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Hi Michael,
I have lived in L.A. since 1995, and have lived in the same neighborhood as your son for the last six years. I used to have a great old indie guy named Ed, but as I understand it he recently closed his shop and retired back in Argentina. Anyway, I have kind of been on a search for a new guy for those projects that I don't want to take on myself.
Right in the echo park area is Radi's Mechanical Services.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/radis-mechanic-service-inc-los-angeles
They are good because they are very local, they are a pro-shop and work pretty fast. They don't specialize in volvos but the neighborhood is filled with them and they will be familiar with inner workings of a brick. I had them do a water pump, plus all belts and hoses right before a road trip and had no problems. They have a good reputation in the neighborhood as a "trustworthy mechanic." I think they could be a little more affordable, but at least they don't try to con you into work you don't need.
I also recently found this guy named Trius who calls his business Volvo Five-O.
http://www.volvofiveo.com/
He's up in North Hollywood (10-12 mins up the freeway) so still not too far. I haven't been buy his place yet but he is a volvo specialist. This is the guy with connections at all the boneyards who gets first pick before they are put out for the public. He has "special techniques" and special smog shops to get past emissions etc... I am currently having him source me a new hood that will match the paint color code of my brick. I just gave him a little deposit and he will hunt the yards until he finds a match.
Anyway, I hope those two recommendations help. I'm also a young guy that lives in the area, loves bricks and might start playing with 70's Honda motorcycles. My neighbors and I are slowly starting regular weekend BBQ/tinker with motors sessions. Feel free to have your son give me a call if he needs help/tools/advice etc... You can email me at shopcatla at gmail dot com for my contact number.
Ryan
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