How To Find An Honest Mechanic In Los Angeles
Rick London
Muscle cars, though still popular, are not what they were when I was a teen in the early 1970's. That is when I first began racing them. I was only 15 and was behind the wheel of a monster Ford Torino four speed 8 cylinder with Headman headers and dual exhaust. Gas was cheaper than candy. I was hell on wheels, so I thought.
Every Sunday afternoon I would head outside my hometown of Hattiesburg, Ms and race that Torino down the quarter-mile track at Hub City Raceway. I'll never forget their radio ads with the announcer yelling "Sunday, Sunday, Sundayyyyyyyyyyyy!", with each Sunday getting louder and louder.
One of the major topics of conversation was "Who was the best mechanic in town". Since that time, I sold or wrecked and/or rebuilt about seven other race cars, probably my fastest being white Pontiac Tras-Am with a 454 cubic inch engine in it. It was the second year they came out and Pontiac only made them in that color. A Sunday didn't go by that I did not take home a trophy.
The days of my teens seems like a thousand years ago. But as much as things change, some remain the same. One is finding an honest and capable mechanic, not easy in L.A. or any city for that matter. I found him last week. It was like a miracle when my clutch broke.
It was on my newly bought used Saturn that was perfect in every other way (sans the clutch). I had even driven it across the country with no problems.
AAA was there within ten minutes and towed it to a man of whom I'd never heard, named Vladimir Morsach, a Russian Immigrant who had learned American cars while here. He was recommended by a mutual friend. He knew exactly what the problem was and quoted me $200 cheaper than the mechanic on the other side of town, in a far away part of the San Fernando Valley, Woodland Hills.
Vlad called the next day and the car was ready.
I went to Vlad's, drove the car around the parking lot, and it drove fine. I still had my out of state checks as I'd just moved from Arkansas, and since there had been some unauthorized charges on my Mastercard, I had canceled it and could not use it. He had to take my word that the check was good. Vlad had no problem with that. I was astounded.
I have been to numerous mechanics both here and other places,and my vote for mechanic, at least my choice, in America, is not even a native-born named Vlad. But don't let that fool you. He fixed it as professionally and courteously as anyone with which you could hope to deal.
Vlad added, "If there was anything else wrong with the car, he would let me know before fixing it. I thought "Uh oh...what is coming next", based on my experience with so many mechanics with which I'd worked in the past. He called me again to let me know it was only the clutch. Now that is honesty, and certainly worth driving a few miles (or in my case having it towed, to get it fixed better, cheaper, and from a very nice person, Vladimir Morsach). Vlad is a super-asset to any southern Californian, since we all basically live in our cars anyway. He is the man to see if something goes wrong. You will agree, I believe, if you give this master mechanic a try.
Vladimir's garage is at 18440 Vanowen Ave, Reseda, Ca in the Valley. His phone is 818-719-8610. He's great to talk to also. Sounds like I'm his p.r. agent, I'm not. I simply am a very happy customer and glad to know he is so nearby. Since that time I've talked to others who have had similar experiences with this engine-magician. I have a feeling you will too. Keep in mind, I am picky about my engine. I raced cars. I want someone who knows his stuff, and I can smell one who doesn't. Vlad knows it better than anyone, regardless of the make.
I discovered something interesting about Vlad while writing this article, from a mutual friend who uses him for all her vehicles and has for years. he is a mechanical engineer, went to the one of the best University's in Russia and had many years of experience working with cars (European or American..). For me, Vlad's English is very easy to understand and he understood me perfectly; and, I do not speak Russian. But he believes he can't learn English and states that he'd better do what he knows best and it is repairing cars, remodeling, and more... For him, it is NOT just about cars, it is about his passion, but mostly: his honesty and integrity. He guarantees his work for one year and if your car is NOT working properly and has same problem he will repair it for free.
The Internet's top offbeat cartoonist and former race car driver Rick London highly recommends Vladimir Morsach for any auto repair in Los Angeles. http://www.londonstimes.us) Click here to see the huge variety of Rick London's cartoons
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