Huge Mechanical Specials! Ask About our Labor Only Rates!

Spring specials running now!  Huge discounts on all preventative maintenance! Spring is definitely the time to get everything ready for the hot, Summer season here in Florida!

Call us for information on our "labor only" specials!  Supply your own parts and save big money here at LDJ Auto!  Check our "Online Parts and Accessories Store" for the latest deals and specials in car, truck, suv, van, and motorcycle parts and accessories.

Advance Auto Parts always has great deals on auto parts, but, from now till March 31st, you'll find even more great savings!  You can see their entire store inventory online at our Parts and Accessories Store, along with coupons and special deals too!  You can even shop by phone and have your order ready for pick up at one of their over 3,400 convenient store locations, nationwide!

Use the links here to shop online, shop by phone, or even just talk to their professional staff to answer any questions you might have about the parts YOU need for your vehicle, and have the comfort of knowing you're getting the best prices available!

Don't forget to schedule your appointment with us early to get those prime Saturday and Sunday appointments.  Weekends fill up fast, so call today!

You can also use the link below to shop online and save money on your larger orders!  Offer ends 3/31/2012, so shop now!

Advance Auto Parts and LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical, you're "one stop shop for everything automotive"!

See you soon!

LDJ AUTO BODY AND CUSTOM SHOP ANNOUNCES THE GRAND OPENING OF OUR NEW MECHANICAL SHOP!

LDJ Auto Body is announcing the grand opening of our new, full service, mechanical shop!

Since 2009, LDJ Auto Body has been the #1 choice for our customers for auto body, collision, and auto paint repair. As most of you know, our new facility, located at 10915 East Bay Road, opened in November and we are happy to announce that our complete, mechanical shop is now open for business!

That's right! In addition to the best auto body and collision repairs and factory and custom paint.....LDJ Auto now offers you the same great service and pricing for all your mechanical needs too!

From maintenance jobs, like oil changes, lubrication and tune-ups, to major mechanical work, including complete engine and transmission change outs, LDJ Auto truly is “your one stop shop” for everything automotive!

Our mechanical technicians are all ASE certified and have over 30 years experience in engine and mechanical maintenance, trouble-shooting, and repair!

We now offer ALL mechanical services, including brake jobs, belt replacement, alternators, starters, radiator service and repair, a/c recharging and repair and much, much, more all at the same, great prices our customers have always relied on.

LDJ Auto Body's new location also offers exhaust repair and replacement, suspension work and full welding services too! We can also fabricate many of those “impossible to find” parts for our restoration customers.

Don't forget, our new location is open weekends to help our customers meet their busy schedules. We know that most vehicle repairs are not planned! Repair work can really throw the wrench into your busy days......so we not only offer weekend appointments, but also early drop-offs and late pick-ups to help in avoiding costly rentals and the inconvenience of “finding a ride” to work!

Our customers are the best! To show our appreciation, LDJ Auto will be offering some great sales and promotions including coupons, mobile applications for scheduling, and loyalty rewards! Register for our newsletter, LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck and Motorcycle News, today to receive the latest information on how to save big money on all your maintenance and vehicle repair needs. You'll get weekly updates and emails for ALL of our promotions. You can even schedule your appointments on-line!

Stop in and see us today for unbelievable prices on oil changes, brakes, and tune-ups! Get free estimates on ALL YOUR MECHANICAL NEEDS!

Remember, ALL OF OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! We offer “labor only” estimates! Bring your own parts and save money! New and used parts! And, as always, your vehicle will be DONE ON TIME, EVERY TIME!

LDJ Auto Body and Mechanial, your “one stop shop for everything automotive!

Call and schecule your appointment today at (813) 644-4497.

Auto Body Repair and Paint Repair Does NOT Have to Cost You An Arm or Leg!

Accidents happen!  That's why they call them accidents.  We all know that auto insurance is expensive and using your insurance to fix damage to your vehicle that happened in your own driveway or did not involve another vehicle will simply drive your rates up. 

