I'm Looking for a top-notch 80 mechanic around Cincinnati? (1 Viewer)

[z450]

As it says in the title, I would love to find someone I can trust to do service on my 97' LX450.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[94SRUNNER]

What is it that you are looking to get done?

 

[z450]

I guess I am very particular about the work done on my cruiser. I know that when you find someone that is very familiar with cruisers they take care of your truck very well. One superficial example: I had just repainted all of my hubcaps. Sanded, painted, multiple coats of clear... the works. The mechanic I should be able to trust, didn't even remove them when he was trying to fix a vibration when braking. He scratch the caps to hell...

He also never even drove the truck after replacing the front rotors. The vibration is totally there. Do you guys think I am just better off doing the work myself? I can do brakes & the like, but when it comes to birfs I wanted someone really good to help me out.

Any thoughts?

 

[PHAEDRUS]

Please understand that I Run a body shop and deal with customers all day.
IF you are an extremely picky and particular customer you will NEVER find a mechanic that you will trust. I am the same way, Even though I have some great people who I work with I still wrench on my own trucks. If you pay someone else there is always the nagging sense of doubt on whether they did everything correctly. If you did it you know you did it right.
Certain things (IE Carbs and Automatic Transmissions Both VOODOO in my book) are left to professionals but the front axle service is pretty straight forward and does not require a lot of special tools to complete correctly.

JMHO
Dave

 

[94SRUNNER]

I very much agree with Dave on all his points.

The front axle service (and the large majority of 80 Series related projects) is easily accomplished and by searching on the 80 Series forum you will find a wealth information on the subject also look into getting the Factory Service Manual another great resource.

I will send you a PM with some additional info.

 

[Wayneraintree]

My buddy Luke is a cruiser mechanic in the cinci area. Good mechanic!
Lukefj80@ yahoo.com

 

[94SRUNNER]

z450..did you ever find a mechanic?

 

[gothodgie]

My buddy Luke is a cruiser mechanic in the cinci area. Good mechanic!
Lukefj80@ yahoo.com

Luke is a good cruiser mechanic and he just moved into a new shop... I can get you his number if you want....

Pete you figured out when you might want to do your front axle.. I would be interested in doing it or Luke could help you out too... His prices are reasonable...

Chris

 

[94SRUNNER]

Hi Chris....Nothing nailed down, but possibly the middle of February, as I may have a free weekend. Chris the other thing I need is a location to do the work in, I have a two car garage but the 80 is to tall to fit.

I met Luke, a few years ago, he bought a receiver from me off of craigslist. Anyway...do you know what he charges hourly? I have all the parts and fluids ready and would actually like someone to assist me rather than just have them do it for me.

Thanks

 

[gothodgie]

I have room here at my place and i'll do it pretty cheap... I don't have any idea what Luke's hourly is, but i can find out if you want... Give me a call if you might want me to do it...


Chris

 

[lukefj80]

i would be happy to do the knuckle job. i have been working on cruisers for 17 years. i am ase certified and have done a ton of knuckle rebuilds. i used to work at land cruiser connection in norhtern va. i have a 97 lx450 in my shop as we speak that i just installed a 3" ome lift and am starting a knucke job on monday. give me a call and you can come by and see my work. my name is Luke Bogner and my number is 859-760-1942 thanks