First kinda-lame experience..., ...but already recovering! Options

[eriqx]

So, without running on and on with too much detail... as per this thread:
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?sho...=239222&hl=
I am pretty new to this.

As far as quick background goes, I am pretty handy. But that said, I am absolutely not a mechanic. I like to tinker, and take things apart. But there is plenty that I am just going to pay someone else to do. My primary focus with my 914 is to drive around in it, and enjoy it for as long as possible.

I found a fun little specialty shop, that was recommended by a friend (who knows the owner personally), that specializes in German makes, old and new. I took it in for the standard once-over. In short, they kinda blew me off. Before they even pulled it into the back, they were confirming that I had "already bought this thing" (with a negative connotation), and "what were my intentions for this car", etc. etc. It was off-putting. After it was all said and done, they mentioned a few minor concerns, and said that the fair amount of rust lurking underneath should deter me from "pouring any money into this thing". Then they said I'd get a copy of the list (of repair needs), I would not get a quote on any repairs for another day (understandable, 44-year-old parts to be found). At which point I paid, realized later I got the receipt (but NO copy of the list), and they never called back (ever) with any quotes.

After all that, I was a bit dismayed - in the sense that, is this going to be what I am up against trying to keep this beautiful little car in my life... I went thru the whole "people just don't get it" thing, thinking that even only having been a 914 owner for a month, I've inherited an obsessive love for this machine, where normal humans only see a rusty unsalvageable nightmare.

But I digress. I found another shop. A one-man show, specializes in VW only. Talked with him today, and set his expectations (there is rust, get ready, get over it). He said we will work together, get a game plan in place, and one thing at a time, whatever I can do, and whatever I need to pay him to do, this car has a future. He also mentioned a company in Atlanta that sells all the frame and body parts - their mission statement being that no 914 anywhere will ever rust away.

I'm not delusional, I know rust is the devil. And I know over time the money will add up. But I have a lot of time. And I am patient. The first shop seemed to think I wanted to restore it and take it to Concours or something. This guy is just happy I want to drive it around, and he seems ready to help me do that.

So I rambled on anyway. But wanted to share. I hit my first wall, but think I have recovered nicely with a very cool, local, and understanding mechanic. Here's to the hopefully long future of at least one 914.