Thunderbolt

Specialties

For over 84 years, Thunderbolt Products has re-​manufactured and installed engines, transmissions, and other equipment in automobiles and boats.

Our rebuilt engines are backed by a limited nationwide warranty. Thunderbolt tests each rebuilt engine thoroughly after disassembling and cleaning. Benefit from stellar services including Transmission Repair Engine, Repair Rebuilt Engines, Transmissions Marine Engine, Re-​manufactured Engines and Transmissions, Classic Car Engines, Cylinder Heads, Crankshaft Kits, Parts, and more!

Our primary concentration is factored around you, the Houston area automobile owner. We make every attempt to ensure our product lines are heavily stocked for quick turnarounds on your repairs. We know and understand that your vehicle is very important to your daily successes. Come see why drivers in Texas have trusted our family-​owned shop since our inception in 1946!

History

Established in 1946.

Our company was started before World War II by a hard working Chrysler mechanic named Harry Hartley. He had run away from home at 15 and took up the trade of auto mechanics. He learned the basics of automobile repair from his mother. He worked as a mechanic in a Chrysler dealership in downtown Houston but yearned to open his own business. He started a small repair shop out of an old Cities Service gas station. Just as business was starting to take off he was drafted.

After the war, he opened his first true engine exchange. After the war, factories had all been converted to war production and no one could buy a new car. Because of this, Harry found himself very busy. Everyone had cars with worn-​out engines that needed to be rebuilt.

Building his small company into a vast empire, he bought and helped design machinery that could assist in remanufacturing over 200 engines a day! In 1970, he closed all the plants and opened a small engine plant on the southeast side of Houston.

Meet the Business Owner

Mike J.

Business Owner

In early 1997 Harry’s son, Skip, took the reins. Skip has moved the company in new directions, while never forgetting the principals his father taught him. Mike now owns the establishment and continues to provide Texans with some of the best repair work in the area.

At Thunderbolt Products, we believe in giving back to the community that has given so much to us. We contribute to Big Brothers, the Sierra Club, The Shriners, various school and little league functions and a local mission for the homeless.