Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: ksorth1 on January 13, 2023, 17:06:41

Title: Looking for a Tampa, FL area MBZ mechanic
Post by: ksorth1 on January 13, 2023, 17:06:41

Hello all,

Ken Orth, a new member here. 

Does anyone have a MBZ mechanic in the Tampa, FL area that they can recommend?

I have a 1971 280SL that I bought in 2013.  The car has been stored most of the time since I purchased it but now I would like to start travelling with it.  The primary concern I have is a (so far) minor oil leak that I suspect is a rear seal.

Title: Re: Looking for a Tampa, FL area MBZ mechanic
Post by: john.mancini on January 13, 2023, 18:58:39

Hi Ken. I am in Venice, FL. I have owned over a dozen 113's. For mechanical issues I have found Guido Janzen and Chris Conley at GJ Auto in Sarasota to be very good. They specialized in MB. Their number is (941) 924-9732. Located at 4073 S. Tamiami Trail, 34231. I currently have a 65 230SL with Pierre Hedary. Great guy, with a wealth of knowledge. He's very busy, but very, very good.

Title: Re: Looking for a Tampa, FL area MBZ mechanic
Post by: Jack the Knife on January 13, 2023, 19:35:58

Agreed with John that Sarasota has some great options with mechanics, not just for MB but old cars generally. Can make a stop at the Trader Joe's while you're at GJ Auto, too! In Tampa itself, when I lived there, the only place I could recall that seemed to specialize in old German cars was called Prostar. It was in the Hyde Park area on Platt Street. I remember many 107s there. Just from googling around it seems in St. Petersburg the only place that kinda professes in older Mercedes is Potter's Precision Imports (clever name with "PPI," good search engine optimization!).

Good luck with your search!

Title: Re: Looking for a Tampa, FL area MBZ mechanic
Post by: rwmastel on January 13, 2023, 19:50:30

I'm an acquaintance of Tom Potter's from the local MBCA section here in Central Ohio.  He's a very nice guy and I'm sure he's running his organization the right way, with really good techs and a focus on customer service.  I believe he was the last GM(?) of his family's MB dealership here, until it was sold to a family that locally owns many dealerships for many brands.  I didn't know he had that business in FL, but glad to hear he is still in business.

Title: Re: Looking for a Tampa, FL area MBZ mechanic
Post by: FourthSL on January 13, 2023, 19:58:12

Hi Ken: I live in the Sarasota area and use European Starr Auto, 6015 Deacon Place, Sarasota. This is off Clark Road close to 75. They are specialists with w113s and have been excellent in servicing my 1969 280 SL. If you are interested, you can contact Pete Conry at 941-485-0802.

Title: Re: Looking for a Tampa, FL area MBZ mechanic
Post by: ksorth1 on January 13, 2023, 20:23:07

Thanks everyone!!!  I will start making calls!

Ken

Title: Re: Looking for a Tampa, FL area MBZ mechanic
Post by: sandcrab59 on January 19, 2023, 21:44:24

Yes the boys in Sarasota Are the ones to call, as Mancini gave there number.
I have been dealing with them since 1997. They know all the insides of the 113SL.
Tom M.