Suggestions for a mechanic in San Francisco Bay Area

[Eric]

As much as I have loved working on my 914, I have decided driving it is more fun than watching it sit in my garage. I recently took a job where I am working upwards of 13-17hrs per day, 6 days a week, and I no longer have the time to lovingly lavish my 914 with the attention it deserves. I have decided to (gasp) find a mechanic to get it working well-enough to become a daily driver and then I will think about starting real restoration work. Does anyone have a suggestion of a good mechanic in the San Francisco Bay Area (I specifically live in the East Bay)? Maybe I can convince this mechanic to buy the parts from Pelican anyway. Obviously, cheap is better as long as the quality is good (I have the uneasy feeling this will get expensive). I would almost prefer a fanatic 914 person as I am looking for a long-term mechanic. I am not afraid of VW or other mechanics working on it as long as they have had considerable experience working on 914s.

Also, does anyone have suggestions as to what I should add or change in general from the stock setup to be a better daily driver? I have a stock '72 914-4 1.7L. I can drive up to 200 miles per day, but usually no less than 30 per day, and I sit in traffic quite a bit. The weather out here is erratic, and some days it can get 85-90 while others are "freezing cold" at 40-50. AC and an extra heater blower come to mind, and maybe halogen headlights too. I'll definitely need new heat exchangers as mine leak into the cabin. My windshield wipers work, but what can I do about the windshield washing fluid (put an electrical pump in?). I'll also need new tires (again, I have the stock), but is the price for new wheels comparable? I am also considering the turbo addition (hills out here are pretty large)--does it make sense to get this done when I add everything else?

Thanks for the help, guys.

[This message has been edited by Eric (edited 06-06-99).]

[mejulihn]

Eric,
I know you are located in the east bay, but if you don't mind crossing a bridge you might try HIGH PERFORMANCE HOUSE in Redwood City. You can contact them at (650) 364-6234. The owner is Rich Bontempi and they really know Porsche and 914's in particular.