Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Arizona Mechanic?

Posted by: volksswag63 Oct 22 2021, 02:57 PM

Hello! Total NEWB here. I just bought a 75 914 2.0 and I feel like I'm in over my head. 914 World has been a wealth of info for me. I used to drive VWs back in the day, but this car is another level. Does anyone know of some good mechanics in Phoenix to work on 914s? I have reached out to Dan at competition, Doug's and AZ Auto Care. The only one willing to take a look at my car is Dan, but he's booked until December. Just want to get it looked over and in good running order. All suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Posted by: JamesM Oct 22 2021, 03:06 PM

They are not as hard as they seem to work on yourself... you have to start somewhere.

That being said the only sort of unusual thing on these cars is the engine/fuel injection. Find a local shop that works on later aircooled VW buses and they should be able to handle any issue in a 914.

Posted by: Coondog Oct 22 2021, 04:28 PM

Becks euro
Don Jackson ent

Both those shops are #1

My pick would be Don

Posted by: Steve Oct 22 2021, 04:58 PM

Just curious what about stuttgart Southwest in Tempe. They worked on my car when I lived there 25 years ago.

Posted by: Costa05 Oct 22 2021, 06:17 PM

Dont have a mechanic to recommend but nearby in
Laveen AZ.

Posted by: Front yard mechanic Oct 22 2021, 08:11 PM

Call his bluff and schedule for December I bet he will fit you in before then .

Posted by: ndfrigi Oct 22 2021, 08:43 PM

Welcome to 914world @http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showuser=25980

Is it currently running?
Fuel Injection or carbs

Maybe share a picture of the engine from top view.

I’m sure with your experienced with VWs, 914 should be easy for you also.

Posted by: 914e Oct 23 2021, 07:30 PM

Depending on what is needed to be done Patrick Motorsports might be an option.
What needs to be done to it?

Posted by: AZBanks Oct 24 2021, 12:54 AM

I have been very happy with Don Jackson and Becks.

I wasn't as happy with Stuttgart Southwest.

Posted by: volksswag63 Oct 26 2021, 10:56 AM

Thanks for all of the responses. Needs electrical work. It's kind of a rats nest currently. Needs new carburetor, currently has a manual choke want to convert to electric. Have been told that if I'm doing that, I might as well do dual carbs. Does that sound right? I'll post pics of the engine later today.

Posted by: volksswag63 Oct 26 2021, 10:58 AM

QUOTE(Front yard mechanic @ Oct 22 2021, 07:11 PM)

Call his bluff and schedule for December I bet he will fit you in before then .

I did end up scheduling with him, hope you're right. Still looking for other options in the meantime

Posted by: volksswag63 Oct 26 2021, 11:12 AM

QUOTE(ndfrigi @ Oct 22 2021, 07:43 PM)

Honestly, I'm not THAT experienced with VWs. I mostly just drove them. I could do minor things, but am definitely not a mechanic.

Posted by: 914_teener Oct 26 2021, 11:53 AM

Ok...so you want suggestions per your post:

If you are not mechanically inclined here you go:

Looks like a good tub and I'm not sure how much you paid for it. The best thing would have been to have an expert who knows 914's do a PPI before you buy a car....especially a P car. There is an old adage that the cheapest Porsche will be the most expensive car you ever own. So unless you are willing to learn and work on your own car then maybe the old adage isn't the case.

Get the car running just good enough to have fun with it. As such time it is not fun anymore or you don't have enough funds to continue to pay a mechanic then I'd find a buyer after it is running or sorted. My quess would be around $3,500 bucks or so...given there are no major problems.

Not sure what you mean by a "rats nest" for the wiring. These cars are rather simple to troubleshoot....if you know what you are doing. Again if there are burned wires or other splices then that is a sign that there were serious issues going on like a past fire or rust ect. going on.

If you decide to keep it for a while meaning 10 years or so. Expect to spend some coin. I'd try and restore the car to it's stock form. There are few survivors left that are stock and they are a lot of fun in stock form plus they hold their value better if that is your goal to hold onto it.
To have somebody else do this....and this isn't meant to scare you or discourage you between 10 and 20k. Maybe this is why you "feel" way over your head?

This is a great site and if you are willing to learn and do the work....well worth it.

Good luck.