can't say enough good things about this shop. They successfully diagnosed and repaired two very different and very finicky cars for me--a 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 and a Lotus Elise S2--both of which were experiencing transmission issues. From start to finish, Brendan was incredibly responsive, patient, and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain what was actually going on, what needed to be done versus what didn't, and kept me informed every step of the way. There were no surprises--just clear communication and complete transparency. Derek, the owner, clearly runs the business the right way. He's approachable, honest, and deeply knowledgeable, and it shows in both the quality of the work and the way customers are treated. You never feel rushed or talked down to, and there's a genuine respect for classic and enthusiast cars that's hard to find. Both cars now shift exactly as they should, and it's obvious the work was done thoughtfully and correctly--not rushed or guess-and-checked. If you have a classic car or a specialty vehicle and want competent, honest people who actually care about doing the job right, this is the place. Highly recommended. read more

Dang, they need to change their name to Speedy Gonzales Classic Auto Repair. I took a truck in and in just a few hours they called and said it was running. I picked it up next day and they fixed numerous issues really good. This is your go to place for you oldie but goodie vehicles. read more

Derrick and the entire SCG Team were absolutely wonderful! Took my '55 Mercury Montclair I recently purchased to get some things repaired to get her road worthy. Their knowledge and communication throughout the whole process was great. Which I loved most with my experience was that SCG does not take advantage of people who are not "hands on" Classic car owners like myself. I will be a lifetime customer at SCG! read more

Steel Classic Garage - '55 Mercury Montclair - Auto Repair Near Me - Austin, Texas

Very disappointing experience with them on my Big Healey. Be sure to get committed estimates and be very clear with them on what you want done. Also expect it to take twice as long as they tell you and accept that the car will need to sit in their shop waiting in line for at least a week before they start on it. This used to be a very good shop before Ron sold it but clearly there is a new sheriff in town and even the hold over crew have changed the way they operate. read more

If you've got a classic or rare car, this is the place to go. I say that because old cars are technically very easy to repair. But what you want when you cannot do the repair yourself is a place that first and foremost takes care of your car. Parks it inside, guards your paint job, doesn't hot rod it around on test drives. All that stuff that lets you know they care about your classic. And they can find parts for older/rarer stuff. These guys are great. Take their time, get it right and don't charge an arm and a leg. They did a good job on my 1967 and now, I'll take my other cars there. Good work, good attitude, and they baby your baby. read more

I could not possibly recommend these folks more highly. I took my new baby, a 1967 Mustang, to them for a full service diagnostic and repair and I got such thorough, clear and comprehensive work and mechanic who I love (Gogi!) and is carefully walking me through the experience of owning my first vintage car. I especially recommend this spot for women, because it's one of the few mechanic shops where I've been treated respectfully and not like a dumb shit that doesn't know about cars. Thank you guys! read more

I have a 1971 Triumph TR6 that decided it didn't want to shift nor run smoothly. Having a classic car that is also a family heirloom I wanted to take her to the best shop I could find and that shop is Ron Shimek Auto Center. The staff is friendly and Ron called me often to keep me updated on what was wrong with my car as well as what services they would be performing. They not only fixed all the problems, but they went above in beyond to tune the car perfectly. Even though it has an aftermarket performance camshaft they have her roaring and idling nicely. They also charged me far less than most shops would have and they warranty their work. Bottom line: Real good people who are real good mechanics who will always make sure you and your car are happy. I only wish I could give them 6 stars. read more

I've been going to Ron for three years now and I love them. They are straight-forward with me on the condition of my car, and let me know what to look for in the future to keep it in good shape. I own a Subaru, and one of the mechanics there is very knowledgable on Subarus. They remember me and my car every time I'm there. Well worth checking out! read more

Ron Shimek and crew did an amazing job on my Triumph TR7. I had quite a bit of work done (QUITE A BIT) and each job, plus the total effect, totals up to a very nice car that runs like it did "back in the day." I will bring future work to Ron with enthusiasm. read more

My car is 11 years old; I'm expecting stuff to fall apart. I'm also pretty naive and could get into trouble with a greedy mechanic. Ron could have charged me for a full brake job today. Turns out there was a wire (road debris) wrapped around a brake caliper. He also could have charged me for a full AC service today. Nope, my squeaking issues were old drive belts. To top it off, he rotated my tires without me asking. They gave me a precise quote before doing the work and offered options. I love the detailed receipts, too. It helps me remember what was done and what needs to be looked at next time. I've been going here for years; I'll be going back again and again. Shimek is friendly, reliable, and honest. read more