Fixing damage to your vehicle that did not involve anyone else doesn't have to be expensive!  However, it does need to be fixed!  Letting that damage go without repairing it will simply cause more damage in the way of rust and corrosion and reduce the value of your vehicle!  The owner of this 2002 PT Cruiser simply backed into an object in his driveway.  Not only does the damage look unsightly, it damaged the hinge on the deck lid making it unsafe to drive without the latch mechanism working properly.  There were also cracks in the paint on the rear door, allowing the elements to reach the bare metal of the vehicle, thus, allowing rust and corrosion in to start eating away at an otherwise, beautiful car!

These pictures show the vehicle after the repair work was done!  Dents gone, bumper repaired.  No chance of rust or corrosion happening here! 

When accidents happen that do not involve other vehicles, don't just forget about them.  Most body shops will work with you to get your repairs done as quickly and affordably as possible. 

This car was repaired in a day and a half at a total cost of less than $650 dollars.  AND, the owner won't have to worry about rust or corrosion on the vehilcle or his insurance rates going up! 

Don't put off unsightly repairs and let your car, truck or suv become a victim of rust and corrosion.  Get an estimate today and see how little it can cost to get your vehicle looking like new again!

Here at LDJ Auto Body, all estimates are free!  A vehicle is the second most expensive item most of us own other than our homes.  Isn't it worth a phone call to see how little it costs to keep your vehicle looking new?

New vs. Used and Aftermarket Parts. What's the Best Choice For YOU?

Let's face it, in today's economy, money is tight! We're all trying to cut costs and pinch pennies where possible. So, when your vehicle breaks down or is damaged, is it better to use new or used parts to do your repairs? 

There are some obvious answers to this question. Things like brakes, windshield wipers, and other safety related repair parts should always be new! These parts are usually not that expensive and buying used would be ludicrous! But, when it comes to things like water pumps, alternators, transmissions, and even motors, you can definitely save yourself some money by purchasing used auto parts.

There are actually three different grades of auto parts.  New, meaning that the part has never been used. Used, which means that the part has been taken off of another vehicle.  And then there are "re-built" or "re-manufactured" parts. 

New parts are certainly the best way to replace most component parts of your car.  Aftermarket parts suppliers have a match for almost any part you can think of.  Our affiliated parts suppliers have almost every part you can think of that will bolt right on to your vehicle.  These are the most cost effective and definitely our choice over new OEM, used or even re-built.  These parts can be purchased on-line and sent directly to our shop.  We'll call you when they come in and schedule your appointment at that time!  Check out the link below for some great prices on aftermarket parts for your vehicle!



Re-built auto parts are used auto parts that someone has re-built or re-manufactured and replaced the main components so that the part is "just like" new! This means that someone has taken the "old part" apart and removed the broken portions of the part and replaced those parts with new ones.  Re-built or re-manufactured parts usually come with a warranty that is very similar to the warranty on a new part. Unlike used auto parts, which may or may not have a warranty.

So, how do you decide if you should be purchasing new, used or rebuilt? Things that affect the safety of your vehicle should always be purchased new!  Things like windshield wipers, brake pads, belts, and hoses are inexpensive and just not worth the chance of using used parts. 

When it comes to things like water pumps, alternators, and starters, used or rebuilt parts will almost always save you money.  However, whether you use rebuilt or used does make a difference here.  Replacing a water pump on many vehicles requires a lot of labor and can be very expensive.  Sometimes upwards of $500 or $600 dollars.  If this is the case with your vehicle, we would definitely recommend going with rebuilt.  The reason for this is pretty simple.  If the job requires that much labor, it is safe to say that you won't want to be doing it twice!  Also, a repair shop is not going to warranty the labor on the job simply because your used part went bad, so the wise decision here is to go with the rebuilt part.  The same is true for alternators and starters.  Both of these parts get a lot of wear and tear and it's simply not smart to put a used one back in your vehicle.  Also, some alternators and starters, just like the water pump, are very expensive to replace due to labor costs.  So, the smart shopper will also purchase these rebuilt. 

