Recommended JDM shops in Austin area (1 Viewer)

[Goforth]

Anyone have a recommendation for JDM mechanic? I recently acquired a diesel 70 series. Looking for a shop to fix a couple odds and ends like a/c (only cools when driving, not at idle). Truck is 12v so shouldn’t be too complex but I’m hoping a shoo that knows how to get parts. I live in Cedar Park and can tell you Cedar Park Toyota is the worst place to get obscure parts. Think they can only find parts from 2009+

thanks!

 

[Fj60rick]

Landcruiser Specialist located at
13501 HWY 183 N. Building B
Austin, Texas 78750
Is great. I think rising sun on Lamar also works on cruisers but am not 100%

 

[CenTXFJ60]

@FJ73Texas Matt lives in San Antonio and has owned a few 70 series trucks. He may be a resource for you as well. 12V AC work is fairly straight forward. A lot of folks in this group may be able to help out as well. PartSouq is a great place to order OEM stuff for cruisers. My first thought is your condenser may need to be cleaned or possibly replace with a new one depending on condition etc. if your pressures are good (No leaks) then it may be a result of cleaning this and the evaporator core. Good luck. Jimmy

 

[FJ73Texas]

When I had my FJ73 (a 12V truck also), I took it to Alamo Auto Doctors in San Antonio to have the A/C re-done (new a/c clutch and compressor) and converted from R12 to R134a. He did a great job and knows Land Cruisers pretty well. It was a few years ago and I haven't been around the shop in awhile but I think they are still open and running.

I second @CenTXFJ60 recommendation of PartSouq for new parts and I also get a lot of obsolete/NLA parts (often used) from Japan auctions.

 

[FJ73Texas]

I also want to add that dealerships are pretty lousy for 70 series parts.

You WILL still have to go to the Toyota dealer for a few select parts such as glass, especially the front windshield glass. You don't want that stuff shipped to you direct because you can at least refuse it and demand refund at the dealer if it is damaged. There are no aftermarket options for 70 series glass in the US that I am aware of.

 

[Goforth]

Thanks @FJ73Texas and @CenTXFJ60 I'm opening up the evaporator today to see if anything looks off. I noticed the drain pipe was clogged. I won't go too deep as my experience here is limited - just trying easy stuff before I shed dollars from my wallet

Truck is a 1994, has R134 sticker on it. We noticed plenty of moisture dripping in the floorboard when we drove yesterday

Anyone have experience with Bearden Auto? Certified Toyota Repair in Austin, TX

 

[bottombracket]

Bearden is great. Jeff does absolutely top notch work.

 

[davegonz]

Galen, he might just need to get topped off like your truck.

 

[Goforth]

I bought one of those ‘refrigerant in a can’ from auto parts store. Put it to 35lbs on the low pressure with the fast idle running. Seems to make it colder, but at idle the truck blows out musky air.
To be clear, Edwin at Land Cruiser Specialist has always done good work on my 40. He just gets backed up some time.

I appreciate all the suggestions!

edit- of course went out to check just now and I hear the compressor ‘chirping’

 

[bottombracket]

Medi at A/C Auto Electric on North Lamar is smart and likes Cruisers. You can tell him Galen with the silver diesel 80 sent you...it might make it more expensive!