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R & D Automotive: Bavarian Rocket Science
16 Tivoli St
Albany, NY 12207
Uber
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Bavarian Rocket Science
Daily Drivers
Tuning & Enthusiast Sports Car
Track & Race Cars
Restoration & Preservation
Auto Advocacy
Bavarian Rocket Science
About Bavarian Rocket Science
You might not even notice it as you drive down North Pearl Street on the Northern end of downtown Albany if you weren’t paying attention, and that is how they like it.
Tucked away on the corner of Tivoli Street in the old industrial neighborhood that once housed many textile mills and various warehouses is a former carriage house that once was home to the horse stables for Freihofer’s Bakery.
Today this building is home to a different type of horses, specifically the kind of horses that are kept under the hoods of all types of automobiles made in Germany.
Rick Dobush bought the building in 1999 in order to house his expanding auto repair business. Not just any type of auto repair however, as suggested by the name of his shop, R&D Automotive: Bavarian Rocket Science focuses his expertise solely on the makes from Deutschland. While he admittedly prefers Porsches for the race track like his yellow #153 1973 Carrera RS, when it comes to daily drivers he feels nothing beats the quality of vehicles manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, as proven, much to his chagrin, by his trusted, daily driven work horse: a 1989 300E sedan with well over three hundred thousand on the mile counter. Other vehicles in his stable include a 1998 Audi A6 station wagon with nearly five hundred thousand miles, as well as a spritely BMW 528i barely broken in with just under ninety on her and a few other Porsche road and track project cars. With over 30 years of experience working with German cars, Rick is also well known for sharing his knowledge in various enthusiast circles.
In addition for nearly 20 years, he has been handing down his knowledge to his nephew, Tom Dobush.
Tom now plays a management role at the shop after honing his skills while studying at RPI and working for companies such as Bentley Publishers and Porsche of Boston. Experts when it comes to restoration and preservation of the classics, like the beautiful early 80’s Mercedes-Benz 560 SL currently being freshened up or the classic 1962 Porsche 356 being brought back to life in the shop, to maintenance and repair of modern daily drivers that are becoming ever more sophisticated in our computer controlled world. If you would like to learn more about what the Dobush’s do at R&D Automotive: Bavarian Rocket Science give them a call, email or stop by and say hello, visitors are always welcome.
Daily Drivers
Attention to detail and personalized customer service are what we strive for everyday.
Included in each service or repair is a thorough safety inspection regardless of what your vehicle originally came in for to ensure safety and reliability. Our clients are welcome to schedule an appointment for a free safety check anytime. We are always available to help with your automotive needs and concerns. Whether you have a warning light on or just want your oil or tire pressures checked don't hesitate to ask, always better to be safe than sorry and no job is too big or too small!
It would be near impossible to list everything we are capable of helping you with so in short, we can do it all.
If you are looking for a service that isn't listed please contact us. We will make sure it gets taken care of.
Often first time visitors to our shop come in with a problem or a diagnosis they weren't happy hearing about from another shop.
With any bad news it is always a good idea to get a second opinion from a specialist, just like you might from your doctor. We try and go above and beyond to help because we understand you may have been dissatisfied with your service experience somewhere else. Spending money on repairing your car is often a necessary evil so we try to make the entire process as painless as possible.
Parts & Warranties
We prefer to install original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts whenever possible to ensure quality and offer a twelve month or 12,000 miles warranty. OEM parts are produced by the same manufacturers that are contracted by the auto makers to produce "factory" parts. Why pay such a premium from a dealership parts counter for what amounts to fancy packaging?
Maintenance / Routine Services
Check Engine Light & OBD II Trouble Code Scan
NYS Certified Safety and Emissions Inspection
Oil, Lube and Filter Change
Radiators & Coolant Flush
Automatic and Manual Transmission Fluid
Air Conditioning retrofits and recharging
Fuel Injection and Intake Systems
Engine / Drive-train / Electrical
Internal Engine Work
Gaskets, seals, rockers, cams, bearings, valves, pistons, cylinders, head replacement, valve adjustments, timing belts & chains.
Cooling Systems
Radiators, pipes & hoses, fans, thermostats and water pumps, belts.
Drive-trains
Axles, drive shafts, wheel bearings, CV and U joints, transfer cases, differentials, engine and transmission mounts.
Transmissions
Automatic and Manual, Flywheels and Clutches, Torque Converters, Shift linkages, Synchros, Gears and Bearings, coolers and filters.
Electrical
Wiring Harnesses, fuses, relays, sensors, switches, computers, spark plugs, wires, coils, distributors, ignition points, alternators, batteries, Light bulbs.
Exhaust / Brakes / Suspension / Tires
Exhaust Systems
Mufflers, Catalytic Converters, Oxygen Sensors, Hangers.
Brakes
Pads, Rotors & Sensors, Drums & Shoes, Cables, ABS Modules.
