Scotten

Figured I'd post it here, although I'm not sure if any Chicagoland guy have been their customer...

After 28 years, KO Tire is closing at the end of this week. Apparently this was a recent decision and I just happened to get my Acura in there for one of their last appointments. I've been using them exclusively for tire mounting/repair and I know I will miss them.

Quick Silver Z

That is too bad, they were the "go to" guys!

From the FB...

"40 years is coming to an end for me this Friday. The week is fully booked.

To my customers, I appreciate your business over the years and hope I have served you well. I have always believed in the philosophy of: "Well done is better than well said." I have also believed in the philosophy: "If a task is once begun, never leave it until it's done; Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all" . . . which we practiced daily at K.O. Tire.

We have made arrangements with Emanuele "Manny" Mancuso of Elk Grove Marathon to assume our (847) 439-6986 phone number as of September 8, 2015, and for him, personally, and his great crew, to service our customers with utmost respect. Manny is a good man and will serve you well.

I will be hanging out at his station (Devon Ave. & Rohlwing Rd. in Elk Grove) for a few days after the transaction as to answer any questions someone may have."

Vetteman Jack

Never had any dealings with that shop, but sad to see a business close up after 28 years.

Jeff T.

That really sucks, Kevin has been a great asset for many years!! He and his guys treat every car, tire and wheel like it was their own.

His shop will definitely be missed.

MVR 155

Had them swap a set of tires back in the late 90's for me on my GS, they were very careful. Have never heard an ill word mentioned about this shop, nothing but positive experiences ..... sorry to hear they will be closing

Stilcrazee

Wishing the guys nothing but the best. Stand up guys. Hope the decision to close was made for reasons other than health or simply not enough margin to keep doors open.

The work ethic that was on display there is extremely rare in any business anymore.

Quick Silver Z

I believe he is simply retiring?

Scotten

I don't think they were keeping it secret, but Lee had a hernia awhile back and hasn't been able to work. Since he's half of the band, they decided to close shop.

GMmuscle86

I didn't see this thread started, but this is what I said in the other thread I started on this.

With much sadness, I found out from my friend yesterday, that he was the last customer at K.O. Tire on Friday. The two brothers are retiring after 40 years. These guys were completely **** about mounting and balancing tires on the car and never scratched a single rim. These guys even went to the length to properly torque the wheels with torque wrench instead of going crazy with the power tools. These guys will truly be missed!

So with that, who do you guys go to in the Chicagoland area that you not only trust with your Corvette, but your other vehicles to mount and balance tires? If possible a place that doesn't mind you standing by them as they do the process to make sure they're not doing something wrong.

I know some people like the big chain stores for mounting, but I'm not interested and I don't trust those shops.

GMmuscle86

Even though half the team was out, I always heard Kev was going to hang around for a few more years. I wonder what changed?

Scotten

I do know that decision happened the weekend before their last Friday - I heard him tell a customer that "things have changed since we talked last Thursday or Friday".

As for alternate tire installer, Kevin recommended I look for the top rated companies on Tirerack. KO had 500+ positive ratings... I spotted Suburban Wheel Cover in Elk Grove has 60+, the wife needs new tires installed soon & I might give them a call. I have NO interest in going to a chain.

GMmuscle86

Yea he told my friend the same. He said Kevin told him look at 4.5 stars and up places as a starting point. I was looking at that Suburban Wheel Cover place as well. I just wonder if they would let you be out by the guys when they're performing the work instead of waiting in the waiting room. If you end up going there, report back on your experience. I know quiet a few people that are devastated and wondering who the heck they can go to now.

With the lack luster places to trust for quality service, I start to wonder if I went into the wrong field for work....