Top 10 Tools: Donny Seyfer, Seyfer Automotive, Inc.

Aug. 7, 2014
Starting his business in 1961 to support his "drag racing habit," Donny Seyfer shares the top tools that help him run his shop that specializes in domestic, Asian, Volkwagen and Jaguar vehicles.

Shop: Seyfer Automotive, Inc. 

Owner: Donny Seyfer, Manager/ Co-owner

Location: Wheat Ridge, CO 

Don Seyfer started Seyfer Automotive, Inc. in 1961 to support what he fondly calls his "drag racing habit." He soon found that his passion for doing things the right way was something that his customers could relate to. 

Seyfer Automotive specialize in domestic, Asian, Volkwagen and Jaguar vehicles. "We also perform repairs and mechanical restoration on American cars, hot rods and muscle cars from the 1930s to early 1970s," says Seyfer. "Our specialties are diagnostic and electrical work, but we also perform complete maintenance and repair."

  1. Snap-On DHP1 Dodge Wheel Hub Removal Adapter. "This Dodge front hub pressing tool is quick and easy to use, with no slide hammer or damage to technician." A job that normally requires three hours of labor time utilizing a sledge hammer, slide hammer and torch can now be done in an hour or less. For more information: VehicleServicePros.com/11580717

  2. Gates Power Clean Flush Tool. Since we began using this as our cooling system flushing tool, we have been able to impress our customers with the amount of junk we get out of their system. It frequently saves Ford 6.0 diesel EGR and oil coolers too." This tool  “water hammers” accumulated sludge and scale deposits without the use of harsh chemicals or solvents. It cleans radiators, heat exchangers, hoses and engine blocks. For more information: VehicleServicePros.com/11574922

  3. JohnDow T.O.M.C.A.T. Air-Assisted Multiple Camber Adjustment Tool.  "We use the T.O.M.C.A.T. camber adjustment pillow for strut applications. This tool makes it much easier to adjust camber with the weight on the wheels." This camber adjustment tool works on many GM and Chrysler vehicles using two-bolt lower strut mounts. For more information: VehicleServicePros.com/11574933

  4. Hofmann Geoliner 670 XD.  "We love our new aligner. This alignment machine includes fast setup and an onboard scanner for specs." The 670 XD Imaging Wheel Alignment System has patented imaging technology, which provides accurate and real-time measurements. For more information: VehicleServicePros.com/11527338

  5. PBT 70910 3/8 ratchet drive transfer pump. "This tool really makes moving fluids into tight spaces under cars easier." The pump is capable of transferring most automotive fluids including transmission fluid, gears oils, brake fluid, power steering fluid, engine oil and coolant. For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/11597431

  6. DG Technologies VSI-2534 Vehicle Network Translator. "It is my Swiss army knife for J2534 programming. The VSI-2534 works well with Toyota Techstream Lite, and flashes GM, Honda and Subaru quickly." The VSI 2534 kit includes the translator device, software, and cabling required to manage diagnostics and ECU reprogramming. For more information: VehicleServicePros.com/10785590

  7. Pro-Cut PFM 9.2 DRO Rotor Matching System. "This tool has easy setup most of the time, and it gets it done in one pass." A patented PFM computer controls the flow of information from a sensor inside the lathe and instructs a solenoid to make fine adjustments until the lateral run out is at or below .001". For more information: VehicleServicePros.com/10099519

  8. Matco Tools WCE97203 Wireless Chassis Ear. These chassis ears are our go-to tool when there is a noise on either body or chassis. Just move the microphones around until you get on top of the noise." This unit is ideal for undercar chassis and suspension problem, and to diagnose the cause of underhood noises. For more information, visit: VehicleServicePros.com/11597635?

  9. Mahle RTI RHS980H A/C Refrigerant Handling System. Seyfer says to use this product, "Set it on 'automatic' and walk away while it does its job. The leak detection on this unit is pretty good too." Seyfer has the previous Bosch ACS 620H unit. This product is now available under the Mahle brand, as unit RHS980H. For more information: VehicleServicePros.com/10225101

  10. Strategic Tools & Equipment Company AIOBD12 Diagnostic Device Apple iOS and Android vehicle interface. "We like this as a quick triage tool that interfaces with our smartphones."  This device plugs into the vehicle data link connector and communicates via Bluetooth with either a mobile phone or a tablet computer. The AIOBD12 works on both Apple iOS and Android devices. For more information: VehicleServicePros.com/11576389

About the Author

Erica Schueller | Editorial Director | Commercial Vehicle Group

Erica Schueller is the Editorial Director of the Endeavor Commercial Vehicle Group. The commercial vehicle group includes the following brands: American Trucker, Bulk Transporter, Fleet Maintenance, FleetOwner, Refrigerated Transporter, and Trailer/Body Builders brands.

An award-winning journalist, Schueller has reported and written about the vehicle maintenance and repair industry her entire career. She has received accolades for her reporting and editing in the commercial and automotive vehicle fields by the Truck Writers of North America (TWNA), the International Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards and the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) Azbee Awards.

Schueller has received recognition among her publishing industry peers as a recipient of the 2014 Folio Top Women in Media Rising Stars award, acknowledging her accomplishments of digital content management and assistance with improving the print and digital products in the Vehicle Repair Group. She was also named one Women in Trucking’s 2018 Top Women in Transportation to Watch.

She is an active member of a number of industry groups, including the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC),  the Auto Care Association's Young Auto Care Networking Group, GenNext, and Women in Trucking.

In December 2018, Schueller graduated at the top of her class from the Waukesha County Technical College's 10-week professional truck driving program, earning her Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).  

She has worked in the vehicle repair and maintenance industry since 2008.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Vehicle Service Pros, create an account today!