Did a PPI with Ron on a 1966 MG Midget. He was very thorough and an excellent communicator! You can really tell that there is 40 years of MG experience in his head! read more

I took my 2005 BMW 330Ci there today. My light indicator had shown a light out in the front of my car- passenger side. I was quoted that the light would cost roughly $70 plus labor. Ron Shimek took a look at my passenger light and determined that it wasn't the light at all but a wire that needed fixing. The light was perfect! He saved me $70! I have been going to his shop for quite a while and am always pleased with his work. This day just reminded me that he is truly out to help and tries to trouble shoot first before fixing anything. read more

I have been using Shimek Auto for close to two decades . I trust Ron and his crew completely. They are not the cheapest but they do quality work and won't try to sell you anything that your car does not really need. Work is warrantied. read more

This place may have friendly staff and may be good for older/exotic cars, but please DO NOT go to this place for an oil change. I went in and asked for an oil change and upon returning they had charged me for a tire rotation, full inspection, fluid top off, and brake check. Nothing that I had requested, but was still on the hook to pay for. They did not discuss anything with me prior to charging me for these additional services. No one called me for prior authorization and no one asked for the mileage of my car upon dropping it off. I simply asked for an oil change and was told that they would call me when my car was ready. I returned to a 63 dollar charge for an oil change, tire rotation, and brake check. I was also told I was given a discount on these services that I did NOT ask for or agree to. I would suggest that you state your intentions clearly because it seems they are willing to milk you for all you got. Beware and make sure you manage what they do to your car. My car is a brand new Nissan Maxima, 2014. Why did I need a tire rotation? Beats me. read more

As good as it gets. Honest, great service, they really know their stuff.

I started going to Ron when my previous trusted mechanic closed up shop and recommended him. I was always happy with the quality of Ron's work and felt he was honest with me. Everyone who works there is nice and after just one visit they remembered me and my car. One time I brought my (aging) car there because I was paranoid about some new noise it was making, and Ron told me nothing needed to be fixed. If I still lived in Austin I'd definitely still be taking my car there. read more

Had been told by Howdy Honda that I had a leak in my power steering and needed a new rack and pinion. Was a little suspicious, because I was not hearing a whining from the pump, no difficulty steering and after 3 weeks, the reservoir was still at the full level. Upon a friend's recommendation brought my car here. Expected a long wait, because that's what I was used to at Howdy Honda, but was in and out within 1/2 hour and told I did not have a leak. Super nice staff. This is my new repair shop! read more

Ron and his staff are great--honest and reliable. I have been to him several times over the last 10 years and always got good service and felt like my car was getting exactly what it needed. I don't know much about cars so it is good to have that feeling when you go see a mechanic. read more

Ron and his team were the perfect team to help with my 1967 Datsun Roadster. They were flexible and understanding, and have very high standards for quality. Not cheap, but worth it if you want you car fixed thoughtfully and completely. read more

Ron Shimek was recommended by a friend of a friend to repair and restore my 1956 MG convertible, and I am totally happy with his work! He understands that I don't want mint condition, just drive-ability, and is keeping me in the loop as he slowly makes my sweet car ready to hit the streets again, after being in my mom's garage for 15 years! I recommend Ron for all your car needs; he really cares! read more

I shipped my carburetor (Zenith-Stromberg) from New Hampshire to Ron Shimek Auto Service Center. It was from my wife's totally original MGB LE. I had tried to tune it and failed pretty miserably. You can imagine how important it was to get it fixed. I like my garage, but not for sleeping. Anyway, Ron called me as soon as he received it and explained the several things that were wrong and explained that I likely could have never achieved the results I was after. He put me at ease and told me that it would be headed back to me in a matter of days and that he was quite positive that I would like the results. He was MORE than a man of his word. I was able to take it out of the box, re-install it in the car, and it fired right up! Honestly, I didn't have to make any adjustments at all! These carburetors are often maligned by MG Enthusiasts and the AUTO CHOKE device is key to their bad reputation. Now when fellow hobbyists say they're going to convert to a Weber or SU, I'll be encouraging them to save their money and send their ZS to Ron. I'll be sending more things for him to fix and I've put "A Ride to Austin TX with MY MGB on my bucket list! read more