Good Ol Days Garage

Updated - 1/11/2011
Update: If an automotive repair or restoration business tells you they have an A + rating by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), then keep the following in mind. The BBB does not visit automotive shops or automotive classic restoration business'. They do not inspect an auto business or an auto shop's practices or review owner's automotive technical proficiencies. They are not similar to the Texas AAA who do conduct on-site auto garage inspection services to receive a Triple A rating. The BBB will allegedly rate a business an A or A+ rating and primarily based on the business paying the BBB a hefty annual fee. Allegedly the BBB is currently under investigation by the Connecticut Attorney General's office for an unfair rating and grading system for businesses. Other states may also file lawsuits against the BBB. Many business' throughout the USA have complained to various state's Attorney General's since the BBB allegedly provides low ratings to businesses that do not pay the hefty BBB fee. At one time the BBB was a true advocate for the consumer. Now they aggressively seek hefty fees from a business to obtain A+ ratings. This is not a neutral watchdog for you--the consumer.

Do your homework. Ask if the automotive shop has ASE certifications for their mechanics. Ask how long the owners or workers have been attending current training seminars at technical schools. Or, just hand over your money to some guy who put up a sign, pays the BBB for a rating, and has little formal automotive technical training. Please keep in mind that in the State of Texas any individidual can place a sign on a building indicating that are an automotive restoration shop other automotive repair shop. The automotive field has few, if any, state regulations. In contrast, your hair dresser or barber is licensed and under state inspection guidance and regulations.

Summary: Be a careful and alert consumer.

Update. August 13, 2010. Tom Eure, owner, Good Ol Days Garage, claims on his website that he is certified by various clubs or associations. Automotive Certifications are generally provided by ASE= Automotive Service Excellence; Texas AAA that certifies an automotive repair shop; ASE Engine Rebuilding Certification; and, various Engine Rebuilders Associations. Allegedly, Mr. Tom Eure has none of the technical certifications in any automotive field. Instead, he lists on his website certifications (or just memberships) from car clubs. For example, he lists The Vectrum Motor Car Club of America ? Do these car clubs offer training and automotive technology training, automotive restoration, I-CAR painting certification ?

Is listing car clubs as representations of Certifications on your website misleading to the consumer ?

Mr. Tom Eure was recently elected an Alderman for part of Ingram, Texas. Does a public official have the responsibility to clarify his business credentials and accurately portray what his certifications are in the automotive field ?

The choice is yours. Your money, your time, your classic auto. This author makes no conclusions abou accurate Certifications. As a consumer, you have the responsibility to check on the accuracy of what a business claims in the media.

KM.

The following is my opinion and offered as direct experience dealing with Good Old Days Garage. Be careful when dealing with this shop. I had a good working relationship with the owner Tom Eure for several years. Then both he and his policies changed. He wants cash up front does not provide you with periodic invoices and does not listen to what the customer wants to have in his or her car. He then becomes annoyed if you try to get a word in.He also apparently only wants large deposits upfront so if you only have a small project he will shun you to the back of the list. You can't get a word in because he talks fast does not slow down to listen and is quick to anger. I also caught him in a lie about a part he indicated he had returned to a supplier based on a core charge. It turned out that there was no core charge and they had the part hidden in the back of the shop. I'm planning to report this shop and owner to the Better Business Bureau and Texas Attorney General's office. Of course its your auto or classic car and its your decision but there are a lot of other restoration shops that will take the time to work with you provide timely invoice updates and treat you with courtesy and respect whether you have a large project or small project. Also check out the mechanic certifications this shop has prior to turning over your hard earned cash.

Tom Eure, owner, Good Ol Days Garage has moved from San Antonio, Texas to Ingram, Texas. My review is outlined below.