Daily Driver Repair
Oil changes, brakes, A/C, diagnostics, electrical, and suspension — done right the first time for everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs. Every qualifying repair backed by our nationwide warranty.
Learn MoreGM Specialty Service
GM OBD-I certified. 35 years on GM platforms. Silverados, Tahoes, Suburbans, classic trucks — we know these vehicles at a level most shops can't match.
Learn MoreCustom Builds & Fabrication
Hotrod builds, custom fabrication, turbo installs, exhaust design, ECU tuning, and performance mods. Built from your vision, executed by people who've been doing this for decades.
Learn MoreWard Specialty Performance is the only auto shop in Palatka, FL certified through Certified Auto Repair's Nationwide Warranty program.
Combined technician experience
Nationwide warranty on qualifying repairs
GM-specific hands-on experience
Putnam, St. Johns, Flagler & Clay
Ward Specialty Performance is a family-owned shop at 701 N Moody Rd in Palatka, FL. We're not a chain. We don't upsell you on things you don't need. We diagnose the real problem, tell you what we found, give you a straight price, and back the work with the best warranty in the county. That's it.
The Only Shop in Palatka Certified Through Certified Auto Repair
Every qualifying repair covered by a 36-month / 36,000-mile nationwide warranty — so you're protected whether you're driving around Putnam County or across the country.
Learn About Our Warranty
Classic Restoration
1959 Dodge Coronet - Restored classic American iron
1951 Chevy 3100
AWD custom chassis, LQ9 6.0 LS
1953 Chevy 6400
5 window cab on a 2005 GMC Yukon chassis swap
1970 Chevelle SS LS6
425hp LS6 restoration - full A/C system, custom wiring, and fabrication work
2008 Pontiac G8 LS Swap
V6 auto swapped to 6.0L LS V8 with T56 6-speed manual transmission
1968 Chevy C10
Painless wiring kit installation and Retro Sound radio upgrade
C5 Corvette
In-house performance service on a striped C5 Corvette
Supercharged Small Block
TorqStorm supercharger install with MSD ignition and custom plumbing
2nd Gen Camaro
Classic Camaro in the shop for performance and detail work
Blown Tri-Power Hotrod
Roots-style blower with triple throttle bodies on a custom hotrod build
Casey Ward
Founder & Lead Technician
With 33 years of experience under the hood, Casey leads the shop with a relentless commitment to quality and integrity. Known for tackling complex problems most shops won't touch, he brings deep diagnostic expertise and a heart for serving others. Casey's vision drives the culture of honesty, craftsmanship, and long-term trust that defines Ward Specialty Performance.
Jeremy Midcap
Co-Founder & Master Technician
Jeremy is an ASE Master Certified technician with over 23 years of hands-on experience. Specializing in diagnostics, electrical systems, and all-around repair excellence, he brings dealership-level precision with small-town care. Friendly, approachable, and sharp under pressure, he's the kind of mechanic people drive hours to find.
Heather Ward
Co-Founder & Operations Support
Heather is the backbone of the business side; helping coordinate operations, manage logistics, and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. As a mother of eight and a co-owner, she brings a grounded, family-first perspective to how the shop cares for every customer.
Caden Rinehart
Office Manager & Service Advisor
Caden serves as the first point of contact for many customers, guiding them through the repair process with clear communication and attention to detail. As Office Manager and Service Advisor, he coordinates appointments, prepares estimates, and keeps customers informed every step of the way. When he's not at the shop, Caden serves in the Air Force Reserve in a Human Resources and Administration role, where he continues to develop the leadership and organizational skills he brings to the team. His commitment to professionalism, service, and customer care helps create a smooth and positive experience for every customer.
Ashton Rinehart
Technician
With six years of hands-on experience, Ashton brings a strong work ethic and genuine passion for the automotive industry to Ward Specialty Performance. He specializes in repair and maintenance while continually advancing his skills in welding, fabrication, and electrical systems. Whether he's in the shop, at a car show, or working on one of his own projects, Ashton is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. His dedication to quality workmanship and continuous improvement helps ensure every vehicle receives the attention it deserves.
Tony Closurdo
ASE Master Technician
Tony brings 35 years of hands-on automotive experience to Ward Specialty Performance. An ASE-certified Brake and Suspension Master Technician in Michigan and a GM OBD-I certified technician, Tony combines decades of knowledge with a commitment to quality repairs and customer care. Known for his dependable approach and attention to detail, he takes pride in helping customers keep their vehicles safe, reliable, and road-ready. When he's not in the shop, Tony enjoys building model cars and spending time with family. His favorite part of the automotive industry has always been the people; that passion for serving others makes him a valued member of the team.
Full-Service Auto Repair & Performance in Palatka, FL
Whether your truck needs an oil change or your hotrod needs a full custom build, we handle it under one roof.
Repair & Maintenance
- Oil Changes & Fluid Services
- Brake Repair & Inspection
- A/C Service & Repair
- Transmission Repair
- Engine Diagnostics
- Electrical System Repair
- Suspension & Steering
- Preventive Maintenance
- Fleet Vehicle Service
Specialty & Performance
- GM Specialty Diagnostics (OBD-I & OBD-II)
- Full-Size GM Truck & SUV Service
- Hotrod & Classic GM Builds
- Custom Metal Fabrication
- Turbocharger Installation
- Exhaust Design & Fabrication
- ECU & Performance Tuning
- Suspension Upgrades
Serving North Florida from Our Palatka Shop
Our shop is in Palatka, but our customers come from across the region. If you want a shop that gets it right the first time, the drive is worth it.
- Palatka
- St. Augustine
- Jacksonville
- Orange Park
- Green Cove Springs
- Hastings
- Interlachen
- Crescent City
- Gainesville
- Palm Coast
- Daytona Beach
After 6 Mechanics, She finally found the right one.
"I have a 1996 Ford E250 Econoline Camper van. I have had 6 different mechanics in the last 8 months trying to figure out what the problem was but to no avail..."
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They fixed my 1978 Bonanza!
"Best shop around with years of knowledge.. super friendly and reliable..."
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A Complete Overhaul!
"Unbelievable what this guy can do!! I HIGHLY recommend! My son is in the military and for a special surprise..."
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Found My Diesel Mechanic!
"Had my 1999 F-350 diesel towed to their shop, just died while driving... Diagnosed it properly, took care of other issues, and let me know of some I wasn't aware of..."
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Wouldn't Trust My C8 Anywhere Else!
"Great guys who own the shop, first mod of many — installed my steering wheel in an hour and some change..."
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OLD-SCHOOL GRIT
Real-World Experience • Community Focused
Service Questions, Answered
Quick answers to what Palatka drivers ask most about our repair, performance, and fleet services.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
Call (352) 363-9841Hours
Mon-Thu: 8AM-5PM
Closed Sat & Sun
Proudly Serving: Palatka, East Palatka, Hastings, Crescent City, Interlachen, San Mateo, Green Cove Springs, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Orange Park & all of Putnam County, FL
Ready to Get Your Vehicle In?
Call the shop, fill out the form, or stop by at 701 N Moody Rd Unit 71, Palatka, FL 32177. We're here Monday through Thursday, 8am to 5pm.