Paul Weir Porsche rebuilding, etc.
 

Are there any comments, thoughts, opinions, etc. on the reliability, competence and confidence in the re-building abilities of Paul Weir (http://paulweir.com/)?

I have a '70 911T that needs help. I also live in a very small town in SW Oregon whose (few) good mechanics have little, if any, Porsche experience. Mr. Weir seems to be about the closest Porsche specialist I can find.

Any and all thoughts are welcome.

MTIA

Harry Freiberg
Brookings, OR

I believe Mr. Weir had some problems with bankruptcy, along with some allegations regarding substituting used parts for new ones, etc. I'm really not sure and don't want to throw anyone under the bus, but there was some controversy a few years back.

There is no controversy regarding the integrity or experience of John Walker. He's the guy I recommend.

John Walker is really VERY good and there are even some guys in Oregon that aren't bad, too.

Yeah, Oregon ... there is that guy Steve (I think) at Reinsport . . or was it Rennsport? :cool:

paul's story on this thread a while back

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/372267-opinions-paul-weir.html

I have actually considered moving to Seattle just so John Walker can be my mechanic.

Steve Weiner is one of the nicest human beings on the PLANET and I recommend him and his work without reservations whatsoever.

I bought my current 1975 911S during the time Paul Weir was starting his engine rebuilding shop. I went for several tours of the shop and still have the large brochure that Paul produced. His repair shop always had about a dozen cars more modern than mine in for service, but they never complained or lacked experience to work on mine. (several shops have refused to work on my car because of its age). I could always order and buy parts from them (this was before the internet remember) and they always gave me excellent service - even though I wasn't a big dollar customer.

They went under before I needed my engine rebuild, and I was surprised at the local negative reaction to this business before it closed. I'm glad Paul has a new business in Marysville and wish him well.

from Brookings you are also not far from SFO area - labor would be more there.

I do NOT know of a good Pcar shop in Eugene, but there is a bad one here, BTW

not sure why you are thinking of Seattle but unless you are moving there (JWW) I would talk to Steve.

I also went to Pauls shop when he opened the rebuild line, went for the tour etc. It was a great shop, well layed out, clean, etc...really a showplace. I loved it, but, oh yeah...that must have been a very heavy investment. I happened by his new shop, outside of Marysville, just as it was being opened, but no one was there when I stopped by. I'll have to make a point of checking him out. I wish him well.

PS: Rex, we must have crossed paths way back then.

Al

Harry,

Ther are several excellent shops in Portland (Steve's is one).

When I needed a top end for my 1973, I had Stuttgart in Lake Oswego perform the work and 6 years later, I am still pleased with the outcome.

i had a 930 that was rebuilt by paul's shop and ran verry well no issues at all

Having read Mr. Weir's story I would have no problems letting him work on my 911 if we were closer geographically.
I have to admire him -- and any businessman -- that can be honest and admit to making mistakes.
It's the man's skill - and apparently he has a great deal of that -- that will carry him through. It looks like a case of a man who was good at what he did wanting to get too big too fast.
Can't fault him for that.
And I wish him all the luck in the world.

+1. I find myself trying to think of anything I can send to him to work on even though I'm in Texas.

I have bumped into a few of Paul Weir's ex-employees. They all respect him, and generally say nice things about him.

I think that is important. When someone goes thru the sort of life re-arranging events that Paul did and can still hold respect from those directly involved-that speaks volumes about his integrity.Paul will not be the only one reading this that has had his type of business issues--it is how you behave during those events and particularly since that should be noted.
On paying a deposit-- perfectly reasonable ask-- parts will be purchased and it is unreasonable to expect someone else to carry that risk .Progressive payments made as the parts are purchased or cost incurred are not an unreasonable ask.

There is another machanic in the Pacific NW, Monty at Redmond European, near Seattle. John Walker recomended him to me almost two years ago when Monty was selling a rebuilt 915.
Monty is fair and honest and knows his air cooled 911's like nobody's business.

I drive from Portland up to Redmond whenever there is something major to do on my car.

I've tried guys in Portland but never had any luck.

Steve Weiner in Portland, Rennsport Systems, awesome guy, does great work.

Jeff Gamroth owns Rothsport Road and Race, Tualatin Oregon. I owned a 67S with a 2.5 shortstroke built by him... it was "OMG" fast....

A huge thumbs up for Monty at Redmond European, he does almost all my work now (all the 911's). I owned a 73S w/ a 2.7RS spec built by him, and it was one of the best street engines I've ever had. He's wrenched on almost all the cars listed under my name. He's an Early S Member, RGruppe member etc.

Denny Akers in Seattle, Akers Automotive... over 40 years in the business, he works on my Speedster, and I have a 912 up there right now. Runs a "Pooper" Porsche Cooper in vintage races up and down the coast.

With all the great guys out there that you can get glowing references on, why risk your car?

cheers,
Eric

Great advice Eric!!!