The Mechanics (1977–1981) are considered to be the first punk band to come out of Fullerton, California.

The Mechanics were a fusion of two bands, the L.A. Brats (Scott, Dennis, Brett and Sandy, which also featured John Crawford, future Berlin bassist) and Head Over Heels' songwriter and guitarist, Tim Racca. Head Over Heels also featured Danny Furious (O'Brien: pre-Joan Jett) and Greg Westermark before they formed punk legends The Avengers.

Since there was no "punk metal" classification at the time, The Mechanics headlined bills with bands as diverse as Fear and The Runaways, and metal groups featuring future Mötley Crüe members Tommy Lee and Mick Mars, George Lynch of Dokken, Matt Sorum of Guns N' Roses, and Snow featuring Carlos Cavazo. Included among their fan base were Blackie Lawless, Jeff Dahl, and members of Van Halen.

They are now remembered mostly by Orange County musicians who watched them in their teens like Mike Ness, Dennis Danell, and Rikk Agnew. Though they released only one 45 rpm single during their existence, their songs turned up on other's records, namely The Adolescents ("Frustrated" from Balboa Fun Zone) and The Avengers (their Dangerhouse single "Car Crash" is a reworking of The Mechanics "Warm Hollywood Welcome"). A copy of the Mechanics' rare 45 (only 500 were pressed) sold in 2009 for $348.00 on EBay.