Service in Clearwater, Tampa Bay area?


GT35065

GT35065

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Mar 15, 2007
651
Tampa Bay area & White Bear Lake, MN
Can any one recommend a good dealer for service and or warranty work around this area? I talked to one dealership about an hour from me that works on GT's. The GT mechanic told me they do warranty work reluctantly as he can't make any money working on them. There is no flat rate for working on these cars, and he said everything takes way longer on the GT. He noted they are a wonderful driving car, but they weren't really designed to take apart and be worked on. He did say other exotics have the same problem. Mr. GT told me if I had bought the car from them, they always take care of their customers. He did say they would service the car, but I wasn't exactly instilled with confidence.

I found it interesting that mechanics are not specifically trained to work on the GT, according to this guy. I also think it is appalling that the designated mechanics don't get compensated other than straight time for working on these cars. This guy said he got "elected" because he is the most senior mechanic. He wasn't overly thrilled with the designation. I didn't mention the dealership by name incase I have to go there for service. I was hoping to find someone a little more excited about working on GT's, but maybe thats not realistic.

Best Regards,
Rick
 
Talk to Larry Garuti, a member of this forum. He's close and would know.
 
I met this guy at "The Festivals of Speed" car show in St. Pete. He works for Bartow Ford and he had his GT there. His name is Joseph (J.C.) Clements. He was a really nice guy and loves his GT. He told me any time if I needed anything to give him a call. He would be my first call if I need anything done by a Ford Dealer. His number is 800-533-0425 Ext. 289

Feel free to say "the guy with the GTX-1 at the St. Pete show told me to give you a call."

I know Bartow is not right there but it might be worth it.

Chris.
 
I stopped in Bartow Ford the other day and talked with the service manager and he said they service a number of GTs. As of now that is where I am planning on taking my car.
 
Chris,

I was at the Festival of Speed and saw your car there. This was before I had even decided which color I was going to get. Your car was beautiful. That sounds like good advice if I can't find anyone closer to Clearwater.

Rick
 
Genuine Ford service

Rick-I know you have probably already checked them, but Freedom Ford had a large number of cars (GTs) for sale and they are Saleen dealer which is bascally what a Ford GT is. I know it is farther than Bartow but Don Reid Ford in Maitland has a great GT mechanic whose name is Ric. He did the axle bolts on both my cars. They have not needed anything else. They also did one of the major suspension recalls on their first GT back in early 2005. Ric was very aware of all of the tech stuff on the GTs and even had talked to some of the engineering guys in detail on some of the systems.
 
Freedom Ford in Clearwater has a certified mechanic and a nice service manager.
 
Freedom Ford is only 20 minutes from me. I will check with them. This board is invaluable for info. Thanks guys.

Rick
 
Rick,
Let's talk when I get back.
Larry
 
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