[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by avingodb

Daktarsaab, Any recommended place for fixing minor dents via dry-denting?

Sorry for the delayed reply, Avinash. I missed your post completely. Never tried dry-denting on any of my cars, but there are a couple of good denting-and-painting chaps who work alongside Imtiaz. In fact, I am handing in my Swift there for some much needed paint and body work tomorrow morning itself, and can update regarding results next week.

[avingodb]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

can update regarding results next week.

Cool.
Do post the 'before' and 'after' pics if you can.
Cheers.

[barcode]

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

Sorry for the delayed reply, Avinash. I missed your post completely. Never tried dry-denting on any of my cars, but there are a couple of good denting-and-painting chaps who work alongside Imtiaz. In fact, I am handing in my Swift there for some much needed paint and body work tomorrow morning itself, and can update regarding results next week.

Doctor Sahib,

Hope you can post some photos of the car before and after the love its going to receive

[predatorwheelz]

I have visited Imtiaz about 5 times now, got work done for my Verna and i10, and a friend's 2006 Honda City. He works with another mechanic called Hassan - who's primarily a painter but also does electrical work. The following is the list of work they carried out:

Verna

Front axle bearing change
Front RHS wheel bearing change
One regular service (engine oil, filters etc)
Gear oil change
Minor electrical repair (horns wiring, fog lights).

i10

Front LHS wheel bearing change
Clutch plate replacement

Honda City

Central Locking system repair
Starter motor repair

I will put down my likes and dislikes with the guy:

Likes

1. Extremely knowledgeable chap and friendly attitude. Will explain the problem to owners in detail and discuss options before starting work.
2. Very cheap rates. Everytime I get work done, I feel he's charged me 50-75pct of what I was expecting to pay.
3. Leaving the car overnight is no hassle. I have done so.
4. Believes in repair over replacement. Takes time to work on your car, doesn't do a jugaad job.

Dislikes

1. His network of spare sourcing is neither widespread nor cost-effective. I'd strongly suggest you get the problem diagnosed and obtain the list of spares required from him, then head to your own trusted spare shop. I'd recommend Metro Spares in Savitri Nagar for cost and options.
   
2. Imtiaz loves to save cost for you. So he'll fit local parts where OEM is recommended, or simply clean something and ask you to carry on. Good for penny-pincher owners or sparsely driven cars. My Verna gets driven 2000kms a month, and I firmly believe one should not take short-cuts for mechanical components. Had a bad experience with aftermarket brake pads fitted by him (read my ownership thread) which I finally replaced with Hyundai OEM pads. I suggest you understand the problem from him, then take your own decision on replacement, and choosing between OEM & aftermarket.
   
3. (This is more a recommendation). An FNG is not your company service centre where they guarantee "service in 2 hours". Be prepared to spend some time, depending on the type of job, and sit it out in the open. I'd suggest you call Imtiaz in the morning and ask how many jobs he has lined for the day. A man who does not take short-cuts in your car is not expected to take short-cuts in others, just so that you can go home early.

[Infiniti.Rahul]

Dear fellow members,

I am in dire need of some quick advice. I have bought an Audi A4 recently, pre owned and need to get it serviced. My friend who bought a new Audi went and got his first service done at Audi West and was charged 50000, even though technically its supposed to be free. He was irritated over high costs of tyre balancing and changing which itself came to be around 5-6k with Audi service center charging apprx 500 bucks per tyre only to remove and refit a tyre.I need to know of an alternative FNG, who will carry the repairs for A4 if need be, and place for genuine spare parts for an Audi.

I ask because my car has done around 45k and I am wary that my service and any probable repair bill may run into INR 1 lac or so. Any help on trusted mechanics in Delhi and trusted spare part shops for genuine parts highly appreciated. If the recommendation is not to get an Audi services elsewhere except the service center, please advise.

regards

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by Infiniti.Rahul

...please advise.

I have seen Imtiaz working on BMWs (3 &5 series) as well as Mercs (C & E class). I would think he'll manage to service an A4 as well. For tyre balancing & alignment work you could get in touch with Rajat Gupta - he has good equipment to do the job for high end cars.

