Greyback Transmissions equipped to repair those gear-grinding issues
Roy Holt of Greyback Transmissions
Selma resident Ray Holt has been working on cars since he was a teenager growing up in the area.
After graduating from Illinois Valley High School (IVHS) in 1981, Holt enrolled in the automotive program Rogue Community College (RCC). He then spent the following 20 years working at auto shops in Grants Pass and honing his craft.
“Hydromatic transmissions always intrigued me,” Holt said. “That intrigue lead me down this road.”
Holt eventually grew weary of commuting to and from Grants Pass. So last month, he decided to go in to business for himself, and set up Greyback Transmissions at his Selma residence.
“It’s been a long-time goal of mine to have my own shop,” Holt said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
Working out of his garage has had other benefits for Holt and his family.
“I can spend a little more time with my grandkids by working out at the house,” Holt said.
Greyback Transmissions is located at 311 Briar Lane, off Thompson Creek Road. Holt said that despite being a little out of the way, customers have not had a hard time locating the business.
“I’m out here in the country, but I find out that people are not intimidated by that,” Holt said.
Over the years, Holt has acquired all the necessary equipment to build and service transmissions.
“I probably have more equipment in this shop than a lot of shops out here,” Holt said.
Holt specializes in upgrading automatic truck transmissions, and works with shift kits and coolers for Ford, GMC and Dodge pickups.
“I’m trying to target the big trucks,” Holt said.
Holt builds his own transmissions, but also installs used ones for customers who are looking to save money.
Greyback Transmissions is fully licensed through the state, and Holt said he charges less for transmission work than his competitors.
“I can save somebody $500 to $600 they would have spent going to a dealer -- and have a better product,” Holt said. “A lot people can’t afford the dealer. I’m a very effective alternative.”
Greyback is set up for Visa and MasterCard transactions, and can be reached at (541) 597-2988.
