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Automotive: Mechanics, Collision & Appearance
Recovered from the Internet Archive capture of 15 March 2018. Images not recovered: 4.
Automotive: Appearance, Collision & Care
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Tacoma has an established Automotive tradition of top quality specialists in every sphere of the industry - batteries to Alfa Romeos, you have solid options for where to go in the South Puget Sound for your needs.
Safety is first and foremost the chief concern of any reputable mechanic or repair facility, but knowing who to go to that will go beyond the basics of computer-readout parts replacement (the standard industry practice), and being familiar with some of the financial pitfalls you can avoid by going to a dedicated, independent specialist will save you dollars and contribute to your good peace of mind.
Appearance as well is chiefly important if you are a professional or are particularly conscientious of the way your auto looks to others. Such things matter and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the options available to you. In the case of collision, go with an established, independent body shop and you won't be disappointed - they care more about your well being than an insurance-company-owned shop and are better versed at caring for your needs and listening to your concerns.
Below with asterisk are shops I am personally familiar with and can refer you to in confidence - tell them the Guide sent you, and Adam says hi.
(To read about my professional experience in auto, refer
to My Values & Where they came from page).
Safety is first and foremost the chief concern of any reputable mechanic or repair facility, but knowing who to go to that will go beyond the basics of computer-readout parts replacement (the standard industry practice), and being familiar with some of the financial pitfalls you can avoid by going to a dedicated, independent specialist will save you dollars and contribute to your good peace of mind.
Appearance as well is chiefly important if you are a professional or are particularly conscientious of the way your auto looks to others. Such things matter and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the options available to you. In the case of collision, go with an established, independent body shop and you won't be disappointed - they care more about your well being than an insurance-company-owned shop and are better versed at caring for your needs and listening to your concerns.
Below with asterisk are shops I am personally familiar with and can refer you to in confidence - tell them the Guide sent you, and Adam says hi.
(To read about my professional experience in auto, refer
to My Values & Where they came from page).
Service, Maintenance & Mechanics
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*Lloyd & Wilson Downtown
631 South Baker Street Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 627-1514 Bob here is the essential honest master of his craft. Years of experience here have given me and others great confidence in the integrity of their work, and you'll enjoy their good natured character. Great people. *Elite Auto Body, Mechanics & Frame So. Tacoma 4301 S Union Ave; Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 474-0502 Nathan Craig Sr. is one of the most experienced mechanic, body & frame technicians in the South Sound - an unquestioned Master of his craft with fair rates and a wise, experienced eye. He has a long standing reputation and knack for seeing beyond the apparent, and is a diagnostic genius. With 3+ decades at his craft, he's as knowledgeable as they come, has a long standing reputation for saving you money and does the work and runs his shop himself. Leave him a message (he's probably under a car) and you’ll hear back from him. This man is worth your time. Phil’s Auto Care University Place 1453 E. 26th St; Tacoma, WA 98421 (253) 593-4880 website *Les Schwab Tire Center 6th Ave 5131 6th Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98406 (253) 756-9699 website Eagle Tire & Automotive 102 Puyallup Ave; Tacoma, WA 98421 (253) 627-7788 website Eagle has a good reputation around here. Word came to me via a man that has had many years of good service here, and that is consistent with their reputation. *Budget Batteries 3518 Center Street; Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 572-8075 http://budgetbattery.com/ Consistently good service, the least expensive batteries I can find that last, and a lot more than just a battery replacement, these guys will check your charge problems free of cost and send you away with a quality battery at much lest cost than new. Good people. Collision: Paint, Frame & Repair
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Years negotiating with insurance companies to ensure complete, proper repairs were completed gives me the knowledge to refer you competently to those able to assist you well. (More on me: Click here, scroll to car).
*East Bay Collision Progressive Technologies. 1st in Field 2905 Jahn Ave NW, #8; Gig Harbor, WA 98335 (253) 896-3522 website East Bay set this region’s bar for sustainably- and ecologically-minded repair practices. The Puget Sound’s premier “Green” Collision Repair facility, they were the first to master the use of waterborne base-coat paints, which are substantially less toxic, have more vibrant color, and are much better for the environment than conventional polyurethane paints. EBT&C was started by the Industry Standard-Setting folks that run Paramount Centre. Quality work is absolutely guaranteed, you pay nothing more than anywhere else, and get unparalleled peace of mind. *Paramount Centre Fife 6005 12th Street East; Fife, WA 98424 (253) 896-4400 website Well I'm biased - I helped Russ open this facility. But I also know the work here is and has always been absolutely top notch - your car will be returned to as-new condition, and it's guaranteed. Don't let your insurance company deter you to one of their shops: It takes a conscientious, proficient shop to care for your concerns, and these guys are certified to work on every high end car you can imagine. Good people. *Elite Auto Body, Mechanics & Fram So. Tacoma 4301 S Union Ave; Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 474-0502 Nathan Craig Sr. is one of the best body & frame technicians in the South Sound, an unquestioned Master of his craft with fair rates and discounts. He’s as knowledgeable as they come. *Chamber’s Creek Collision UP / Lakewood 7501 Hudson Street West; Tacoma, WA 98499 (253) 472-2077 www.chamberscreekcollision.com Ron Wiseman has been repairing hard hit cars with an expert hand for 2 decades. He is one of the finest metal workers in the South Sound, and can save you money performing a difficult repair in lieu of expensive replacement on hard hit door or quarter panel. Kay Parks / Dan Meyer Central Tacoma 3102 South 12th Street; Tacoma, WA 98405 (253) 272-0512 www.kayparksdanmeyer.com Darnell’s Auto Body Downtown 222 Saint Helens Avenue; Tacoma, WA 98402 (253) 272-3614 www.darnellsautobody.com |
Appearance, Dings & Interior Care
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I began my Northwest journey making cars look perfect for the highest quality, most conscientious people in the South Sound. (More: Click, scroll to car).
The Car Bar Mobile 12310 Meridian Ave E #102; Puyallup, WA 98373 253.474.7274 website Locally owned and operated, many of their services are offered are mobile - call for an estimate, they come to your door, do the work, et voilà, your dents are gone. One of the finer detailing shops in the Pacific Northwest, they offer a variety of services from detailing to paintless dent repair to leather and vinyl care & repair and even glass repair. ] They have a great reputation locally, and for good reason. Paintless Dent Repair is a highly skilled art form, these guys do it expertly with class, price themselves fairly (and competitively) and have a good history with many of the leading automotive groups and repair facilities around. Griot’s Garage 3333 S 38th St (btn S Union & S Lawerence) Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 922-2400 website A great reputation follows the Griot's Garage name. They have a good history providing enthusiasts with excellent car care products, tools, garage organization solutions and accessories. They develop, test, and manufacture their complete line of car care products. *Recon Revolution South Tacoma Way Progressive Technologies. 1st in Field 1501 So. Tacoma Way; Tacoma, WA 98409 (800) 256-7975 website These guys provide the unique, superior solution to well-worn paint, swirl marks and deep scratches. Using a state-of-the-art clearcoat technology, your vehicle’s exterior is actually restored to a mirror finish - it’s like getting the highest-end paint job available, but in a single day, and for 1/10th the cost. Their work is not to be confused with buffing and polishing - their process is a permanent application and does not wash off into the environment afterwards (like detailing does). In fact they actually apply a new layer of clearcoat to your car’s exterior. The results are brilliant (your car literally looks new). You will not have seen your vehicle look this good since you first bought it. |