PPI in East Bay

Westy · 04-20-2004, 08:07 PM

I've almost finished the deal with TimB's SC Targa (loc Alameda, CA). We have to arrange for a PPI soon, and I don't want to use Alameda's Foreign Auto Service because they have seen the car a lot through Tim. I also don't want to use Porboys in Oakland, because the owner is the former owner of this car. Any thoughts on who to use in the East Bay for my PPI?

Thanx, Brian

addictionMS · addictionMS's Garage

Sportech, not east bay, near 85 and 17, but a great shop, talk to Mark.

Jim

Westy · 04-20-2004, 08:12 PM

Too far away,,,Thanx anyway Jim

jtkkz · 04-20-2004, 08:22 PM

Kahlers Dublin,ca.

Scargo, San Rafael,ca.

Stable SF, Ca.

cantdrv55 · 04-20-2004, 09:55 PM

Gavin's Autowerks near Oakland airport, Duetsche Motorsport in Concord or Valhalla in Lafayette. All good shops.

Westy · 04-21-2004, 06:08 AM

Gavin's is close,,,I'll call. Thanx for the info

Moses · 04-21-2004, 07:37 AM

Denny Kahler is solid. I would trust his opinion.

bob tilton · bob tilton's Garage

i heard Kahler does not work on pre 74 cars any more. true?

Moses · 04-21-2004, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bob tilton
i heard Kahler does not work on pre 74 cars any more. true?

Maybe. But I can't imagine that's true. He loves the old cars. He did some non-routine fab work for me. He may go off he book and charge you his actual hourly rate if it's an unusual project.

Westy · 04-21-2004, 08:33 AM

So is it Kahler, or is Gavin OK also.

cantdrv55 · 04-21-2004, 08:50 AM

Depends where the car is in the East Bay. Kahler is in Dublin, which is way closer to 580 than 880. Gavin is right off the Oakland airport. Don't forget Valhalla. It's located between the two shops. I've never been to Kahler but I know he's got a great reputation. Valhalla did the maintenance on my '79 before I bought it. Great shop but the main guy there is a bit cantankerous. Gavin did the PPI on my wife's '87 and was spot on. Make sure you ask for the full blown PPI.

Westy · 04-21-2004, 08:51 AM

The car is in Alameda, so Gavin is probably my best bet. Thanx again for the info!!

Staylo · Staylo's Garage

Valhala has been good to me.

Westy · 04-21-2004, 08:55 AM

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I'm so confused

cantdrv55 · 04-21-2004, 09:15 AM

Not too many people have heard of Gavin because his shop is tucked in amongst the shops there in the industrial park. He was the main guy at another shop in Oakland and decided to open up his own business about three years ago. He's going to do a tech session in June for the local PCA chapter concerning 911s - his specialty. Bottom line - you can't go wrong with Gavin, Valhalla or Kahler. You'll just pay more for the same service with the others.

Westy · 04-21-2004, 09:17 AM

Thanx again. I DO appreciate the advice.

Brian W.

steve911 · steve911's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by cantdrv55
Don't forget Valhalla...It's located between the two shops. Valhalla did the maintenance on my '79 before I bought it. Great shop but the main guy there is a bit cantankerous.

LOL - John's not THAT bad - I've had very good experiences with him in the 3 years that I've owned my Targa.

I thought Tim was keeping his car -- I'm so confused...

Westy · 04-21-2004, 10:17 AM

He said he doesn't hardly drive it, and it was nickle and diming him to death, so it was time. One man's misfortune is another's . . . .hmmmm,,,something like that!

cantdrv55 · 04-21-2004, 10:56 AM

Quote:

LOL - John's not THAT bad - I've had very good experiences with him in the 3 years that I've owned my Targa.

You're probably right. Maybe he was just really short with me because he knew I would not be bringing the car to him for regular maintenance after I bought it. He did take real good care of the car though for the PO for 5 years.

steve911 · steve911's Garage

cantdrv55--
I'm not sure he cares - I think he has more than enough business to keep him busy. As I said, he's treated me OK and I can always talk to George if John gets too cranky...