Our History
Vintage V12’s has been putting the heart back into World War II fighters since 1981. Current owner, Jose Flores, started working in the shop at age 16 and always had a love of these mechanical works of art, plus a passion for restoring and racing Merlin, Griffon and Allison powered airplanes.
Today, Vintage V12’s is the world’s leading team of engineers and mechanics breathing life into these planes that saved and changed the world. From complete restorations for museums, airshows and private collections, to championship winning planes at the Reno Air Races, Vintage V12’s offer unparalleled craftsmanship, performance and safety in every engine that goes back into these amazing planes.
WHAT WE DO
Our Process
Major steps involved in the process are: disassembly, cleaning, inspection, check fits/tolerances, reassembly and final testing. The following information provides an overview of our engine restoration process.
1. Customer Consultation
We’re ready to talk about your V12 project
2. Disassembly
Lifting head off the block
3. Cleaning
Blasting Allison head preparing for inspection
4. INSPECTION
Visual inspection on heads
5. CHECK FITS/TOLERANCES
6. MAGNAFLUX/NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
Performing final clean up before NDT inspection
7. SUB-ASSEMBLIES
Final boost control rigging on Griffon engine
8. MAJOR ASSEMBLIES
9. ENGINE TEST RUN
Engine test running for five hours including power runs