I just wanted to take a quick moment to post a review of First Place Wheels in Orlando. I just bought new tires and had them mounted/balanced at this shop. It is by far the most professional and well run shop I've ever dealt with. His main source of revenue is repairing damaged wheels, but he's also a Tire Rack installer which is how I found out about him. He takes extreme caution so there is no damage to your wheels and he even cleans them. He took his time and taught me some things while doing the work too. Having met him a few weeks ago and seeing how he runs his business, it was the first time since I've owned the TL that I wasn't nervous having someone else work on it.

You are crazy to have anyone else in the Orlando area mount/balance your new tires (or repair your damaged wheels). His price is the same as the other Tire Rack installers, but I would've gladly paid a premium.

 

thanks for the review homie!

 

No problem man! Finding a shop like this...I just had to share. I've never seen anything like it. Hell the working area is air conditioned! He regularly has ridiculously expensive cars in there and even had a set of $13,000 wheels he had just repaired (can't remember the name, but came off a special edition Mercedes). He's trying to do an open house after summer and might have Chip Foose in attendance as he's buddies with him. Steven Tyler is also one of his regular clients.

I just wish he did more! I would love to find a shop that I could trust my car with for other services. I do as much as I can but at times I'm forced to take it somewhere. I'm always so anxious leading up to those visits as I've had a number of issues over the years (prior tire installation jacked up all four of my wheels, window tinter scratched the hell out of my trunk, etc.).

 

Do you know how much he charges to repair wheels? Might be worth it to drive over from Tampa to get my 19" RJ's repaired....

 

Unfortunately I don't, but I would highly recommend giving him a call. His name is Mike and his number is 407-757-8200. If I had to guess he's probably not the cheapest option out there, but you get what you pay for.

If you do end up calling would you mind mentioning that you got his info from a review you saw on AZ (from a TL owner whose tires he just installed)? I'd like for him to know I'm trying to spread the word.

 

Will do.

 

yeah, it's always good thing to know people who can handle the work and build the trust. I be pissed about the damage - did they repair the damage - especially the scratches on the trunk - no bueno. does he have a website?

thanks man!

 

Yes, fortunately in both cases the businesses made it right. Firestone paid $600 to replace the lips on all four of my wheels, and the tint shop paid $400 to have my trunk re-painted (by body shop at local Acura dealership). Both instances were still major pains in the ass though.

Click here for website

 

Thanks for the info sir! At the end of the day, at least they owned the problems and made it right.

 

For all your repairs and maintenance you can't do yourself, I recommend First Class Automotive. They are top notch and very professional. They did my timing belt/water pump/spark plugs, etc.
This is where the NSX's go. They are on Colonial near the airport.

 

Never been there but I did want to mention the shop where I got my timing belt and other 105k mile work done. It's Orlando Import Auto Specialists (Orlando Import Auto Specialists - Orlando Auto Repair and Maintenance) and is located on South St. near the executive airport. They specialize in Honda and Acura service and were great in dealing with my OCD about having someone else work on my car. I do all my own maintenance but had to draw the line at the 105k service. I brought my own parts and they installed everything, returned my old parts...and I ended up cutting the dealership quote in half when it was all said and done.

Top notch business that I highly recommend!