Already, after only five months of operating, Gearhead Systems International has 300 members, many of who are frequent repeat customers.

Gearhead, which opened in the old Suzuki World on Oakland Beach Avenue in September, is a professional auto service facility with five separate bays, all of which are available to be rented on an hourly basis for $20.

On Monday, Congressman James Langevin visited Gearhead with co-owners Ron and Cheryl Long and Gary Neirinckx. The three owners were happy to report that in five months of business, 100 percent of people who come to use the facility are “blown away,” never having a bad experience.

They have seen a huge range in ages and abilities from 19-year-old brand new hobbyists to students practicing their craft to older generation experts making some money on the side.

“What’s great is that people can get the job done, wash their hands and not have to worry about making a commitment to their own space,” Ron said. “This gives people with the means and ability to fix cars, but maybe not the financial standing, to do their work in a safe, clean place and maybe make some money on top of it.”

During his visit Langevin also spoke with Don and Eric Hersperger, a father and son duo fixing the breaks on a family member’s car. Both love the space itself and said by doing the job themselves they often save about half of what would have been spent going to a dealership or professional mechanic.

With hours seven days a week, Eric said it works well for him to rent space on his days off. Without Gearhead he said he’d be working in his driveway, on his back in the rain on Monday. The Gearhead facility saves him money and frustration.

“It gives the average Joe mechanic a convenient space to get the job done,” Eric said. “You have the peace of mind knowing exactly what was done to the car and it was done well when you do it yourself.”

Langevin was impressed with the space and believes Gearhead is a “great concept.”

“This seems like a great opportunity for the owners and their customer base. There are so many applications for a space like this one. For those hands-on people this is a highly accessible facility for a modest cost. It seems like a win-win all the way around,” Langevin said.

Although already doing “phenomenally,” the team at Gearhead is looking to expand their community partnerships, such as working with the New England Institute of Technology’s automotive program, possibly hosting seminars at the Oakland Beach Ave. facility. They are also looking into offering club packages for car clubs who would like to rent the entire space for the day to help their newest members become more accustomed to working on their own cars.

For more information on Gearhead Systems International visit their Facebook page or website at www.gearheadsystemsinternational.com or call 739-0090.