Seattle area ... good mechanics?

[jeffbottman]

I live in the city of Seattle, looking for a pointer to a good air cooled mechanic for routine work such as valve adjustments. Any leads are appreciated.

[Ayles]

I like Prova Motorsports in Magnolia for suspension work.

[panelbilly]

I like Bob at Autokraft in Kent

[RSBob]

Jeff Higgins. But he only accepts payment in beer and Jungfrauen.

[sugarwood]

You're kidding, right?
John Walker !
Active poster on this forum

[Ayles]

He said Seattle... John is now 30 or so miles outside of the city.

[spuggy]

I've had Chris' German (now Redmond) do a bunch of stuff since 2003. Squire's Autowerke should be good. John Walker an obvious choice also.

Just don't take it to the dealer.

For alignment/suspension/brakes/tires, Tru-Line in Bellevue & Seattle sets the bar pretty high, I think.

[Superman]

IMHO, you can find better alignment shops than Tru-Line. They are a tad bit arrogant. They sneered at the alignment specs I got from Mr. Steve Weiner. They sneered again when I suggested that 911s tend to understeer, particularly at autocross speeds and cornering. I'm done with Tru-Line. I think there is a shop in Bellevue that specializes in 911s.

For general mechanical stuff, there are only two people who may work on my car. Myself and John Walker. I think he could rebuild an engine wearing a blindfold.

[WolfeMacleod]

John may not be in Seattle any more, he's up in Marysville...
but...
There Is No Substitute.

[RSBob]

Originally Posted by spuggy

I've had Chris' German (now Redmond) do a bunch of stuff since 2003. Squire's Autowerke should be good. John Walker an obvious choice also.

Just don't take it to the dealer.

For alignment/suspension/brakes/tires, Tru-Line in Bellevue & Seattle sets the bar pretty high, I think.

Another vote for Chris’s, since John has moved up north. Ditto for Tru-Line if you can get past the attitude and million dollar show room, but some are into that which is cool.

[peter leinberge]

Omni Brake and Alignment is in Kirkland.
I've been using (& abusing) them for over 15 years.
Everything from Eurovans to Boxsters and everything I've owned in between.
Great folks, great service and things are done on time.

[RSBob]

^ man I was wracking my membrane trying to remember Omni’s name. I would definitely go to them. Well done Peter.

[Not Stig]

When only the best will do, Mr. John Walker. 206-637-4071

[gtc]

Originally Posted by Ayles

I like Prova Motorsports in Magnolia for suspension work.

+1, Chris at Prova is great.

Anyone used Gerber for air cooled service since they were sold? I don't think I've taken my car in to them since Mark left.
I have a fuel injection issue that needs to be sorted... maybe i should just pony up the cash for Chris' German...

[Ralph3.]

Originally Posted by gtc

+1, Chris at Prova is great.

Another + for Prova Motorsports, they did a great job on my last alignment.

Haven't done anything major since John Walker moved to Marysville.

Have heard good things about Squire's Autowerke in Bellevue. They reset my airbag warning lights n/c after my clock repair.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by RSBob

Jeff Higgins. But he only accepts payment in beer and Jungfrauen.

Does the beer go into die junge frauliens or into me? Probably wouldn't make much difference. And hey, I'm no pro mechanic by any stretch, and between my two sons' cars and various needy R Gruppers, I have my hands more than full. Even in retirement.

I'll second what has already been said - the only set of hands outside mine and my sons that has ever turned a wrench on any of our cars belong to my friend John Walker. It's worth the drive to Marysville.

That said, I know John is kind of easing out of it a bit. I don't think he is as nearly "retired" as I am, and I know he still accepts work. Maybe he will chime in on his current status.

If you can't get up to Marysville, I can't say enough about Monty over at Redmond European. Top notch work all the way, I know a number of people who go to him exclusively.

And yes, Chris's German is outstanding as well. I'm told Chris has "retired" now as well, although it seems I was just in there visiting with him fairly recently. Either way, his shop is still open and fully operational. He is another guy with whom many friends have been completely satisfied.

I have never met or dealt with Jason over at Squire's, but he has an outstanding reputation. Again, in my somewhat broad circle of air cooled fanatics, many rely on him for all of their mechanical needs.

Those are the guys that I know personally, or know of, who I would not hesitate to go to with any sort of work on these cars. Call a few of them and see what they say. You can't go wrong with any of them.

[kalinsd]

Aker's Porsche - Porsche, Audi and VW. We do auto repair. General mechanical, transmission rebuild engine rebuild, electrical systems. Repair & diagnostics, suspension repair, brakes, tune ups check engine lights.

Try these fellows.

[Ayles]

Originally Posted by gtc

+1, Chris at Prova is great.

Anyone used Gerber for air cooled service since they were sold? I don't think I've taken my car in to them since Mark left.
I have a fuel injection issue that needs to be sorted... maybe i should just pony up the cash for Chris' German...

I am definitely interested in Gerber as well since its less than a mile from my house... I see TONS of cars air cooled cars when I drive by but none look familiar and I haven't really heard much since they changed hands.

[john walker's workshop]

"That said, I know John is kind of easing out of it a bit. I don't think he is as nearly "retired" as I am, and I know he still accepts work. Maybe he will chime in on his current status."

30 miles north and still have a steady stream of mostly old customers up here. Not really totally retired, just moved to an awesome 5 acres in the woods ne of marysville proper with a big shop. two hoists, two dogs, two cats, 4 chickens, coyotes, rabbits, deer, etc. Living the life I guess. Sorta miss the old place, sorta don't. Swap meet Aug 3rd, still doing that. All those shops mentioned are good guys.

[john walker's workshop]