Engine builders/machine shop work
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Stage IV
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Engine builders/machine shop work
Who can tell me about Mel Bernstein (engine builder/restorer) who calls himself "Dragon Man" in Colorado Springs...I've seen some of his YouTube videos and his shop looks very impressive. Does he actually do good and professional motor rebuilds?? Is he reliable?? Does he warranty any of his work. I have an '84 ironed Sportster I'm restoring and I want the engine gone through from top to bottom....anyone have suggestions for reliable and reputable folks who do motor/machine work???
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,512
Likes: 3,924
From: San Diego, CA
Have you called him and asked him these questions? That seems the most direct way to address your concerns.
Here's his phone number and business:
https://www.google.com/search?q=mel%...3vbK7HuKMU;mv:[[42.5487912,-68.0100819],[32.2177073,-121.9145183]];tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1! 2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:10
John
Here's his phone number and business:
https://www.google.com/search?q=mel%...3vbK7HuKMU;mv:[[42.5487912,-68.0100819],[32.2177073,-121.9145183]];tbs:lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1! 2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:10
John
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 903
From: South Florida (Ft Myers area)
You might look around local to you as well.
I would recommend Squirrel as he is local to me and comes highly recommended. Squirrels Panheads Verdow Motorcycle Repair - Motorcycle Repair Shops, Motorcycle Parts, Motorcycle Parts Online
Or Facebook Squirrels Panheads - Home | Facebook
Wouldn't hurt to call him. I was there Saturday dropping off my starter for a rebuild.
I would recommend Squirrel as he is local to me and comes highly recommended. Squirrels Panheads Verdow Motorcycle Repair - Motorcycle Repair Shops, Motorcycle Parts, Motorcycle Parts Online
Or Facebook Squirrels Panheads - Home | Facebook
Wouldn't hurt to call him. I was there Saturday dropping off my starter for a rebuild.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,752
Likes: 7,377
From: OH
FWIW:
XL transmissions require careful set up , measuring and selecting the right shims and shifter forks
Done wrong they can lock and blow up the trap door and or cases. It can be ugly and expensive
I would select someone with Sportster experience
XL transmissions require careful set up , measuring and selecting the right shims and shifter forks
Done wrong they can lock and blow up the trap door and or cases. It can be ugly and expensive
I would select someone with Sportster experience
Last edited by eighteight; Feb 14, 2022 at 01:45 PM.
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Stage IV
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
...yes...I spoke with him Saturday....he talks just like he does on his videos.....sounds very knowledgeable and confident....his machine shop is awesome too...just had a lot of doubt thrown in when I was reading reviews....folks saying he uses a lot of foreign parts in his rebuilds while claiming to use mostly American....I read just as much bad as I did good about him....
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 903
From: South Florida (Ft Myers area)
You should really ask this on the Ironhead Forum. You might find somebody a little bit closer to you.
As for the one you asked about, I have seen some pretty bad reviews (also for the gun shop).
I prefer dealing with locals myself when possible.
As for the one you asked about, I have seen some pretty bad reviews (also for the gun shop).
I prefer dealing with locals myself when possible.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 24,984
Likes: 19,421
From: New York
I used Mel Bernstein once for some engine/tranny work when he had a shop in Amityville, Long Island, NY. The only problem was the valve job on my knucklehead. You needed a special jig which was different from Pan and Shovel. I ended up having the job redone at the HD. His shop did refund me back this cost, but that was after the third time I went back.
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