
All in a day's work: From left, a 1969(?) Toyota Corona, a 1965 Lincoln Continental, and a 1966(?) Pontiac GTO awaiting service at the House of Brakes
The House of Brakes is an automotive repair shop located on the corner of 24th Street and South Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco's Mission District. To the best of our knowledge, The House of Brakes is in no way affiliated with the International House of Pancakes, The House of Blues nightclub chain, or the House of Prime Rib across town.
Apart from the curious name, the House of Brakes is familiar to many local motorists because of the sprawling mural that unfolds on the side of the building behind the garage.

What's the deal? The House of Brakes is operated by Dan Borg, who has owned the place since 1981. Borg inherited the name from the previous owner, who may well have inherited it from someone else. Either way, the inspiration behind the moniker has been lost to the sands of time.
If you walk by the House of Brakes on a regular basis -- which we do -- another fact may become apparent: The House of Brakes is a mecca for vintage cars.
Not show cars, mind you; The House of Brakes is where daily-drivers go when they need a little TLC. The parking lot of the House of Brakes is like a rotating car show, with a steady flow of cars from the '50s, '60s, and '70s awaiting attention outside.
Once Telstar Logistics clued in to this fact, we began taking pictures. The photoset that follows is hardly exhaustive, and it's not even finished; We'll continue to add more photos over the months ahead. But for now, we invite you to take a look at the kinds of cars that have been entrusted to Dan Borg and company at the House of Brakes.
LINK:
House of Brakes (Telstar Logistics Flickr photoset)
I wonder if my stolen '66 Corvair is hidden in that building? And look up "Stinkin Linkin" to see what some folks in New Orleans did with a flooded car.
The sad thing is, Chrysler would sell more 57s than current cars if offered.
Now where is that pesky STP?
Posted by: Bill Tippins | 29 January 2008 at 01:34 PM
I'm trying to find a Dan Borg who lived in Mexico, by any chance is that you? or you might know about him?
Thanks!
ecatalan165@yahoo.com
Posted by: Mr. Dan Borg | 06 March 2008 at 12:37 PM
Those vintage cars were so cute. I really appreciate and adore vintage cars design and I honestly prefer to ride on these cars that the new ones.
Posted by: Car Advice | 12 January 2009 at 01:15 AM
The House of Brakes is one of the best automotive repair shop in San Francisco. It was totally associated on vintage cars which is happened to be one of my collection.
Posted by: Jacksonville Limo | 10 March 2009 at 11:59 PM