Now in its third year of business, Tim’s Complete Auto Repair Service (TCARS) continues to expand its services to customers.

Owner/operator Tim Stanwyck said the business is now offering powder coating in different finishes, something several customers have requested. They also now provide computer performance tuning for vehicles, which can add horsepower and mileage without having to change parts.

TCARS opened its doors in April 2016, and boasts a staff that has more than 100 years combined in the automotive industry.

Stanwyck said he got his start in the industry in 1979 when he was living in Sacramento, Calif. He purchased an old boat, stripped it down to the bare wood frame, and completely rebuilt it. His neighbors noticed what he was doing, began asking him to paint their vehicles, and his prowess in vehicle repair just took off.

Stanwyck moved to Harney County in 1995 and began working for Williams Aircraft Painting and Auto Body at the Burns Airport. He then worked for Big R, went back to work for Williams, took a job with Burns Ford in their body shop, and eventually started TCARS.

Stanwyck enrolled in technical classes at Portland Community College from 1977 to 1979. He also attended manufacturers’ trainings while selling their products.

Stanwyck noted that while the classes and trainings were worth attending, they can’t match hands-on experience. When asked what is the most fun aspect of the business, Stanwyck revealed one of his latest projects — restoring and embellishing a 1942 Ford pickup.

He explained that the truck is military issue because World War II was under way during the time, and it had been sitting in the owner’s field for some time. The owner talked to Stanwyck about fixing the truck up, including extending the cab, installing a 30-gallon fuel tank and a diesel engine, and making it four-wheel drive.

The TCARS crew stripped the truck down to the original frame and began the custom build. Stanwyck said once it’s completed, the vehicle will have all the modern comforts, such as air conditioning and a GPS system.

“That’s why I named it ‘complete’ auto repair,” Stanwyck said. “We do everything from oil changes and tune-ups to rebuilds from the ground up.”

Other services include collision repair, mechanical work, engine swaps, windshield replacements, and painting.

Stanwyck said the biggest challenge for the business so far has been its location. You’ll find TCARS on South Date Avenue, on the right just past the Department of Motor Vehicles office. TCARS is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment for your vehicle needs, call 541-573-3612.

“This is a fun business because vehicles are being redeveloped all the time, and I learn something new every day,” Stanwyck said.