The real decision making regarding used vs rebuilt comes when it's time to replace major components, like your transmission or motor.  Both of these components are very expensive, and for your average vehicle owner, unless the part is covered under a manufacturer's warranty or some other kind of warranty, or, for some reason, an insurance company, purchasing these auto parts new is simply cost prohibited.  So how does one decide whether to go with new or rebuilt? 

Again, the answer here revolves around cost.  A rebuilt motor or transmission is going to cost you more money than a used one.  Rebuilt parts will definitely save you money over the cost of a new one, but, depending on the model you're looking for, they can still set you back cost wise. 

In many cases, you can find some great deals on used parts at a salvage yard.  Good salvage yards will test these parts before putting them up for sale, and, in many cases, will even offer a "replacement warranty" on the part. Replacement warranties are exactly as the name implies.  They will replace the part if it goes bad within a certain period of time.  The key here is to find the best deal on a part that has the longest warranty period.  The other key factor here is the "milage" on the part.  Most salvage yards will keep a record of how many miles were on the vehicle they removed the part from.  So you can determine the amount of usage that the part has seen before you buy it.  Of course, the lower the milage, the more expensive the part!  However, milage is not the only determining factor you need to consider.  If it's possible, try to find a motor or transmission at the yard that is still in the vehicle!  Being able to see the vehicle that the part is comming out of will give you an idea of what kind of use the part has gotten.  After all, finding a used motor with extremely low milage means nothing if that motor sat for years in a vehicle that wasn't running for a long period of time!  The motor could have corrosion built up just from sitting around.  Same goes for the transmission.  Seeing the vehicle also gives you an idea of why the motor or trans are for sale.  If the car was involved in an accident, you can tell if the motor or trans might also have been damaged in the accident by where the car was hit.

If you can't find one that is still in the car, truck or suv, it is necessary to rely on the records of the salvage yard to make your decision.  Reputable salvage yards will tell you the reason for the salvage and the number of miles listed on the odometer when they pulled the part.  Look for the lowest milage available and then the price.  Remember, you get what you pay for!  AND, since there is significant labor involved in replacing either of these components, you should spend the maximum that you can afford to pay for the part and always make sure there is a warranty on the part!  The longer the warranty the better off you'll be.

The last parts we'll cover here are body parts.  You can purchase almost any body part at a salvage yard.  Doors, hoods, trunk or (deck lids) and even roof panels and quarter panels are available at your local junk yard.  Once again, unless an insurance company is paying for the part, buying these parts new from a dealership is cost prohibited for most of us!

Body panels do not come with warranties!  Unless, of course, they're new and even then, they are only warranted against factory defects.  The thing to remember here, is that there are "after-market" body panels available for most vehicles, especially if they are a little older.  After-market body panels come in different grades, but, the two most important differences are "CAPA certified" and "non-CAPA" certified.  CAPA certified parts meet the standards of the Certified Auto Parts Association of America and are made to the same standards as OEM.  Most insurance companies will insist on CAPA certified replacement body parts. 

Aftermarket parts are always significantly cheaper than OEM parts, and, more often than not, less expensive than purchasing used parts from a salvage yard.  Aftermarket parts do have to be prepped and painted, as they come from the factory in black, which is then "scuffed" or "sanded" and then primed and painted to match the existing vehicle color.  Always remember to add in the amount you will need to spend for painting when planning out your job using aftermarket parts.


At LDJ, we're always looking for ways to save you more money! You can supply your own aftermarket parts and save yourself the mark-up of us keeping the inventory.  The affiliates listed here offer great prices on aftermarket parts! You can place your order, have them shipped to us and we'll schedule your appointment when they arrive!


Used parts from a salvage yard are also a good value.  However, many salvage yards are going to be asking premium dollar for good quality used parts.  Most times, the used parts sold, are, of course, factory OEM parts.  Also, unless you get lucky enough to find a body panel in the same color as your car, it will also need to be painted. If there is any body work to be done to the used body panel, that will need to be factored in too.

