Air Cooled Express

Air Cooled Express ico

(39 reviews)

Auto Repair StationsNebraskaDouglas CountyBenningtonHarvest Lane

Douglas County . Nebraska

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  • Overview
  • Intro
  • Photos
  • Location
  • Reviews
  • +1 402-689-1815
  • aircooledexpress.com
  • Bay #3, 15215 Harvest Ln Box 239, Bennington, NE 68007, USA

Operating Hours

Monday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Air Cooled Express Introduce

Air Cooled Express, located at Bay #3, 15215 Harvest Ln Box 239, Bennington, NE 68007, USA, is a distinguished "Auto Repair Station" that has garnered a strong reputation for its specialized services, particularly in the realm of vintage Volkswagen vehicles and custom automotive projects. They can be reached by phone at (402) 689-1815 or +1 402-689-1815. This establishment is not your typical neighborhood garage; rather, it's a hub for enthusiasts and owners of air-cooled engines and classic cars, offering a unique blend of expertise, passion, and meticulous craftsmanship.

Operating primarily as an "Auto Repair Station" with a distinct niche, Air Cooled Express provides a comprehensive range of services tailored to their specialized clientele. While they perform general auto repairs and maintenance, their true calling and expertise lie in the intricate world of air-cooled engines, predominantly vintage Volkswagen models like Beetles, Buses, and Karmann Ghias, as well as custom-built vehicles and buggies. This specialization means they possess an in-depth understanding of these unique machines, offering a level of knowledge and skill that generic repair shops simply cannot match. They are listed by the Better Business Bureau as specializing in vintage Volkswagen vehicle repairs and restorations, with services including engine rebuilding, custom built vehicles, diagnostics, oil changes, and general maintenance. Their association as an EMPI dealer further underscores their access to quality parts and components for air-cooled VWs.

The **environment** at Air Cooled Express is, by all accounts, one of professionalism and passionate dedication. While a detailed description of the physical space isn't available in the provided reviews, the quality of work and the mention of "a car in the shop that had belonged to Paul Newman" strongly imply a high-caliber facility. Such an environment would likely be clean, organized, and equipped with specialized tools and bays necessary for intricate restorations, custom builds, and the precise repair of vintage vehicles. The welcoming and friendly nature of "Mike and his crew," as noted by customers, suggests a positive atmosphere where clients feel comfortable discussing their unique automotive projects. The overall impression is one of a professional workshop that respects both classic vehicles and their owners.

The **services** offered by Air Cooled Express are diverse, catering to the specific needs of vintage vehicle owners and custom build enthusiasts. Key services highlighted by customer testimonials and other available information include:

  • **Vintage Volkswagen Repair and Restoration:** This is a cornerstone of their business, covering everything from routine maintenance to full-scale restorations of classic VW models. One customer, owning his second buggy since the 70s, praises their work, stating his current build is "coming out a lot better than my first one."
  • **Engine Rebuilding and Installation:** Expertise in rebuilding air-cooled engines is a crucial service, as evidenced by a customer who had a motor installed, indicating their capability in handling complex powertrain work.
  • **Custom Built Vehicles/Buggies:** They are highly skilled in creating and refining custom automotive projects, turning customers' visions into reality, as seen with the buggy build.
  • **Accurate Diagnostics:** Customers consistently receive "accurate diagnostics," which is essential for troubleshooting issues in both vintage and modern vehicles, preventing unnecessary repairs and ensuring problems are correctly identified.
  • **Exceptional Repairs:** The quality of their repair work is repeatedly emphasized, with customers stating they receive "exceptional repairs" and that what they "did is going really well."
  • **Exhaust System Work:** Referred to as "exhaust surgeons" in one review, this indicates a specialized skill in designing, repairing, or customizing exhaust systems, likely for vintage vehicles, to achieve specific performance or sound characteristics.
  • **General Maintenance:** While specializing, they also handle common services like oil changes and other general maintenance tasks to keep vehicles running optimally.

Their comprehensive suite of services ensures that enthusiasts of air-cooled vehicles have a reliable and expert partner for all their automotive needs.

The **features** that truly distinguish Air Cooled Express are deeply embedded in their customer experience. Firstly, their **unparalleled expertise in air-cooled engines and vintage Volkswagens** is a standout feature. This specialization allows them to tackle projects that other shops might shy away from, providing knowledgeable and precise work on these unique vehicles. The anecdote about working on a car belonging to Paul Newman further underscores their reputation and the high-profile nature of some of their projects, hinting at their capability with historically significant vehicles. Secondly, the **quality of their repairs and custom builds** is consistently highlighted as exceptional, leading to vehicles performing better than ever. Thirdly, the **professionalism and knowledge of "Mike and his crew"** are frequently praised, with customers describing the team as "welcoming, friendly, supportive, knowledgeable and respectful." This positive interpersonal interaction significantly enhances the customer experience.

However, it is also important to note a key feature mentioned by a customer: their services are **"pricey."** While acknowledging the high cost, the same customer "wholeheartedly recommend" them, implying that the quality and expertise justify the investment. This transparency about pricing, though from a customer's perspective, indicates that while not the cheapest option, the value derived from their specialized and high-quality work is considered worth it by loyal patrons. The commitment to continued service, as expressed by a customer who will "continue to have my car serviced by ACE as long as I own it," speaks volumes about the long-term trust and satisfaction they build.

In terms of **promotional information**, Air Cooled Express relies heavily on its reputation for quality, specialization, and customer satisfaction, as evidenced by the enthusiastic testimonials. The phrase "Hands down BEST EXPERIENCE I'VE EVER HAD!" serves as a powerful endorsement, attracting new clients seeking similar levels of service. The vivid description of their exhaust work, transforming a "bland vehicle (straw) and turning it into something beautiful (gold)," acts as highly compelling promotional content, appealing to those who value both performance and aesthetics in their vehicles. While no explicit promotional campaigns or discounts are provided, the strong word-of-mouth recommendations and the unique appeal of working on high-profile vehicles (like Paul Newman's car) create significant organic promotion. Their deep knowledge and ability to provide "accurate diagnostics" and "exceptional repairs" are their core promotional pillars, assuring potential customers of reliable and effective solutions. The long-term relationships they build with customers, such as one who has been taking their VW to ACE since 2016, also serve as a testament to their enduring quality and continued service, drawing in a steady stream of new business through trust and proven results. Their "A+" BBB rating further enhances their credibility and trustworthiness.

Air Cooled Express Photos

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Air Cooled Express Location

Air Cooled Express Customer Reviews

Just to let you all know, I’ve been through a lot over at Air cooled Xpress from the start of the build really on my buggy in the process with Mike and his crew has been greatly appreciated and knowledgeable for me. This is my second buggy that I’ve owned since the 70s and this one’s coming out a lot better than my first one while I was in getting the motor installed there was a car in the shop That had belonged to Paul Newman. My question to my question had you ever been asked by the history channel to do a show and he said he had which I thought was very interesting. I’ve recently been back to get some things fixed that I couldn’t quite handle and so far what they did is going really well I wholeheartedly recommend Air Express and their crew but you must understand they are pricey Thanks for all your help and continued service

Apr 22, 2025 · William Perdue

Have been taking my VW to ACE since 2016 and have always received nothing but the best customer service. Consistently receive accurate diagnostics, exceptional repairs and more than fair pricing. The crew at ACE has always been welcoming, friendly, supportive, knowledgeable and respectful. I will continue to have my car serviced by ACE as long as I own it and highly recommend it for ANYONE that has a vintage VW.

May 22, 2023 · Mark Vaz

They took a dead engine that was sitting for years, allowed me to salvage a few engine tins and sone components I had purchased and built me this fantastic new engine. They also have been exceptional after the build and delivery of the engine. I have needed a few random parts and advice and they were great to offer some support. Looking forward to getting “Penny” back on the road after 30 years sitting in a garage.

Nov 29, 2021 · Russell Albin

I requested a same day, short notice oil change. My normal shop wasn't able to get me in, and I was leaving for Arizona the next day. Mike, was able to get me in, and took great care of my bug (Janice). Wonderful, fast, personable service. I have a new shop now! Thanks for the security of a safe trip.

Apr 19, 2021 · Maggie

DO NOT TRUST THIS GUY. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.Took my vehicle here in good faith and it turned into a total nightmare. Although I made no request for any work related to my engine, I was told my engine needed a complete rebuild and was quoted $5,000 to $7,000 for the " needed work". I later took my vehicle to an honest and decent mechanic who determined that it was nothing more than a cracked distributor cap and tune-up. Cost, $500. Also, my engine now leaks oil excessively where I had no leak before taking my vehicle to this very dubious mechanic. When I went to pick up my vehicle, I was told it was "ready". It took an hour and a half just to get the vehicle started. My ignition was broken and the battery was dead. When I asked what happened to the ignition, he said " things break". He had to replace ignition and now my headlight will not shut off, I have to disconnect the battery. After getting the vehicle started, I informed the owner it was undrivable, due to the clutch having not been repaired properly, and my shifter mount had been completely broken, the weld was broken( how does that happen and go unnoticed)to which the owner replied " well we can work on it". The sub par repairs were paid for after a long, drawn out battle in court. I would not recommend going to Air cooled express under any circumstances.UDATE 08/24 Took my vehicle for a short ride, when I went to shut off the ignition, the key was extremely hot. In my opinion this man did this maliciously. He broke my original ignition and then wired up the new one incorrectly. I believe this was done deliberately. What kind of person would do this? Petty, vindictive, unethical weasel comes to mind.

Aug 05, 2024 · high&mighty