Tucson's Independent British Car Garage

- Specialist in service for the Range Rover and Land Rover line of vehicles for over 20 years.

- Specialized knowledge and equipment at competitive rates.

- Factory extended warranties honored, as well as all after-market warranties.

- Factory computer diagnostics using the genuine Rover "TestBook" tool.

- VISA. and MasterCard credit cards accepted.

- Pride: The Best Warranty in the business: 2 year/24,000 miles

- Skilled staff meet the highest standards in the field of repair

- No City sales tax! (really helps on the big stuff)

MY ROVER NEEDS AN EXPERIENCED LAND ROVER MECHANIC!

Our service addresses goals of reliability, longevity and cost-effective ownership. We are not the Tucson Land Rover Dealer, but instead the best dealer-alternative in Tucson, and our only Rover Specialist. No other shop here (nor even Royal Land Rover, the new dealer here) is so well experienced and equipped for Rovers. Not new-comers jumping on the Land Rover bandwagon, our crew all know Rover trucks. We hop right to the problem, since we've likely seen it before, rather than learning-how, like our competitors do - on your dime. We use Genuine Rover Parts at competitive prices, and will offer less expensive after-market parts when appropriate. In addition to Land Rover and Range Rover we offer service for Alfa Romeo, Mini Cooper, Jaguar, and most other British cars. Restorations available too, and performed competently and affordably, whether your car is 5 years old or 75. Schedule an appointment OR just drop by the shop. Same location for almost 2 decades. We're on 3 acres, but only 50' wide at the street. Look for Hidden House of repair:  Look for all the Rovers!  Maps.

Also available - Rover ABS and EAS expertise, parts and information; 4.6 liter conversions for all '87 to '02 trucks; Off-road performance modifications including, Dealer for: Arnott extended air springs, Detroit Locker, spring conversions , cheap Bilstein shocks, Old Man Emu (OME) springs, ARB stuff, and remanufactured Range Rover Air Suspension pumps.

PARTS: Most Land Rover Service parts IN STOCK

PARTS:

Most non-stocked parts available from warehouse, same day or overnight, with no shipping.

PARTS:

FABRICATION: Prototype machine work and welding -- we can design and make most any part needed for restoration, including missing engine parts

OUR CORE TEAM:

Alan - Mechanic, Service Manager.   Land Rover since 1976, also Rolls Royce, Jaguar, Austin Healey, MG, Triumph, Aston Martin,
Alfa etc etc. Engineer. Machinist.  Drives a '66 109" full-canvas Land Rover.
Bill - Mechanic.   Land Rover tech since 1991.  Ford Factory trained.  Technician since 1974.  Gives you your full hour,
and then some.  There is no better line mechanic, bar-none.  Drives a Mustang ... or two ... or three.
Shar - Reception.   She's our newbie, and very very good already.  We're excited and optimistic about this change, and proud to have her on board.  We feel she is the best customer service improvement we've made in a decade. She also handles book-keeping, parts and mail-orders.  Wow.
Stephen - Mechanic.   Land Rover, Mini Cooper, and Jaguar tech. Six years of professional Range Rover practice; excellent fabricator; machinist apprentice. Reads all the mags and knows all the cool Rover stuff available.  Wheels an '88 Range Rover, and his wife, get this! drives an '85 Citroën turbo-gas.
Matthew - Apprentice.  He has been with us for over two years as apprentice, and is as loyal and caring as they get.

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SPECIAL ROVER PROBLEM SOLVERS TODAY:

Also check out our Online shopping page, or call 520-294-3572 to order with VISA or MasterCard ---

*Both rear windows stop working on Discovery one:

We repair intermittent window lift ECUs (computers).  Typically this runs $37 on the bench and turnaround is same day.   If you bring the truck in to the workshop and have us remove the unit for repair it will run about $85.

*ABS Modulator shuttle valve switch kit with seals for Discovery Series II:

*Discovery 2 and Range Rover ABS Brake maintenance:

We recommend changing the ABS pump relay on all Range Rovers, 1990 to 2002, every 90k miles.  Also, we suggest replacing the shuttle valve seals in the modulator of the Disco 2 every 60k miles.  These are both known and predictable failures.  By these preventative measures the cost of ownership is reduced: the cost of repairs if you wait until these actually fail is always higher -- sometimes much higher.  In our experience using Ferodo brake pads and Brembo rotors also reduces costs in the long run, provides improved braking, and eliminates brake noise issues.

*Lug nuts with deformed stainless caps (so called "chrome lug nuts"):

We call these covers "happy caps." Often they are not so happy at all. On the roadside (or in the shop, for us) the operator will not be happy either. Unless you're enamored with the chromy look (in which case we can sell you new nuts for 20-something$ each) we recommend removing the caps. They press or tear right off. After the first few you'll get the hang of it (we charge about $50 to do all 20).  Beneath them lie perfectly functional and reliable plated lug nuts. Carry a 26mm socket for the real nut behind the thin veil.  Alternatively, black lugnuts without Happy Caps from an early Classic will fit all Classics, Disco 1, and Defender.

