Seattle Porsche repair shop.........

JWPATE · 09-11-2005, 07:48 PM

Gentlemen,

I am using this forum to try and gain some local information on Seattle, Wa.

As a result of the recent storm in New Orleans, my son is this week relocating to Seattle. He was employed and respected as the very best, at the New Orleans Porsche dealership. The hope now is to start over in Seattle..........but without any of the things he had worked so hard for. No tools, no manuals, no nothing. I am going to load up my own tool set and drive it up, Nevada to Seattle, as a start.

The question is this, and directed at those with knowledge of Seattle; my own experience there was some 25 years ago, and I note that University Porsche is not in the yellow pages. Must be history. There are no dealers listed in Seattle, the nearest being across the lake, too far to daily commute.

Sooo, who do you Seattle types suggest as the very best repair facility in town? He has been to ALL the Porsche factory schools........he lives and breathes the cars.........and we are seeking to locate the local favorite-shop .........from experience, I know that in Seattle there must be "the place" for true Porsche aficionados.

Thank you for reading this, and I will be most grateful for any information.

James Pate

pwd72s · 09-11-2005, 07:55 PM

In the case you're not Leland Pate pulling our legs? Check in with John Walker (John Walker's Workshop) who posts here...he may or may not be hiring at his shop, but he definitely knows the Seattle Porsche scene...and we can always use another skilled P-car wrench in the Northwest. Especially since Tyson Schmidt left for Southern Cal to meet the ladies down there.

jim72911t · 09-11-2005, 08:12 PM

I can offer no answer to your question, but wish your son (and you) the best of luck.

Jim

JWPATE · 09-11-2005, 08:19 PM

No, I am not Leland, and most certainly I am not pulling your leg. I am however most grateful for your suggestion of John Walkers. I had already searched the yellow pages for Porsche repair shops. There are four on my list, and now John Walker has a star.

Time is of the essence, and I thank you for your help.

James

AFJuvat · 09-11-2005, 08:20 PM

Gerber Motorsport.

Talk to the Service advisor Mark - he is a member of this board under the name Britwrench.

Gerber Motorsport Inc.
206-352-6911
service@gerbermotorsport.com

AFJ

Joeaksa · 09-11-2005, 08:25 PM

Another vote for John Walker. One of the best on the entire forum.

JoeA

pwd72s · 09-11-2005, 08:26 PM

James, my apology...but those who know Leland know he's had some good natured fun here before. John is a valued contributor on the tech side of this board, and a nice guy. Depending on your son's skills & specialties, once contacted, I'm sure he'll give good advice. Good luck, and I'm hoping Seattle guys will soon weigh in. I'm located several hundred miles South of there...

HardDrive · 09-11-2005, 08:28 PM

John Walker is excellent, but I think he works alone.

What about Fat City? They specialize in German cars, including Porsche.

http://www.fatcity.net

JWPATE · 09-11-2005, 08:31 PM

Thank you for that advise. I certainly will pass it on to the lad. Now we have two recommendations. What a great club!

James

pwd72s · 09-11-2005, 08:38 PM

James, once your son is settled? Be sure to tell him that his input is more than welcome here...especially on the technical and engine building boards.

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of tools and manuals...but I'm glad to hear your son is okay! He still has his head and his hands. Those are the important tools! As I said, John may not be hiring, but he DOES know the Seattle Porsche scene.

JWPATE · 09-11-2005, 08:47 PM

Thanks PWT72s,

And sorry if I sounded too stressed out.........and lacking a sense of humor. Actually that isn't the true case, even in this event. Probably though, I am about two hours late in getting to bed. Will go there now!

James

Kmatts · 09-13-2005, 06:51 AM

James,
check with Joe English at Group 2 Motorsports.
they are starting to service some Porsches.
http://www.group2inc.com/
206 378 0900

check with Denny or Mark Akers at Akers Inc.
(my cars go there and i know them very well). they work on ALL Porshces.... 206 329 5253

check with Chris's German Auto 425 462 9296
http://www.chrisgerman.com/

here is the local dealer. Barrier Porsche in Bellevue
http://barrier.porschedealer.com/
425-467-6000

Park Place LTD also has a lot of Porsches, i believe they carry about 50 in their inventory.
http://www.parkplaceltd.com/
425 562 1000

Ferrari of Seattle. (guy i know used to work there, was not certified Ferrari mechanic...fyi)
206 329 7070
http://www.ferrariofseattle.com/

off the top of my head...that's all i can think of at the moment.
Cheers, and best wishes to your family.
keep us posted.
Kyle.

Superman · 09-13-2005, 02:13 PM

The Kmatts list is fairly complete, except for Gerber mentioned above, and my personal favorite, John Walker, who normally works alone. Those are the places to take a Porsche. I'd have your son call and visit all those shops. Including and especially John. He's been pretty busy these days.

kqw · 09-14-2005, 05:53 PM

Why not investigate the "entrepreneural" options.

I've seen where there is a service in the So. Ca area where an experienced P-technician will go to the customer.

Do a search, or someone will chime in as to who that is. Maybe, just maybe that person will help establish your son or help him become an affiliate.

JWPATE · 09-19-2005, 05:06 PM

Gentlemen,
Please forgive me for not responding sooner, to your many helpful suggestions and also for your heartfelt good wishes. Believe me; they were each appreciated far beyond my poor power to express.

As this little drama has unfolded, the lad is soon to start as an eager new technician at one of the Seattle Porsche repair houses that you recommended. It would be inappropriate, I suppose, to list here either his name or the firm which is to be his new employer. It is however, altogether beyond me not to thank each of you for the assistance. While driving from New Orleans there was no opportunity for him to inquire, or he surely would have done so. Likewise, with only the clothes they left the storm with, he is, even now, unable to express his own appreciation, so mine will have to do for the time. Suffice it to state, he could not have done it without your kind help.

The family is to move into an apartment in Seattle on Wednesday. The child started school in the city today. An apprentice set of tools are to arrive this week and he is to start work on Monday next. His own tool set seems to have been above the water in New Orleans, and will follow in due course.

Having enjoyed some twenty years on Whidbey Island during the Navy years of my own life, I am fully aware and appreciative of the fine weather you have this time of year. That little family could have not have selected a better spot on the planet to flee to, nor a better season for the exodus, nor a finer clan of Porsche enthusiasts to begin working for.

I wish each of you a happy Oktoberfest. As you exercise your various Porsche
Cars throughout Gods Country, during this beautiful, autumn-wonderland, I want you to know that one, old, true-believer is thinking of you, appreciative and envious.

Special thanks go to Mr. John Walkers for the encouraging private messages and support. John, I hope to visit your shop before the next year passes us by, with gratitude.

Best regards,
James

pwd72s · 09-19-2005, 05:12 PM

I dunno about the rest of you guys, but I just LOVE a happy ending!

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Good news indeed. Make sure he checks in here once he's settled. We do things every now and then...

rjp

Kmatts · 09-20-2005, 04:42 AM

this is GREAT news....and I don't think its inappropriate to tell us where your son is working...I'm sure we'll eventually bump into him or figure it out!

this news just made my morning.
Kyle.