Suspensions
Alignments, Springs, Shocks and Struts, Control Arms, Ball Joints, Sway Bars, Bushings.
Wheels & Tires
Mounting and Balancing, Rotations, Pressure Monitoring Systems.
Mechanical / Electrical Repair
on anything you drive as long as it is German
Internal Engine Improvement
Knife Edge, Balancing, Port & Polish, Shot Peen, Bore & Stroke Kits, Heavy Duty & Advanced Materials, Ceramic IMS Bearings, Direct Oil Feed Systems.
Repair & Rebuilding
Mild to Wild, the only constraints are your budget, desires and usage requirements.
Drive-train
Heavy Duty Clutches, Light Weight Flywheels, Gear Ratios, Short Shift Kits, Axles, Drive Shafts.
Computer System Tuning
Chips, Flask Kits, External Ports, Gauges
Tuning / Upgrades & Customization
Tuning / Upgrades & Customization
There can be a lot of overlap when it comes to racing and tuning, much of the same craftsmanship and skills apply in both cases. Adding performance, reliability or looks to make your vehicle unique as simply as upgrading tires and brakes or suspension to going further by removing weight, adding lightness and tuning to produce more power, be it bolting on "Go Fast" parts or designing an entire custom system, from exhaust to computer chips, turbos, intercoolers and superchargers. We can turn your ride into a rocket!
Parts & Warranties
Parts & Warranties
Our team of specialists are able to source the best parts and negotiate fair and discounted prices to pass savings on to our clients. Whether it be classic or vintage parts or the latest and greatest tuning technology, we do the research so you do not have to worry. Sometimes our clients prefer to supply their own parts, which we will gladly install as long as it is discussed beforehand. Many aftermarket parts manufacturers have their own warranties due to the nature of the performance tuning industry. Please feel free to call to discuss any questions or concerns you might have.
Track & Race Cars
Not only do we love working on cars
but we also love to drive them and have a history of participating in several competitive and gentlemanly racing series such as the SCCA, Porsche Club Racing, SVRA and HSR. Years of experience lead to expertise in set up and attention to detail. The nature of our small family run shop allows our clients and their cars to to be the focus of our team, ensuring a personal one on one relationship, making sure they have a clear connection with the mechanics that work on the cars.
Whether you are interested in just the basics or full on track support
let us know what you are looking for and we will be happy to discuss putting a plan together that makes the most sense for you. Track days and racing can be some of the most fun you can have with your clothes on, but it is also a very serious hobby or sport. We strive to help our clients enjoy it as fully and as safely as possible.
Dependable Fabrication
We have a reputation for building safe, sturdy and reliable track cars.
Chassis
From a simple "Super Vee" or the occasional weekend street car turned track day toy to a full on vintage Porsche RSR or modern BMW M3 or Porsche GT3, we can get you set up.
Internal Engine Work
For more power, responsiveness and reliability, we can restore, repair or rebuild from routine overhauls to radical recreations.
Drive-trains & Transmissions
Often overlooked in many track cars, the right gearing and robustness can help your car go a long way, literally.
Brakes
Confidence inspires speed. Many enthusiasts want to go faster, but sometimes don't realize that an easy and safer way to lower lap times is to optimize brake feel and decrease stopping distances, so you can brake less. "With great power comes great responsibility."
DE / Track / Race Car Preparation
We can manage all of your track day and race weekend needs.
Tech Inspections for most local and national clubs and organizations
High Performance Suspension Set ups, Alignment, Corner Balancing, Ride Height Adjustment, Springs and Coil Overs
Safety Equipment, Roll Cages, Harnesses, Fire Suppression, Seats, Window Nets
Transponders and Telemetry Equipment, Gauges and Shift Lights
Exhaust System Fabrication, Silencers, Cat By Pass, Straight Pipes
Weight Removal, Sound Deadening, Dash and Interiors, Plexiglass and Thinner Glass
Aerodynamics, Wings, Spoilers, Gurneys, Air Dams, Ducting and Diffusers
Restoration & Preservation
Preservation
Many classics can be preserved in near original condition if done right, while others may need a bit more TLC. The value of an heirloom or barn find can be maintained or enhanced with some attention from the proper outlets. With our vast experience in the industry we have the knowledge base to help our clients make the important decisions about their classic vehicle. Every vintage and classic vehicle is special to someone. Whether you are interested in restoring your vehicle to better than it was from the factory from the ground up or preserving its originality and value, meet with our experts to discuss a strategy that best suits your needs and desires. We bring cars back to their functional best and prevent the sands of time from further deteriorating their original beauty.
Restoration
Some projects only need a little TLC to get back to road worthy while others make take years of step by step processes to be concourse prepared from the ground up. Our experts can work with you to determine the best course of action and develop a plan that fits your desires and budget. The entire scope of a project can be outlined and documented throughout the restoration to add value and keep you involved as much as you like. Ultimately, your complete satisfaction is our goal so you can be confident in trusting our team with your vintage vehicle restoration so that you can enjoy it as it should be for many years to come.
