quality auto repair… it’s not rocket science!
Hello, I’m Matt, “The Quantum Mechanic.” I’ve been a passenger on this “spaceship” called Earth for the last 39 years. During my travels, I’ve learned many things—about cars and other vehicles. I have an Associate’s degree in Automotive Technology from Elizabethtown Technical College and over 15+ years of experience in the auto industry. I am an ASE Master Technician (A1–A9 and L1), maintaining and improving my certification throughout my entire career. I have worked for Toyota, Lexus, and Nissan dealerships, but I recently decided that I no longer want to be a “robot” in the dealership world. Instead, I want to offer people an alternative to the dealership business model: honest, quality work for an affordable price. I am the sole owner and operator of a fully equipped and functional garage on 5 acres in Hardin County. I take pride in the work I do. The cars I repair and build for myself and others are proof to that.
Most makes and models welcome, foreign or domestic. Below, you can read more about some of the services I offer. Feel free to reach out to me using the contact form if you are in need of quality auto repair. I look forward to hearing from you.
Here’s what I can do.
In my 15+ years of turning wrenches I have done it all, on a wide range of makes and models. I accept cash or PayPal, and am open to trading/bartering. There are certain services and items I would take as payment.
My services and labor cost per hour are including but not limited to:
general mechanical repairs
($60/hour)
I can repair, reseal, and replace a wide range of fundamental automotive components, such as timing belts, water pumps, spark plugs, head gaskets, suspension components (shocks, struts, bushings, etc.), brakes (disc and drum), valve cover gaskets, camshaft and crankshaft engine seals, timing chains and covers, exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, power steering racks and gears, pumps and lines, engine and transmission mounts, wheel bearings and CV axles, and u-joint driveshafts.
recommended maintenance
($60/hour labor)
I can execute any maintenance recommended by the auto manufacturer or dealer for your make and model, such as the replacement of any filters or fluids. I can also advise you on any possible future maintenance needs. I think honesty and transparency about the proper maintenance of your car is essential to successful car ownership.
engine/transmission services
($60/hour)
I can repair, rebuild, and replace automatic engines and transmissions. I have rebuilt a couple manual transmissions, including a still-shifting race car transmission.
automotive diagnostics
($70/hour)
I can run comprehensive automotive diagnostics, such as analysis of check engine and ABS (anti-locking breaks) warning lights, any random noises and vibrations of an unknown source, air conditioning and heating malfunctions, electrical issues (i.e. non-working lights and displays), transmission issues (i.e. harsh and/or delayed shifts).
secondary cosmetic repairs
($60/hour)
I can repair and replace parts of your car that are not essential to its ability to run, but are still important, such as sunroofs and interior seats and seat covers.
custom performance upgrades
($80/hour)
I can install anything that can be bolted to a vehicle, such as motor swaps, lift/lowering kits, turbo/supercharger apparatuses, brake upgrades, interior upgrades. If you are not sure what you want, I can help you brainstorm ideas. I have built several cars in my lifetime. I have a Nissan 240SX with an RB26DETT engine from a R32 skyline GTR. Several years of work and multiple incarnations is a testament of my abilities.
Before-You-Buy used car Inspection ($50/hour)
Don't let them sell you a “lemon”! Every used car will have issues and some are not so easy to see when you buy. I can test drive the car with you and consult on any engine vibrations, brake pulls or pulsation, miscellaneous rattles and noises. I can assess the operation of windows, locks, cruise control, A/C functions, audio, lights, etc. If possible, I will raise the car up and inspect for leaks, brake pad quality, tire tread, suspension issues (loose or worn components) and signs of substandard previous repair. I will assess overall condition and offer you honest advice about the used car sales process, which can be misleading and exploitative, so you can negotiate a better price or make an informed decision to continue your search.
Vehicle transport & maintenance for military service members (please request quote)
I own a truck and enclosed car trailer. I can assist with military relocation, if you need your extra vehicle moved to your next duty station. This service is available in the continental U.S. only.
I offer long-term storage for deployed soldiers. A car that sits for a year will develop rust on the rotors, the battery will die, and fuel will go bad. I can drive the car every couple weeks (4–5 miles), keep the battery charge, then prepare it for delivery (wash/vacuum and fill up the gas tank) when the soldier comes home. I can also address any necessary repairs or execute any desired performance upgrades while they are deployed.
“After 15 years in Chicago living without a car, Matt took a 2010 Toyota Corolla with a destroyed engine that I bought super cheap, found a replacement engine that he totally rebuilt, and also took care of a few other essential parts in the car (i.e. brakes). In the end, I was left with a good little car with great gas mileage for a price that was small enough to pay out-of-pocket. No car payment for me!”
“Matt worked on my 2001 Ford Taurus, doing everything from repairing the air conditioner and windshield wipers to replacing essential pumps, hoses, brakes and rotors. By the time he was finished I had a “brand new” old car at a time when buying a new car was not possible for me. He is not only great at what he does, but also a very trustworthy person.”
“My car was making loud noises when the fan blower was on and turns out it was a family of mice living in the blower motor! Matt gave my car a full tune up and took care of all sorts of other problems—leaky gaskets and hoses, faulty spark plugs, damaged sensors, and much more. He didn’t stop until he knew he had gotten to everything that might be causing problems.”
“My car was leaking power steering fluid, guzzling a bottle a week. Not only did Matt fix the part causing the leak, he replaced other damaged parts for less than a dealership price. He found other issues, but was open and honest about when I would ACTUALLY need to fix them. Matt understands that not everyone can randomly drop $$$ on non-essential repairs. 5-star service in a 1-horse town, highly recommend!”
“Matt is an AWESOME mechanic! He’s honest, quick and reasonably priced. He found several things in my engine that should have been taken care of at the dealership and my car runs great now. He doesn’t only look at what you say you need done but at everything. Let’s face it, most of us don’t really know what is under that hood. Go see Matt... you won’t be disappointed!”
tell me what you need.
Use the form below to contact me regarding your automotive repair needs. Please be as detailed as possible. Include the make, model and year of your car. To help me best respond, make sure to describe the automotive problems you are experiencing as well as what automotive services you want done. I will follow up by phone or email to discuss the next steps to get your car up and running!
➔ LOCATION
➔ CONTACT me
270 320 8503
TheQMechanic@gmail.com
➔ payment
I accept cash or PayPal, and am open to trading/bartering. There are certain services and items I would take as payment.