CraZ-28

If you know of/would like to recommend a good machine/body/parts shop and or junkyard around Southern AZ please post it here! An address or phone # if you have it would be great as well. Please NO debates, just info and recommendations. Thanks!

Bruce (90RS305)

As the other post had stated, what shops are we using here in Tucson? What Machine Shops, engine builders, junk yards, etc is everybody here using here? This information would be helpful for all the Tucson folks that don't/can't do specific things to their cars. Name, phone number, and the type of work they do would be helpful.

In the end we can have a list for both the Tucson & surrounding area along with our neighbors to the north.

camaro-mayhem

Larry's engine and marine did the rebuild on my 350 (now 355) and did all the machine work and ordered all the parts for my dad's 396. they do real good work, im not sure how their prices compare to other people but you can always call them and ask questions, and they gave me a two year/24k mile warranty with my engine. they had a supercharged big block going in a boat there last time i was there that was as tall as me

90RS305

Hows that?

camaro-mayhem

quotes own you lol

90RS305

LMAO, sorry, that was actually directed at CraZ-28, he wanted a sticky for Tucson shops, so I did it for him, sorry, lol

Justins86bird

I bought from Don's Hot Rod and Townsends on several occasions. Seemed pleasant enough.

GTA4ME

If you need body work done, take it to Thoroughbred Paint & Body on 22nd between Craycroft & Swan. They do an excellent job. Just check out Amber's car now!

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=219208

CraZ-28

Ok, so I'll post a few.

****************************************************
Exhaust:

Exhaust Works
8250 E. Bowline Rd. 296-5306
275 E. Fort Lowell Rd. 887-4999
4618 E. Broadway Blvd. 318-9406

Champine Performance & Exhaust
107 W. Flores 624-1775

The ones on Broadway and Ft. Lowell seem to be the better of the 3.

****************************************************
Parts:

Don's Hot Rod Shop
2811 N. Stone Ave. 884-8892

Townsend's Racing Works
244 W. Grant Road 623-2335

Ultra Performance
5839 E. Speedway Blvd. 721-8787

****************************************************
Motors & Machine Shops:

Full Spectrum Performance
4875 N. Shamrock Pl. 293-9078
(never heard of this shop until now)

Larry's Engine & Marine
600 W. Lester St. 623-5373

M & M Motorsports
3208 E Milber 434-0224

****************************************************
Differential:

Tucson Differential
1150 S. Venice Ave 750-1309

Western Differential
3825 E. Kleindale Road 327-1747




If we can get more input this would be great. Also include personal experiences and why you would use them again.

J_RS1

some of the best classic car mechanics are at Buck's automotive service center on wetmore and 1st and Buck's River Road Exxon at 1st ave and river road. Billy is the name of the good classic car mechanic at bucks auto, and dave brown is the name of the one at the exxon station. i dont know if anyone is familiar with the buckner family, but they race circle track dirt and pavement. and the manager of the exxon (mike buckner, son of frank, who is the owner) had a 91 camaro when he was younger so he knows the third gen stuff.


also if anyone needs their oil changed, or other lube like services, come to jiffy lube on oracle and fort lowell (next to the radio stations) and ask for jason (thats me!) if you want to get multiple services i can usually hook it up pretty good. also im looking at a promotion to a management position in the near future, so i'll be able to hook it up reallly good!

mrt89rs

this is 5siz

mang, APEX motorsports has everything do make you car **** or your money back dawg!

I'll recommend a place not to go.

Performance car care on golflinks by wilmot, next to raiders reef, they suck. I spent oddles for them to try and get my car to run normal when I owned my 84 and they would just throw in random parts and charge me. I'd stay away from them.

kinda_low

NEVER go to Machine Works on Stone. The guy Don who owns it used to be my dad's crew cheif and he screwed us both over with my dads and my engines. My 383 didnt last 2 monthes without throwing itself apart. We took it apart and there is all kinds of craptacular machine work and assembly. Just my .02

ChrisFormula355

To anybody thinking about visiting our local "hot rod" shops, don't even bother wasting your time. Don's and Townsends (more so Don's) are by far the most pitiful automotive establishments I've ever dealt with. I think I speak for most of my friends as well. Unless you are "buds" with one of the nitwits working there, you'll stand in line waiting for a simple fuel fitting for half an hour while they BS with their friends who seem to visit them 24/7 at the counter. What horse $hit. If anybody from Don's is reading this....you suck.

Lets not even get INTO the pricing. My ***, can you say MARKUP??? They quoted me $290 for a throttle body for my mustang that I can get from Checker for $199 which btw has a better return policy and money back gaurantee, receipt or no receipt.

