M.D.M Automotive Machine Shop LTD. - Calgary, Alberta

Robert

Had the pleasure of getting a stubborn bolt removed from a brake caliper with the help of Frank and team. The whole process was smooth and simple. The insert installed looks OE it was done so well couldn't be happier with the finished product. Perfect communication along the whole path. Highly recommend them for any Machine shop work needed!

David J.

My experience with this company left me somewhat disappointed. Initially, I had a pleasant interaction with Frank, who seemed knowledgeable and assured me that they handle similar issues with engine blocks. Consequently, I decided to have my work vehicle's engine block rethreaded at their shop based on his expertise.

I explained that two of the top helicoils needed to be redone, and given the urgency, I opted to have them repaired. Frank suggested doing the 2 helicoils on the side of the block, which I agreed to though it did not need any replacing. However, I was surprised when the final bill came to $700+ for the installation of four helicoil inserts. I'm not an expert in this field, so I couldn't be sure if I was being charged fairly or not. Regardless, my priority was to have the job completed promptly, as Frank had assured me it would be done the same day. Therefore, I left a $350 deposit for them to start the work.

The breakdown of the charges was as follows:

M-11/1.25 Insert x 4 @ $120
T.S M-11 1.25 Block Inserts x 4 @ $38

Additional Enviro Charge, Shop Services, and Hazardous Waste Charge. We has ranting on about the "Stupid Trudeau Tax" that they had to charge me, which I was fine about.

Upon picking up the block, the interaction remained pleasant, and I went on my way. However, the following day, my mechanic informed me that the head Dowel Guide Pins were missing from one of the holes, causing damage (see images attached). I promptly contacted Frank and explained the situation. He initially denied any involvement but, after corresponding via email and further discussion, he promised to rectify the issue and assured me that I could pick it up later the same day.

When I inquired about dowel pins, which they had removed, Frank indicated they did not have replacements, so I had to purchase them from the dealership. Additionally, Frank questioned my mechanic's competency due to a language barrier, despite his experience with these engines. I tried contacting Frank multiple times that day for updates, but received no response.

I eventually received a call the following day, but there was no apology. Frank simply informed me that the job was complete. My mechanic picked up the block, and while everything appeared fine, there was an unfortunate incident where the timing belt cover piece was broken while loading it onto his truck. When questioned about it, Frank's response was, "you can glue it."

This experience has taught me to be cautious about people taking advantage of trust and kindness. While the price for replacing four helicoil threads seemed higher than expected, the most disappointing aspect was the subpar customer service.

Others may have positive experiences with Frank (potentially friends and referrals), but I wanted to share my experience as a walk in customer to help others navigate similar situations.

Research, shop around, and trust your instincts when dealing with such businesses. In hindsight, I should not have felt rushed to get the job done immediately.

On a positive note, one of the younger employees at the shop was friendly and helpful.

Kel M.

I recently had the pleasure of working with MDM and I couldn’t be more impressed with their service. From the moment I walked in, Frank and Ashton were welcoming, professional, and very knowledgeable.

The work was completed in a timely manner, and the quality was outstanding. My engine runs better than ever, and I feel confident in the repairs they performed. They were also very transparent about pricing, and I didn’t experience any surprise charges along the way. Thanks MDM!

Lex S.

Called and got "This person's mail box is disable"

Very shortly after I got a call back from Frank, he was very nice on the phone.

I had an Inline 5 exhaust manifold that might need to be resurfaced. I would only know when I took it off during a quick turn around before the vehicle when back out on a long trip. We talked on the phone and he quoted me a good price. He also was willing to go out of his way to help me out with my tight time restrictions.

Very good experience so far.

Jake T.

I have been dealing with Frank for a number of years and I'm sad to say the attention to detail is not there anymore. Got a phone call that my block was toast because a main bearing had spun in the block. Being this was a running engine that made no sense to me. I went and looked at my "block" it wasn't even my engine. When I got the bill for work done on my block he charged me for inspecting somebody else's engine. I took a picture of the quote and we did not have a line hone quoted. When I asked Frank to bring up the quote he added line hone with a pencil to the bottom. Said I had called in and asked him to do it.

If you can't even remember who's engine belongs to who and the work being done. How can you think the customer is even being charged correctly. Hope you enjoy that $250 dollars you lost a customer for life and I have been sure to tell all my friends and recommend against this shop. Good luck guys.

Tools I. M.

Our auto repair business has been using Frank at MDM for about 5 years now. We have him resurface flywheels; machine exhaust manifolds; rebuild cylinder heads and even rebuild engines. It has all been good work. Frank did all the machining on the engine in my personal truck that I drive every day, and 5 years later it still runs great.

Martin F.

Had Frank help me with a 1965 Ford 289 engine. The workmanship was top notch along with the advice on the build. Starting another one shortly and wouldn't go anywhere else. Highly recommended by many auto parts dealers in the city as well. Noticed some negative reviews but there are many factors that go into an engine build and folks are always looking to blame when things go wrong. I would be very very surprised if it had anything to do with Frank's work.

garyrobertson3a

The through axle on my Fatbike became fused. I went to three bike shops to have it removed and no one could do it. The only way a bike shop could remove the wheel could be to take an angle grinder to the fork. I would have had to buy a new fork and hub which would have been very expensive and inconvenient.

I took the bike to Frank at MDM. It took a lot of work but Frank was able to drill out the axle and save the fork. He even did it without ruining the bearings. Thanks for your hard work Frank. I really appreciate it.