Taylor Engine ?

Mikeinnj

Mikeinnj

Well-known member
Does anyone know if Taylor Engine in California is still in business ? All I get is a busy signal when calling.
 
I asked the same question several weeks ago, I had called 7-8 times, left a message twice as requested, no reply, purchased a lightened flywheel and clutch elsewhere, there web site is being worked on, it claim,s they are alive and well.
 
We had a Taylor's Engines in Visalia California who was well know for his engines. I visited his shop a few times but he went out of business in the late 70's and I don't know anything about what happened to him. I do know that he was very well known for building special engines that would go very fast for the Model T and the Model A. I only know of one of his engines still in service.
 
We interviewed the new owner of Taylor Engines at the San Diego MARC meet last June. New owner is Chris Thoensen, 562-698-7231.
 
That website is very outdated. Jay Steel retired years ago. But I am sure his replacement learned from him and would be doing the same high quality work.
 
This web site is from 7 years ago, I would not think it would be valid now, prices have change greatly since then.
 
If Taylor retired, and Chris T. bought it, then it is now Chris T. engines with the taylor name. It has aboslutely nothing to do with Taylor now. He is no longer building them. I dont know how people try to do that. It is now a completely different business. IMO
 
Chris Haynes said:
That website is very outdated. Jay Steel retired years ago. But I am sure his replacement learned from him and would be doing the same high quality work.
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Unfortunately....Jay Steel died years ago:o..may he RIP !
Jay owned/operated "Taylor Engine". IMO, he was the best.
 
Taylor Engine Rebuilding ! Well smash all the rumour's we are still around. I purchased it from his widow in Oct. 09 with No prior business experiance but i worked for Jay Steel in 1990-91 I've tried to follow in his footsteps. Watch for more info to come as we are Re-Organizing and Planning an Open House at our new location 170 Gemini ave. A-2 Brea Ca.92821

Thanks,

Chris
 
They were alive until a few months ago, when they took a chapter 13 re-organization and defaulted payment to certain of their creditors. Evidently, as Chris has stated above, they are planning to re-organize and re-open. Interesting.
 
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sonny30coupe said:
If Taylor retired, and Chris T. bought it, then it is now Chris T. engines with the taylor name. It has aboslutely nothing to do with Taylor now. He is no longer building them. I dont know how people try to do that. It is now a completely different business. IMO
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Actually it's Nelson Taylor and Johnny Ryan who started Taylor Engine Rebuilding Who employed Jay Steel Who employed Chris Thoensen some how they must have influenced the next generation.
 
Chris in CT said:
They were alive until a few months ago, when they took a chapter 13 re-organization and defaulted payment to certain of their creditors. Evidently, as Chris has stated above, they are planning to re-organize and re-open. Interesting.
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Two sides to every story ! Maybe you are a little Biased ? Please tread lightly with your Chapter 13 info over there in CT ! Thank you...we were only closed down for a few weeks to complete a move to our new location and are up and running. PS things happen in life and in business and if you lead a life without ever making mistakes then you are blessed, So be careful for some day you could be judged.
 
Yep! When someone stumbles and is down there is always seems to be somebody around to give them a kick . Good Luck in your new location.
 
everyone makes mistakes ,its how you pick yourself up from them and learn to do better. there are some individuals out there that profess to have never made a mistake. i say there full of crap..
best of luck
 
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Mitch//pa said:
everyone makes mistakes ,its how you pick yourself up from them and learn to do better. there are some individuals out there that profess to never making a mistake. i say there full of crap..
best of luck
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Yes i have learned from this and will move forward, thank you for your words.
 
I wish Chris and all those involved with the NEW Taylor the best. If they can continue the service & quality that Jay had, they will excell.
 
Vern said:
I wish Chris and all those involved with the NEW Taylor the best. If they can continue the service & quality that Jay had, they will excell.
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Thanks Vern it has been a challenge from a business stand point but not from a quality stand point Jay was a valuable
asset to my career so i cannot substitute anything for quality, of course there is a human element involved and no one is without mistakes but it's how one handles them that matters.
 
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