Opinions on Paul Weir

KevinS · 10-15-2007, 02:34 PM

Hey Everybody,

On Friday I dropped off my '71 911T 5 speed transmission at Paul Weir's new place up in Marysville for a full rebuild.

I just did a search on Paul Weir read thru most of the opinions about him. The majority say he knows he stuff so I am not worried about him doing a good job. My concern is that he seems to have a lot going on and I didn't see any other technicians working there.

Any opinions on the timeliness of his repairs? I'm also concerned about his financial situation. Is it safe to give him a few thousand dollars for parts before he starts the rebuild?

Would appreciate some honest and constructive opinions/experiences.

KevinS

peppy · 10-15-2007, 02:47 PM

I have heard of people giving the shop doing the repairs a credit card to use.
Maybe a little safer

shbop · 10-15-2007, 03:15 PM

Why are you paying in advance?

KevinS · 10-15-2007, 03:22 PM

He said something about having problems with doing credt cards over the phone and asked if I had paypal.

I don't think it's to uncommon for guys to want a down payment before ordering parts.

mjshira · 10-15-2007, 04:16 PM

I've met him and toured his Seattle based shop which looked to be very well set up. I'd suggest you just inquire about who is doing the work as I don't think Paul does the work. I found him to be very professional. However I do think he closed that Seattle shop, not sure why.

Joeaksa · 10-15-2007, 05:14 PM

Would not do Pay Pal as they could care less after the funds are transferred.

Would give him a credit card and have him use it for a portion of the repair or parts needed. Do not know of ANY shop where you pay beforehand to tell the truth.

Zeke · 10-15-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinS

Hey Everybody,

On Friday I dropped off my '71 911T 5 speed transmission at Paul Weir's new place up in Marysville for a full rebuild.

I just did a search on Paul Weir read thru most of the opinions about him. The majority say he knows he stuff so I am not worried about him doing a good job. My concern is that he seems to have a lot going on and I didn't see any other technicians working there.

Any opinions on the timeliness of his repairs? I'm also concerned about his financial situation. Is it safe to give him a few thousand dollars for parts before he starts the rebuild?

Would appreciate some honest and constructive opinions/experiences.

KevinS

A few thousand dollars? For a tranny rebuild? Jeez, I'm changing careers tonight! I worked on one of my trannys switching some close ratio gears in. I didn't find it anywhere near as daunting as an engine.

I mean, seriously, if it weren't for the smell of the gear oil (which I don't mind, but it permeates everything around), I'd have actually done into tranny rebuilds as a side business.

Anyway, I think this business arrangement is questionable. There are many fine shops and shipping a tranny is not all that hard to do.

911s55 · 10-15-2007, 05:39 PM

Post your inquires in the PNW region.
Locals should have many suggestions & opinions

911quest · 10-15-2007, 05:42 PM

I work in a shop and you would be suprised how many tell you go ahead and fix it then don't pick there car up for a few weeks so you are sitting on a parts bill and labor. If you have a tech to pay then your out his share to.

The worst one's are the one's that say order the part and never come back then you are stuck trying to return the part to the dealer etc.

I always ask for a deposit or half up front on major repairs.

juanbenae · juanbenae's Garage

i usually pay half up front so it does not hurt sooo bad when i pick the car up. feels like you are paying less then.

lastly this is a some what small community paul may chime in here any minute.

T$

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

Paul has a well know reputation in this area. You only need to ask around and people will be happy to tell you. I am purposefully keeping my comments neutral.

If I were you, I would get my tranny back asap and take it to one of the highly regarded shops in Seattle or the Eastside. Ask on the NW Pelican BB and you will get several recommendations. Mine would be either Bernie Buchan in Fall City or Chris's German in Bellevue.

Scooter · 10-15-2007, 06:40 PM

No, to Paul Weir. Yes, to John Walker.

I have no idea why you decided on Paul, or how you came to decide on Paul, but I do know several locals that would never go to Paul.

On the other hand, JW does some of the best transmission work anywhere.

speeder · speeder's Garage

What Scooter said.

Grady Clay · 10-15-2007, 08:21 PM

I’m going to try and offer objective advice from both directions; customer and (former) shop owner/manager.

