I brought my 56 tbird that had been sitting for 4 years outside to TJ and now she is running better than she was 5 years ago. He is professional and great at what he does. And there is always some good eye candy in his shop.Highly recommended.

TJ Auto is a well run classic car shop with a very knowledgeable staff and all of the resources to fully restore your car. Lately he has been restoring some 1950’s era Porsches back to original condition. In my case, I had a 1972 Corvette ‘driver car” that was in need of quite extensive mechanical repairs and some cosmetic work. He sat down and recorded my desires for the car and then got to work. Because of his rebuild of the complicated headlight and wiper vacuum system, the fuel system, a thorough cleaning of the chassis, and a paint wet sand and polish, I was able to sell the Corvette within a week after its return at the price I wanted. I highly recommend TJ Auto to all classic car owners.

After calling no less than 8 shops and being rejected for having an antique van, TJ Auto was the rainbow after the rain. Tom & his team understood the urgency we had & got our 1960 promotional van up and running in Godspeed. Tom’s team provided to be timely, ingenious, passionate and most importantly uphold the upmost integrity. At every point we felt like we were dealing with a long term friend-eager to help, and have already recommend TJ Auto to our business partners.

Tom and Nancy run an honest,proficient establishment. Tom and his staff are always available to address your classic car needs as well as going above and beyond for their customers. Thanks again for such amazing service. I will be back!

Absolute friendliness without condescension. Walked me through my first experience on having a family heirloom in the form of a hot rod. They matched the paint perfectly the bodywork was flawless.. Only to be equaled by the turnaround time price and working well within the boundaries of what my insurance provided. I recommend without hesitation. Service turnaround time and price are all A+.

I have been driving my 76 911 daily since newI have met MANY porsche specialist over the years but not as knowledgeable honest and easy to communicate with as Tom.and his wife Nancy. They just rebuilt my pedal and shifter assembly and did a stellar job in record time. THANKS

Amazing service and stellar expertise. Tom looked over an 82 Cadillac Seville I was looking to buy. He took time to do a thorough inspection and in involved me in the process so I could learn the car and know what to look for in the future. As a curious non-mechanical car lover, it was a great learning opportunity. He wrote up a report that gave me some negotiating leverage and I got his honest professional opinion. I ultimately got the caddy and will be going back for service and maintenance on it!

Tom and his team did an amazing job on my old CJ7 Renegade with original paint. His attention to detail is awesome and he really cares about what he is doing. For my project he was able to cut out a few minor rust spots and match the original paint so the originality and patina of the jeep is maintained. More than pleased with their work.

TJ auto has been a fantastic experience from start to finish. I live in Georgia and took my 1971 Chevy Nova to Tom to do basic maintenance since it sat in a garage for roughly 2 years. Tom took the time to give me a personal tour of his entire shop from back to front, explained the other projects he had in his shop and sat me down to go over the business aspect in a quiet environment. After I left the car with him he took great personal care of the car. He sent me videos of his work, a video of him driving it and a detailed list of everything that the car needed and what he suggested be done.Tom’s work is fantastic. The car went from running like garbage to bring the 11 second car it was originally built to be.After the work was done I had major issues with getting the car towed back to me. Tom never complained that the car was taking up space and was extremely understanding about the entire process.I would highly recommend TJ auto’s to anyone. The prices are great, the work is fantastic, Tom is truthful, trust worthy and overall a fantastic experience. I consider myself lucky that I came across this shop.

Tom Nelson and his team at TJ Auto go above & beyond EVERY SINGLE TIME!!I run a Vintage & Exotic Car Rental Company. Our entire business depends on our cars performing optimally at every single wedding, event or movie shoot.We service our entire fleet of vintage cars at TJ Auto and go to them for all maintenance and repairs.I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for Highly Skilled, Knowledgable, Expert Mechanic, Detail Oriented & Friendly Service.I cannot say enough great things about them and look forward to using their service for many years to come!ps. 5 stars isn’t nearly enough!!

Mr. Nelson did an awesome job on my 58 Thunderbird. I cant say it enough how happy I am with the service he provided me. He explained everything up front of what he recommended or was going to do to my car. He fixed my car ahead of schedule. He provided pictures and went step by step with what he did to my car. He knows his stuff when it comes to classic cars! The only mechanic I will use on my car. Couldnt be happier with his professionalism, communication, price for services provided, and the work he did on my car. The best!

