Dana,
After 10+ years in Sarasota, we have found that there are two kinds of specialized help available: scoundrels who are attracted to the manana way of life, and dieties who are so good at what they do that they are able to do it wherever they want, and they've chosen Sarasota. That is why there are so many race mechanics (read dieties) there. One of the best is Twin Cam Sportscars. Steve is an Englishman of quiet reserve, but he's an artist. Over the years he has helped with several major problems on the e-Type, plus some little ones on my 280SL (see pix section for Sarasota's Little Red Truck). All that at sane prices.
Best to go and visit him rather than calling--if you say the right incantations, he may agree to work on your dad's car, if his race schedule allows. At the worst he may give you the name of a Merc mechanic who actually knows what he's doing. Besides, by visiting him you can see a multitude of his exotic cars in various stages of race-readying at 6085 Decon Road, phone 923 0024.
Hope this helps...
Trice
1968 280SL US, signal/bl leather, auto