Ok my rant is done

Long story short, if you need hi-po parts, go to First/Grant Checker, which I just happen to work at and I'll get you the hookup, OR, better yet, have some ****ing patience and call summit and get your part in 3 days for 20% less than local prices.

Abanda

Hey guys,
i was wondering if there are any "good" yards around the tucson area. I am fairly new to this area and would like to see what is around here. thanks.

ChevyMetal305

Welcome to Tucson! Here is a list I compiled a few months back. I have only been to Arizona U-Pull & Save Auto Prt. I don't know how good the others are-this one had maybe 5 third gens at most when I went, and they were pretty thrashed. Hope this helps you find what you need. Lemme me know how the others are after you check 'em out.


Arizona U-Pull & Save Auto Prt
5602 N Camino De La Tierra
Tucson, AZ 85705
520-293-2310


A A Pull Your Part
4570 E Irvington Rd
Tucson, AZ 85714
520-571-8050

ACS Used Auto Parts.
4353 East Illinois Street
Tucson, AZ 85714, USA
Voice (520) 747-8965
E-mail: acsauto@earthlink.net
WWW: http://autopartsused.com

Action Auto & Truck
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-790-3600
Toll Free: 800-432-5394

Aviation Auto Salvage
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-574-1700
Toll Free: 800-227-9746

Best Salvage Inc.
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-574-2448
Toll Free: 800-580-4899

Catalina Auto Recyclers
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-524-0555
Toll Free: 800-842-7862

Catalina Auto Recycling
Catalina auto recycling has late model foreign & domestic cars & trucks ,With a state of the art computorized inventory with over 1500 vehicles in stock,With new arrivals everyday.We ship Ups Fedex,or major frieght courier.Accept all major credit car
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-574-1808
Toll Free: 800-842-7862
Fax: 520-574-0757
Email: catalinaauto@hotmail.com

Charlies Auto & Truck Salvage
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-574-9130

DP`s Auto Salvage Inc.
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-574-9444

Dixies Auto & Truck Salvage
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-574-0044

Drake And Son Auto & Truck
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-750-8387

Felix Used & Rebuilt Auto Parts
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-628-1561

Jeffs Used Parts
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-882-4500

Millies Auto & Truck Salvage
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-748-1444

New Way Auto Parts
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-622-7781
Toll Free: 800-522-7781


Obarr Auto & Truck Salvage Inc
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-623-9411

Parts For Less
Parts For Less is your one stop shop for used auto parts. We have "rust-free" Arizona body parts. We also have new auto body parts and parts for most light trucks.
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-571-7899
Toll Free: 800-571-7899
Email: autopts@azstarnet.com


Reliant Auto Recycling
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-574-4378
Toll Free: 800-362-4895

Sanford & Sons Auto & Truck Salvage
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-792-1811

Star Auto Parts
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-623-5755
Toll Free: 800-635-4819

The Republic Auto Recycling Inc.
We sell late model cars & trucks. Some foreigns.
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-574-3197
Toll Free: 800-200-7472
Email: Junkboy1@AZstarnet.com

Wahl Brothers Truck Salvage
No Description Available...
City, State Zip: Tucson, Arizona USA
Local Phone: 520-792-2385
Toll Free: 800-214-2385

90RS305

Holy Crap!!! I'm adding this to the sticky at the top!! Great Work!!!

gruveb

I've bought a few things over the years at Don's. It seems like the stuff they have in stock will cost you what it would cost from summit once you figure in shipping...that is provided you're getting ONE or TWO items only. If you're buying a lot of stuff, Don's will be much more expensive.

ANother thing I've noticed there is that the mark-up they add is on stuff they do NOT have in stock. I don't know if that is really true in all cases or not, but in the experiences I've had that's what I've noticed.

As far as them not being kind and friendly and slow, I've been very happy with how friendly they were.

91ChevyRS

I'll gladly recommend a shop not to go to....

Aastro Transmissions on east 22nd street just before the MVD.


What a crappy place, my damn car is sitting there at the shop in pieces because that SOB wants 850 dollars to give me my car back the same way it was brought in without any repairs!!!!

850 dollars!!!!

91ChevyRS

wait Hall, did you see it, what are they doing to it? Is it in the shop or out on the parking lot?

What are they doing to it? It is the maroonish red one, the broken grille (cause I accidentally hit a bunny rabbit)


any ifno would be great please spare some info.

Duck

CitySearch has a review of the place online:
http://tucson.citysearch.com/review/36901007
---------------------------------------------------------
A A S T R O TRANSMISSION
1401 W VALENCIA RD (520) 295-8878
TUCSON, AZ 85746 map it!

