The Fix is In

Get your gear in gear with our advice on San Diego's best repair resources

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WE AMERICANS love our stuff. We crave, we covet, we consume. And we get attached. We can’t part with our beloved belongings, even when they break or break down. So they sit, battered, dusty and all but forgotten, in the bottom of some drawer, the back of a closet, the corner of the garage. And we think, Someday . . . Well, that day has officially arrived. The people who can help are here. So find your fix-it crisis, clip this article and get your favorite whatsis back in action. It’s entirely possible that repair may cost more than replacement. But your beloved stuff and its sentimental value? Priceless.

CRISIS > You sat on your sunglasses.
William Stevenson makes a spectacle of his work. For 16 years, he’s been doing while-you-wait eyewear repair, most for $15 or less, in 15 minutes or less. Not only can he fix frames, hinges, pins and nose pads, he can remove scratches from lenses. Check out this specs hotshot at Hot Shots, 690 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 102, Carlsbad, 760-720-9115.

CRISIS > Ax murder: You did a Pete Townshend on your Fender Stratocaster.
Dewey and Sylvester Bowen once fixed a guitar pierced by gunshot. But even if it’s a routine repair, they’ve got your instruments covered, from violins to stand-up basses, keyboards to horns. They’ve been in the business 37 years, and they have a huge stock of equipment and parts with, they promise, “the fastest repair turnaround in town.” The Bowen Brothers’ Freedom Guitar, 6334 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, 619-265-0577; freedomguitar.com.

CRISIS > The puppy peed on the Persian rug.
Whether it’s stains or snags, a handmade Oriental or American Indian rug, textile or tapestry can’t be fixed with what Kate Blatchford calls “a man’s repair”——just snipping off one stray strand——which can unravel the whole shebang. Blatchford has been cleaning, repairing and restoring rugs for 30 years. You can even watch as she restores your prized floor covering, at K. Blatchford’s San Diego Rug Cleaning Company, 7848 Silverton Avenue, Suite G, San Diego, 858-566-3833; kblatchfords.com.

CRISIS > The Edsel won’t turn over.
“Cobra or Cadillac, Pontiac or Packard,” Only Yesterday Classic Cars can repair, maintain or restore your high-end, vintage or classic four-wheeled baby. They also have a killer classic collection on display (call for dates and times). 10343 Roselle Street, San Diego, 858-677-AUTO; oldautos.com.

CRISIS > Your chow chow chewed your Jimmy Choos.
If he was able to fix a size-14 stiletto (for the North Coast Repertory Theatre production of Pageant), he can fix anything. Over the past 15 years, Gilbert Perez has worked on shoes for the Old Globe, for brides, grooms, glitter lovers, drag queens and dye jobs. He promises to put “200 percent into every pair.” Gilbert’s Shoe Repair, 441 University Avenue, San Diego, 619-291-7007.

CRISIS > The cat had kittens in your cap.
Believe it or not, there’s only one person in San Diego who cleans, repairs, restores, resizes and reshapes hats. Alicia Chase can mend tears, replace sweatbands, restore silk linings, turn a cowboy hat into a fedora, put a top hat in tiptop condition, even sew a scarf into a hat or extend the brim for a cancer patient. 619-722-1100; abhatters.com.

CRISIS > You poked a hole in your Picasso.
Remember when Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn put his elbow through his $139 million Picasso? His fine-art repair cost $85,000. But yours won’t, if you consult conservator Sarah Murray, who can fix tears, holes, scratches and burns in any painting. Her husband, Janos Novak, is a gilder, expert in repairing and restoring frames, moldings and mirrors. J Dewers Fine Arts Services, 715 Eighth Avenue, San Diego, 619-233-5888; jdewers.com. And for your edification, the Balboa Art Conservation Center holds free monthly painting-conservation clinics. 619-236-9702; bacc.org.

CRISIS > Big Mac Attack! In a fit of frustration, you chucked your laptop out the window.
Even die-hard Macophiles get overwhelmed. Just ask Mac-maven Brad Redding, who’s been doing Macintosh computer repairs since 1996 (primarily in North County). Redding will come to your house——or trailer, RV or yacht——to troubleshoot, upgrade, network, recover data or provide training. Cost: $125 an hour; 760-598-1030 or 888-598-1030; themacnet.com.

CRISIS > Your family’s been ripped apart (in an old photo).
“Photographs,” says digital artist Abigail Migala, “are a connection to your past.” A 20-year master at retouching and restoring in the traditional way—with brushes, dyes and a microscope—Migala can make a stunning digital copy of your family photo, recreated in its original condition (or as changed as you want). Whether it’s faded or torn, it’ll come out just the way you want it, with personalized attention. $1 per minute (15-minute minimum). You’d be amazed at what she can do in a quarter-hour. 619-741-5044; restoreyouroldphotos@cox.net.

CRISIS > You tried to fly on your bike, skis or snowboard.
The folks at REI know what daredevils will do. The Kearny Mesa store has “one of the best-equipped ski-repair shops in San Diego,” says master technician Bob Kephart, and four nationally certified bike technicians. You damage it; they can fix it. And FYI, REI stands for Recreational Equipment, Inc. 5556 Copley Drive, San Diego, 858-279-4400; rei.com.

CRISIS > You’ve got a hot date, but the hot tub is cold.
Seen the latest above-ground spas? They come with stereo systems, CD players, DVDs, pop-up speakers and fiber-optic lighting——more stuff to impress with; more stuff to break down. If you live in North County, Justin Jueny is equipped for almost anything. Justin’s Spa Repair, 760-730-3637. In the south or east parts of San Diego or North County inland, call Prestige Pool Service & Repair, 619-579-9452; prestigepoolbuilders.com. Bill Mertz can handle your inground or above-ground spa——and get the party going again.

CRISIS > The car’s out of oil, and you’re out of time.
It’s the ultimate convenience: getting your car’s oil changed, tire pressure and fluids checked, brakes serviced and having it washed/detailed at home. Whether it’s a car, RV, motorcycle, boat, plane or fleet you want pampered, Rapid Mobile Enterprises comes to you, with certified technicians and state-of-the-art equipment. 225 West Ninth Street, National City, 619-754-6227; rapidmobileenterprises.com.

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