are there any good Orange County VW shops

david c. · 11-26-2004, 04:05 PM

I'm looking to find a local independent shop that is geared towards air cooled beetle and T4 motors, not towards 911's or water cooled VW's. Ideally, it would be a shop that likes to tinker and not just get cars in and out.

My 912E has some carb linkage issues and it would be helpful to know where to turn. I'm just moved to the area, my tools are in boxes, I have no garage right now, etc. Generally, I'd do this sort of thing myself but right now I need some direction from the locals.

Thanks!

Jake Raby · 11-26-2004, 05:34 PM

Dave Greiner at Proformance is on Batavia in Orange.....

He knows TIV engines well.. Good guy!

david c. · 11-26-2004, 06:09 PM

Thanks Jake! Is he the kind of guy that takes to customers that (a) like to work on their own cars but (b) aren't exactly automotive engineers? I've found some shops find guys like me to be a PITA because the car is a hodge-podge. Others find it interesting when a customer is interested in more than simply driving the car. Do you know what I mean? I'm looking for a sooth-sayer and oracle as well as a traditional mechanic.

Jake Raby · 11-26-2004, 07:58 PM

Hmmn, That I don't know..

He worked at FAT for several years and knows alot about the TIV, BUT I don't know if he would be up for this kind of "situation"

email him and see proformancemotoring@sbcglobal.net

Acox914 · 11-26-2004, 08:26 PM

whats wrong with it?

david c. · 11-27-2004, 10:06 AM

It's just a matter of disassembling the linkage and putting it back together correctly. I know I have an over center problem and that my arms are not set up right. I am pretty sure my butterflies are opening at different rates. It was okay for the trip out here where I was in fifth gear at steady throttle for long periods of time, but around town it's a pain. There is a hitch in the take-up and it makes pulling out into traffic a real difficulty.

skline · skline's Garage

You could always bring it by here and I can take a look at it. I have tools and type 4 experience. I noticed you also have a 63 Volvo P1800, I had one of those too. Got rear ended in it and it was totaled. Great car. Let me know. PM me if you want to come by. I am in Costa Mesa.

Acox914 · 11-27-2004, 12:45 PM

pretty easy fix...just takes osme time and patience to adjust it. i used to have the same problem.

BTW - scott knows what hes doing... you wont be sorry.

Dave at Pelican Parts · Dave at Pelican Parts's Garage

Also BTW--keep that 912E registered out of state--unless it's not an "original" E from 1976. The 76es still have to pass smog, which includes a visual check. Carbs == automagic failure, plus "gross polluter" label.

If you've got a 66-69 912 with a Type IV engine in it, then nevermind. No smog inspections required.

--DD

david c. · 11-28-2004, 07:03 AM

Dave, thanks for the tip. It's a '76.

Scott, PM sent. Thanks!

By the way, a thread on the 914 parts list has turned toward Volvo P1800 discussion for those of you that are interested.

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

Dave,

I posted this awhile back if haven't already got help their are few recommendations here.

Need Good VW Mechanic Recommendations in Orange County, CA

Chris

david c. · 12-03-2004, 02:36 PM

Thanks!

SteveStromberg · 12-03-2004, 06:17 PM

Did you get it fixed?

david c. · 12-04-2004, 12:22 AM

Yeah, it's better now. Between Mr. Kline's advice and some simple adjusting it's okay. My big concern was not having a driveway/garage and limitless tools. I've set up this car many times with various carbs, although the Dells are new to me.

Steve, I've heard you are a T4 genius. I'd love for you to take a look-see and tell me where there is power to be had. I love to autocross this car and if you might find places to build more oomph I'd appreciate it.