Auto Hobby: A do-it-yourself auto center

[AutoHobby]

Hey all!

My name is Joe and I am opening and do it yourself auto repair center in Montclair, CA. My partner and I realized one night that there needs to be a place for enthusiasts. A place to do their own work. I didn't want some 'mechanic' touching my ride or telling me things where wrong when they weren't. We decided that there must be a better way. A few beers later, we realized we were going to open a shop up that YOU could rent by the hour. We provide the tools and lifts, and you do the work. That simple. Just sign up to be a member (only takes 5 minutes, and is FREE), and enjoy a FULL shop with lifts, air tools, smoke testers (find those BOOST leaks!!!), mechanics on site to help you out, and a wide array of hand tools. Best part, you are in a clean, safe, and organized environment! What could be better? You working on YOUR car. At Auto Hobby, its your car, your way.

Follow us on Face Book at www.facebook.com/autohobbygarage. We run promotions that get you FREE shop time and stay up to date on all the latest happenings at the shop. We will have a lounge with refreshments, video games, TV, internet, etc so you can just come hang out and talk cars.

Best part is our "Test and Tune" package we are developing with a neighboring shop. FSR Motorsports Creations has been kind enough to team up with us to offer a unique ability for you guys! Come down to the shop and strap the car to the dyno for a pull or two and see what your WHP is. Then come next door, install your exhaust, new fuel injectors, intake, etc and go back onto the dyno. This way you can actually see your results! How great is that?

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, let us know. We love to talk cars and love to meet people that are enthusiastic like us. Like us on facebook, and check out the website at AutoHobbyGarage.com (http://www.autohobbygarage.com)

Thanks guys!

Joe
Auto Hobby

[fliprayzin240sx]

Its a cool idea, almost every military base in the US has something like this. I've always wondered how hard it would be to do on the civilian side with the insurance.

[lockhaim]

Sounds like an awesome idea good lck! Maybe one day they'll be one in cinci!

[Homeboyx]

Love the idea, sounds like the shop class I'm taking right now. Just sucks that you guys are an hour away. :/ Span out over to Los Angeles maybe? :D

[AutoHobby]

We are looking to franchise out, but not in the near future. We need to get this one going first.

Insurance was a PITA!!!! BUT we have a really really good policy so no worries!

[future]

Details on the policy

[jesse_s13]

We are looking to franchise out, but not in the near future. We need to get this one going first.

Insurance was a PITA!!!! BUT we have a really really good policy so no worries!

I was just gonna ask about that.

This sounds like a cool idea. But I do wonder how much you are gonna charge for such a service. I would also be concerned about people stealing and damaging tools.

[Homeboyx]

Also, are you looking for a tools room guy or some sort of security? Janitor even? wink* wink* Gotta start somewhere. :D Plus the shop definitely sounds like an awesome place to be.

The one thing I would be worried about is tools going "missing". Unfortunately, a lot of people abuse an awesome thing at the mere chance they get.. one thing I hate about humanity. :/

Edit: ^^ beat me to it.

[Frankiefingers77]

This sounds great and is just what I'm looking for! Having been a professional mechanic and just moved to the area, I'm without a lift. I'm pretty spoiled now and hate sliding under the car on my back. Are the lifts in? What are your rates? Do you have specialty tools like gear and hub pullers? Tranny jack for clutch jobs?

Best of luck to you guys, I hope this kind of thing really takes off.

[smoked240]

If the person was using a tool the wrong way, like a wrench as a pry bar and it snaps, I would make them replace it. If it just breaks from use, then I wouldnt worry about it. Shit happens. I rarely use my snap-on cause it's such a pain to replace. I'll use my craftsman before anything, cause if it breaks I will have a new one by just running up to sears.

Sounds like the Owner will have other mechanics there watching, helping. But that won't stop everyone, just some. Maybe do a tool count before they can leave?

I think this is a great idea. I've never trusted any mechanic to work on my stuff. There are good mechanics out there, but some of them are just flat out crooks.

[ghoti]

I was just gonna ask about that.

This sounds like a cool idea. But I do wonder how much you are gonna charge for such a service. I would also be concerned about people stealing and damaging tools.

..Sounds like the Owner will have other mechanics there watching, helping. But that won't stop everyone, just some. Maybe do a tool count before they can leave?

