Custom installers/garages in Texas

Wow, it's always great to see that a board where Texas has it's own forum.

Anyway, on to my question:

Where in Texas can I find a buisness that will install parts onto my Tacoma? I can order the parts just fine however I don't have to tools nor do I feel I have the necessary level of mechanical expertise to install parts myself. I asked several auto shops around town and they said that they will not install customer supplied parts; I'm SOL there.

I am located in the Bryan/College Station area, however I could probably drive to Houston if a reputable installer can be found here.

Thanks.

 

I live in College Station as well and i've had the same problem :/

 

I guess it kind of depends on what type of work you want to have done. i.e. lift kits, engines, exhaust, body???

 

Nothing more than installing Bilstein 5100's and installing another leaf spring in the rear. Suspension work, I guess.

 

Hey, I called around and the local Toyota dealer also stocks and installs Toytec lifts/kits. Been doing so about 5 years, so they probably know what they're doing.

The guy I talked with was kind of an asshole saying he preferred that I buy the kit there but I figure they charge more for it. Cited something about warranty. It's the same damn thing, I'll probably pay less for it if I get it myeslf. I intend to purchase the kit from Toytec's website and just have Atkinson install them.

I really hate going there. I've had bad experiences every time I've been there when shopping for cars.

 

i would think any "off road" or accessory shop would do them regardless if you bought theparts from them or not.
unless theyre super busy and dont want to make their customers that bought from them wait to have parts installed.

 

Did you ever get the lift installed? How did that go? We've bought six cars from Atkinson so i'm hoping they don't give me sh*t

 

Nothing a local mod day can't fix. I did all the suspension work on my truck myself (replaced leaf springs and shocks in the rear, and the coils/struts in the front).

Take your time, get a friend, and its a pretty simple afternoon project, unless of course you need a welder..

 

That always makes me nervous... My truck spends most of its life on the highway doing 75 MPH. Do you guys do something like a quick walk around to make sure that everything is kosher? (especially for the guy that spends most of his time drinking instead of wrenching)

I want to learn how to work on the suspension, brakes, driveline, and the engine on my truck. I just have never had anyone show me how to do it properly. I rather not experiment with something that could cause another person to lose their life (or even my own).

 

I'm not trying to knock anyone's craftsmanship. I just get nervous about anyone doing anything to my truck. Breaking down on the side of the road is one thing. Dropping a drive shaft at 80 MPH is something completely different.

Been There. Done That. Barely survived.

I would much rather do the work myself than have the stealership do the work for me. The only good thing about paying them to do it - they are liable if it isn't done right.

I am very comfortable turning a wrench, and I would love to do all the work on my Tacoma and my Jetta TDI myself. I just don't know who to trust when it comes to learning things from other people. Unfortunately, I have been burned on a number of occasions - from electronics/alarms, to driveline, to radiator, to exhaust, to suspension...

 

Yes, I did get them installed. Wonderful upgrade, BTW. Especially the Bilsteins.

Went to Aggieland Automotive which charged almost half of what Atkinson's quoted.

Dropped it in the morning and it was out around lunch.

 

Sounds like a good crew. Somewhere down the road, I need someone to show me how to replace brake pads (correctly). I know how it all works, but that is one thing I have never done myself. I know it is a simple job. I am just afraid of screwing it up.

So, did you call the shop up and tell them about the loose nut?

 

i'm from college station too and ive heard good things about chops auto shop..think its in bryan..

 

Thanks. I will have to remember that. I shouldn't need brakes for another 30,000 miles at least, but I may just change them early just to be shown how it is done.

 

Mod Days FTW!!!!

if you SA guys are ever in need of a mod day let me know. I'm not too terribly far from there.

As far as my resume in mech work, all I can show is my truck. Everything done my self (except for the 7th injector and fuel line tap). My truck is my DD, and FREQUENTLY sees 100mph or more, as it is also my weekend race car. both 1/4 mile and for autox. So I can't really afford to make any mistakes on an installation.

 

Woodlands performance and suspension is a good company. They are a authorized dealer for Icon and Total Chaos, which is hard to find in Texas. Great service too.