*Lifts for Discovery Series II with rear air suspension (Self Leveling or SLABS):

With the installation of a pair of extended front springs we will recalibrate the rear to match for only $75. If you'd like to fit your own front springs, we can still re-set your rears at the normal rate of about $110.

*Range Rover Classic steering pump re-seal kits:

We keep seal kits for both early and late versions of Hoburn Eaton power steering pumps found on Range Rovers through 1995. Also, if not exploded, the ZF pumps on Discovery Series 1 can be re-sealed. If you prefer, we also offer a rebuilding service in-house for these pumps. Please call for pricing and turnaround.

*Optional rear step, gas return spring, Discovery Series 1:

The cylinder (gas spring) which hold these up is only available with the purchase of a whole new step. We now offer a new gas spring kit which is a good direct replacement, and takes a generic spring.  Looks and feels like the original.   Available online.

*Window regulator rollers for Discovery 1:

Disco window regulators usually just break their little plastic rollers. One new regulator installed, and there goes nearly a couple hundred bucks! The rear windows use only one roller per side and most commonly fail. We manufacture metal rollers and sell them with installation instructions. Made from 6061T6 aluminum, these are perfect replacements and you'll never revisit this problem again!   Good parts are not cheap, so most of our sales are to garages, dealers, and serious owners.  (Order one metal roller or get a discount for quantities).

*Noisy or weak ABS brake pump, Classic and New (P38) Range Rover

These pumps are noisy when the brakes are not properly bled. If the sphere (accumulator) has failed the debris from the unit will be distributed throughout the system and a complete bleed is a must. But, if after a complete bleed 'by the book' the pump runs fine but will not develop sufficient pressure, or makes scratchy noises, the problem is simple: Before the inlet line on P38's, and within the pump body on Classics there is a clogged inlet screen.  Many perfectly good pumps have been changed because of this problem.  Remember to ONLY USE "CASTROL GTLMA" brake fluid!! No substitute is acceptable!!  The DOT4 rating does NOT define compatibility.  DOT 5 silicone fluid is damaging.  For more information on this -- and like this -- buy the Range Rover brake system bible (right below).

* Range Rover Brakes, information, technical help, tips, repair techniques

So many are overwhelmed by Range Rover ABS brakes that we had a book written to clarify the system for people.  On web sites like Rangerovers.net there are many snippets of sometimes inaccurate and often in-cohesive information, many risky tips and advice, but no basic explanation of the ABS brake system which leaves the reader any less confused or intimidated.  To solve that problem, for independent garages and Rover owners alike we now offer the complete Range Rover ABS bible, available as a quick download.  No Range Rover owner should submit their truck to a repair shop and trust to the outcome, unless they at least know the basics, or they will almost certainly waste money on unnecessary repairs.   Go to the dealer armed, get out your wrenches armed, or shop for a competent independent mechanic in your area for service for your Range Rover armed with information!  Diagnostics, faults, typical symptoms, and a plain-language overview make this paper the absolute authority on Range Rover ABS brakes.   Background information in it makes it fully meaningful to the non-technician as much as to the initiated.  Buy the only WABCO ABS bible here.

*Borg Warner transfer lube for Classics

Semi-synthetic transfer case lube, specially formulated and tested by us. Our Borg Warner specific oil is far superior to ATF for extending the life of the center differential and the rear output shaft. It will not harm the oil pump or viscous coupling and can extend chain life too. The viscous coupling itself is a sealed unit so transfer case lube can not improve a failing one at all.   We recommend changing transfer case oil each 15-18k miles. Also, preemptive BW output shaft replacement should be done no less often than each 150k miles! Sold by the gallon our oil runs $49.50.

*Distributor upper spindle retainer

These fit all distributor type Disco and all Classic Range Rover. When the rotor is rusted on and finally comes off, the pull often breaks the brittle nylon button that holds the advance mechanism together. The old nylon button has never been supplied separately by either Lucas or Rover. We offer a new TeflonŽ button for sale. For purposes of periodic lubrication of the auto-advance mechanism, which really helps gas mileage and power, our buttons, unlike the original, can be reused many times.

*Discovery door latch repair

Discovery doors, usually the rear sides and rear hatch, become intermittent, locking themselves when the door is slammed, or on rough road, or failing to unlock on the power locks. Also, if the one in the driver's door is at fault the doors might lock and unlock with no rhyme or reason - repeatedly. A small special spring has broken inside the latch in the door. Instead of replacing the entire latch assembly, we make and fit a new spring for $45 per latch, plus shipping. This, of course, includes a thorough cleaning, adjustment and lubrication of the unit. Turnaround is one business day.