Same questions about this. Also how would you look over people using the tools correctly. How would you go about people getting the tools and how about returning tools and putting in the proper place. I think I would also be concerned about cleaning up after like people who just spill fluid over the floor and maybe another customer falls.

Anyways OP it sounds like a good plan on paper like Socialism but.... you know

[jesse_s13]

Same questions about this. Also how would you look over people using the tools correctly. How would you go about people getting the tools and how about returning tools and putting in the proper place. I think I would also be concerned about cleaning up after like people who just spill fluid over the floor and maybe another customer falls.

Anyways OP it sounds like a good plan on paper like Socialism but.... you know

Perhaps he could have the tools shadowed.(Foam)
That's the way I had mine when I worked on Military Vehicles. After every completed project was done you could back and check if there was any missing.(missing tool could result in engine failure or worse...)in his case you could easily see if a tool was missing.
http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/spartyon8/Tool%20Box/100_2031.jpg
(not my picture but same idea)

[smoked240]

That's exactly what I had pictured in my head. So then you can just do a quick drawer check and boom you'll see what's missing.
Well I'm sure there might be a couple camera's thrown up to keep an eye on the lifts, tool boxes and anything else.
For cleaning I would supply the cleaning materials and they would do the cleaning. It's fair enough. They make the mess and then you don't have to do any cleaning. It's not like once they are done with working on their vehicles they will just open the door and drive away.

[MadScientist]

I would have Video placed all over that shop for insurance, theft, etc..

Cover your ass with as many layers as possible!

Hand Tools are part of regular shop fee/ hour... etc...
Lifts and air tools are extra $$$/hour
Supervised ASE mech help extra $$$/ hour

Only allow 2 people to work on a vehicle and max amount of people allowed on the shop floor... etc... its not a party, club, bar, or a place to hang out.

Great Idea, but really really cover your ass.

[AutoHobby]

I will address all of you specifically, but first let me shed some more details about the operation. I wasn't expecting to get this kind of response, so thanks guys :)

When you arrive at Auto Hobby, you will need to fill out some intake forms. These will be basic information (name, address, DL number, car make, model, etc.). After these forms are complete, there will be a short safety briefing/tour of the facility, so that we know you are aware of what we have and how everything works. Once that is all done, we will put your car on the lift and you can go to town. You are now a member of Auto Hobby and are 'in the system' The cost per hour of a lift stall is $40. This includes lift, access to a hand tool set (wrenches, sockets, pliers, screw drivers, the basics.) as well as impact gun and air ratchet. We also rent non-lift stalls for $30 and hour. These have Ranger low profile extra long jacks (to reach under those ground scraping 240s ;) ) and jack stands. These are for people that are doing wheels, tires, breaks, etc that may not need to be under that car.

As far as security and tools go, we will have 2 cameras per lift. This will serve several purposes. One: if an injury does occur, we know exactly what happened and how. Two: if tools are missing, we will know who did and when it happened. We will check all the tools before anyone takes over the stall. Before they leave, we will check the tools again. If a tool isn't their, they customer will need to find it, pay the lost tool fee (fee dependent upon tool), or we will charge their credit card on file if they have already left the premises.

Details on the policy
I hope I answered your questions above. If I didn't, do not hesitate to email, PM, or post here! Thanks!!

I was just gonna ask about that.

This sounds like a cool idea. But I do wonder how much you are gonna charge for such a service. I would also be concerned about people stealing and damaging tools.

$40 per hour for a lift, $30 an hour for non-lift stalls. Both included access to air tools, hand tools, AllData/internet, oil disposal, and more. If i didn't answer your other question above, let me know.

Also, are you looking for a tools room guy or some sort of security? Janitor even? wink* wink* Gotta start somewhere. :D Plus the shop definitely sounds like an awesome place to be.

The one thing I would be worried about is tools going "missing". Unfortunately, a lot of people abuse an awesome thing at the mere chance they get.. one thing I hate about humanity. :/

Edit: ^^ beat me to it.

Hopefully, the policies we have in place will prevent issues like this from happening. We are a club and have members. If we see members that are routinely disregarding rules or policies, we simply will ask them to leave and not return. Easy as that. If people are risking the safety or efficiency of other members, they are not someone that needs to be in the shop.

This sounds great and is just what I'm looking for! Having been a professional mechanic and just moved to the area, I'm without a lift. I'm pretty spoiled now and hate sliding under the car on my back. Are the lifts in? What are your rates? Do you have specialty tools like gear and hub pullers? Tranny jack for clutch jobs?

Best of luck to you guys, I hope this kind of thing really takes off.

Lifts are coming in 2 weeks. We do have tranny jacks (several) so a clutch job is easily do able at the shop. We will have some specialty tools but if we don't have something thats needed, we will do our best to get it. The more tools we have, the more people we can help, so we fully understand the need to constantly build the 'tool library'.

Please come see us, we'd love to show your around the shop.

If the person was using a tool the wrong way, like a wrench as a pry bar and it snaps, I would make them replace it. If it just breaks from use, then I wouldnt worry about it. Shit happens. I rarely use my snap-on cause it's such a pain to replace. I'll use my craftsman before anything, cause if it breaks I will have a new one by just running up to sears.

Sounds like the Owner will have other mechanics there watching, helping. But that won't stop everyone, just some. Maybe do a tool count before they can leave?

I think this is a great idea. I've never trusted any mechanic to work on my stuff. There are good mechanics out there, but some of them are just flat out crooks.

Thanks for the input. And yes, if a tool breaks from general use, we will replace it. If you break a tool in an honest way, we won't bother you about it. If you break a screw driver trying to use it as a pry bar, you will be charged. We are really genuine people and aren't looking to take money form people. We are honest enthusiast that WANT to save you money and let you enjoy your car!

Same questions about this. Also how would you look over people using the tools correctly. How would you go about people getting the tools and how about returning tools and putting in the proper place. I think I would also be concerned about cleaning up after like people who just spill fluid over the floor and maybe another customer falls.

Anyways OP it sounds like a good plan on paper like Socialism but.... you know

If you don't know how to use a tool, just ask. Thats why we and the mechanic are their! There are 3 tool chests right now available for checkout (obviously, more will come when we are open to the public). We will check all tool before you get to use them. When you are done, before you leave, we will check out the set. If something is missing, we will address the issue. All tools will need to be cleaned in our tool washer. If not, there will be a fee assessed. We aren't your maids or parents, so you will need to clean up after yourself. If their is a fluid spill, report it to shop staff immediately, as it is an environmental concern.

All of these are clauses in the membership form packet. And socialism doesn't even sound good on paper so we are already one step ahead of them :naughtyd:

Perhaps he could have the tools shadowed.(Foam)
That's the way I had mine when I worked on Military Vehicles. After every completed project was done you could back and check if there was any missing.(missing tool could result in engine failure or worse...)in his case you could easily see if a tool was missing.
(not my picture but same idea)

Exactly...you got the idea buddy!

Couple of other details:

The more time you spend in the shop, the more we hook you up with FREE time!

The more people you refer to the shop, the more FREE time.

If you get a group of people together for a 'shop day', we will discount the price per person.

Overnight storage can be arranged for an added fee. We are in a secure, double gated complex with cameras.

Keep the questions and comments rollin!!!! Thanks guys!

Joe
Auto Hobby

[AutoHobby]

I would have Video placed all over that shop for insurance, theft, etc..

Cover your ass with as many layers as possible!

Hand Tools are part of regular shop fee/ hour... etc...
Lifts and air tools are extra $$$/hour
Supervised ASE mech help extra $$$/ hour

Only allow 2 people to work on a vehicle and max amount of people allowed on the shop floor... etc... its not a party, club, bar, or a place to hang out.

Great Idea, but really really cover your ass.

We have been working on insurance for over 3 months and have 2 policies in affect. our policy is in the 7 figures. We are covered. We also have 10+ cameras inside the shop alone. And, as stated, if you can't follow the rules, you aren't worth the $40 to us. We value safety and security to our patrons more then a few bucks.

[mowgli 240sx]

do u know freddie or alex? they are the ones that told me about this place. they are good friends of mine.

i was wondering if u guys have equipment to pull out an engine.
im planning on selling my ka setup on my s14 soon.

pm me. thnx

[future]

I meant th insurance policy

[AutoHobby]

Alex and Fred are both good friends of ours! Hit us up in 2 weeks, we will be ready. We don't have a cherry picker yet. Its on the truck along with our lifts and other goodies :)

As soon as we can accomodate you, I will hit you up! Follow us on Face Book to stay up to date and win FREE SHOP TIME!

www.facebook.com/autohobbygarage

[AutoHobby]

I meant th insurance policy

I can't give you more details then that on a public forum. If you need more details, call or PM us. There is only so much we can share about our operation.

