Finding a reliable garage while on the road

[gm4106]

Previously I had put an inquiry out on the Bus Board as to if anyone knew a good bus mechanic in the San Diego area. I was going to fly out to National City CA to purchase a 1963 GM 4106 and wanted to have it serviced before driving it back to North Carolina.

I received several responses, however all of those responses where directing me to the same person, Bob Rowsell of H.B. Industries www.hbindustries.ws in El Cajon CA just about 25 miles northeast of the San Diego area.

I previously owned a 1961 GM 4106 which I purchased a manual leveling system for. As fate would have it, I purchased it from Bob Roswell through the mail and it was a pleasure dealing with him. I was very happy with the system, its operation and the overall service I received.

Once we made our final arrangements for the trip I called Bob and set an appointment with him to service and give the bus a once over. Our appointment time was for one in the afternoon. We were running late and we called him to let him know, he told us not to worry. Well we ended up being almost two hours late. As soon as we arrived he had a crew who instantly jumped right in. He knew exactly what I wanted done. Bob was right on hand, however with the experience crew he has they needed little direction. I would like to add they all interacted more like a small family than fellow employees.

I had a laundry list of thing to be done. On the way over we also discovered I had no brake lights. Bob put one of the guys right on that as well. When we returned at about 5:30 the work was complete and his crew was leaving for the evening as they wished us the best with our coach and on our trip. I was walking out to the bus and happen to say something about the brake lights and Bob said yes they are the top ones and the directionals are the next ones. My wife said well when I was following you here I noticed the top ones were being used as the directionals. Bob opened the engine compartment door to see what was going on. Well after spending another 4 hours trying to help me trace the problem he offered to let us plug up for the night and run new wires in the morning. Well as we expected, by 8:00 that morning we were running new wires. During this time we also discovered one of running lights on the back of the bus was out as well. Well after spending another two hours we were finally ready to start our journey.

You would think after receiving the prompt, individual service and his willingness to accommodate our tight schedule we would have paid a pretty penny. I was very pleased (so was the wife and that is really unusual) when I received my bill. You hear so many stories from people who have been taken advantage of especially when you are so far away from home and they know they may never see you again so they don't care. Well let me re-assure you Bob and his crew not only care about their reputation they take pride in their work. I have never been to a garage where I have seen a team work so well together.

If what they say is true about word of mouth advertising then Bob and his crew will have a very successful business. I have taken the time to write this on the Bus Board to say PLEASE by all means you should feel comfortable as well as privileged to bring your coach to H.B. Industries.

[jjrbus]

Great post, I really enjoyed reading it. I hope all our experiences are like this!!!

[H3Jim]

Thanks, good to hear we didn't misdirect you.  I trust the rest of your trip was uneventful.

[Dreamscape]

This was so good to hear regarding a bus shop. He is the gentleman I bought my Ealge manuals from, great to deal with. While living in So Cal I often wanted to stop by and say HI, never did. Now I wish I had taken the time to do so.

Glad your experience with him and his crew was positive.

Thanks for sharing,

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape