Arnold Motor Supply

Arnold Motor Supply, situated at 116 4th St NE, Mason City, IA 50401, USA, is a well-established automotive aftermarket business serving the local community. While the prompt categorizes it as an "Auto Repair Station," Arnold Motor Supply primarily operates as a comprehensive auto parts store that also offers specialized machine shop services. This dual function caters to both the do-it-yourself (DIY) mechanic and professional repair shops, providing a wide array of parts, tools, and expert machining capabilities.

As a major auto parts retailer, the environment at Arnold Motor Supply is typically characterized by a large inventory of automotive components, accessories, and tools. Stores are generally organized to allow for easy Browse and product identification. The presence of an in-house machine shop suggests a dedicated area equipped with specialized machinery for engine and component rebuilding, reflecting a commitment to deeper automotive service beyond just selling parts off the shelf. The philosophy of Arnold Motor Supply, as part of a larger chain, is to provide high-quality parts and reliable service to their customers, leveraging their extensive network and product offerings.

Arnold Motor Supply offers a broad spectrum of products and services designed to meet diverse automotive needs:

• Extensive Auto Parts Inventory: They stock a vast selection of automotive parts for various makes and models of cars, trucks, and SUVs. This includes components for engine systems, braking systems, suspension, steering, electrical systems, exhaust, and more. Their inventory aims to provide customers with immediate access to the parts they need for routine maintenance or complex repairs.
• Automotive Tools and Equipment: Beyond parts, they supply a wide range of hand tools, power tools, diagnostic equipment, and shop supplies necessary for automotive repair and maintenance.
• Paint and Body Supplies: Arnold Motor Supply also caters to collision repair and automotive refinishing, offering paint, body fillers, abrasives, and other related supplies for bodywork.
• Automotive Chemicals and Fluids: A selection of oils, lubricants, coolants, brake fluids, and other essential automotive chemicals are available to keep vehicles running optimally.
• Accessories and Aftermarket Products: Customers can find various car accessories, performance parts, and other aftermarket products to customize or enhance their vehicles.
• Machine Shop Services: This is a key differentiator for Arnold Motor Supply. Their in-house machine shop provides specialized services that are crucial for engine rebuilding and component restoration. These services typically include:
  • Cylinder Head Machining: Such as resurfacing, valve seat grinding, and valve guide replacement.
  • Engine Block Machining: Including boring, honing, decking, and line boring.
  • Crankshaft Grinding: To restore crankshafts to proper specifications.
  • Connecting Rod Reconditioning: Ensuring proper fit and function.
  • Press Work: For bearings, bushings, and other pressed components.
  • Custom Fabrication: Potentially for unique or hard-to-find components, though specific details are not provided.
  These machine shop capabilities enable them to provide rebuilt engines and components that meet or exceed original equipment specifications.
• Hydraulic Hoses & Fittings: The company offers custom-made hydraulic hoses and fittings, which are essential for various automotive, industrial, and agricultural applications, providing tailored solutions for fluid power systems.
• Brake Rotor and Drum Resurfacing: A common service to restore brake rotors and drums to a smooth surface, which is critical for effective braking and extending the life of brake pads.

Arnold Motor Supply's strength lies in its comprehensive product offering and the specialized services of its machine shop. This makes them a valuable resource for individuals tackling significant engine work or seeking specialized component repair. Their extensive inventory means a higher likelihood of finding the exact part needed without a long wait.

However, customer reviews highlight a critical aspect related to their machine shop services. Customers emphasize the importance of getting agreements in writing for machine shop work. The reviews state: "Make sure you get it in writing on what you want machine shop to do other wise a lot more stuff gets done that you didn't agree on." And "Hand shake agreement don't mean nothing there. They were suppose to call be before starting work but rebuilt my stuff anyway." This feedback indicates a potential issue with communication and adherence to verbal agreements regarding the scope of work and authorization for additional services. While their technical capability in machining may be sound, the customer experience can be significantly impacted by a lack of clear, documented understanding between the customer and the shop.

This suggests that while Arnold Motor Supply provides essential services, customers should exercise caution and ensure all terms, agreed-upon work, and potential additional services are formally documented before any machine shop work commences. Clear communication channels and written consent for all procedures are paramount to a satisfactory customer experience.

Arnold Motor Supply in Mason City is located at 116 4th St NE, Mason City, IA 50401, USA. They can be reached by phone at (641) 424-1551 or mobile phone at +1 641-424-1551. As a large regional chain, Arnold Motor Supply likely leverages its brand reputation, extensive product lines, and specialized services as key promotional points. They often run promotions on various parts and tools, and their website typically features current deals and product catalogs.

Their operating hours are generally standard for an auto parts store and machine shop:

• Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

These hours provide accessibility for both professional mechanics during the week and DIY enthusiasts on Saturday mornings. For machine shop services, it is highly advisable to call ahead to discuss the specific job, turnaround times, and pricing. Given the customer feedback, confirming every detail in writing before initiating any machining work is strongly recommended.

In conclusion, Arnold Motor Supply in Mason City, IA, is a valuable resource for automotive parts and specialized machine shop services, including engine and component rebuilding. While they offer a wide range of products and technical capabilities, potential customers utilizing their machine shop services should prioritize clear, written agreements regarding the scope of work to ensure their expectations are met and to avoid any misunderstandings regarding additional work.