Testimonials
Google Reviews
Facebook Reviews
Yelp Reviews
Richard S. MN
Yelp Review 7/30/2021
“A passing stranger honked at me & waved back at my 5th
wheel trailer as he passed me. I pulled over & saw smoke
coming out of the rear axle's driver's-side bearings.
The bearings were destroyed on that left-side rear wheel.
I was four hours from home, returning from a camping trip,
and had no idea who to call for advice.
The nearest town was Crystal Falls, MI. Google gave me a
few different businesses who sold bearings, and I picked
Old School Repair first just because I liked the name. It
turns out I could not have made a better choice.
Ron listened to my problem, asked a few questions, then
told me I could limp into town on three trailer tires
instead of all four. Fortunately I was only a couple of miles
away! As I removed the wheel I saw it was hanging on the
axle instead of riding on the bearings. Driving on it
further would have ruined the spindle, necessitating a new
axle.
I pulled into the lot at Old School Repair and saw a
"Closed" sign on the door, but it was noon; I figured the
shop keeper had gone for lunch. I was right. It wasn't
long before he returned with his take-out food boxes in
hand. We greeted, discussed some options, and I left him
to his lunch while I ate out in the camper.
After lunch he already had a friend visiting, just to chat.
They talked barbecue recipes and a big grilling event
coming up. Eventually Ron got around to my trailer.
I had a positive impression of his shop. Things were clean,
everything was orderly, tools were properly put away, the
floor swept, no clutter. Spare parts & projects already
underway were correctly shelved out of the way, but
clearly available as need presented.
After looking my trailer's hub & axle spindle & bearings
over, he had me move it tight up against his garage door
so it would be in the shade on this hot/muggy day, and be
up on the garage floor's concrete apron.
He had a tough time removing the old bearings' races;
they seemed welded on. But he had the skills and the
right tools to get them off--a dent puller for the front race,
and a rotary cutting wheel for the rear one when it
wouldn't move with the dent puller.
His close inspection determined the spindle wasn't so
badly damaged it needed to be replaced.
During the afternoon more of his friends or family showed
up, and other friends and customers called on the phone.
Ron made time for them all, as a one-man shop in a small
town must do. I didn't begrudge him the time. I have
patience, had no set schedule, and even had been mentally
prepared to leave my camper if he couldn't get at it for a
few weeks. It was obvious he's that busy.
Ron had lots to talk about with me, as he got the hub off,
pulled the necessary parts out of inventory (THAT was
handy!), pounded out the old bearing parts from the wheel
hub, and replaced them all.
I was there for five hours, but 2 1/2 hours were Ron
spending time with friends & family who'd stop by to chat,
and with lunch, and with a pair of former customers that
had much gratitude to him for saving them on a previous
auto repair adventure--they even had two bottles of wine
or liquor for him, since they were that happy he was able
to help them with no appointment, had the parts in stock,
and could do the work.
I can relate first hand to their experiences.
He taught me a lot about many things as he worked on my
axle & bearings. About racing, running a shop with just
one person (he had just hired a second mechanic that day,
who was busy moving there from Illinois), about diesel
engines and additives, snowmobiles, and of course, axles
& bearings & lubricating them.
He only charged me labor for the 2 1/2 hours he actually
worked on my trailer. Between that and the parts &
materials, I drove away from a potentially disastrous event,
one which could have taken weeks or even months to
schedule & repair at an RV shop, and I paid $310.
He got me in without an appointment, accurately
diagnosed the issue, had the right parts in hand, did the
work with skill and care, and saved the day for me. Ron
and Old School Repair were the right tool for the job, and I
count myself lucky he was there, willing to help a stranger
in need.
Thank you, Ron.”
FIND US IN CRYSTAL
FALLS
At the bottom of the hill in down town Crystal Falls, Michigan, over-
looking the Chippewa SnoKats ATV trail.
Old School Repair
11 Superior Ave.
Crystal Falls, MI 49920
Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
info@oldschoolrepair.com
Phone: 906-875-8050
Fax: 906-875-8060
Roy
Personal Review 10/10/2021
“You guys are great! Ron helped me get my truck ready to
handle a heavy, slide-in camper. While doing the work, he
recognized some other potential issues, and helped ensure
my wife and I wouldn’t have problems down the road. We’re
lucky to have such a knowledgeable mechanic in our area.
Thanks!”
Monica Cain
Google Review Apr 24, 2019
“Exceptional customer service and work done on my car.
Ron is very good at repairs and will do them the “old school
way”, by the book. He’ll tell you what you need, and the cost,
and you can count on the repairs being done with
meticulous attention to even the littlest detail. Very pleased
with the repairs and happy to support a new business in
Crystal Falls. Ron and Dianna thank you!”
Lorna Willis
Google Review September, 2020
“Good, honest business. Fixes a variety of vehicles up to
semis and tractors, to name a few”
Keith Waarvik
Google Review September, 2020
“They will help you out and give you a ride too!”