[kevmeistah21]

Great idea!! I was gonna partner with a buddy as well but I didn't want to follow through with the amount of thieves and ignorant people in the car scene..


Good luck sir!

[AutoHobby]

Thanks Kev. We think with the policies we have in place and the help available at the shop that people are we will be able to keep loss prevention high. Ignorant people are fine, as long as they are willing to take proper steps in being safe. We, personally, will be there to answer any questions about the use of equipment

[Gizmo_S13]

Awesome idea!

[jame5x]

I had this in mind a few years ago too! Good luck to you sir

[AutoHobby]

Thanks! I come check us out any time!

[erik05v]

this will help out a lot of people great idea. good luck with the business!

[iveexcaped3]

i know if you put one in the riverside area youll make a killing.... if i were you id check the reg on the cars make sure the names match the drivers license so you dont get stolen cars in there and repped as a chop shop

[AutoHobby]

We will be keeping tight track of all the necessary information. If we notice the same people come in week after week with several different cars we will ask some questions, especially if they are 'parting' the car out. It is definitely something we have thought about.

There is a car meet in the works. Would you all come out to chill and eat some food? Maybe even put some 240s on the lifts?!

[future]

When and where? I think it's on your Facebook but I don't have one of those things lol

[AutoHobby]

We are at 5512 Arrow Highway Shop B. Not open to the public yet, but we love to show people around if you are in the area then swing by. Just call or text me first to make sure we are there we will be having a grand opening in late January. We are thinking of having a meet towards mid/late December as a preview/open house type thing

Thanks

Joey
Auto Hobby
(909) 784-8889

[future]

I think I know where that's at. I used to work out there for AAA. Might have to come through

[AutoHobby]

Yeah man stop by! On Arrow Highway (NOT ARROW ROUTE) between Bensen and Central.

[future]

Oh yeah. I know right where you are.

[alcorp]

Swwwwwweeeeeeeeeettttttt mmmmaaaaannnnn!!!!! Super bump on this!!!!! I'll be there for the grand opening for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AutoHobby]

You BETTER be there with the IS. If I don't see you there we are going to have a major issue to settle. Besides, we are going to get the replica engine champagne holder like you requested! Haha :)

[lewisfk]

I like your idea, and Ive been using the military hobby shops for years. I did my sr swap back in 2005 at the hobby shop in 29 Palms, CA. The Hobby shop in San Clemente closed down due to government cut backs. I'm keeping an ear to the ground to find out when there going to sale some of the tools. In my opinion, the tools are not the problem. Getting the proper insurance for yourself/shop and how to word the contract/agrementagrement to use your facility would be my biggest worry.

[AutoHobby]

Insurance we have covered, and believe me, it was not easy to get. At one point we thought we might have to abandon the project because we weren't sure if we would be able to get insurance or not. Luckily, we got it covered and our legal counsel is familiar with these types of waivers. I'm fairly certain we will be okay when it comes to legal/insurance. That by far has been the biggest hurdle.

[uraznfriend]

are you guys going to have welders and pipe benders? i want to make my own exhaust

[AutoHobby]

Yes, we will have both available however they will be added to the shop in a few months. We simply don't have the cash to get everything so we had to choose what we needed most. I'm thinking we will have a welder in there before a pipe bender but we should have both within 3-4 months.

[Purestock240]

This is really cool. something like this used to exist in barrie ontario canada. it was a shithole and no longer exists but the way it was run was just stupid. who wants to use an impact gun thats on a chain lol.

I'm currently in college for Business Entrepreneurship program. this seems like a pretty good idea and goodluck!

[dluevanos01]

We will be keeping tight track of all the necessary information. If we notice the same people come in week after week with several different cars we will ask some questions, especially if they are 'parting' the car out. It is definitely something we have thought about.

There is a car meet in the works. Would you all come out to chill and eat some food? Maybe even put some 240s on the lifts?!

Oh dam free food!? JK I'd be down if it were on a weekday since that's the only time in in the area. Otherwise I might just have to drive there.

Yes, we will have both available however they will be added to the shop in a few months. We simply don't have the cash to get everything so we had to choose what we needed most. I'm thinking we will have a welder in there before a pipe bender but we should have both within 3-4 months.