Perhaps this should be under FAQs below:   No, we do not have a pattern spring to sell you. We make them up to fit the latch. To do it yourself just buy a spring of the same wire gage and diameter, cut out the bit you need, form the ends, and fit it. That's all we do.

*EAS pump faults, (P38) New Range Rover

*Diagnostic test procedure for Discovery 1 Cruise

Factory manuals for Discovery 1 omit the simple sequential procedure for conclusively diagnosing cruise control faults.  For an easy walk-through in plain English, you can buy as a download our  handy complete pamphlet.

*Disco 1 Instrument surround repair

Send us your broken instrument surround, and as many of the pieces as you can find, and we can usually fix it quite nicely for less than $75. If you want to try it yourself, use WeldonŽ #3 as the bonding agent, and LexanŽ for the missing bits and added structure. We also do many seat bases and Classic radio surround/fuse box holders, and fuse box covers this way too. We cannot quote these without seeing the remnants however.

Our carbs are the best, bar none. Series I, Series II, Series IIA, Series III, or your XK120 Jaguar. Whether parts are available is no issue since we can make most any needed. We build the finest operating and looking carbs for aircraft, cars, trucks, and bikes. SU, Zenith, Stromberg, Solex, Weber, Dellorto, Marvel, Holley (aviation) and more. We also perform the finest overhaul work on distributors, fuel pumps, and magnetos, including Lucas, CAV, Bendix, AC (UK), Delco (UK), Marelli, Valeo and more. Call or email, and ask for Alan if you are interested in purchasing the finest carburetor overhaul money can buy. Pricing varies depending on the condition of your core, and the level of cosmetic restoration you desire.

*New Range Rover (P38a) main fuse box

If your relays have that well-baked appearance on their lower sides, and those circuits are extraordinarily intermittent, the fault often lies in the fuse box itself, not just the relay.  This is the heart of your electrical system, and often affects Air Conditioning, Engine Management, ABS and Air Suspension leading to fault codes, confusion, and costly and unnecessary computer diagnostics.  Check that the connectors below the board are not loose, or the board below the relay melted.  If so, the heat is from a bad solder connection inside the box.  New ones have become so reasonable in price that repair is no longer the best option.

for more random Land Rover pix ... click these!

Interesting car, truck, and airplane links to check out:

Falconworks British Repair's 16 most popular FAQ's:

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Q: Why do you take the time to fix parts when new ones are available?

A: Slow down?  No mystery:  we are a stationary target.  5603 is right after 5601 (also on our property), and so forth. If southbound, for example, all odd numbers will be on your left (east).  Look for the tree or the billboard.   Here are some cool maps of unique ways to get there from various parts, to smooth the ride.  Also, remember that there's NO traffic in our area, compared with say ... oh ... anyplace else in Tucson. Allow 15 minutes from UofA to Falconworks at rush hour for example; 25 minutes from Ina and La Cholla; ten minutes from Davis Monthan; ten minutes from ElCon; 15 minutes from Raytheon.

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Q: Don't you need a special proprietary computer for many diagnostics, and even some of the repairs on newer Rovers?

A: Yes. We use the Factory Land Rover tool.  But there are after-market knock-offs available, such as the Autologic tool, and the much inferior Rovacom which more generic European repair garages can afford.

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Q: Isn't Royal Land Rover's diagnostic computer better than what you use?

A: No. We have the most current version (the T4) of the factory Rover tool called TestBook, the exact same computer all Land Rover dealers use. Also, unlike Autologic, the tool our competition uses, our system offers you all diagnostic interfaces for Classics and early Disco and Defenders too.

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Q: My Classic headliner is falling down, can you fix it?

A: No. We do not perform paint & body work, nor upholstery repairs. Locally, in Tucson, we can recommend a small, fair, highly skilled trim shop for that headlining however. We have worked with the owner/operator for over 20 years. Andy is the best, and we hope to never need to look for a replacement. His Diversified Auto Upholstery is a European car specialist and does convertible top repair and replacement, to worn leather seats, to ... well ... falling down Rover Classic headliners.

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Q: Do you get the whole window regulator with roller kit?

A: No. Sorry.

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Q: Are you that retreat for the off-Broadway artists, then?

A: No. "Falconworks" is indeed a place, but one in Tucson, Arizona. It is named after the one in England (Falcon Works, London Road, Isleworth Middlesex) where sports cars were made in the '20s, '30s and early '50s. They were talented and inventive folks who worked there and we respect them.  Here's an exceedingly long story of our origins in Tucson.

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Q: How much is an oil change?

A:  Our least favorite question:  it should be what is an oil  change?