[joybhowmik]

I went to Metro Spares for a 3 L can of Engine oil (Castrol 20W-50) , Air filter, and a purolator oil filter - total cost Rs 1070.
Then went to Imtiaz and asked him to do the needful. Total cost Rs 100 , total time ~ 20 minutes.
So a mini service in Rs 1170 and 20 minutes is all it took. Compare that to Hyundai A.S.S. which takes Rs 3000/- and keeps the car for 6~8 hours.

[joybhowmik]

Fixed up with Imtiaz @ Rs 2500/- for a round of dry denting on fender, painting both bumpers, fixing a scratch on the front passenger door, and myriad other spray touch ups on the Santro. Materials will be supplied by me and the set cost Rs 2120/- (sourced from RM Paints, Near C Lal Chowk).
Now let's see what Imtiaz can do...

[joybhowmik]

My experience with Imtiaz's taking on dent-paint work resulted in the discovery of Ramesh - because he was subcontracted by Imtiaz. It occurred to me, that Imtiaz's forte is mechanical jobs only, and he leaves the denting painting to others.

Subsequently, I had some issues with the Santro's steering. It had become exceptionally hard.
Imtiaz changed out the Power steering oil , and the steering eased up a little, though it was still hard. He suspected the shocker bearing and the suspension ball joint.

Well today was the day. Since I was planning on getting this major work done anyway, figured time would be well spent to get the timing belt replaced at the same time

So here is the work done...
1) Disassembly of shocker , coil spring from the suspension and cleaning. It was discovered that left side bearing and suspension ball joint were both past it.
Further discovered balance rod rubber bush was also past it.
When I was actually buying the parts at Metro Spares, he called me to say the AC belt and Alternator belts were both past it.
2) Re-assembly with Gabriel brand shock absorber kit.
3) Replaced balance rod rubber bush
4) Discovered left side axle boot, was torn. But luckily the grease was not dried up - so my axle was saved. Replaced with new rubber boot.
5) Replaced timing belt + tensioner
6) Replaced AC belt and Alternator belts

Cost of materials:
1) Balance rod rubber bush - pair - Rs 40/-
2) Gabriel Shock absorber kit - pair - Rs 700/-
3) Hyundai genuine suspension ball joint - pair - Rs 550/-
4) Hyundai Genuine timing belt : Rs 800/-
5) Hyundai Genuine tensioner : Rs 550/-
6) AC belt and Alternator belt : Rs 300/-
7) Rubber boot for left side front axle ball joint: Rs 350/-

Total cost of materials : Rs 3290/-

Labour cost of Imtiaz: Rs 1500/-

So in all Rs 4790/-. I doubt if I could have got it done cheaper and better elsewhere.

Here is a small

clip

of Imtiaz engaged in the work.

N.B. Pleasantly surprised by Predatorwheelz coming in for some work on his Verna (Predator). Just a mini t-bhp meet

[rajeshchand]

Originally Posted by joybhowmik

I doubt if I could have got it done cheaper and better elsewhere.

Seeing the reviews on this thread, this guy seems to be doing a good job.

I am planning to take my BMW 325i for some specific jobs like injector and throttle body cleaning, Automatic transmission fluid replacement, Engine Coolant Replacement, Idle Control Valve Cleaning, Spark Plug Change and some other jobs which i believe is time for it to have since the vehicle is almost 7 years old. Also an under-body check up to see whether things are fine with suspension and other aspects. Does he have the facilities to do this ?

I understand that i would have to procure OEM parts which i can do since i have the source for its procurement considering he would not have much idea about OEM parts of these vehicles. Or does he have the wherewithal ?

[Scorp72]

While we are discussing the friendly neighborhood garage, I came to know that Mahindra First Choice has stopped servicing a multitude of vehicles from 1st June.
They will now be servicing only the below list of vehicles. We Need more Imtiyaz like mechanics in our neighborhood.

[rajeshchand]

This is playing it safe by Mahindra. If you see the list, all those vehicle models are at least 2-3 years or more older. So they will only touch proven vehicles which can be trusted for long term. I am unable to fathom a reason for this.

More so we need "Imtiaz like mechanics"

[joybhowmik]

Originally Posted by rajeshchand

Seeing the reviews on this thread, this guy seems to be doing a good job.

Quite right.

Does he have the facilities to do this ?

He does not have a lift. But he does have hydraulic jacks and stands. He can slide himself in underneath the vehicle and look around.

