Mechanic Question Austin/Georgetown, TX Area

[Crazy Horse]

Hello All,
I sold my 2002 2500 Dodge to a good guy who lives in the Austin TX area, actually lives in Georgetown. I'm asking if any of you that live out that way has any good recommendations on a GOOD Service Mechanic for him. He is eventually going to become a TDR member but I want him to get comfortable with any recommendations you all might have. He's got my baby now (2002 CTD) I'd thought I was never going to sell but driving it only a little over 800 miles last year doesn't work. He's eventually going to get a tow behind and is loving the truck on his way home now from SC. You can see from the sig. how it's been equipped for some time now with no problems. Any recommendations you would have would be appreciated.
Thank You,
Phil

ATTN: Moderator,
PS, This is for a "First Time CD Owner", he's just not a TDR'er yet. He will be I gave him a stack of old TDR Mags. and a Geno's Garage Catalog.

 

[Crazy Horse]

No body in that great big State of Texas, knows of any good Cummins/Dodge Mechanics in that big State of Texas????

 

[CRodi]

I don't personally know of anyone in that area. Andy Redmond would have been my first choice, but he's 3-4 hours away from the Austin/Georgetown area, so that's out of the question.

Malone Diesel (3040 Highway 290 West Dripping Springs 78620) and Hamilton Diesel (Hwy #29 Bertram Texas 78605) have gotten good internet reviews. Of course, you can't believe everything you read on the internet, but at least it's a start.

Hopefully someone with personal experience with either shop, either good or bad will chime in.

 

[Crazy Horse]

CRodi, Thanks for the reply.

I know how hard it is when trying to find a good mechanic. When we lived in Anchorage I knew everyone that was good and not so good, but after moving down here to SC in 2005 I found out the hard way where not to go. Took my truck into a "5" Star Dodge Dealer in Spartanburg to have the VP replaced (dead pedal Syndrome) ittook two trips in to get it right. The 1st time got the truck home puking oil all over the garage floor, the nuts had come loose and fell off the bolts holding the VP in place. Took the truck back they had to install a 2nd VP and I asked them to flush and refill the brake fluid while it was in there. Got the truck home VP good, They never touched the bleeder screws on any of the calipers. Bone dry around all the threads on all the bleeder screws, so I had to take it back again .

Anyway, after the VP was replaced successfully, the next day I bypassed the stock lame transfer pump Dodge gave us and installed the Walbro Fuel Pump down on the inside of the frame back in 2009 and it's been running 14-16 psi religiously in the fuel pressure dept. ever since. Other than oil changes and fuel filters, and brakes normal maintenance the truck has needed nothing.

I'm just trying to find the good old Dodge and new owner a good shop if he needs one.
Thanks,
Phil

 

[CRodi]

Phil:

Unfortunately, your experience with so called "good shops" is not that uncommon, and I've heard of similar instances. It took me over 2 years to find a good mechanic, and that was through google searches and trial and error. I found a shop that's 1.5 hours away, that's works strictly on Dodge Cummins. Unless my truck suddenly stops dead in it's track, I don't mind the 1.5 hour drive. I've seen this guy do more in one hour, than other shops can can in 2-3 hours, and it's done right the first time.

Hopefully there's a local TDR chapter where the buyer lives. Local chapters know which shops to avoid, and which ones to patronize. On the plus side, the buyer has some time on his side. I've seen pictures and a description of your old truck. Other than fluid and filter changes (normal preventative maintenance) that truck won't need any repairs for a long, long time. Good shops don't need to advertise, and you usually hear about them through "word of mouth" from other enthusiasts. If the buyer hangs around the right crowd, I'm sure sooner or later he'll find a few good shops and mechanics.

Good luck with your search.
Carmen

 

[Crazy Horse]

Carmen, Thank you.

 

[Bill Lins]

Might check out this guy- IIRC, he used to belong to TDR: http://automotive.uscolist.com/weir-diesel-solutions-automotive-company-775751.html

 

[Austin Diesel]

Hamilton Diesel in bertram has been really helpful they have time to help and answer phone questions.. Ask Mullinax on this forum he is a level 4 Cummins tech at a dealer near palestine tx he might know some guys in or near austin area,