Servicing North County Since 1978
Keith Heckman
Keith started Keith’s Automotive in 1978 as a mobile service specializing in service and repair of charging systems and electrical wiring for all makes of automobiles. Referrals from other garages caused an expanded customer base and Keith’s reputation grew. In 1980 Keith opened a repair shop in Del Mar, continuing to specialize in automotive electrical systems which included high quality rebuilt alternators and starters for all makes and models of trucks and automobiles. His business expanded to include wiring antique and classic cars. He helped build, sponsor, and work on the pit crew for two professional race cars. Keith’s reputation was growing rapidly and in 1984 he moved to Solana Beach. In 1995 Keith’s son, Eric, joined the team full time and now serves as lead mechanic and service advisor. In 2003 he expanded to the current location in Encinitas. The shop now performs complete service on American and Asian automobiles, including classic car repairs and restorations to modern automobile repairs.
Keith has been an active member of such associations as The Optimist Club, CYSA Soccer, Automotive Service Councils, Automotive Service Association, Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Encinitas Merchants Association, and has served on the advisory council of San Dieguito ROP as well as the advisory council of Mira Costa College.
Eric Heckman
At age 12 Eric and his father began completely rebuilding a 1964 Ford Ranchero from the ground up and this became Eric’s first car when he turned 16 and started driving. Eric and his Ranchero were highlighted as the feature car in the Blade Citizen monthly Car Care Edition in April 1993.
Eric excelled in automotive shop classes at Torrey Pines High School and started helping his friends modify their cars. He started working part-time at Keith’s Automotive after school. Eventually he quit and took on a different job that didn’t involve getting his hands dirty or cut. But he still used the shop facilities to work on special projects now and then, like making his friends’ cars go faster.
After completing high school and a couple years of college, Eric decided that working on cars was his real passion. He then came to work at the shop full time and continues his education with on-the-job training as well as attending the latest automotive training available. Eric appeared on the Discovery Channel show “Lords of the Car Hordes” for 2 seasons. He has earned his own reputation as an outstanding mechanic and diagnostician.