VW 0r Old Bug Mechanic ... Options

[pecci]

... able to work on a 914?

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

[dlestep]

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.