OC mechanic and restoration shop

[Ruddyding]

New here. I posted this yesterday in a different ih8mud forum/page, but I’m reposting here as this group is OC based.

I'm in Orange County, and I'm planning on buying a 1997 Land Cruiser 40th Anniversary Edition from an out-of-state seller; this would be my first LC. Assuming the inspection goes well, I should pick it up next week. I plan on using it as a daily driver with some occasional light offroad (no rock climbing). It's in good shape physically/cosmetically, but has 200K miles and my guess is it'll need mechanical work. I also plan on doing restoration and upgrading.

I'll do some work myself but plan on having most work done by a shop. Does anyone have any recommendations for a Land Cruiser mechanic and restoration shop in Orange County? I've spoken with TopLine Performance in Huntington Beach, and they said they can handle everything, but I found them on the web and I don't any other point of reference.

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[InDaWoods]

I would suggest Cruiser Tech in Laguna Hills. The type of Landcruiser work you describe is their specialty. Call and speak to Cesar.

 

[Ruddyding]

I would suggest Cruiser Tech in Laguna Hills. The type of Landcruiser work you describe is their specialty. Call and speak to Cesar.

Someone else recommended Cruiser Tech to me, but thought that it was the new name for American Overland Expedition (AOE) which has gotten bad reviews on this site. Once such review is at Alex Carvallo at AOE stole $900 from me ! - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/alex-carvallo-at-aoe-stole-900-from-me.880391/page-7. Both Cruiser Tech and AOE have the same address in Laguna Hills, so I'll do some more research about this. However, I appreciate the response and the recommendation.

 

[InDaWoods]

I am very aware of that thread. I would suggest you stop by the shop and see for your own eyes. Cesar (owner of Cruiser Tech) is the only person there I deal with and his personnel are the only ones who work on my rigs; my 80 is there right now.

 

[ocLC200]

I’m a LC newbie and just getting started outfitting my ‘17 for a trip to Colorado this summer. After a lot of research (I exhaustively research everything..which does drive me nuts) I found Cesar and Cruiser Tech this past March. I was aware of those reviews as well, but other shops were booked for months (Yotamasters), never got back to me (Top Line), or very poor response time (Aiden James). Also, the reviews were not directed at Cesar. Regardless, since his shop is nearby, I gave him a try and have been very happy with Cesar/CT. He has installed a Budbuilt skid plates, Dobinsons Drawer System and yesterday he completed a Dobinsons MRR/MRA suspension system. He has been responsive and I can get appointments in a reasonable timeframe. Also, he has TONS of 80 series outside his shop that he is working on. I can’t imagine he would have that much work if people weren’t happy with his work. I would say give Cesar a try and see for yourself.

 

[Dragos80]

New here. I posted this yesterday in a different ih8mud forum/page, but I’m reposting here as this group is OC based.

I'm in Orange County, and I'm planning on buying a 1997 Land Cruiser 40th Anniversary Edition from an out-of-state seller; this would be my first LC. Assuming the inspection goes well, I should pick it up next week. I plan on using it as a daily driver with some occasional light offroad (no rock climbing). It's in good shape physically/cosmetically, but has 200K miles and my guess is it'll need mechanical work. I also plan on doing restoration and upgrading.

I'll do some work myself but plan on having most work done by a shop. Does anyone have any recommendations for a Land Cruiser mechanic and restoration shop in Orange County? I've spoken with TopLine Performance in Huntington Beach, and they said they can handle everything, but I found them on the web and I don't any other point of reference.

Any help will be appreciated.

I have nothing bad to say about TopLine Performance in HB.
Took my 80 there and I am very pleased.
Others here recommend them as well.
Search here for their name.

 

[Ruddyding]

I have nothing bad to say about TopLine Performance in HB.
Took my 80 there and I am very pleased.
Others here recommend them as well.
Search here for their name.

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.