A A S T R O TRANSMISSION
4443 W INA RD (520) 744-0655
TUCSON, AZ 85741 map it!

A A S T R O TRANSMISSION
5302 E SPEEDWAY BLVD (520) 325-5500
TUCSON, AZ 85712 map it!

A A S T R O TRANSMISSION
8150 E 22ND ST (520) 298-1103
TUCSON, AZ 85710


What users are saying
Clear explanations: no
Accurate quote: no
Finished on time: no
Clean waiting area: no
Trustworthy: no

Write a review and share your thoughts with other users.

Beware!!!
Posted by rabecca on 11/30/2005
This transmission shop took more than tree weeks to "rebuild" a transmission. My husband and I had to return the car three times because the work was not performed properly. The last time the shop had the car for four weeks. The manager uses a demeening tone with customers and lies. We asked for the number to contact the district manager and he told us there was no number to give us. We called another location and the manager was happy to give us a number to reach the district manager. I would push my car before I would aloow them to touch it again.

Overall user rating: Not Recommended
--------------------------------------------------------
Apparently the company has some sort of district manager, so you can pursue resolution. If you let it go, they will sell your car for $$$. Call the city license and permits office, make a complaint based on deceptive and possibly illegal business practices. If you are not an adult, have your dad lead the charge. Bottom line is they are responsible for explaining what each part of the contract means and how it affects you. They cannot just shove it at customers and say, "sign it" then screw them over.

The manager for all the stores is James Marshall, Tucson, Yahoo pulled out this info, but dunno if it's him or another JM:

James Marshall
775 W Roger Rd
Tucson, AZ
(520) 293-1580

There's a JM in Glendale, email address is:
jamesmaz03@msn.com


Also contact the BBB:

BBB Serving: Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Graham & Greenlee Counties in Arizona, and the State of Sonora, Mexico.
434 S Williams Blvd STE 102
Tucson, AZ 85711
Phone: (520) 888-5353
Outside Metro Tucson: (800) 696-2827
Fax: (520) 888-6262 / Email: Email Form
Office Hours: 9:00-5:00 Monday through Friday
http://www.tucson.bbb.org/

Anyway, contact the city/county licensing agencies and BBB, let them work for you. Also send the trans shop a registered letter, signature required, notifying the company that you have filed a complaint, not dispose of your car, and you are open to settling out of court. Be aware, however, that the first order of business is to get your car out of there, in pieces or not, then pursue recovery of any monies.

Good luck, you'll need it, along with a lot of persistance.

ctskier

Wow didnt know Tucson had such a great third gen community. Sweet. new to the forums, but i think Dons was already mentioned like 8 times. Well thats where I go. havent had any problems there either. I live n the tucson/vail area. Which sux cause all the better shops are a hike for me.

'Shifter

iTrader: (2)

Cool! Any pics of your car? I live at Rita Ranch, and a few others here do too....maybe we'll see you cruising around!

ctskier

my sig if it works... that what my car looks like. ill get some better pictures soon.Rita ranch is like 15 minsfrom me, what a small world.
----------

'Shifter

iTrader: (2)

Beautiful ride my man!

91ChevyRS

I want those rims so bad....the more I see the stock Z28 wheels on my car the more I come to despise them. I think the Iroc Z wheels looked much much better.

viridis

I like townsends myself...yeah it might cost a little more but you are helping out a local shop!!! PLus I have never been to a checkers where instead of making me buy a whole set of bolts they break a set open and give it to me... Thats what stands these types of shops apart. Istill go to checkers and mervs at speedway and swan.. Guy there use to be a drag and circle track racer... Has lots of connetions for other things you may need.

Hi speed performance on 17th is a bad @$$ shop! Google them and look at their shop hell go check it out! Thy just completed an ls2/t56/ ford 9" set up in my friends 88 firebird!!! Looks like it came from the dealer that way!

TheScaryOne

iTrader: (3)

I had a good experience at BrakeMAX. A bit expensive, but the guy who checked my car knew his stuff, adjusted my rear discs and changed my fluid, which improved my braking 100%. Also pointed out some failing parts that I didn't know were failing. Guy seemed to know his stuff. I went to the one on Silverbell.

aperfectcircle

that is pretty crazy how many third genners are here in tucson..

i'll have to admit i am one too! hah i'v heard a lot about dons i havent had any problems with them.. i know Don and his family very well...and the fact that i dated his daughter .. i guess i would be one of those guys who "BS" with them all the time, But they do know there stuff they help me out when i race my 87 camaro at SIR sense they all pretty much race

But to add another good shop is Bill Nelsons Auto right across from the DMV on palo verde i think it is.. They do great work and have awesome people working there!

