Local Vendor Experiences (2 Viewers)

[elripster]

Friends, had good luck with a local vendor? Post up here. Had bad luck same, let's get a list of folks we can go to for stuff.

- Alternative Automotive: Auto Repair, Escondido CA | Alternative Automotive - https://www.alternativeautoescondido.com/ Elripster had a full engine rebuild as did another member. The owner used to be a tech at a Toyota dealer and is a Supra enthusiast. Common to see old LC's in the shop.

 

[badsamaritan]

A few shops I have used recently:

Hawthorne Tire and Auto Service - Have taken both FJ40's and my Chevelle there for alignments. Always pretty friendly and always do a good job. Prices are fair, I'll probably take the 40 there when I am ready for new tires.

Pacific Auto Electric - Was referred here by Hawthorne for electrical on classic cars. I called and gave them a short list of 5-6 electrical things that I would like corrected. All pretty simple in my opinion. I had to wait 3 weeks for an opening and then they kept the 40 over a month. In the end they fixed probably 3 of the 6 items, and I finally just went down and got it after progress stalled. Of course they wanted to bill me for their full quote even though they didn't fix all the issues we agreed upon. Owner seemed like a nice guy, but really overwhelmed with his work load and distracted. I get the feeling if he works on your project, you are in good hands, not so much with the other employees. Pretty unhappy with the experience, and do not recommend.

Escondido Auto Tech - Took the 100 series here to get the Evaporator replaced. Not cheap, but they did a good job and it's been 2 years since and everything works great.

Electro Tech Powder coating - awesome to use. I've taken all kinds of parts both big and small there. Pretty fast and a pleasure to work with.

Chris Spicer aka Spicerwire - After the harness on the red 40 burned up I started calling around to see if I could get a shop to take a look at it. One of those shops recommended Chris Spicer and I had seen him on videos for EV West (EV Swap company in Encinitas). I reached out and he agreed to do the work. In the end he kept my original harness, and all the supplies I purchased for him to create a new harness for over a year and then called me to say he gave up. He did return everything I purchased/provided but gave no explanation. I see on social media that he does mobile hotrod repair for electrical but based on my experience I do not recommend him.

 

[prwillard2]

All Pro Custom Mufflers & Brakes · 303 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054 - https://goo.gl/maps/p7efjkB3ZDMGaoWq6 - Went here for rust repairs on my 1995 Troopy. Difficult to find someone in SoCal who will work on rust. These guys welded in new floorpans for me (that I provided), fixed rust around the windshield (some metal replacement, unfortunately lots of bondo here because of the inability to just weld in a new winshield frame on a Troopy), part of my underbody, and some roof rust repair. They cut out the rusted metal and welded in new stuff. Overall pretty happy. Deal with them in cash for a better deal.

Alignment & Brakes - 520 Tremont Street, Oceanside. - Hole in the wall place, was willing to do an alignment to my Troopy after every other shop I talked to said they couldn't because their computer system wouldn't be able to pull my my vehicle based on VIN or model. Deals in cash.

 

[DieselsanDiapers]

Here’s a couple shops I’ve used recently and had some success at.

Affordable gauge cluster repairmen, took my car to these guys when my MPH stopped reading-
Foreign Speedo
2246 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104
United States

My A/C was replaced by these guys, they were able to source the correct parts for my 1993 1HD-T JDM Toyota Land Cruiser, they even replaced my power antenna a couple of times when it broke.-
Aero Auto
9756 Aero Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
United States

Cesar was able to install my dobinsons 2.5” IMS lift with no problems also had them rebuild my injectors, I plan on having them take care of my fuel pump next in the near future.
Cruiser Tech
23221 Peralta Dr Suite H, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

 

[prwillard2]

Cesar was able to install my dobinsons 2.5” IMS lift with no problems also had them rebuild my injectors, I plan on having them take care of my fuel pump next in the near future.
Cruiser Tech
23221 Peralta Dr Suite H, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

How were your overall thoughts on Cruiser Tech? I'm headed there this Friday to drop off my FZJ75 that needs a new clutch with all the works, and a rebuild of my H150F.

 

[leucadiacruiser]

I've taken my 62 to Cesar at Cruiser Tech for my last two services and it's running like a top again. I've got AAA Premier and it is within the mileage window so I have it flatbedded up to the Laguna Hills shop. I think they just moved to a larger location last week, but not sure what the new address is. I'll be having them do any substantial work from now on. Highly recommend.

 

[DieselsanDiapers]

How were your overall thoughts on Cruiser Tech? I'm headed there this Friday to drop off my FZJ75 that needs a new clutch with all the works, and a rebuild of my H150F.

Hi sorry for the late reply, overall I think he specializes in suspension and body repair, not too happy about his work with my engine less than 10,000km on my “rebuilt” injectors and i find I have a blown body o-ring…

I know it could be a couple of different factors, like maybe they nicked it on installation, a damaged o-ring to begin, but still not what i was hoping to find thanksgiving weekend.

I’m finding him hard to get ahold of lately.

 

[dudemancool1904]

I took my 200 to Elite Finish in Miramar for a complete paint decon, correction, and ceramic coating. They also applied STEK NEX tint to the front windows and windshield. My goal with this car was not to end up with a show car but rather fix the years of neglect from the prior owner and give me some bit of protection for the paint and interior as this truck lives in the driveway and I plan on wheeling the piss out of it for the rest of its life. The service took 5 days and wasn’t cheap but the results speaks for itself. Not only does the midnight black metallic sparkle in any light but the exterior is also easier to clean. Parked under a tree last night and dust and dirt seem to just fly off. It’s great. The interior is also cooler, and the tint is barely noticeable. Pictures do not do it justice.

(One of the detailers also has a rad 80 series built by Stellar.)

