Austin's Custom LC Shops? (1 Viewer)

[Aids10]

Just got my 40th. & are looking for a custom toyota mechanic who specializes in FJ80's, and possibly our early tundra.

Can anyone recommend a professional operation in town?

Don't want to go to the toyota stealership

I've passed a few custom jeep shops around town, but never a toyota one.

Appreciate any help

 

[warpdriv]

Edwin can hook ya up. LCS Austin's Land Cruiser Specialist!
Also Jason at JK Custom Off Road Accessories for your Rig

 

[lolo62]

Edwin can hook ya up. LCS Austin's Land Cruiser Specialist!
Also Jason at JK Custom Off Road Accessories for your Rig

x2
Edwin 512-420-0012
Jason 512-773-6791

 

[Aids10]

Thx Guys!

Speaking with Edwin and he mentioned he did not have much experience with the younger toyota models, FZJ80, et cetera.

Know of any larger operations?

 

[krookedpandas]

Thx Guys!

Speaking with Edwin and he mentioned he did not have much experience with the younger toyota models, FZJ80, et cetera.

Know of any larger operations?

What work are you looking to do?

 

[davegonz]

What work are you looking to do?

Yeah, helps to know what you need done. Head gasket? Pesky heater hose? Birf job?

Jeff Bearden at Bearden Automotive works on newer trucks. He's up in NW Austin.

 

[warpdriv]

Jeff Bearden at Bearden Automotive works on newer trucks. He's up in NW Austin.

I mentioned Edwin and Jason for custom work. I take my 80 to Beardon for mechanical issues.

 

[Aids10]

Yeah just basic maintenance at present

Bearden Automotive it is!

Thanks davegonz; appreciate the lead!

 

[Aids10]

Is this something to worry about?

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35658

 

[austintaco]

I read that thread a few weeks ago, and until I read the recommendation on here, I would have steered anyone away from them, but maybe its an isolated incident or blown way out of proportion. Who knows?

 

[Sea Knight]

Is this something to worry about?

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35658

I'm not buyin' it. There's got to be another side to that guy's story. I find it strange that he never called Bearden to voice his complaint and attempt to resolve the problem. By his own admission, his first and only communication was a letter threatening a law suit.

FWIW, Jeff Bearden's shop has worked on several of my Cruisers during the past 8 years, everything from 40's to a UZJ 100. I've never had an issue of any kind, or heard of anyone else in the Austin Cruiser community having a complaint. All their work carries a 1 year warranty, and they use only Toyota parts. Jeff himself is a certified Toyota/Lexus Master Tech, as are all his mechanics. I'd suggest that you drop by and talk to Jeff, and formulate your own opinion. They're good people. Just my .02

 

[Aids10]

Gave them two calls to schedule a time; they didn't return them all day.

When I did get a hold of them the service manager had a piss poor attitude.

FYI- they do not allow customers back in the bays- which I consider a red flag.

So the hunt continues...

 

[Sea Knight]

Gave them two calls to schedule a time; they didn't return them all day.

When I did get a hold of them the service manager had a piss poor attitude.

FYI- they do not allow customers back in the bays- which I consider a red flag.

So the hunt continues...

If the service manager you're referring to is Pamela, she isn't good about returning calls and she can be a beatch. She was the svc manager at the local Toyota stealership before going to Bearden, which explains the attitude.

FWIW I've been in Bearden's service bays many times, including with Jeff the owner, and no one ever told me to get out.

Sorry that didn't work out for you. Here's another shop you might consider. No personal experience, but I've heard good things about them. Barrett Auto Care - Austin, TX, 78728 - Citysearch

 

[Aids10]

Thx M8!

Next time i'm up north i'll pop in and see the owner jeff

 

[Softride62]

You prolly found a shop by now, but Bearden did the manifold on my 87 and did a great job, Pamela can be a little harsh, but once you get to know her she's alright... There are things they don't do, like carb rebuilds, but then Edwin came along and opened shop, thank God for that. IMO Edwin can figure out how to fix the newer trucks too, he says he could do the mani on my 100 series

 

[Aids10]

Follow-up:

Swung by and got an oil change at Bearden; appears to be a good operation, thanks!

I brought 8 quarts of castrol edge & oem filter and they charged $23 for labor.

Owner Jeff was a nice guy; I'll be back to get my PHH done soon.

Pamela did come out and asked me to get out of the bays I took it up with Jeff and it's all good so long as you don't chat/distract the tech. too much.

 

[ATXLandCrusher]

It's interesting to hear how other shops operate.

In our shop we let the customers walk around as much as they want looking at the millions of dollars worth of cars. Unfortunately we don't work on Land Cruisers.

 

[Sea Knight]

Follow-up:

Swung by and got an oil change at Bearden; appears to be a good operation, thanks!

I brought 8 quarts of castrol edge & oem filter and they charged $23 for labor.

Owner Jeff was a nice guy; I'll be back to get my PHH done soon.

Pamela did come out and asked me to get out of the bays I took it up with Jeff and it's all good so long as you don't chat/distract the tech. too much.

Pamela has control issues but once you get to know her, she's OK. She told me that they wouldn't replace the clutch on my 40 because it was too old (this was before Edwin reopened). Jeff overheard the conversation, came out of his office and said "If it's a Toyota, we'll work on it." Occasionally he has to remind her that he owns the place.