I’ve known Tom for almost 20 years. Absolutely One of the most professional Automtive guys I’ve known. We have done several vehicles over the years together and he is relentless in his quality. Cheers my friend! Kevin

TJ Automotive ReviewTom is a rare find. He’s a craftsman in the old school way. He is patient, kind, a great listener and does superior work. There are several shops in Raleigh that I had visited and/or called to get some work done on my 1964 Imperial. One shop I stopped at had a sign discouraging walk ins. It stated that walk-ins are welcome as long as they bring a good bottle of whiskey or are wanting to clean the shops toilets. This was not someone I would ever consider doing business with ket alone touch my car. One of the other shops simply told me to check back in 18 months. Ugh. The Imperial has been in my family since 1965 and is a family treasure. I am some what mechanically inclined but there are certain jobs I want to be done by a professional. I heard about TJ through several friends who have classics and have worked with Tom at TJ. All three people had great things to report in their dealings with Tom. I stopped in unannounced during lunch. Tom greeted me and gave me thirty minutes of time about what I was looking for and my wishes for the car. He’s a great listener and my first impression was very positive. I made an appointment to bring the car by. He documented everything with photos and kept me in the loop as he got into the car and laid out options for repair based on what he found. Every car is different and once you open the can there is no telling what you will find in a 55 year old vehicle. Again, Tom gets it. He listens, lays out options then executes the work. As it should be. I now consider Tom a friend and can recommend you speak with him about your classic. His wife and business partner is as nice as Tom. Great people!

I started talking with Tom over email and then dropped off my 67 Camaro to his shop. He understands these cars and makes certain your classic is in good hands by being extra cautious. Tom understands these cars are precious to their owners and goes over the car with you before you leave. A great professional that will diagnose the issue and call before ordering parts and will leave your defective parts to show. This is an honest man that cares. You cant ask for anything more except that i want to have this type of person as a friend. Tom and his wife are truly the best. Thank you!!

I was introduced to Tom about a year ago through an ad that I saw about his business on Raleigh craigslist. I contacted him about an MG that I have that had been sitting in a field for over ten years. The tires were flat and dry rotten, the convertible top was torn in several places, the engine would not start, the lights were not working, the brakes were not working, the gas tank contained trash, the front bumper was barely connected to the car, along with other repairs that needed to be done as well. After sending pictures of the car over to Tom he instructed me to get the car to him so that he could check it out. I had the car towed to his shop. Within a short period of time Tom contacted me with a list of repairs that needed to be made and estimates for those repairs. During the course of those repairs Tom would send me updates as well as pictures of the repairs. Watching my car be restored and brought back to life again was truly magical. Tom did an absolutely outstanding job with restoring the car and driving it is a real joy. Tom is truly a professional at what he does. He makes you feel like you are part of the process and does not rush the work but takes his time to make sure that it’s done right. The customer service at TJ Auto is truly outstanding and Tom and his wife Nancy are such a great team. I definitely recommend TJ Auto to anyone who is restoring their car or to anyone who is in need of auto repairs.

My experience with TJ was above rapport. Having brought my project a year prior I had taken my car to another performance shop that was well known and said they did good work. After spending money there I was sorely disappointed. My car returned with more issues that it went in with. I performed some work on my car and fixed a few of there but something still wasnt right. Looking around again I found TJ Automotive Inc on Google and decided to take my car to him to look at. I had changed the cam and intake trying to fix some of what was broken from the other shop but couldnt get it right. TJ fixed my valve lash issues along with low compression numbers on cylinder #2. During a test drive we noticed a knock coming from the bottom end and then he really went to work.He pulled the engine and got it rebuilt and kept me informed from beginning to end. To cut my costs he allowed me to purchase all parts he needed and just billed me for the labor. He called me in from time to time for my input on how I would like to proceed with the rebuild updated me on every single step.After almost 2 years since buying the car with all the issues TJs shop was officially the last stop. He got me straight and I was able to drive me car for the first time. Dealing with all the frustrations and setback from the other shop I can say Im glad I found him. A1 work and truly cares about the customer. Im very capable as a mechanic but we all need that someone we can turn to when we have questions. TJ is more than happy to share his wealth of knowledge and if need be assisting with the work. Its hard to find a trustworthy mechanic these days but if you are in search of one look no further than TJ Automotive Inc. Hes a tough act to follow.Thank you TJ for all your hard work Im enjoying every minute of road time in my ride.Regards,Derick Brownridge#1981CamaroZ28

If you own a classic or vintage car, this is the place to go. Tom is extremely knowledge and a pleasure to work with. He takes the time to consult and discuss options before proceeding. Can’t say enough good things and as long as I own a classic car, this is where I will be taking it.

Awesome work and very informative.

It was a true pleasure working with Tom and Nancy on the purchase of a 1961 356 coupe that they completely restored. They were extremely informative throughout the process answering any questions along the way and sharing many photos of the restoration process. Toms focus on all the details of the restoration can be seen through the finished product and the car exceeded my expectations. They were and continue to be very quick to answer any questions and educate me on these great classic cars. If you are looking to work with honest people that have a passion for high quality restoration of vintage Porsche, I recommend working with them.

