MUNCY - Apple Hill 4x4 began with a passion for off-roaders 16 years ago and has expanded to serve any automotive needs.
"I was lucky enough to turn it into a career," Aaron Salvatori, owner, said.
He worked out of the empty building his grandfather owned and was able to start it by himself. He named the company Apple Hill 4x4 because the garage was on the hills of an apple farm.
"It wasn't about the money," Salvatori said. "It was the love of trucks and modifications."
Apple Hill serves as the area's longest customizer and upfitter, which also is a one-stop shop for automobiles, whether they want higher wheels, an oil change or just repairs.
"Hit a deer, we can fix it," Salvatori said. "If it's not totaled, we can fix it. If you buy a Jeep, we can lift it."
The 13 staff members provide different insights because they come from different backgrounds in experience.
"We're chockful of knowledgeable staff," Salvatori said.
A complete line of lift kits and lift kit accessories are available for trucks and SUVs. People want lift kits for a variety of reasons, sometimes because they want the ground clearance when they drive off the road or because they like how it looks.
The customization allows the company to use different skills to make the automobile match the customer's expectations.
"We did some sick, ridiculous builds," Salvatori said. "What people consider odd is every day for us."
Customers come from all over the area for the customization. One regular customer drives from Virginia a few times a year to get upgrades, he said.
Installing a diesel engine is popular lately because in the long run it is more efficient and more powerful. Even though diesel is more expensive, it can double how far the car goes.
In general repair, services include tune ups, brakes, mount and balance tires, state inspections, state emissions testing, general and scheduled maintenance and coolant system flush.
A 30 point check is standard for customers as a part of preventive maintenance.
"Generally they don't need anything for inspection," Salvatori said. "No one wants an $800 bill. They'd rather have a couple of hundred dollar bills."
Since its inception, Apple Hill had to move to a bigger location to have enough room for its equipment and staff. He plans to stay at the location at 38 Lucas Drive for a while because there is room available to expand if it becomes necessary.
It also has expanded to include more necessary parts so customers do not have to wait for them to be ordered. Instead, the parts can be installed right away.
"If they run into needing it, it will be here," Salvatori said.
