First kinda-lame experience..., ...but already recovering! |
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First kinda-lame experience..., ...but already recovering! |
eriqx |
Jul 24 2014, 01:16 PM
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#1
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 20 Joined: 9-July 14 From: Milwaukee, WI Member No.: 17,606 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
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. |
eriqx |
Jul 26 2014, 08:41 PM
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#2
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Newbie Group: Members Posts: 20 Joined: 9-July 14 From: Milwaukee, WI Member No.: 17,606 Region Association: Upper MidWest |
So the updates (so far)...
I have since been to the VW shop, and this guy is really very cool. I gave him a little breakdown of my experience with the previous shop (I did not mention the name of the shop) - and he named it immediately. He knew the deal. They only like shiny things, and kinda look down their nose at the old stuff, the air cooled stuff, the stuff that's a little rougher around the edges. He himself is driving around in a VW Bus. I'm immediately feeling better. He is building himself a Karmann Ghia and is pretty excited about having a new customer who loves his 914. After his inspection, the diagnoses is that the previously exaggerated rust is not that bad (there is a rusted-thru jack point, need to replace). And the car needs a ball joint. But the engine is good, the trans is good. The rust is manageable. It was a really great experience overall. i'm glad I found this guy. As for all the good stuff I'm learning here... I've got Atlanta crossed off the list. I've got TCs Garage and Restoration Design in Canada added to my list. And a coworker of mine has since put me in touch with a guy in Texas who owns a few 914s and has some parts available. I'm feeling pretty in-the-zone at the moment, all things considered. Thou I *did* have a brief non-starting electrical issue today. But that is a completely other story... PS - jmill, I will probably have to take you up on that someday. I do appreciate the offer and am looking forward to learning my own way around this beautiful little monster. |
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