I dealt with Kevin the manager and Braeden, both were always available for my questions and concerns.

I highly recommend this place. Everyone there was a car guy/gal and genuinely stoked to be working on all sorts of cars from 80s XJ’s to McLarens to a 928GTS to Teslas. They also host a large cars and coffee event every few months.

 

[MTN RNR]

I took my 200 to Elite Finish in Miramar for a complete paint decon, correction, and ceramic coating. They also applied STEK NEX tint to the front windows and windshield. My goal with this car was not to end up with a show car but rather fix the years of neglect from the prior owner and give me some bit of protection for the paint and interior as this truck lives in the driveway and I plan on wheeling the piss out of it for the rest of its life. The service took 5 days and wasn’t cheap but the results speaks for itself. Not only does the midnight black metallic sparkle in any light but the exterior is also easier to clean. Parked under a tree last night and dust and dirt seem to just fly off. It’s great. The interior is also cooler, and the tint is barely noticeable. Pictures do not do it justice.

(One of the detailers also has a rad 80 series built by Stellar.)

I dealt with Kevin the manager and Braeden, both were always available for my questions and concerns.

I highly recommend this place. Everyone there was a car guy/gal and genuinely stoked to be working on all sorts of cars from 80s XJ’s to McLarens to a 928GTS to Teslas. They also host a large cars and coffee event every few months.

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Thanks for the tip! Think I'll take our 2018 200 there for similar treatment!

 

[dudemancool1904]

After ditching the stock tires and upgrading to some 33s I decided to get a front end alignment. I went to Clarence Brown Alignment in Kearny Mesa. I used to go there back in the late 90s/early 00’s as they were well known among the modified car community for dealing with “not stock” cars. Anyway they charged $125 for the front end and it was done in less than an hour. They still do great work and they actually road test the car before and after. They are also really good about standing behind their work. With all the crazy cars and setups I’ve had and seen over the years I’ve never had an issue with them being able to give me the exact alignment I wanted weather it was full track, street, or somewhere in between.

These guys are truly old school, no laser racks in sight. But their work speaks for itself.

 

[Boston Mangler]

After ditching the stock tires and upgrading to some 33s I decided to get a front end alignment. I went to Clarence Brown Alignment in Kearny Mesa. I used to go there back in the late 90s/early 00’s as they were well known among the modified car community for dealing with “not stock” cars. Anyway they charged $125 for the front end and it was done in less than an hour. They still do great work and they actually road test the car before and after. They are also really good about standing behind their work. With all the crazy cars and setups I’ve had and seen over the years I’ve never had an issue with them being able to give me the exact alignment I wanted weather it was full track, street, or somewhere in between.

These guys are truly old school, no laser racks in sight. But their work speaks for itself.

I second all of this 110%

Seriously picked mine up from them this afternoon. Couldn’t be happier.

This was my 5th truck they’ve dialed in for me.

 

[Jwoodywild]

Thanks for the tip! Think I'll take our 2018 200 there for similar treatment!

Looks great - ballpark on the price?

 

[prwillard2]

Looks great - ballpark on the price?

When I had tint done on mine (windshield and driver/passenger windows), wrap on the front 3/4 of the vehicle (just skipped the tailgate and roof, windows on down), and ceramic on top of this XPel wrap it cost me nearly 10k.

This was back when they were called AutoArmour

 

[Jwoodywild]

When I had tint done on mine (windshield and driver/passenger windows), wrap on the front 3/4 of the vehicle (just skipped the tailgate and roof, windows on down), and ceramic on top of this XPel wrap it cost me nearly 10k.

This was back when they were called AutoArmour

Thank you. You did the wrap just to keep the always washed look?
Also, at local cars and coffee in Rancho Santa Fe a bunch of guys were talking up going to Tijuana (forgot the name of the shop) to get a wrap. Their cars looked great and they claim 50% - 70% less. Ever hear of that??

 

[prwillard2]

Thank you. You did the wrap just to keep the always washed look?
Also, at local cars and coffee in Rancho Santa Fe a bunch of guys were talking up going to Tijuana (forgot the name of the shop) to get a wrap. Their cars looked great and they claim 50% - 70% less. Ever hear of that??

I'm active duty and cannot go to mexico, I assume it's a better price due to labor costs. I wanted the 10 year warranty with a reputable shop, don't think you'll get any warranty from a shop in TJ.

The wrap on mine is clear - it does not make it look always washed. I did it to prevent scratches on my black paint, especially that the XPel is self healing and will smooth out any imperfections that form from pinstriping.

 

[dudemancool1904]

10k is going rate to wrap the entire truck, I got two quotes last summer when I bought my truck (from One of One and Elite Finish), one was right at $10k, one was around $7k. I decided not to do a full body wrap since I already had a sand blasted front bumper (thanks previous Vegas owner) and if I was gonna drop $10k I might as well get a full respray in a few years!

I paid around $2500 for a full detail, cut and buff, two layers of ceramic with 10yr warranty, interior, wheels, and STEK ceramic tint on the windshield and front windows. It was totally worth it. I park my truck outside and don’t have to worry about the dash/front seats being 8000 degrees when I get in. Also I’ve been using their waterless wash and it works really well. Washed the truck this weekend and I was shocked how good it still looks and how well the ceramic coating still works.

As for TJ sure there are deals to be had but go with someone who knows the lay of the land. I think the shop you’re referring to is called TJ Wraps. They’re on instagram and they’ve done a few local overland influencers trucks. Work looks good but I can’t vouch for it.

I would shop around. There are a lot of places in town, Miramar area, north county, etc. like @prwillard2 said Elite Finish has been around for a while and they are total car geeks. They do all of Doug Demuro’s hoopties.