First Choice Auto Clinic

Stay well away!!!! This past Summer Brian had one of his employees pick up my 1981 Datsun 280 Z for full restoration work. I had already disassembled the car in my garage. The car chassis had to be transported on a dolly (provided by Brian) as the rear drive train had been removed. The fenders, doors, hood, and rear lid were also handed over for restoration. The fenders were rusting mainly around the inside of the arches, and one of the doors displayed rust along the lower edge. I had already stripped the paint off of the fenders, hood, and doors, so the amount of corrosion was very visible. The drivers side and passengers side floor pans also needed to be replaced, as well as other areas around the rear wheel arches and windshield frame. I agreed to pay Brian $5'000 dollars (Check made out to Brian, not First Choice Auto Clinic), to start the restoration on the vehicle. It had been in my garage for ten years, and it was time to get it completed. Brian had shown me around his shop, and allowed me to see several projects that were in the works. I was impressed with what I saw and listened to multiple restoration stories he had to offer about existing and past customers. He convinced me that "First Choice Auto Clinic" was the right place to restore this car back to its former glory. After several weeks, I had heard nothing so I called to check on the progress of the car. I was told Brian was busy and would call me back.........well two days later I heard nothing and tried again.......given the same reason he could not talk to me, so again I waited for a couple of days, and called again. I was told once again that he was busy. At this point I was getting a little concerned, so I demanded that he call me back that day. He did, and said that he had been busy and apologized for not returning my call. I let it go, and set up a day that week to swing in and look at the progress on the car. I was sent an invoice for $3'200, and some change for 38 hours worth of labor, so I was looking forward to seeing the progress. When I got there, Brian was not around, so one of his employees showed me the work that had been done thus far. I was a little confused when I saw that the two fenders had had some rust cut out and a couple of steel patches welded in with some initial grinding around the arches. That was it! I took photos of the work and asked for the rest of the progress, only to told, "That was it". Three Thousand Dollars to half patch two fenders that I could have completely replaced for $1,200. I called Brian later that day to try and figure out why it took 38 hours to partially patch two fenders. He said that he agreed that it was high, and that he was out of town and was not on top of his guys. He also said that he tried to find parts, but had no luck! I find that hard to believe as it only took me 15 minutes to find two parts vehicles online within a 100 mile radius for $1'100. Although no offer of reducing the charge was made, he said he would make it up on the remaining portion of the project. We left it at that, and I said I would check in at the end of the year. I was a little concerned at this point, but didn't want to be one of those annoying demanding customers, as I have a small restoration business myself, and know what that can be like. I checked in last week, and was told that Brian was busy with a customer. I requested to see the vehicle anyway, and was told that it was outside at the rear of the building. I walked around the building in the pouring rain only to find my car sitting there uncovered and full of leaves and at least 5 inches of standing water in the floor pans. No hood, doors, or rear lid. The car was completely water logged, and appeared to have been left uncovered and open to the Winter elements for Months. I am completely confused as to why he would do this to a paying customer? I had a tow truck pick the car up within the hour and had it brought back to garage where it sits now drying out. These photos show the work he did, and the condition I found it in. He also kept the remaining $1'800.00.

Jan 02, 2019 · Sean Clarke

Had F/I installed by someone else, they did a terrible install, called had my 66 GTO towed to 1st auto, they found all the problems and getting it right. A life saver

Aug 24, 2023 · Pat Curtiss

Had my first experience this week with FirstChoice. Had them work on my 1946 Dodge truck. I’d never left it anywhere overnight and was a little apprehensive at first, but after seeing the shop, meeting Brian and knowing they put the cars inside every night i felt much more comfortable. Overall they did a great job and I’m more than satisfied with the quality of care and work. They’ll be my “first choice” for any work on my classic truck! Thanks again Brian.

Jul 24, 2020 · Gregory Schultz

I've had my 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8 serviced and maintained here for the last three years after my previous shop unexpectedly closed. I have never had an issue with their work and their body shop is willing to work on items that no other shop is willing to touch. They have also never tried to up sell me on anything. Remember, typically only folks who have bad experiences will post reviews. This shop is always booked and always has top flight historic iron being worked on in their shop. With any classic or rare vehicle, you want to take a tour of the shop and speak to the workers. You can tell pretty quick if they love cars or not. These guys know what they are talking about if you know the language of classic cars.

Aug 23, 2017 · John Carl Williams

I love how all of the negative reviews on here are people who didn't get their way "getting deals" or have literally never even had a vehicle in the shop. Its sad and disgusting to bad mouth a business because no one would pander to your selfish need for a discount to suit your own sense of self entitlement. I have taken my vehicle to this shop many times and will continue to do so because I'm intelligent enough to read the labor rate and compare it to the hours it would take to finish the job. These people are just miserable in their own life and have nothing better to do. Get a hobby. This shop does QUALITY work at an affordable price. If you want cheap and quick go to a backyard mechanic.

Oct 28, 2020 · Pickle Rick