More photos at bottom of page

GENERAL INFO: Bruce (real name Robert) and Theresa Davidson have been in the transmission business over twenty years. In that time, our workshop has had four locations in Gladstone until our most recent move to the Easterby Street address. Our policy is simple: Treat every customer the way we would like/expect  to be treated! Bruce's hobby (Drag Racing) has played a major part in the business with many customers following the car development with interest. The upturn in business over the last four years has left absolutely no time for drag racing or a drag specific race car. Automic is now in Sydney and is doing well with her new owner.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Recent innovations let us list all parts on computer with itemised invoices produced for customers and current stock levels always to hand. Another new feature is our customer reminder post cards that lets our regular customers know when their transmission is due for service. In most cases, we are able to return customers home or to the shops while work is carried out - rarely vehicles are required to be kept overnight. To the Top

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Generally speaking, transmission services are not carried out unless specifically requested or you take it to a specialist like ourselves. Many customers are under the mistaken illusion that their car (and transmission) has been serviced by their regular mechanic. Well, yes it has - but usually it's only the engine that gets attention. We recommend a transmission service every 20,000k or once a year - mainly because after the extremes of temperature suffered over the course of a year, the oil quality (particularly in four speed transmissions) is usually starting to suffer, this can cause strange shift patterns and other symptoms can develop. The first step in diagnosing any problems is to (a) find the transmission dipstick (not all models have them) (b) check the oil level by: 1. After engine start, shift through gear range from park to first and back to park. 2. In 99% of cases, leave engine running while pulling dipstick out, wiping clean, re-insert and pull out to read level marked on stick. Some model Fords will need to be read within 10 seconds of engine shut off (check on the dipstick or your owner's manual).

AND...... Some later models fitted with engine management systems can have their transmission receiving instructions from the ECU as well. It is not well known, but things other than the transmission can have a marked impact on the operation of your transmission. Many of these systems rely on feedback from (a) the temp sender (b) throttle position switch (c) neutral safety or gear position switch  to name just a few. Something as crazy as a blown tail light has been known to make a transmission go into 'failsafe mode' on  some of these fancy hi-tech computerised models! 'Failsafe' -  for those uninitiated or who haven't read their owner manuals is when the ECU detects a problem (not necessarily to do with the transmission) and signals this by restricting the transmission to third gear for the duration (or until you stop and restart the engine). This is to reduce further damage until repairs can be affected - the vehicle should go no further than 20k or so as a maximum. We are now equipped to scan most electronic management systems with the latest in diagnostic gear.
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THE SERVICE: We do it the old fashioned way by removing the pan or sump, doing any adjustments we can (later models are mostly electronic), letting the old oil drain away, replacing the pan gasket, filter and oil. Some new age workshops use the suck/flush method whereby the oil is sucked up the dipstick tube and circulated, filtered and/or replaced. This is fine up to a point - however, it is not possible to accurately gauge wear and tear  and - just sometimes - we can detect problems before they become disasters - giving customers valuable preparation time if nothing else! Most old fashioned three speed transmission cost around $90 per service, four speed and later models up to $130 for Fords, $110 for Holdens.          To the Top

EXCHANGE TRANSMISSIONS: Common models are rebuilt on the shelf ready to go thereby only requiring the customer vehicle for 3 to 4 hours changeover. Most workshops just have a blanket price that includes everything - whether you need it or not! If it's not fitted, they (most likely) won't tell you, they just have a little win - we don't work that way.  Prices are itemised (for information, not negotiation) and our policy is - if we don't fit it, you don't pay for it. Mind you, to do a good job, there are some parts that are not optional - there are occasions however where for example a part has been replaced recently to try to rectify a problem (before the big crack up), like a kick down cable or a vacuum modulator - these parts can safely be re-installed in the reconditioned transmission and save you money. Most three speed rear wheel drive transmissions are around $875 (including GST) fitted 12/20,000 warranty, four speed front wheel drive and rear wheel drive models can range from $1250 upwards. Of course, High Stall converters and tricked up trannies for street/strip are a case by case item, feel free to give Bruce a ring or email us with your inquiry, he is always willing to talk (I think he's famous for it). To the Top

LPG CONVERSIONS: Unfortunately a whole raft of new rules requiring us to license the workshop rather than the person have meant we have had to drop our LP activities. To comply we would need to equip the workshop with items that are of little value but large expense to a transmission shop, therefore we have decided to opt out of the LPG business. If needed we can refer callers to local agents who are still active.

