Auto Hobby Shop keeps your car running

  • Published
  • By Connie Hempel
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
Oil leaks, tune-ups, welding and wheel balancing. These are just the tip of the iceberg.

The Auto Hobby Shop, located in Building 109 at the corner of Lancaster Avenue and Mitchell Street, has three auto mechanics with more than 50 years experience to help you with all your car problems whether you choose to rent a stall to fix it yourself or schedule an appointment to have them fix it for you.

"If you have the desire and time to do it, we'll help you out and walk you through it to make sure you do it right," said Jim Eimer, Auto Hobby Shop manager.

The shop has 10 stalls, six of them equipped with lifts. Stalls are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis and all tools, rags and advice come complimentary with the stall, Mr. Eimer added. Plus, there are no disposal fees; they can recycle oil, oil filters and even antifreeze.

"The only thing we can't take are tires," he said.

Do-it-yourselfers can take their vehicle in even if they're not sure what's going on because the Auto Hobby Shop staff can help figure out what the problem is and how to fix it through a database system they use that holds information on all makes and models. The database provides diagrams and diagnostic aids, and lists all recalls and technical service bulletins for vehicles.

Even if someone wants to know how much horsepower is under their hood, the Auto Hobby staff can do that, too, with their dynamometer.

"We can also show you how to do tire rotations and repairs, engine overhauls, transmission replacements, rear end rebuilds, the sky's the limit here," Mr. Eimer said. "The only thing we can't do here are paint and wheel alignments."

Some of the other mechanic provided services include brake jobs, tire mounting, computer diagnostic checks and air conditioning service. Those buying a car can also get a bumper to bumper inspection to see if there are any problems with the vehicle before purchasing it. New services offered include state inspections and nitrogen tire fills.

Mr. Eimer said he and his mechanics, Tony Dietz and Onnie Gonzales, can help with any make or model.

"If you have a problem and don't have time to fix it yourself, give us a call because we may be able to fix it for you at a much lower cost," Mr. Eimer said. "Even if it's your check engine light, we can run diagnostics to find the problem at half the price."

Although mechanic provided services are by appointment Wednesdays through Fridays, customers can use stalls and other equipment Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.

The Auto Hobby Shop also has a drill press, a pipe bender and a welding room available. Army Pfc. Kevin Curtis said he's been using the welding room to make a luggage rack for his Bronco; a project he's been working on for about 20 hours. He said he chose to use the Auto Hobby Shop to make one because it's convenient and saves him money.

"They have everything you could possibly need at your disposal and it costs a lot less than having someone make it or buying one," he said. "Plus, the staff is very helpful. I've done some welding in the past, but I wasn't familiar with this equipment so they helped me get started."

Mr. Eimer said that if the vehicle can be brought in, they can work on it or help you work on it.

For more information on services or to make an appointment, call the Auto Hobby Shop at 325-654-3233.