I've been wanting to learn hoe to weld, don't know if you guys/anyone would be willing to teach me.

I also met Alex at school. He mentioned something about this.

[Driftwurks]

I'm excited to see how this turns out.

[uraznfriend]

Yes, we will have both available however they will be added to the shop in a few months. We simply don't have the cash to get everything so we had to choose what we needed most. I'm thinking we will have a welder in there before a pipe bender but we should have both within 3-4 months.


awesome, super excited to see how this turns out

[SouthpawPL]

To the forum guys who are commenting on what a great idea this is: this type of shop is not a new idea. Shops like these used to be everywhere in the 50's through the 70's.

Who's seen the movie "Christine"? The shop where Arnie 'restores' Christine is one of those.
Unfortunately, most of them closed due to insurance liability issues during the litigation-happy 80's. It's nice to see these guys bringing the concept back, and I have nothing but the best wishes for their success.

A little distant for me, but maybe someday I'll pay a visit. Good luck, Auto Hobby!

[AutoHobby]

Thanks guys for the continued support. We just updated the Facebook page with some photos of the goodies we got. We got our smoke machine in so that means we can test for just about any leak you might have (boost, vacuum, exhaust, intake, and etc.).

The idea isn't brand new, it was an idea that just never really caught on mostly because of insurance reasons. We also think we are doing it a whole hell of a lot better then the other guys :)

[AutoHobby]

Thanks guys for the continued support. We just updated the Facebook page with some photos of the goodies we got. We got our smoke machine in so that means we can test for just about any leak you might have (boost, vacuum, exhaust, intake, and etc.).

The idea isn't brand new, it was an idea that just never really caught on mostly because of insurance reasons. We also think we are doing it a whole hell of a lot better then the other guys :)

[alcorp]

Just can't wait to get those new lifts in there!

[AutoHobby]

They will be here soon! But Alex, for some reason BendPak says we can't put any IS on the lift. Sorry dude lol ;)

[LovetoSlide]

THIS. This is exactly what I needed for the summertime.

I plan on wrapping my car in the summer but I want to do it in an indoor/controlled setting. How much to rent an amount of space for an extended period of time?

[AutoHobby]

If you let us know ahead of time we can work something out with an 'extended stay'. Let us know a week or two before you start the project and we will do our best to accommodate you. :)

Follow us on FB. We just got more goodies. Smoke tester came in. Now we can find those pesky boost and cvac leaks the easy way.

[1on1]

No joke, my friend and I had this same idea Wednesday night when were chatting up after a smoke. This shit just blew my mind...

[AutoHobby]

Great minds think a like :)

[dubL1eR]

Im with it!


Posted from Zilvia.net App for Android

[sleaper]

freakin awesome idea !

[240sxcure]

I appluade the idea and wish you guys all the best. I wish that such a place existed in my area to be able to work on my vehicle when needed.

However, it does play to a niche crowd as the majority of people do not care to work on their own vehicles. Along with the fact that newer vehicles are becoming more and more complicated to work on outside of the reach of a shade tree mechanic.

[Mofuhcka]

Needs to be something like this in Norcal... lol

[sw20>>s14]

We had this in the bay area a few years back. Haven't heard much of it lately so either it didn't work out or they weren't as passionate as you guys. Either way, best of luck in launching this initiative!

[Bullet]

The only thing I'm having a hard time figuring out is how you guys are going to organize it. I liked your facebook page and saw the shop. Looks good and I can't wait for it to be up and running, but I'm curious how you're going to maximize your space. You will obviously have a limit to how many people can go at once. What are your plans for organizing the placement of cars?

[AutoHobby]

Pretty simple to lifts at the back of the shop, with 3 open stalls in front of the lift. We are installing the lifts as I type this....so in about 48 hours you'll see non our Facebook exactly how it's laid out.

[tweezz]

BUMP!!!!! how you planning on getting customers besides on zilvia???

[AutoHobby]

We are active on several forums but mostly we use Facebook. It allows us to interact directly with people and lets them see what we are doing whenever they want. We usually update facebook 4-8 times a week just depending on whats going on.

The lifts are in!!!!! We have all hand tools, lifts, jacks everything is in! We are only waiting on our large shop compressor, but we have a small temporary one for now so we still do have impact guns and what not. And we are offering an oil change special! If you bring in your car for an oil change (you bring all materials) we will only ask for a donation. Any donation amount is appreciated! There is no minimum and no sign up cost or anything like that. Max time on lift is 30 minutes for an oil change.

So, basically either do the oil change yourself on you back with oil spewing in your face and on your driveway OR put your car on the lift and easily knock out the oil change in 15 minutes!

[SharkMan]

Sounds sweet, if I'm ever in the I'll be damn sure to check it out. I'm not sure if I take my ride down there cas its a bit of a distance from home. But it sure sounds like a dope a$$ spot for 240 enthusiast.

So do you plan on opening it to the public?

[AutoHobby]

We are open to the public right now. We haven't held our grand opening/ribbon cutting because we still have some polishing to do to the shop. We need to pick up a few minor items, clean up the office, finish running airlines, and a few other small details. However, we are completely functional. Both lifts are operable, we have a temporary air compressor set up, and two of the three tool carts are complete and ready to go. We also just got a $6500 snap on tool set in as well!

[AutoHobby]

OIL CHANGE SPECIAL!!! Just a heads up...if you contact us and make your appointment by Sunday the 28th you'll get a FREE oil change! This means that you bring the oil and filter and thats it! No membership sign up fee, no hourly lift fee, no nothing! For an oil change, we allow the car to be up on the lift for no more then 30 minutes. If you want to check anything else while the car is on the lift, thats totally cool, but if you go over the 30 minutes then the shop minimum of 1 hour will be charged. Our normal oil change price is $15 for the 30 minutes, so this is a great value!

No more oil running down you arms and into your face. No more crawling under the car and fooling with those dang filters. Do it the easy way at AH!

For more info or to book appointments, call/text me at (909) 784-8889

Thanks!

Joey

[tapdeznutz]

jumping on board, i will have to stop by and check the shop out too.

[AutoHobby]

FEBRUARY SPECIAL OFFER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lifts stalls just $25 bucks an hour! Open stalls for $15! This is the perfect time for you guys to come down and check out the shop!

[royale]

So I went to Auto Hobby on Feb 27th and I have to say they gave me the best customer service by far! they even helped me work on my car for a bit and gave me a ride to pepboys to buy some bolts for my exhaust! I drove all the way from LA to check out their shop and I have to say every mile was worth it! Aaron and Joey went above and beyond for me and Id like to thank them for their help and greatly appreciate their contribution to the auto enthusiast community! ill definitely be coming back soon! I know Im writing this review all late lol but better late than never! hope any one needing lift time come check their shop out and support them for their efforts.

[OrangeVirus1]

awesome, I always wondered why these didn't exist outside of military bases.

[zerodameaon]

awesome, I always wondered why these didn't exist outside of military bases.

Insurance, it can be really expensive.

[royale]

Insurance, it can be really expensive.

Insurance, they have it covered as well. :wavey:

[zerodameaon]

Yeah they do, most places are not willing to cover it though is what I am getting at. Thats why you don't see more of these.

[Kanto]

Please open a similar shop in the Bay Area!! Such an amazing idea.

[EvilRB]

Neat! Had many thought of this like many others, thinking of this same idea but when I asked my insurance company they just said that it was impossible and to not even think about it because the rates would be through the roof!
Glad you guys figured it out just hope it becomes profitable!

Good Luck guys!

Now I hope more guys work on their own cars insead of all these showcars out there with owners that have no idea of whats in them!

[slowjvms]

sounds like a huge liability to me gl with the business tho guys

[1KhpWrx]

This sounds like a great idea

[1KhpWrx]

This sounds like a great idea

[AutoHobby]

So I went to Auto Hobby on Feb 27th and I have to say they gave me the best customer service by far! they even helped me work on my car for a bit and gave me a ride to pepboys to buy some bolts for my exhaust! I drove all the way from LA to check out their shop and I have to say every mile was worth it! Aaron and Joey went above and beyond for me and Id like to thank them for their help and greatly appreciate their contribution to the auto enthusiast community! ill definitely be coming back soon! I know Im writing this review all late lol but better late than never! hope any one needing lift time come check their shop out and support them for their efforts.

Thanks for leaving the review! We appreciate your business and we are glad you had a good time using Auto Hobby. We enjoyed having you and the car in the shop and hope to see you again soon! We LOVE helping the community and our customers. We know how good the feeling is when you complete a job you did yourself. Come back soon!

slowjvms:
And yes, liability is a major concern, but its nothing insane. It is just quite expensive. Insurance is a major factor to this type of business and I wouldn't step foot inside a similar garage without making sure they have proper insurance. Its your body and car on the line.

