Call us: (937) 253-5166 — Visit: 1120 Wayne Ave, Dayton

About Us

The large glass panes of Carl’s Body Shop were Carl Hounshell’s window to the world – and life’s little mishaps. In 1932, he and his bride moved to Dayton where he first worked at Frigidaire until opening the now famous Carl’s Body Shop location. The neighborhood and its residents were his friends and his shop became an enduring landmark.

Throughout the years Carl kept the business a family affair. His son – Jerry Hounshell – has worked 40 years with his father. Daughter, Virginia, began working there when she was just 10 years old. It was there that she eventually met her husband Tom, who worked in the body shop. Carl was still working 10-hour days when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He succumbed to the disease in 1988.

The family was looking for someone to take over the established business, and so enters the new and current owner – Matt Miller. In 1989, there were only six employees and profit of $400,000 a year. Fast forward – 30 employees and $2 million in sales per year later – Matt turned Carl’s into the Dayton body shop juggernaut that it is today.

Our Body Shop & Customer Parking

We have a rental car store located in our customer parking lot for your convenience. Your vehicle drop off/pick up will be a smooth transition.

Mechanical Facility

Our Mechanical facility is located down the street on Blommel Lane next to Authorized Service. At Carl's we are a full service facility…not just a body shop.

Carl's Cars 4 Sale Used Car Sales

Was your vehicle a total loss and you need a reliable vehicle now? Or perhaps you're looking for that first car for your kids? Check out our car lot where each car has received a thorough inspection by both our body shop and our ASE certified Mechanics.

Give us a call for further details. Better yet, come down and take one for a test drive today.

Matt proudly shows off the historical buildings that house the expansive business. The main body shop – which can hold up to 35 cars – was a 19th century structure that once stabled the horses that pulled the city’s horse drawn streetcars. Another building was constructed with cork-insulated walls that once were an ice storage house that supplied the city with ice during the pre-refrigeration days. The main office was converted from an old tavern.

Partnering with his father, Matt has given back to the South Park neighborhood that he has called home now for over 24 years. They began to purchase properties around the shop to refurbish and help out this historic area.

Where are we located?

We are located at 1120 Wayne Avenue, Dayton Ohio 45410. Close to the corner of Keowee and Wayne. Our shop’s fascia from the front is very deceiving as we chose to keep it the original design of the Wayne Avenue area. However, as you entered our facility from the parallel street behind (Blommel Lane) you will see that Carl’s Body shop is a city block in length.