Bumping this thread for Neal and his installation services for the NorCal 86 community.
I finally had the pleasure of meeting up with Neal this past weekend to install the Whiteline Subframe Bushings and RCE Yellow Springs for my BRZ. Here’s my review and impressions from my experience.
Private Message Communication
Communication between Neal and I was awesome. He’s prompt with his replies and organized with dates and times. I even had to reschedule our install date, which I thought would put a wrench in his planner, but he accommodated to my needs without a hitch. If you need a price quote, don’t hesitate to inquire!
Professionalism/Promptness
I’ve worked with a lot of factory reps in my profession and I must say, Neal’s professionalism is up there with the best. On the day of the install, I showed up 30 min early to our meet up spot thinking that I’ll just sit in my car and enjoy my cup of coffee as I wait for a bit. To my surprise, Neal shows up 3 minutes later in his FRS, introduces himself, and we go off to his shop. Needless to say, I was extremely happy to be starting half an hour early than planned as I had to take my dog to the vet later that afternoon.
Installation
Neal is a no BS kind of guy. Before he starts any work to your car, Neal will put you at ease as he explains his steps and the tools he’ll be using. As a bonus, he even lets you watch as he goes to work! If you’d like, he’ll even go over the steps and teach you about his installation techniques and what needs to be done in order to get the job completed.
Subject Matter Expert
Unlike shops out there that do Sales and Installations, Neal is an expert on the 86 platform (in addition to other vehicles). He knows his way around this car and will put your anxieties at ease should you be an individual that does not like anybody else touching your car. He won’t BS you as he's not selling you parts and accessories and he’ll get the job done right the first time.
Post Installation
I get a PM from Neal the next day asking how I like the modifications and if there was anything that felt wrong. In my years of going to various mod shops, Neal is the first to actually reach out to me to see if anything is wrong. Thumbs up to you, Neal!
Final Thoughts
Okay, so the drive up to Santa Rosa from Emeryville (East Bay) was about 75 minutes. Neal’s shop is not necessarily close, but wouldn’t you want to start your weekend off on the right foot (pun intended) and go for a scenic drive along the 101? If you schedule something in the morning with Neal, it’s even more worth it as you won’t hit any traffic going up. Neal will treat you and your vehicle right as his work is top notch and will get it right the first time. Another benefit is that you’re right there as he’s doing work! Forget the typical waiting room with couches and magazines, your anxiety working on overdrive as you’re thinking, “I wonder how things are going back there?” or “please don’t mess up!”. Communication is excellent and he won’t keep you in the dark. If you’re on the ropes on finding an installer, go to Neal. You won’t be disappointed.
Cliff Notes
Excellent Communication
Excellent Installer
Excellent Customer Service
On Site learning experience
No BS
Yelp Review – 5 Stars