AUTO HOBBY IS CONSIDERING A SHOP DAY FOR THE ZILVIA.NET MEMBERS!!!! What does this mean? Well, depending on how many people show interest, we are thinking about having a day devoted soley to 240/zilvia members. The more people that RSVP (and put a deposit down) the cheaper it will be. I haven't worked out the numbers yet because I'd like to gauge the interested of you guys.

I'd like to see 5+ people to get this off the ground. The more people, the more you save. We also have a dyno next door that we can probably get you on (for an extra fee, of course). We would be planning this day for 6-8 weeks from now in order to give all people necessary time.

So what do you guys think? Should Auto Hobby host a 240/Zilvia Wrench day?

[tapdeznutz]

i would like to show you and show support and maybe spend a few bucks but do not have any work that needs to be done, unless someone wants to do me a clutch job :)

[AutoHobby]

tapdeznutz, if you are doing a clutch on a 240, we have people that can walk you through it and give you some pointers. We can give you a hand, but we can't do it for you at this price point. If you want us to actually do the work for you, we totally can but we will have to talk about specific pricing.

Thanks

Joe
(909) 784-8889

[PowerDrifter]

edit.......

[AutoHobby]

Power drifter, we have never sold ANY parts for ANY car ever. I'm not sure who you have issues with but we are only a self service garage. We have never advertised any parts for sale and have never even had a turbo charger in our building (for sale). Please take down this misleading review... You are obviously mistaking use for some other vendor. Have you even ever been to our shop?

[PowerDrifter]

edited...............

[AutoHobby]

No, that is not me, nor is that anyone that works with us. There are only 2 employees and those are myself and the other owner, Aaron. That is a picture of Alex. He did work on his car at our shop at that is all, just like hundreds of other customers. If you bought stuff from him, you need to take it up with him. We (Auto Hobby) have never marketed or sold any car parts of any type. As stated before, we are only a shop. Do you expect us to be responsible for every single person that uses that shop after they leave our property? If you had a private deal with him, then you need to talk to him about that.

[PowerDrifter]

edited...........

[AutoHobby]

Aaron, the one you pictured above is an owner. He did not sell you parts, Alex sold you parts. Just because Aaron was standing next to him, does that make him responsible? Alex has never helped out at the shop, he is not employed by us and hasn't been into the shop to work on his car in over 2 months. Like I said before, you need to take up your issues with him. Myself, Aaron, and Auto Hobby as a company DID NOT RECEIVE ANY MONEY for any sale of any parts.

I really don't know how much more clear I can make this. He pulled his engine (as a customer) at our shop. He then asked if it could sit in the corner until he found a buyer. All you did was make a transaction at our shop between him and you.

Put it this way, if you met up with a guy to buy a turbo in a Walmart parking lot and the Turbo didn't work properly, would you blame Walmart?

EDIT: And by the way, your 'proof' above is in reference to a different Alex, who is a long time friend that was at the shop the day we got a delivery. The Alex you bought parts form and the Alex that you linked to are two different people with the same name.

[tapdeznutz]

why you knocking on WalMart, they always have great deals. Seriously though, back to the topic.

[PowerDrifter]

i believe you i guess. sound plausible. ill edit it. it just threw a red flag when you said you never sold a part from your shop but i had evidence that you did but its just a customer.

[AutoHobby]

Power drifter, thank you for understanding. If you would like to contact alex and settle this with him, you can PM me. I believe I have his information somewhere in my phone.

I am sorry that your purchase didn't work out, I hope everything gets straightened out between you and him.

[PowerDrifter]

thanks but it was such a long drive that i didnt bother returning it and sold it already for like half my money back

[FORZA MILAN0]

This is cool as shit... I honestly see this doing really good.
Alot of people who have the ability to wrench, dont always have the space.
like a coin op car wash.

I didn't read through the whole thread but I was wondering, for the people who come and rent out, do they have access to tools also?

[AutoHobby]

Sorry to hear that, and I will head your advice about banning sales on our property. I will make sure that customers know that. Thanks for the advice and good luck in your automotive endeavors.

[Homeboyx]

Any chance you guys are hiring? If so let me know! :D