$69.20 for Discovery to '04 and Range Rover to '02. $150 for Freelander, New Range Rovers (BMW and Ford), Sport and LR3. "Oil change" is an interim service, because performing an oil change, and neglecting the other filters, lube, adjustment, and inspection items which should be done at the recommended interval is often not in your best interest. We do as you ask, but since we work in your best interest we usually encourage spending a bit more on maintenance, depending on you situation and your commitment to the truck. Some services will be more, and some less, done on a schedule, but we can help even these out by planning over time - rather than hitting a 60k Service and suddenly needing to spend $1200 to catch up. At Falconworks, quality is king.  We use only top grade materials.  Just the motor oil itself which we use (CastrolŽ GTX or Syntec, depending on engine type and mileage between services) in your truck, and the genuine Land Rover oil filter, cost more than the whole so-called service at the quick lube place.

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Q: What is the difference between maintenance and repair?

A: Repair is what we do to vehicles which don't get maintenance. See: "How much is an oil change", above, or just Google 'towtruck flatbed Tucson'.

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Q: How much is a 60k Service for my Discovery, LR3, or Range Rover?

A: If the vehicle is not up to date on maintenance otherwise, it will run just under $1200.  Sometimes as little as $900 if a truly loved Rover.  

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Q:  Are you cheaper than the Dealer?

A:  A little bit.  But don't come to us looking for a cheaper job, just for a better value.

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Q: My brakes squeak and squeal. Sometimes I can't stand it. Is there anything which can be done, and if expensive, is there anything which must be done?

A: Most brake lining inspections are free. If the linings are good, we will advise that if you want to live with the noise and avoid the expense, it will be ok. Usually the quality of the brake linings installed (known as "pads") is the main cause of noise - not wear or hazard. If you saved $20 on your last brake job (at the likes of Pep Boys, Brake Max, Brake Masters, Midas, Wal-Mart Auto, etc.) you were sold cheap pads which can be noisy or ineffective. Another common problem we often see is caused by the amateur installers these places use: a pad in backwards often works OK and is safe, but makes noise. You would be amazed at how often we see brake linings installed backwards, or without correct cleaning, new hardware and lubrication. Some higher quality pads, such as the ones we use at Falconworks (Ferodo or Jurid for example) use a different material for the last 1/4 of the lining thickness which may make noise only when badly worn - as a safety warning. On most Rovers nad Jaguars we will inspect your pads for FREE, so please stop by if you are concerned: its no big deal - no worries please. Also, and perhaps most importantly: WHEN YOU BUY BRAKE PADS INSTALLED AT FALCONWORKS WE WARRANTY AGAINST NOISE! Our 2 year warranty (against ANY defects in workmanship or material) covers noisy brakes too, lest the new pads are already worn out.

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Q: How does British car service differ from that of a Honda, or BMW? Why can't the quick lube service my Jaguar or Land Rover as well?

A: Drip pans and kitty-litter. Ah, but really, unique tools are needed, and a genuine understanding of the Brit engineer's mindset. Besides, there is no substitute for experience, and you really benefit from having ours [eons of it] on your side!   Our Rover and Jaguar specific diagnostic computers help too.  Of course the other European repair places can do most of the work, but their guesswork and minor mistakes WILL cost you more in the end.

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Q: The dealer pampers me, at Royal their waiting room is five star, free car washes, occasional loaner cars ... what does an independent like you have to offer me?

A: Sincere honesty.  A clean, well equipped, highly skilled shop. Savings ... which will,on a 30k Service, pay for the Enterprise rental car they will discount for our clients, and pocket some cash too.  We work for you! They work for your car's $$. Do you realize how inexperienced their mechanics are, or how motivated they are (by their commission pay) to take advantage of you? We have each been in the Dealer environment - know how it works - and have rejected it. Get a look at the man behind their curtain, if you can, and I am sure you will wish your Land Rover or Jaguar had come to visit Falconworks instead, where the garage is cleaner than our lounge is. We also consider, and advise you about, the wisdom of most repairs - they just put on the blinders and "fix" the car. We put you in control, and give you the ability to communicate your needs with us. How many bogus headgasket and rear main seal jobs do you really need to buy?? Do you want gloss, or do you want skill, communication, and honesty? BTW, our warranty is exactly twice theirs. TWICE! Just how confident is Royal in their workmanship? And we have 15 years more experience than they do, with which to back it up!  Of course we think we're the best, but we'll get off our soap box now.  OK then.   Fine, go to the dealer.  Its you money.

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Q: How long have you been at this location?

A: Give or take a few inches, nineteen (19) years.

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18 April, 2009

RANGE ROVER SERVICE ARIZONA:

Falconworks is Land Rover Tucson!   Range Rover and Land Rover Independent,  proud to be

headquarters for all Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and southeastern California.

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