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Posted by: pecci Oct 8 2011, 01:01 AM

... able to work on a 914?

Just wondering, if they could do the job for less $$$.

Posted by: hot_shoe914 Oct 8 2011, 03:11 AM

Maybe, but while there are a lot of similarities, I have found a lot of bug guys either don't know how or don't want to work on a type four. I would recommend finding someone with 914 experience. Of course, this all depends on what you are needing done. Just my .02 cents worth.


Shoe

Posted by: ripper911 Oct 8 2011, 04:48 AM

The VW shop that I use for the Bug wont touch the 914.

They usually either don't know the type 4 or don't want to work on them because things are so hard to get to.

Posted by: majkos Oct 8 2011, 07:22 AM

"You get what you pay for"
Period.


find somebody that knows 914s it'll save a lot of grief for everybody.
I hate fixing other people fuch ups

Posted by: scotty b Oct 8 2011, 07:34 AM

Do you guys think a podiatrist could fix my deviated septum any cheaper then my surgeon wants ???

I'm also thinking about talking to my allergist to see if he can save me a few bucks on the triple bypass I need.

Then again, Priceline.com might be able to get me a package deal on all of my doctorial needs

Posted by: jim_hoyland Oct 8 2011, 07:36 AM

Hector at the PCH Garage in Sunset Beach, CA has extensive bug and 914 experience and fair pricing. Here's the contact/location information:

562-592-5511
16747 Pacific Coast Highway
Sunset Beach, CA 90742

He's serviced my 914 the past 15 years and maintains 4 others.

Posted by: willamp Oct 8 2011, 08:40 AM

I walked into a local bug shop that was highly recommended to discuss a problem I was having and as soon as '914' came out of my mouth he said "stop right there, don't want to waste your time. I don't work on 914's. " I was a little put off but at least he was honest .

Posted by: avidfanjpl Oct 8 2011, 08:42 AM

Craig at Image imports does 914's. He keeps mine in order. Dyer Road in Santa Ana.

Ask for Craig Donaldson.

His partner is Marty. They are two real live characters as well!

Craig repaired an exhaust leak, timed and did my valve lash.

He also takes care of my 914-6. He is about to do that valve lash.

He timed it and consulted on the Zenith rebuild as well.

You need an appointment. 714-557-8300 Expect a wait of at least a week.

Worth it. They work really fast too.

John

Posted by: a914dude Oct 8 2011, 09:21 AM

http://porshaw.com/contact.asp

Posted by: Drums66 Oct 8 2011, 11:36 AM

......Save alot of grief, find a cat that know's them(speaking from buku experience)
(914's have alot of boogers)LOL

Posted by: Prospectfarms Oct 8 2011, 10:24 PM

Please tell me you're being ironic: the 914 is a VW in everything but name.

The reason many "bug" mechanics don't like to work on 914's is engine bay access or their experience is limited to type 1 (upright) engines. The same mechanics won't (shouldn't) work on '72 and-up buses either. The answer to the OP's lies in whether the potential mechanic has expertise with type 4 engines. If they do, and are willing to crawl into the trunk, then why not?

If presented a choice of hiring either an AC VW mechanic who works on late bay window buses, or the local Porsche dealership, I'd choose the former.

Posted by: DBCooper Oct 9 2011, 11:33 AM

I agree. There are some Porsche-specific things on the car, so don't expect a bug mechanic to know everything, but a lot of the stuff is the same even if it's different. If he's a GOOD mechanic he'll know the difference and tell you. If he's not a good mechanic then you're screwed anyway.

I wouldn't say that about a 911, I would say that about 50's Fords and 50's Chevys.

Posted by: dlestep Oct 9 2011, 06:12 PM

Having worked all aircooled VW type 1, type 3s except type 2s, '68 thru 72 Porsches,
and 914's, I would say the following...from experience dealing with shops in the past.

1. Americans in the 60's and 70's and still today, drive their aircooled motors
with about 25% to 50% down on power because of their lack of knowledge
and understanding the aircooled motor. (incorrect Ignition timing, over
carburatored, incorrectly jetted, incorrect valve adjustment, insufficient cooling
and inability to fix oil leaks).

2. A lot of VW shops would work motors but seemed shy about working
structural problems on the type 2 and type 3s.

3. Type 3s have always been sort of the step-child in the early VW world,
and mostly have had only engine work and ignoring the chassis.

4. The VW shops refused to work on the 411/412 as if they were alien
and snear as if they smell shit when asked. At the time they came out,
they were totally unknown, and the mechanics not wanting to own-up to
THEIR lack of inexperience, act as if you have a pile on your hands and
They don't work piles.

5. The VW and Porsche shops acted the same way as (4.) with the 914/4,
but in a different way...the 914/4 was above the VW guy and below the
Porsche guy.

Even today, the VW guys still act the same way, but the Porsche guys have
grown exponentually worse.

I learned from one of the best OLD FARTS in the world, working everything
from tractors, every American car produced from the begining of time to
about 1977, from the Metro to De Tamaso with Cleveland heads,
Alpha Romeos, Jaguars, Bug-eyed Sprites, Triumph TR-3s and TR-4 250s,
V-8 powered drag boats with V-drives, and even a VW powered Gyro-Copter.

Now... I am the old fart, retired, with no money and working three projects.
Two years ago, I had plenty of money, but no time....and now, I have plenty
of time and no money...I hate being a cliche.

Posted by: Prospectfarms Oct 9 2011, 07:50 PM

Your post was fascinating, thanks. I also reckon there isn't much about you that's a cliche.

Posted by: thelogo Oct 10 2011, 11:39 AM

my guy works on primary sandrails . bugs desert vehicles manx


but he's got real passion so he keep my teener going , but he's far from the


"" cheapest """ / he rarely does the job for less $$$!!!

Posted by: tomeric914 Oct 10 2011, 05:42 PM

I put a Type 4 engine in my Bug 20+ years ago. It's a 2270 now. Does that make me an old Bug mechanic or a Type 4 mechanic?