Any Great TLC Mechanics in SF Bay Area?

[Ugly Dwarf]

ToyotaPro... Hmm... I used to consider that "my toyota shop", but Frank and Carmeilo (sp?) have left. They both seemed to be into wheeling and knew the TLC 40 and 80 (for example, they knew what I meant when I made reference to PHH one time) and we would talk about off-roading. I don't know where they landed and it sounds like it was a bitter break up.

The new folks seem to have a very high opinion of themselves (from what I gather it's a husband / wife who started the business, went remote with Frank there, and are now back to "set things straight"). When I started chatting with the guy who seems to be the head mechanic (not the owner / manager), it seemed he is knowledgeable about "stock" Toyota's, but for example had never heard of OME and was asking why I would change the suspension (technically I didn't as they were on there when I bought it), so he / they may not be geared towards the off-road crowd.

I'd say I'm on the fence but will probably go back. I'm happy with MOST of their most recent work. They encouraged me to have them change the water pump the last time I was there, but now I occasionally smell coolant after driving a bit, where I never did before. Maybe I'm just imagining new things or missed things that were always there till they made me think about it.

If anyone on here knows Frank or Carmillo (?) went, I'd consider checking out that shop. They were stand up guys.

 

[NoTempoLimit]

Resurrecting this thread... I moved to the SF peninsula (Mountain View) a few months ago. The alternative was 3.5+ hours a day in traffic plus $185 a month just to cross the bridge to get to work!

I had previously had Top Shop in Walnut Creek work on my LC. Good service but pricey. Quoted me $2500+ for a timing belt job (I have a 100 series).

I expected that when I needed service I'd get in touch with Bay Area Speed-O-Motive in Redwood City, but I understand they have closed. It must be nearly impossible to run a small business in this area.

If anyone has any suggestions in the area for good Land Cruiser mechanics I would love to hear about it. Alternately, if anyone can suggest shops that are a drive (even as far as Sacramento area) but can save you a substantial amount of money jobs like timing belt replacements, I'd like to know about those.

And before anyone makes the obvious suggestion - I have done plenty of wrenching on my 100 but I have *no where* to do the work now that my only family member with a garage moved out of the area (from Livermore to Lincoln).

Thanks in advance!

 

[fjbj40]

Valley Hybrids….

 

[Cruisin30]

This guy is a MUDDER: A+ Japanese Auto Repair: Expert Car Repair in San Carlos, CA - A+ Japanese Auto Repair, Inc. - http://www.aplusjapaneseautorepair.com/

But he's in San Carlos, and I haven't had any experience with him.

I would like to know too if there is a TLC specialist in the east bay.

Do your a wallet a favor and be weary going there lol. I got quoted $1500 to replace the front wheel bearings, couldn’t hang up the phone fast enough. Have no idea where they got the part prices from as well… I’m sure they might be great, but remember this truck is worked on all around the world in remote places it’s not the hardest to service.

Flex Function in Campbell is who I recommend.

 

[NoTempoLimit]

Valley Hybrids….

I have them in my list from the long master thread on Cruiser Mechanics by State:

Valley Hybrids
2953 Cherryland Ave Unit C
Stockton, CA 95215
Phone: 650.576.2023

Is the info above still correct?

 

[fjbj40]

I have them in my list from the long master thread on Cruiser Mechanics by State:

Valley Hybrids
2953 Cherryland Ave Unit C
Stockton, CA 95215
Phone: 650.576.2023

Is the info above correct?

Not sure if the address is correct
@orangefj45

 

[shermantank55]

Here's where I'd go in the SF area. Gary Kardum is a great guy:

Home | mudrak

www.mudrak.com

22690 Broadway, Suite #2
Sonoma, CA 95476
HOURS
Mon - Sat: 9AM-5PM PST
Sunday: Closed
PHONE
707-292-3509
EMAIL
gary@mudrak.com

 

[orangefj45]

Not sure if the address is correct
@orangefj45

Thanks bud.

Proper info:

Valley Hybrids 1038 W. Fremont St. Stockton CA 95203
Shop 209-475-8808
Sales@valleyhybrids.com

 

[orangefj45]

Resurrecting this thread... I moved to the SF peninsula (Mountain View) a few months ago. The alternative was 3.5+ hours a day in traffic plus $185 a month just to cross the bridge to get to work!

I had previously had Top Shop in Walnut Creek work on my LC. Good service but pricey. Quoted me $2500+ for a timing belt job (I have a 100 series).

I expected that when I needed service I'd get in touch with Bay Area Speed-O-Motive in Redwood City, but I understand they have closed. It must be nearly impossible to run a small business in this area.

If anyone has any suggestions in the area for good Land Cruiser mechanics I would love to hear about it. Alternately, if anyone can suggest shops that are a drive (even as far as Sacramento area) but can save you a substantial amount of money jobs like timing belt replacements, I'd like to know about those.

And before anyone makes the obvious suggestion - I have done plenty of wrenching on my 100 but I have *no where* to do the work now that my only family member with a garage moved out of the area (from Livermore to Lincoln).

Thanks in advance!

The guys at A1 in Belmont should be able to help.

We’re a little further away but could certainly take care of anything your 100 needs.

Happy to help.

Georg @ Valley Hybrids
Shop 209-475-8808
Sales@valleyhybrids.com