After my classic 1979 camaro went through a lengthy lawsuit with another repair shop who damaged the engine and caused major leakage in the vehicle, Tom Nelson and his crew at TJ Auto repaired all the problems and made it right! The car now runs great, is leak-free. and Im beyond ecstatic! Tom and his wife were extremely professional. I would recommend TJ Auto for anyone who needs rebuilds or repairs. They do a thorough job and actually know what they are doing! Thanks again TJ Auto!

Tom has taken expert care of my Wife’s ’71 Chevelle. His breadth and depth of automotive experience is immediately evident and we appreciate his considered approach to problem solving and exploring the best options to realize the optimum performance of her classic car. Tom always takes the time to answer questions and educate us about the best way to enjoy and maintain this beautiful vehicle. He and his Wife are truly wonderful people and it is always a pleasure for our Family to visit them at their shop!

I bought a 356 from Tom and Nancy and couldnt be happier with the car or the experience. They were honest, reasonable and easy to deal with throughout the process. Upstanding business that knows what theyre doing.

Tom Nelson, the owner and proprietor provided great customer service and was very forthright with me about the vehicle I purchased from him. The vehicle at the time of test drive had a huge crack in the windshield and would not have passed inspection on my Military Post to receive approved DOD credential post entrance sticker... Tom had the windshield replaced. If you are straight with Tom he will work with you. This is well run small business of integrity. The car I purchased ran great, I received a detailed Car Fax, and knew of the maintenance required to keep it running which was expected and minimal for a high mileage car. This is the best used car lot in the Capital Boulevard area. I have nothing but love for Tom and TJ Auto.

Tom and Nancy are great people and do terrific work. If you are ever in his shop, ask him for a tour of what he is working on-he has an amazing talent and is very thorough. Even though Tom specializes in Porsches, he serviced my 72 Triumph Spitfire and did a great job in fixing up all the things that I could not. On occasion I would stop by to see Tom and he would give me guidance and advice on how to fix little things on the vehicle, at no charge, which was sincerely appreciated. When I can afford it, I will be buying on of his beautiful Porsches from him one day!

Most detailed restorations I have ever seen. Period correct everything. Knows air cooled Porsches better than anyone.

We have shipped many Porches for them and all of the customers rave about Toms craftsmanship. He is truly talented at what he does.

THIS IS THE 5 STAR REVIEW POSTED BY JOHN S. FOR THE RESTORATION OF HIS 1959 PORSCHE SUPER COUPE PERFORMED BYTJ AUTO, WHICH HE WROTE APPROXIMATELY THREE MONTHS AFTER HE PICKED UP THE CAR. THANK YOU JOHN!!!!I contacted Tom about two years ago to discuss the restoration of our 1959 Porsche 356A Super. After several discussions, my wife and I decided to have Tom pick up the car and transport it to his shop for an engine refresh. At that time we met Nancy, and from then forward we had a very favorable relationship with them both. We agreed at that time that Tom would undertake no new work without a thorough conversation with us. We also discussed that we were in no rush for work to be completed, since the car had been sitting for several years. After the engine refresh, we discussed replacing seals in the transaxle which had been leaking for years. After power washing the under carriage to prepare for the installation of the transaxle and engine, not surprising to me some rot was discovered in several areas. Tom discussed in detail the options, one of which was to do nothing but reinstall the transaxle and engine and drive off -- obviously not the best option for the long haul. We decided at that time, after discussions with several Porsche as well as financial advisors, to undertake a complete restoration. We put no time table on Tom, just the requirement that he keep us informed and not undertake any work before our approval. About two months ago, the car returned home completely restored, including the interior, and it is an eye opener to all who see it. We drive it every week, and we believe we got our (considerable) moneys worth. Tom and Nancy were a pleasure to work with. I am convinced he knows his stuff. The only disagreement we had was he wanted to buy the car and we dont want to sell!

Tom did some metal repair work for me. Hes honest, reliable, stays in touch over the course of the job, and the quality of the work is great.

I took my 67 Karmann Ghia in to repair a clutch cable tube that had broken free of its welds. Upon arriving at the shop, the owners greeted me and were very welcoming, and even gave me a tour of the shop and all the gorgeous 356s they were restoring. Im a through and through air-cooled-aholic, so seeing those Porsches was very cool. As for my car, they had originally estimated several days for the repair. The next day to my surprise, I received a call that my car was ready to go. I think since I had mentioned in passing that it was my daily car, that they bumped it to the front of the line, which was incredibly considerate. The work was above and beyond what I was expecting, the cost for the work was very fair, and my car is running and driving great. Ill definitely be taking my car back in the future for metalwork and bodywork repairs.

Congratulations well work