Words by Francis G. Pallarco    Photos by Jerel Fajardo

In most cases, auto repair shops are generally dull and boring. But not if its owned by a certified car enthusiast with a rich background in motorsports and classic cars. Because what happens is that the shop becomes a haven for car nuts alike where the cars are properly taken care of in a well-equipped and well-organized shop. Frankly, I’ve been to a lot of shops and it’s been quite a while since I came across a shop that’s literally geared for car enthusiasts.

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Located in Taguig, Monkey Wrench Garage is not just your average shop as it comes loaded with the latest equipment and so much more. It’s the brainchild of Jesus Romero Salas who wanted a fully capable workshop that’s well planned as he explains further, “We got into it because we saw the lack of a good shop with great service and a nice facility. Plus, we also wanted to offer our clients a place where they can hang out and look at what we do in a very clean environment and the discipline that we employ in the way we work on their cars. It’s just like the shops overseas so we just kept asking why couldn’t we do the same? So this is the out come”. Honestly, it makes one feel like being on the set of ‘Overhaulin’ or on ‘The Guild of Automotive Restorers’ that are very popular shops in the States. According to Jesus, Monkey Garage currently specializes in the maintenance, repair and service of all makes of vehicles including European, American and Asian. We also perform ground-up restoration work on cars from classic to new units”. With so many different specialized service areas, organizing the workflow must be taken into consideration as Jesus adds; “We tried to separate the paint area from the wet area and the quick service area from the rest in order to make things more efficient”. In addition he also saw to it that the huge air compressors for the pneumatic tools and spray guns were located outside of the shop to minimize noise and save space. Security is another huge factor and Jesus has addressed this with strategically positioned CCTV monitors. “Its something I would have wanted as a client to have a piece of mind as I am sure most of our clients are busy and cant make it to the shop every day to see there car so I thought why not give them a camera to see it from any where in the world”. Regarding parts procurement, Jesus explains that they have a network of suppliers from all over the world and we usually ship it via air to make the repair faster and not have there car sit here too long. It usually takes 2 weeks to a max of 3 weeks”.

For those who own European cars Jesus has this to say, “These cars are sometimes difficult to maintain if you don’t have the diagnostic machine and this is something we invested in and also caters for all makes of automotive manufacturers. We also have an expat mechanic who will be joining us soon as he will be bringing in his expertise in European makes”. Aside from the services, they also have, dustless media blasting, Spectra Chrome Technology, and Xiom powder coating technology. Future plans call for more hi-tech technology in terms of auto service and car restoration plus a restomod project and upgrading classic cars by putting modern technology on it. So, whether you have a late model or classic ride, better get your ride over at Monkey Garage to get it done right in a highly gearhead conducive atmosphere unlike any other.

Q&A with Mr. Jesus Romero Salas, President/General Manager of Monkey Wrench Garage

T&T: How did you get into motorsports and drifting?

JRS: I got into it because of the love for speed and controlling a car to go sideways and the adrenalin rush

T&T: What are your influences when it comes to your personal cars?

JRS: I got into modern sports car and then found the passion for vintage rally cars

T&T: What are your current project cars?

JRS: Finishing my brother’s Escort MK1 that we are setting up to be a GrpN and also a Escort MK2 rs2000 and now am restoring also a Lancer box-type turbo

T&T: Which comes first, being car enthusiast or a businessman and why?

JRS: First and foremost a businessman as I have several companies that are running to date and was just always in the mind set to one day to open a shop if a location presented itself and it was just at the right time and place

T&T: Between general car repair and car restoration which one would you be more interested in?

JRS: Restoration is my passion but the bills need to be paid as restoration takes a long time so general maintenance is where we make quick money to pay bills so we can still continue our passion of restoration

T&T: Do you personally oversee every car that goes in for service or repair?

JRS: Yes I do check on all cars and I have also a great partner who does the same thing so we are both co-inspector for this shop and we work together

T&T: What differentiates Monkey Wrench Garage from other car shops?

JRS: We imported new technology from the USA we do dustless blasting, powder coating and spray chrome
1.Dustless blasting is a quick and easy paint removal system that is no dust or water and is clean and environmentally safe tech
2. Spectra Chrome this is a spray chrome technology that we are going to intro to the Philippines
3. Xiom powder coating tech and can do most of any surface
4. We also have paint mixing room we carry all the colors of Cromax that is Dupont we don’t skim or cut cost we use everything Cromax (Dupont) from primer to paint to clear coat to thinner and even the rubbing compound are all one make we don’t use anything else but the best

T&T: What’s the best and not so best part about being an auto shop owner?

JRS: I would say the mistakes by the mechanic and we have to deal with it as we are the people to speak to and as they say the buck ends with us, this is something we have not gotten yet but I have a fear of back lash from the customer as they say the customer is always right