $700 to just replace pads. Although
one of the drums were slightly cracked the brakes covered
the defect. What should I pay for a brake job (without
replacing other than the welded pads. Must I for safety,
replace the drums - and at what average cost? Recently,
a Rolls mechanic quoted me $1,000 fdor a brake job and didn't even see the car.


Answer
I apologize for the delay answering your question. If you are only going to replace the shoes then $1,000 is to much, I feel that the Rolls Mechanic failed to inform you of the necessity of doing what is REQUIRED to the the job correctly on your model Bentley. these cars must have the the hydraulic portion of the braking system flushed out thoroughly every two years regardless of miles run. The twin master cylinders are notorious for fluid leaks which then turns into a caustic gel that corrodes the alloy housings, same with the wheel cylinders. A cracked drum must be replaced $300-$700 since this poses a safety hazard , and wheel bearings must be greased by the time shoes are required. in conclusion yes $1,000 is the norm for a proper braking system service with additional cost if some components are found to be no longer serviceable. Try to have this Rolls mechanic with poor customer service skills give you a detailed explanation of what his $1,000 price tag will include and please feel free to let me know this way I can advise if his price is in line. I can say that If you are in Boca Raton or Fort Lauderdale Florida area then beware.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Jorge Martinez. Rolls Royce & Bentley specialists

Expertise

Al Questions regarding the upkeep of Roll Royce & Bentley I am a Factory Certified Master Technician retired after Rolls and Bentley ceased to exist. I do not work on BMW or Volkswagen's garbage disguised with the Rolls Royce and Bentley badge's

Experience

Ariel Industries – Monte Video, Uruguay 2005 – 2008 / Chief Engineer – Plant Manager Designed electrical 240 / 480 schematic and fire suppression system for building and factory operation. Prestige Imports – Miami Beach, Florida 2003 – 2005 / Shop Foreman Chief Specialist Lamborghini, Ferrari, Lotus and Aston Martin. Managed a team of 10 technicians. Lauderdale Imports – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 2001 – 2003 / Shop Manger - Lead Technician Specialist in the repair of Rolls Royce and Bentley. Braman Motor Cars – West Palm Beach, Florida 1999 – 2001 / Shop Manger - Lead Technician Specialist in the repair of Rolls Royce and Bentley. Executive Motor Works – Boca Raton, Florida 1993 – 1999 / Owner-Founder Directly responsible for the overall profitability, sales and service for Rolls Royce and Bentley specialty restoration and repair shop, which generated more the $ 8 million annually in sales revenues. Defined and implemented long and short-term objectives, oversaw and controlled all daily operations, policy implementation, advertising/promotions and strategic directions. Set and administered budgets; initiated cost controls to ensure profitability. Recruited, hired and motivated a staff of 14 including key management and support personnel for sales, service, parts and body shop departments; evaluated overall and individual performance and devised and implemented proactive management training processes. Establish departmental goals with management teams, which were based on exceeding the expectations of the customers through continuous improving services. Provided an environment of mutual trust and respect and demanded the highest ethical and professional standards from the staff and management. Sold the business in 1999.

Publications
The Silver Lady, Miami Herald.

Education/Credentials
PRIVATE CERTIFICATIONS: Lotus Cars USA, Inc – Lawrenceville, Georgia Certified Technician of Lotus Rolls Royce & Bentley – Factory Certified Technician for Rolls Royce and Bentley Lamborghini USA – Boston, Massachusetts Certified Technician of Lamborghini Morton College – Berwyn, Illinois Certified Technician – HVAC Airco Technical – Chicago, Illinois Certified Welder – MIG, TIG, ARC, Plasma ASC – Miami, Florida Certified Master Technician EDUCATION: Eisenhower College – Seneca Falls, New York Mechanical Engineering – BA

Past/Present Clients
!!!YOU MUST BE KIDDING.!!! how completely unethical

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