Making the right decision about the parts used in the repair of your vehicle is key to saving money on your repair bill!  Feel free to call us at any time to speak to one of our technicians about your repairs.  We are there to help you make the decision that is best for you!

Hope you find this information helpful on your next repair! We look forward to helping you keep your car, truck, suv, or motorcycle in tip top shape!

Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop
Gibsonton, FL
(813) 644-4497
www.facebook.com/ldjautobody

1970 CUTLASS 442 COMPLETED! SHOWN WITH FINISHING TOUCHES!

As I told you last time, the chrome bumpers and eyebrows arrived over the weekend and she was sooooo beautiful in her new bling, I just had to run the pics!  So here for your enjoyment is the finished 1970 Cutlass 442 Convertible in all her "chrome bling"!

We also want to thank her owner for letting us show her off here! 

Many of you have asked about whether or not this great car is for sale!  As far as we know right now, she is going to be his driver for awhile.  We'll be sure to let you know if we hear anything about the car going up for sale!

We'd love to hear your comments and see some of our reader's projects!  Please let us know what you think AND send those pics in!  We'll publish them right here so we can all discuss these great cars!

We look forward to hearing from you!

Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop

Shown below are some of the completed paint pictures before the chrome arrived.  What a beautiful car this turned out to be:

OUR LATEST PROJECT HITS THE PAINT BOOTH! 1970 CUTLASS 442

Well, the 1970 Cutlass 442 project car that we have been working on here went into the paint booth yesterday!  It's always a great feeling of accomplishment when a project car reaches the paint booth.  Regardless of whether it was a complete, ground up restoration or just a new custom paint job, these older beauties are what it's all about.

Here's some pics of the 1970 Cutlass 442 as it went from primer to paint!  The final pics will be posted tomorrow.

Shown here with sealer in place, she's ready for paint.  As with most all of our custom jobs, this vehicle was finished using all DuPont products. 

We endorse and recommend DuPont products here at LDJ and have been using them for almost 30 years now.

After allowing the sealer to dry, she's ready for the first base coat.  The following pictures show the progress from base coat thru the application of the pearl white 442 racing stripes.

With the black base coat in place, it's time to start the racing stripe.  The stripe is taped off and sprayed using a tri-color pearl by starting with a white base coat and then the pearl.  The stripes on this car are the original configuration and included the two large hood panel accents.

With the stripes in place, the car is ready for the final clear coats.  The car was finished in DuPont Black Mica Metallic with a tri-color pearl white original 442 racing stripe.  The finished product will sport 6 coats of DuPont clear to protect the finish.

Check back tomorrow for the final shots of this beautiful car after wet sanding and buffing.  We'd like to thank the owner for allowing us to follow the work of this vehicle so we could take you through the steps of a custom paint job.  The finished car will have chrome 1970 Cutlass 442 bumpers which were fitted prior to the paint job.  

WELOME ABOARD! To Our Newest Accessory Affiliate! AND...Just in Time For Christmas!

It's Christmas Time again!  AND...we want to take a moment to introduce you to our newest affiliate! 

AutoSport Automotive

    Outfitters

These guys have got it all when it comes to automotive accessories! With the Christmas Holidays upon us right now....this is the time to take advantage of their awesome deals!  From floor mats, seat covers, car covers and so much more...AutoSport Automotive Outfitters will help you find the perfect gift for that special car enthusiast on your gift list!  If you're really having a hard time for the "someone who really does have everything", simply go to their site and click on "new outlet items" to see some truly unique items.

Of course, they also have the usual items, like electronic rear-view mirrors, all kinds of interior organizers, automotive stereo systems, electronics and navigation items and even clothing and personal items. 

Don't forget, they also carry actual "car parts" like oil filters and air filters at really great prices.

And lastly, make sure to check out the "WeatherTech Store", "Covercraft Store", "Thule and Yakima Stores" for greatly reduced prices on some of the most popular automotive brands out there!

WELCOME ABOARD AUTOSPORT!  AND...WELCOME TO ALL OUR NEW SHOPPERS HERE AT LDJ NEWS!  TO ALL OF YOU A VERY SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!!