Independent shop/mechanic in St. Louis

[RD911T]

I'm starting to shop for a Carrera, SC or maybe even a Boxster and St Louis is the closest city to me. I want to stop in and maybe get some leads on local cars and establish a relationship for future PPI's

Tom
Cape Girardeau, MO

[CCM911]

I think that Schmitt Motorcars is not too far off. Not sure of the quality of the cars, but they looked good and the prices were not too bad. At least that's a start.

Now head down to the Pilot House and have a beer while you think about your new Porsche.

[RD911T]

I actually live right around the corner from the Pilot House! Ha!

[CCM911]

Tom, I just thought of someone in your town that you can talk to. When my buddy Jerry lived in Cape, he was friends with a guy named David that ran the local BMW motorcycle shop. You may want to start your search discussions with him, as he would be well equipped to point you in the right direction.

Best of luck with your search.

[Grady Clay]

Tom,

I see you have been looking for a car for a bit.
Good for you taking your time.

I agree, It is wise to research for a trusted shop first.

You are on Pelican, go on your local PCA site also.
Go to your local PCA meetings & events and talk to everyone.
Once you have a good idea of what you want, post some WTB advertisements.
Learn the difference between the ‘good ones’ and the ‘not-so-good’.

When you have your money in your pocket, you are in charge.
It is worthwhile to buy the best 911 possible, even for a high price, than a problem bargain.

Best,
Grady (Only a few miles west in Denver.)

[Wavey]

Tom, check out Reid Vann, 9331 Manchester Road, (314) 968-4100. Ask to speak with Brian. Best P-car independent in town IMO.

Also ET Tuning, out in a rural area, (636) 583-9191, Jon used to manage Reid Vann.

If you're looking at cars at Daniel Schmitt, be cautious. Some are really good, some not so much. Prices tend to be high and they play the typical sales games. I got my '88 there, knew it was a great car but I definitely had to butt heads with them.

Let me know if I can help with anything, and good luck with your search!

[RD911T]

I wasn't aware of Reid Vann's. I'll check it out next time I'm up there. Solid advice as always Grady!

Tom

[RD911T]

I spoke to a friend that has a 69 911 and three 356's and he uses:


Lindbergh Motorsport

3460 N Lindbergh Blvd
Saint Ann, MO 63074
314-739-4818


Tom Viers
Cape Girardeau, MO

[Wavey]

That sounds like Reid's personal collection

Lindbergh is good too, just not as Porsche-specific as Reid Vann. Lindbergh is right across the road from Daniel Schmitt.

[umgang]

Hi Tom_
Honestly, the more you can do with your car the happier you will be, the happier your car will be, and the less money you will be out of pocket.
Why pay someone to screw it up when you can do it for free and learn something.
read below:

Greed Vann has been around a long time, and has raped and pillaged with the best of them.
Tom in the shop is outstanding and knows these cars well- specifically ask that he work on your car. Brian is good upfront too. But they both work for a jerk of a boss.
You will be raped financially and Greed is not a nice person. BTDT.

Stay away from Schmidt at all costs. The man needs help screwing his pants on in the morning.
He has a horrible reputation in STL and is a swine of the highest order.
Misrepresents the cars he sells, dishonest....run away! BTDT.

Lindbergh Motorsports, Klaus. Klaus has a lot of really cool old racing 911s and most recently bought a mansion in tony Frontenac, a rich suburb. He would love to take your money so he can finance all his extra -curricular activities.
He, like Greed, is a curmudgeon of a fellow but has an appetite for you cash.

Jon Rhodes at ET is a good guy- and has helped many a 911 owners in STL.

Stay away from GLB, know -it- all Russians with cracerjack box knowledge- and you will get your car back with more dents in it.

Sorry to seem so negative, but i have worked with all of the above.
St Louis, and for that matter anyplace within 200 miles circumference has no good independent, or for that matter, dealer shops for 911s.

I ended up working with Steve Weiner @ RennsportSystems and Jeff Gamroth @ Rothsport in Portland.OR
and ultimately shipped the car out there for the big stuff [ engine / trans]
Everything else, Steve and Jeff tutored me and supplied parts and i learned to D-I-Y

There is a lot more satisfaction in owning these cars when you understand them and can do the easy stuff.
The fact there is no one you can trust to work on it will be an impetus for you to learn.

Good luck and enjoy your 911- nothing like 'em.

[Wavey]

Wow.

Let me just say that I have known Reid Vann since he started his business +/- 35 years ago, and you couldn't be more wrong.

[fat cab]

Nick has thrown away alot of $$$$ with Vann, it gets frustrating trying to find someone you can trust..

[umgang]

Keep drinking the Kool-aid Wavey.

Tom_ only after my diatribe did i notice you have not even purchased a car yet.
Grady's advice is spot on. Move slowly, and methodically. In the long run, you will be better off buying a much loved car from further away; then buying one locally from a profitmonger or malcontent. It would be a shame if your love for the marque is soured by a disreputable seller.

Here are a few reputable folks with good history for PPI and possibly buying a car in this area->
Memphis, TN- Pat Williams Racing is an excellent shop.
Outside Atlanta, GA is Matt Forte @ Motor Werks Racing - he worked with Greg Fordahl and Jeff Gamroth at Alex Job Racing in the ALMS.
Mark Bowden and the fellas at Fall-line in Chicago are very good too.
Bob Hinson Motorsports in Kansas City, MO.

Also, don't hesitate to lean on folks like Grady, or Steve Weiner who have been in the Porsche community for a long time,and have spotless reputations, knowledge base, and contacts.

Good Luck!

[Wavey]

Kool-aid has nothing to do with it, *********. I've known Reid personally, sold Bosch parts to him wholesale, he's worked on a number of my cars, and I've never had a problem with his work, prices or demeanor. If you need to assassinate someone's character you should pick a better target.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by Wavey

Kool-aid has nothing to do with it, *********. I've known Reid personally, sold Bosch parts to him wholesale, he's worked on a number of my cars, and I've never had a problem with his work, prices or demeanor. If you need to assassinate someone's character you should pick a better target.

Hi Wavey,

Just an observation based on similar experiences,........

Its possible that your personal relationship with a shop owner results in a different level of service and (sometimes) pricing. Oftentimes, its tough to be objective under such circumstances.

[Wavey]

Yeah, well as they say, YMMV.

I'd say anyone who "has thrown away alot of $$$$ with Vann" didn't understand what to ask for, didn't understand what they were getting, didn't ask enough questions beforehand, and/or didn't do their homework.

[davemccorkle]

WOW! I have had work done at Reid Vann's and they do great work. Jon Rhodes use to work there and now is at ET in Washington MO and is great too. Just know what you are getting into with anyone so you do not get burned. If you are restoring a car then you should expect to drop tons of $$$$$$.

[tdorsey]

FWIW, I would *not* recommend Bob Hindson Racing (BHR) in Kansas City, MO.