I have no problem giving someone I know and trust a substantial deposit so he can buy my parts using my money. Not long ago I gave a shop owner my check for $10K to buy parts. He is a good and honest person, a former employee who I have known for 30+ years and is giving me a ‘good deal’ on price for paying in advance.

You have to realize that small shops don’t usually have access to capital to finance expensive projects. If they do, they need to make serious money on that ‘investment’.

The problems come when the shop is less than straightforward. If a shop is strapped for cash, things like payroll, parts supplier past bills and even withholding deposits can be more important than your parts purchase. I have seen many ‘reputable’ shops go under from this disease.

OK, Change hats to (former) shop owner.

Several above hit the nail on the head. When the customer brings in just an engine or transmission and not a complete car, the shop’s position can be too easily compromised. It is not unreasonable to ask for ‘payment in advance’, at least for parts and sub-contract work. This is absolutely true for very custom work.

Any knowledgeable shop owner ‘reads’ his customers. A long-time customer who offers money in advance isn’t a problem. The high-swinging gold chain set who wants a $30K mod needs to participate. Over the many years I was in business, I could read this. Once a ‘progress payment’ check bounced. There couldn’t be a more clear ‘stop work’ order.

I was very fortunate just dealing with Porsche people (911 mostly) who were accomplished professionals in their own fields. We all had a professional understanding.

From some of the stories, I’m not sure how things are today in some markets. I can tell everyone that I worked hard to maintain a perfect reputation selling and servicing cars. Even if they were all Porsches and mostly 911s, there was a stigma to overcome about the auto sales and service industry. I think I did it right. I think all my former employees (now 20+year shop owners) are following suit. This may be why we have such stability in Denver.

Best,
Grady

LakeCleElum · 10-15-2007, 08:41 PM

I don't have personal experience with Paul Weir. However, he had a large shop several years ago and advertised in many Porsche publications....He went out of business and some local PNW Pelicans will be more than willing to provide opinions as to why to never have him do your work. All my info info is 2nd hand, but that's what I've heard.........

island911 · 10-15-2007, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinS

Hey Everybody,

On Friday I dropped off my '71 911T 5 speed transmission at Paul Weir's new place up in Marysville for a full rebuild.

I just did a search on Paul Weir read thru most of the opinions about him. The majority say he knows he stuff so I am not worried about him doing a good job. My concern is that he seems to have a lot going on and I didn't see any other technicians working there.

Any opinions on the timeliness of his repairs? I'm also concerned about his financial situation. Is it safe to give him a few thousand dollars for parts before he starts the rebuild?

Would appreciate some honest and constructive opinions/experiences.

KevinS

I've met him, back when he was in Seattle, and know some who have worked with him. There is no way in hell I would give him a few thousand dollars for parts, esp for a gear-box rebuild. Nothing personal, but there are plenty of mechanics who will do the work w/o asking for money up front. ...and will likely do it for half that.

Thrlls · 10-15-2007, 10:49 PM

Sorry nothing to add, but just wanted to compliment "Joeaksa" on his signature!
Simply Great!

Oh, and just to stay on topic; I plan on attending B.Anderson's class this Dec. to learn how to work on a tranny. I figured the class is much cheaper than what a shop would charge even after my traveling expenses.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Milt,

The cost of the rebuilds these days is not the labor - it's the parts. They are getting more rare and more expensive every day...

-Wayne

WolfeMacleod · 10-16-2007, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter

No, to Paul Weir. Yes, to John Walker.

I have no idea why you decided on Paul, or how you came to decide on Paul, but I do know several locals that would never go to Paul.

On the other hand, JW does some of the best transmission work anywhere.

Again, what Scooter said. A giant YES for John Walker!

KevinS · 10-16-2007, 08:30 AM

Just want to thank everyone for there input.

I understand that why most people would want a deposit as most of the money for the rebuild is in the parts. I believe the labor is only $600.00. I know the parts is portion is going to be a lot. When the tranny went it was loud and did not sound good. The main shaft punched a hole in the rear tail house casing.

I have stopped by JW's shop twice and no one was there.

Aker's did my top end rebuild about 40,000 miles ago, no problems yet. They were also quick and required no deposit. I may go pick it up and bring it to them. I like giving guys a chance, but I just went thru h@ll getting my seats redone.