POWER STEERING: Power steering set ups can be confusing, they usually consist of two components, the power steering pump and a power steering box or rack and the high pressure lines between them. The power steering pump circulates the oil and if it gives trouble it's usually a leaker and only requires 'O' rings to fix. Now and then (especially if it's run dry at some stage) you will find a noisy one, that requires replacement. We keep the common ones in stock for around $135. Power steering boxes can be rebuilt also for around $330 fitted and 12/20,000 warranty. Power Steering racks are a specialised item and exchange units are kept on hand or are available overnight averaging around $350 - $460 for common models. To the Top

DIFFS: Reconditioning diffs is becoming more & more common. Prices vary hugely as some models have good second hand parts available while others do not. Most can have fresh bearings (carrier & pinions) fitted for around $450. Crown wheel & pinion damage can sometimes mean it's cheaper to change the whole diff with a good second hand unit. Limited slip units are also catered for. Ford 9" conversions into other makes is also possible, talk to Bruce about your needs.

The old charger is now happily playing in Sydney with her new owner. All new livery makes her hard to recognize, but think Kermit and you might spot her in Dragster.!

FOR SALE
 (Brokers: do NOT contact unless you are willing to sell this business on the merits listed below with no up  front fees)

Overview:   After 20 plus years, we are ready for a change! If you would like to live in the best climate in Australia, have a fully equipped workshop with lots of potential (don't forget all the new projects in the area), are serious about being your own boss, like the idea of being only 20k away from the best regional drag strip in the country and have some serious dollars, please read on

ACHIEVEMENTS:
We are very proud of our business - after 25 years of hard work we can finally say this business is a good earner, all the basics are in place and well established and the potential for growth is only limited by lack of manpower.

GROWTH AREAS:
On top of and as well as the growth in local population, many of our customers would like us to take on general servicing and tune ups so this is a huge potential for growth as yet only barely touched. For many years also, we installed LPG so our shop is constantly inundated with calls for LPG installation quotes which at the moment we cannot service. All that is required is to licence the workshop to comply with new rules and this area too can be tapped: particularly if expansion into general servicing is realised.

LOCATION:
To the rear of us is a radiator repair and trailer sales shop, a clutch and brake shop and a steering and suspension shop. Out our front door is the local Holden dealer and over the road from them is the local PCYC with many community events staged regularly. We are in a semi industrial section of town with many businesses networking for best service of their customers. To save you a shock, yes there was a funeral parlour next door but it has closed down.

SPECIFICS:
WORKSHOP: As you can see, we have three hoists, two four post and one 2 post-er. We can drive in through the front, out the back or vice versa, a very gentle grade back and front for easy pushing when necessary or more often we hitch up the work ute and tow through! Huge area of shared bitumen car park out back and an extra side area of our own. Extra four bays on the ground for top engine work or vehicles on extended stays, this also give the capacity for easy expansion with more hoists. We have a lathe for doing our own convertors, mig, oxy, drill press, 5 ton press, 2 high lift jacks, hot water parts washer, compressor, pumps & drums, power tools and special hand tools for repairing or rebuilding transmissions, diffs or power steer pumps & boxes. New parts are well organised and tagged with part numbers for easy identification. Drums for catching oil, filter recycle drum, bunds for new drums etc. We also have our own solvent recycler. Floor is painted and sealed for easy cleaning though with the heavy workload it could use another coat already. Racks of spares and shelving storage for individual good used parts. Snap On Scanner, Launch and other diagnostic and reference material on hand also.

OFFICE: We have been running quickbooks for many years so our customer contact list is in the thousands - all potential customers you can contact directly to ease transition. Stock control so reception can answer stock queries without disturbing workshop, easy group items setup so common sales (services and rebuilds) are a one item click with the ability to adjust items and prices if necessary. I usually send out annual service reminders but frankly this last year I have not been game for fear of the extra work we couldn't cope with.
At the moment we have 2 qualified mechanics we are training to specialise in our field.

THE DEAL:
This is a walk in walk out setup with everything bar the computer and a few personal tools left for you to carry on. For $240,000 (less than a years turnover) Bruce can stay to ease the transition for at least three months and I can manage part time if necessary. Sources for rebuilt transmissions are available should you not want to provide this service yourself initially. PLEASE do us all a favour and don't contact us for figures unless you are seriously able to buy this business.