Auto Hobby Shop: More than just a hobby

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Natasha E. Stannard
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The Auto Hobby Shop here provides Team Fairchild with affordable and convenient means to modify and keep personal vehicles running.

"Basically what we do is provide a place for people to either get or make repairs to their vehicles," said Ed Tuell, Auto Hobby Shop manager. "Our mission is to serve the troops and save them money."

The center is a 21-bay facility with 10 lifts and a full line of tools available for do it yourself repairs. It's open Mondays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Tuesday - Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and is located on West Castle St.

"The location and cost are convenient," said Andrew Haynes, a customer here on temporary duty from California. "They have everything you need and the staff is very helpful. This is my first time here, so they explained where everything was and how things operate."

They also offer auto hobby classes by appointment and provide customers space to rent out to work on their own vehicles and supply them with tools to do so. If patrons have problems with anything they're right there to help.

"I come here to change my oil because they have all the tools, which would cost a lot to purchase on your own, that you need," said Airman 1st Class Gerome Vaden, customer. "I'm also planning to do some engine work and paint job, and the auto center allows me the time and the place."

Along with providing customers all these services, they also supply an environmentally safe means to dispose of engine oil.

"Changing your oil here is a great deal for the price and provides a responsible means to dispose of it," said Tech. Sgt. Henry James, customer. "By changing it here, I don't have to buy any special containers to dispose of it because they take care of that for you."

The hobby shop not only supports those at Fairchild, but it also supports deployed members by providing their spouses with vouchers for car care, which can be picked up at the Airman Family Readiness Center.

For more information, call 247-2310.