Classic Import Car Repair in Athens, GA
Old imports need a shop that remembers how they work. Athens Import Auto Repair does classic import car repair in Athens, GA. James Miner has worked on foreign cars since 1972. That means he was fixing these cars when they were new.
Classic Import Repair done right, by people who know imports
Right now we have a red Porsche 944 and a classic Toyota Land Cruiser in the shop. We also work on older Mercedes-Benz and older BMW models. Carburetors, points, vacuum systems and belts hold no fear for us.
Do you have an old import that needs some love? Call 706-353-3880 and tell us about it.
The Porsche 944 lives or dies by its timing belt, and the front oil seals leak with age. Classic Toyota Land Cruisers like the FJ40 and FJ60 need carburetor work and leaf spring bushings. Older Mercedes-Benz models like the W123 and W124 use vacuum to run the locks and the transmission. Older BMW models like the E30 and E36 need cooling parts and rubber bushings. We know these cars well at Athens Import Auto Repair in Athens, GA.
Classic import problems we see often
- The carburetor floods, stalls or needs a tune. A carburetor is the part that mixes air and fuel the old way.
- The electrical system flickers, blows fuses or has bad grounds.
- Rubber parts like hoses, seals and bushings have dried out and cracked.
- The brakes feel soft, or the drums pull to one side.
- The timing belt or chain has not been done in years.
- Fuel smells and oil drips never quite go away.
What our classic import service includes
Porsche 944 timing and water pump
The 944 needs its timing belt, balance shaft belt and rollers on a strict schedule. While we are in there, we do the water pump too.
Carburetor tuning
Early Land Cruisers and some older imports still use carburetors. We clean, tune and repair them until the engine idles smooth.
Vintage electrical repair
Old wiring and older Mercedes-Benz vacuum controls both take patience, and we trace and repair them.
Brake and suspension refresh
We go through drum brakes, leaf springs and worn bushings. That brings the ride and the stops back to spec.
Cooling system refresh
Old radiators clog and old hoses split. So we go through the whole cooling system. That keeps summer drives safe.
Seals, gaskets and leaks
Thirty year old rubber leaks, so we replace seals and gaskets to stop the drips.
How a classic import visit works
Tell us about the car
Give us the year, model and what it does. Photos help too.
We inspect and make a list
We list safety items first, then the things that make it run right.
We source the parts
Some parts take time to find, so we tell you what we can get and when.
We do the work and drive it
Old cars need a real road test, so we drive it and tune until it feels right.
Why drivers trust us with classic import repair
We were there
James has worked on foreign cars for more than 50 years. That means he knows these cars from memory.
Patience for old cars
Classic parts take time to find and fit, so we do not rush the job.
Honest about what is worth it
We tell you what the car needs to be safe first. Once that is done, we talk about the nice to have list.
These guys have helped our family out of binds numerous times. They are friendly, fair, accommodating and do great work!!!
Beckler, D., customerClassic Import Repair FAQ
Do you do classic import car repair in Athens, GA?
Yes. Athens Import Auto Repair works on classic imports such as the Porsche 944 and Toyota Land Cruiser. We also take older Mercedes-Benz and older BMW models. James Miner has worked on foreign cars since 1972. Call 706-353-3880.
What does a Porsche 944 need to stay reliable?
The timing belt, balance shaft belt and rollers must be changed on schedule. If the belt breaks, the valves hit the pistons. So do not put it off. Do the water pump and front seals at the same time.
Can you work on the carburetor in my old Land Cruiser?
Yes, we can. Early Land Cruisers use a carburetor, and we clean and tune it. We also fix the choke and vacuum lines. Once it is tuned right, the carb starts easy and idles smooth.
Why does my old import have electrical gremlins?
Old cars have wiring that gets brittle and grounds that corrode. A ground is the wire that gives power a path back to the battery. So we clean the grounds first. Then we repair the wiring one section at a time.
Why do the locks on my old Mercedes-Benz stop working?
Older Mercedes-Benz models like the W123 and W124 use vacuum to run the door locks. So a cracked vacuum line or a leaking lock element breaks the whole system. We find the leak and fix it.
Can you find parts for a classic Porsche or BMW E30?
Usually, yes. Many classic import parts are still made or turn up used, but some take time to arrive. We tell you what we can get before we start.
Related services
Let's take a look at your classic
Call us or book your visit. Your old import will get the care it deserves.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.