TucsonTransAm

I'm new to Tucson and am looking for a shop to fix my frame. One of the rear frame rails got torn up in an accident - any recommendations?

Also for electrical issues - my dang blinker is intermittent. I've checked the bulbs, wires and replaced the flasher. Any good electric shops out there?

Thanks!

TheScaryOne

iTrader: (3)

For frame I'd have to say Tucson Frame and Body. I haven't been there yet, but other frame shops have even directed me here. He has an electronic frame machine, so he can tell you what's messed up where. Prices are a bit high, but he told me he'd install subframes on the car welded for $180.

Electrical, I dunno. Which blinker? My front left was doing that for the longest time.

TucsonTransAm

I'll check out the frame shop, thanks.

I've troubleshot my blinker issue for a couple weeks with no resolution. They blink, but are not consistent, sometimes freeze, etc. I'm ready to give in as much as I hate to and pay a professional.

Zaskar1

What a great thread! I just found this forum. Can someone please recommend a good transmission shop in Tucson? Or the ones not to use. thank you.

TheScaryOne

iTrader: (3)

You the guy I talked to on Friday at The Gateway apartments? Welcome to the forums!

Zaskar1

Please? I need to get it in a good shop this week.

GIJason91

anyone know of a decent dyno tuning shop around here? a good AC place would be nice too, thanks.

jstrdn90rs

If you want machine work done dont bother with Doc's Engine and Machine..had my block for 3 months.He didnt assembly nothing but install cam bearings and put new rod bolts,and pistons on rods.He mainly just did machine work..and when I went to put it together he put one rod on backwards and didnt center the rod on the piston pin on another.I dont think he will be in business much longer has too many financial issues.Place hasnt been the same since Doc owned it.On top of that, he didnt cut me a deal ...oh he didnt charge me for stretching the new rod bolts.??.400 bucks for shotty work and a long line of crap.

The_Phoenix

iTrader: (3)

Anyone know of any reputable auto electric shops around the city? I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Ruben

jstrdn90rs

Theres some electrical shops around ..but I dont know about reputable?Since I do my own diagnosing ,I couldnt suggest anyone.I dealt with ABC auto/electric on Speedway(if your on the east side) .. way back in the day.They fixed a chrome alternator for me..dont know how they are now.I just got my car's exhaust done and wanted to put in a good word for Will over at Exhaust Works right across the street from the east side emissions testing facility.I told him what I wanted and he did a awesome job..the price wasnt bad either and the car sounds great.He did such a great job..I am going to take my truck over to him in about a month or so.Been spending too much money lately,hes going to do a new high flow CAT...piping to a new flowmaster and duals out the back on the truck.I had him weld up a small hole in the CAT in the camaro and he replaced 3/4 of the pipe from the CAT back to the muffler and increased the side of the tailpipes coming out of the muffler back and welded it all up.

saadin

Roy Metcalfe Automotive
5954 E Speedway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85712
(520) 790-6650

my family has been using this shop for over 20 years, i have never had a problem with them, they are real honest, good people, and they do great work. they are pretty fast usually in and out within a day depending on what you are getting done. they warranty their work, the shop is behind the chicago bar, and is kind of hard to see from the road, just turn in at the chicago bar and you will see it. they do pretty much everything.

B&K Transmission Center
5235 E 22nd St
Tucson, AZ 85711
(520) 795-9823

They rebuilt the transmission for my motor-home, they were quick, friendly, and priced reasonably, family has used them for about 20 years, we haven't had a problem yet.

The_Phoenix

iTrader: (3)

Any good electric shops around??? I really need to talk to someone who is really good wth the electronics in an f-body. My car is currently at georges cylinder heads which I highly not reccomend btw located on euclid and 22nd. To make a long story short, I got my engine rebuilt there, it currently has less than 1000 miles on it but due to a faulty fuel pump oil pressure switch which they installed, it caused my chambers to overfill with raw gas causing a bent rod. I'm bieng charged again to pay for this repair (with the rebuild still under warranty), and I'd like to have a good reputable technician prove this a-hole wrong as he's trying to blame me for the damages. Just incase you want to know whats going on, heres the thread: https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...roblem-my.html. I'd really appreciate it.

Later,
Phoenix

sch151

Certified Auto Electric
3214 E. 45th Street
(520) 629-9036

Dealt with them a couple of times a year ago and their sign says they are certified on GM. Solved my problem.

Koerner Racing Engines (520) 294-5758 does great engine and machine work...tell them Scott sent you.

Black'92

I have often used Neto's Auto Clinic off of 12th and Ajo. He has always been fairly priced and very honest, even when I didn't know squat about cars! It is on the south side of town, just in case someone doesn't know the areas!