Our shop is not a large commercial shop. Restorations are conducted as an extension of a hobby, with great pride in perfection, originality and workmanship. We do the majority of the work ourselves. There are several other perfectionists in their particular fields who assist us. Together we are able to offer quality restorations for a low cost. There are some disadvantages to our type of operation. We are not able to offer 90 day in/out service, and the best quality workmanship does not come inexpensively. All our work is offered on a 100% customer satisfaction basis.
Forbestown, listed by SUNSET MAGAZINE as a "true ghost town", is a small town located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The easiest way to locate us on a map is to look due West from Reno, Nevada, 75 Miles (actually 120 miles by road). Our shop is available for inspection, as are in- progress restorations.
We have completed many restorations and have received major awards for our sleeve-valve restorations from such competitions as Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, Burn Foundation, Meadowbrook Hall, AACA Grand National, CCCA Grand Classic etc.
Arthur Aseltine, P.E.
Arthur bought his first collector car when he was 13, and
could finally legally drive it at 14 here in California.
Having owned and restored a number of collector cars during
high school and college, a five year break from the old cars
was ordered at sea by Uncle Sam during the Korean conflict.
In January, 1958 he purchased his first sleeve-valve car, a beautiful 8-cylinder Stearns-Knight with Convertible Victoria body by Brunn. No one he knew was familiar with sleeve-valve engines, so being a professional engineer by trade, he made himself knowledgeable about sleeve-valve engines. Two years later he joined the newly founded Sleeve- Valve Club in Texas (Member number 40), where he found others with sleeve-valve knowledge, including ex-dealers, factory workers and mechanics.
Arthur has purchased several sleeve-valve cars with the engines in a "virtual basket", and over the years has saved numerous engines that had been greatly damaged by eager but unknowledgeable restorers.
Over 25 years ago, demands for Arthur's sleeve-valve restorations had increased to the point where he could choose to devote himself full time to his love of this art. It was then that he decided to phase out his commitments as a consulting engineer, designing water and sewage treatment plants, in order to concentrate his full energies to the business of restoring sleeve-valve engines and automobiles.
A.W. "Lee" Aseltine
(and his sons)
Arthur's oldest son, Lee, served his apprenticeship
building racing engines. He also has had considerable metal
working and painting experience, producing show winning
street rods, customs, and restorations. In the early 80's,
with the demands of an expanding business, he came to work
for the family full time, bringing with him his vast
knowledge and skills needed for award winning restorations.
Sara Jane Aseltine
Sara is the glue that holds the operation together,
especially during times of great stress. She is also
responsible for answering the telephone, taking messages,
helping with the books, chasing parts as well as bandaging
cut fingers etc.
In 1992, following 32 years in the field of education, Sara was ordained as a deacon in the Episcopal Church. In this capacity she is in charge of a local foothill mission, and works several days a week in the valley.
Michael Aseltine
Our web page has been designed, enhanced, and maintained
by our youngest son, Michael. He works as an environmental
chemist and computer expert for a company that tests and
monitors toxic wastes. His expertise has enabled us to reach
out world wide as consultants on the restoration of sleeve -
valve engines and vehicles.