I understand that i would have to procure OEM parts which i can do since i have the source for its procurement considering he would not have much idea about OEM parts of these vehicles. Or does he have the wherewithal ?

I prefer to get the parts myself also. I would not trust his sources. Other thing is that he is a proponent of repair vs replace. And usually that might be viewed as too aggressive a maintenance strategy for some - as you can well imagine.

[Lobogris]

Originally Posted by rajeshchand

Seeing the reviews on this thread, this guy seems to be doing a good job.

I am planning to take my BMW 325i for some specific jobs like injector and throttle body cleaning, Automatic transmission fluid replacement, Engine Coolant Replacement, Idle Control Valve Cleaning, Spark Plug Change and some other jobs which i believe is time for it to have since the vehicle is almost 7 years old. Also an under-body check up to see whether things are fine with suspension and other aspects. Does he have the facilities to do this ?

I understand that i would have to procure OEM parts which i can do since i have the source for its procurement considering he would not have much idea about OEM parts of these vehicles. Or does he have the wherewithal ?

Did you get your car serviced there? I am looking forward to your report as I visited this place a few months back but it didn't inspire confidence.

Originally Posted by SS-Traveller

...and meet Ayub, a wizard of an auto electrician, who can be found in the same place. You can call him on 98184-82829.
Attachment 986319

Thank you s much for this information. Last month the rear windows stopped working in my Jetta after a reverse camera install. I wanted to try out a well recommended neighbourhood electrician as I was hoping that it was a mior matter like a relay being shorted out and I was afraid that VW would want to keep my car for a few days. I remembered this thread and called Mr. Ayub and went to see him at the alley.

I was extremely disappointed with his knowledge, ability and (lack of) equipment. He and an assistant looked at my car. They had absolutely no diagnostic equipment, not even proper screw drivers. They had no knowledge about relays, let alone their location and didn't know what to do at all. They checked the fuses, something I had already done. After that they didn't have a clue.

I wouldn't feel comfortable having someone on the street, without any tools or specialised knowledge, poking around in a high end car. I am surprised others members are doing it so calmly.

Anyway, ended up taking the car to VW Delhi West (Worldclass Automobiles) after another failed attempt at a Bosch centre. They fixed the issue within 2 hours even though I had arrived at 2 pm without an appointment and only charged me Rs 1800!! It was simply a couple of blown fuses that they found using VAGCOM. Somehow I, Ayub and the mechanics at Bosch couldn't find these fuses despite checking them several times!

Lesson learnt. Always go to company dealerships for electrical issues

[tsk13]

Originally Posted by Lobogris

Thank you s much for this information. Last month the rear windows stopped working in my Jetta after a reverse camera install. I wanted to try out a well recommended neighbourhood electrician as I was hoping that it was a mior matter like a relay being shorted out and I was afraid that VW would want to keep my car for a few days. I remembered this thread and called Mr. Ayub and went to see him at the alley.

I was extremely disappointed with his knowledge, ability and (lack of) equipment. He and an assistant looked at my car. They had absolutely no diagnostic equipment, not even proper screw drivers. They had no knowledge about relays, let alone their location and didn't know what to do at all. They checked the fuses, something I had already done. After that they didn't have a clue.

I wouldn't feel comfortable having someone on the street, without any tools or specialised knowledge, poking around in a high end car. I am surprised others members are doing it so calmly.

Anyway, ended up taking the car to VW Delhi West (Worldclass Automobiles) after another failed attempt at a Bosch centre. They fixed the issue within 2 hours even though I had arrived at 2 pm without an appointment and only charged me Rs 1800!! It was simply a couple of blown fuses that they found using VAGCOM. Somehow I, Ayub and the mechanics at Bosch couldn't find these fuses despite checking them several times!

Lesson learnt. Always go to company dealerships for electrical issues

Usually power is drawn for the Reverse Cam and Screen by cutting the Wire of the Tail Lamp (The Wire meant for Reverse Light) and this system although works perfectly for other cars does give issue in Jetta. My friend's latest Jetta underwent such a failed install whereby the Screen of the Reverse Cam had Voltage issues and conked off everytime the Reverse Gear was engaged.

I had a word with Aman of Motor Concept, Kirti Nagar regarding this and he conveyed the Voltage issue. He also told me that they install in a different manner, for cars especially from VAG Stable try the High End Installers and never the Mass Market ones!