Parts & Warranties
Our team of specialists are able to source rare and hard to find parts and negotiate fair prices to pass savings on to our clients. Often when dealing with vintage parts, the market prices fluctuate due to limited supply and heavy demand. We do the research so you do not have to worry about finding the correct classic or vintage parts. Whenever we are installing used or salvaged parts and accessories, warranty exceptions may apply. Sometimes our clients prefer to supply their own parts, which we will gladly install for them as long as it is discussed beforehand. Please feel free to call to discuss any questions or concerns you might have.
Cleaning & Detailing:
A clean car is a happy car. After we ensure your vehicle is repaired or serviced, we offer options to help preserve and protect your vehicle's appearance. This can also be done semi annually when your car comes in for routine service. Some examples of these options include : Exterior Hand Wash, Interior Carpet Vacuum, Windows & Dash, Engine Compartment; Clay Bar, Oxidation Glaze, Carnauba & Synthetic Waxes, Leather, Upholstery & Chrome. The importance of cleaning a vehicle properly can often be overlooked. Not all products and techniques are created equal. Vintage paint can have a patina that holds value and is often very thin from years of exposure to the elements. Some cleaning and detailing services out there may not observe these factors and could actually do more damage than good. For this reason we do not use harsh chemicals, high pressure washers or high speed buffers on vintage vehicles that require more attention to detail. Please call us to discuss the various options that may be best for your car.
Auto Advocacy
Today more than ever many of our clients express a need for an honest unbiased resource when it comes time to sell their current vehicle or purchase a new, pre-owned or classic car. We provide several solutions and types of assistance for those that need help handling the situation themselves or do not have the time to deal with all the details. We can also provide logistical, maintenance and repair management solutions to ease the demands of German luxury and sports car ownership. All too often, we meet folks that "got a great deal" on a recent purchase, but unfortunately we have to be the barer of bad news after we take a look at the "deal" and find issues that were unknown or undisclosed. Let us help to avoid any surprises by providing guidance through the process before you finalize any purchase. Sometimes a quick discussion can save you thousands down the road, while other times a bit more hands on help from our team ensures you the best vehicle ownership experience possible.
Purchase Assistance
We have years of experience in the automobile industry that creates advantages and access to resources that most consumers do not, allowing us to take the hassle out of buying a car for you. From prospecting to negotiations and delivery, we can walk you through the entire process.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
For previously owned and classic vehicles, a multi-point checklist giving you a better idea of what ownership will entail before you decide to buy. Allow our experts to investigate a vehicle's condition and history prior to your investment to make sure you know what you are getting involved with, minimizing as many surprises down the road as possible.
Post Purchase Inspection
A painstakingly thorough appraisal of a recently acquired vehicle for the purpose of planning a maintenance, preservation or restoration strategy. Planning ahead now means enjoying for years to come.
Sale Assistance
Allow us to manage the fine details of selling your current vehicle for you to ensure your priorities are satisfied, whether it be time or top dollar. Including appraisal, market analysis, strategic advertising and tax & DMV paperwork processing.
Luxury Concierge Concept
Time is universally valuable to everyone these days.
Peace of mind can be just as important. Making every dollar count makes more sense today than ever.
Our concierge service can help eliminate the hassle of luxury and sports car ownership by making repairs and maintenance a breeze.
No more arranging a ride to and from the shop or waiting for a taxi. With membership in the program, your car(s) can receive monthly check ups and be picked up and dropped off to any location for you.
One point of consistent expert contact rather than a revolving door of service advisers and mechanics.
We can even handle the logistics of having your car serviced by another repair shop, a dealership or a body shop. Just like with regular visits to see your doctor, regular mechanical check ups help us to find out about potential repairs before they are needed, allowing for preventative maintenance and avoiding costly surprises down the road. Extensive record keeping preserves value and ensures the best resale or trade in possible.
Also available are cleaning and detailing services along with a fully customizable list of options depending on your individual needs.
While the concierge concept is not for everyone, it is everything to those that subscribe to it.
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General Info
Hours
Monday:
7:30am - 6:00pm
Tuesday:
7:30am - 6:00pm
Wednesday:
7:30am - 6:00pm
Thursday:
7:30am - 6:00pm
Friday:
7:30am - 6:00pm
Saturday:
-
Sunday:
-
About Us
We change the way people care for their cars by providing convenient and innovative repair and maintenance solutions, allowing our clients to safely enjoy their vehicles fully and with great peace of mind.
No repair is too big or too small! Daily Drivers, Weekend Toys, Modern Sports Cars, Tasteful Modifications & Customization, Classic Vintage Preservation & Restoration, we can fix anything German.
30+ years of German auto maintenance, repair, modification and customization, specializing in your daily drivers to classic vintage preservation and restoration and race car preparation.