TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Jul 05, 2006 7:32 pm

Howdy all.

I tried searching for this one, too...alas- nothing.

Looking for suggestions for a good bus/aircooled mechanic in Southern
Massachusetts, or Rhode Island.

I have an appoitment planned with one, (first time with my 'new' '68 westy), but would like some other suggestions, as I have heard differing opinions about this guy.

Suggestions? Thanks.

-M

Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:26 pm

No one?

C'mon...I know there are some New Englanders out there!

Thanks,
M

Wed Jul 05, 2006 8:49 pm

Here's a few reviews. Any close to you?

http://roadhaus.com/shops.html#Rhode%20Island

http://roadhaus.com/shops.html#Massachusetts

Thu Jul 06, 2006 5:13 am

People seem to like that guy in Natick MA, but I don't know him.

Thu Jul 06, 2006 5:39 am

I'm in central mass, and I used to use a guy in southeastern mass at a place called "VW Bus heaven" - his name was Bill. They used to be located in Kingston, MA, then moved to Pembroke, MA. I think he has closed his business, but I am not sure.

Another place I used, which I guess is closing now too is John's car corner in Westminster, VT (not too close to RI).

If I were in trouble, I guess I would go find the guy in Wayland, MA - I can't think of his name now, but he is a reputable engine builder. I think I recall a post bashing this guy about a year back, but I think that was an isolated incident and his reputation is good.

Not much help, but maybe the old VW bus heaven is still around somewhere in your neck of the woods.

Thu Jul 06, 2006 5:40 am

Is John's closing or did he find a buyer? I know it was up for sale a while back.

Thu Jul 06, 2006 5:59 am

Not exactly sure about the status of John's right now.

I saw all those ads here on the samba looking for a buyer and everytime I was in there he would ask me if I knew anyone wanting to buy.

Thu Jul 06, 2006 6:04 am

Theres a aircooled shop in Providence On Gano Street. Near the corner of Wickenden Street. not the frienliest fellas but i think they do pretty good work.

I cant remember the exact name Its been a few years since i've lived there.

*edit
Looking at westy78's links

I think its this place:
Engines by Benz
Providence, Rhode Island
401.521.5217

Thu Jul 06, 2006 12:37 pm

Quote: If I were in trouble, I guess I would go find the guy in Wayland, MA - I can't think of his name now, but he is a reputable engine builder.

Sounds like Boston Bob. I don't think he does general repairs though, just builds engines.

Thu Jul 06, 2006 1:06 pm

GreenBrick wrote: I don't think he does general repairs though, just builds engines.

I think you're right. According to the links I posted above Bob recommends

Greg's Repair Service
Natick, Massachusetts
508.647.9749

west of Boston 30 min metro west

Boston Area

Thu Jul 06, 2006 9:41 pm

Thanks for all your help, guys.

I have heard about "Engines by Benz", in East Providence, which would
be perfect, but I am also concerned b/c I hear they are a total rip off.

I will try some other suggestions from all of you.

Thanks again,
M

Thu Jul 20, 2006 7:42 pm

one guy i can highly recommend is will babineau of will's auto repairs on acushnet ave in new bedford. he's done alot of work for me and my daughter as well
1972 super/1968 autostick beetle
508 995 2258

Fri Jul 21, 2006 5:42 am

Ry-dog wrote: I'm in central mass, and I used to use a guy in southeastern mass at a place called "VW Bus heaven" - his name was Bill. They used to be located in Kingston, MA, then moved to Pembroke, MA. I think he has closed his business, but I am not sure.

Another place I used, which I guess is closing now too is John's car corner in Westminster, VT (not too close to RI).

If I were in trouble, I guess I would go find the guy in Wayland, MA - I can't think of his name now, but he is a reputable engine builder. I think I recall a post bashing this guy about a year back, but I think that was an isolated incident and his reputation is good.

Not much help, but maybe the old VW bus heaven is still around somewhere in your neck of the woods.

Bus Heaven burnt to to the ground a few years ago, no longer in business.

Bill

Fri Jul 21, 2006 6:35 am

WOW!!

Did the shop burn down during buisniness hours while they were working? I wonder if they had some accident while working on an engine or something.

First off, I hope no one was injured. I know they used to have a pretty decent stock of old parts and what not - hope they didn't loose all that stuff too.

Fri Jul 21, 2006 10:34 am

Pretty much everthing went up, no one hurt. Don't know much else.

Bill

Sat Jul 22, 2006 9:04 pm

This is Bill from the former Bus heaven , Yes we lost everything ... Burnt right to the ground.... I am now working out of my house in Duxbury Ma., just doing repairs not too many parts in stock But trying to get going again...
if anyone would like to get in touch with me my home phone # is .... 781-934-5834 Please only call between 9 am and 6 pm thank you guys...
Bus Bill

Sun Jul 23, 2006 7:51 am

There a guy on the forum in R.I. named thenexttownshend. Maybe he would know about sombody.

Sun Jul 23, 2006 3:56 pm

Hello, I live in Rhode Island. I've been to Omar's Automotive in Wakefield, RI. Nice family owned buss. It's on 10 High Street (look for all the busses in the lot). Phone number is 401-789-5840. Omar's a great guy (he can fix anything). When I can't do the work, Omar's is where I take my bus. Very friendly, does good work and is honest. It will cost, like anywhere else. By the way, the place on Gano Street in Providence has moved (went there looking for parts). Let me know what you discover. Good luck,

Mon Jul 24, 2006 2:29 pm

Howdy guys.

Glad to see all you Southern New England bus heads are talking.
This forum has been great.

Here is what I found out....

1. "Engines by Benz", which used to be on Gano St. in Providence, has
moved to East Providence and is now located on Metacom Ave.
From the aircooled folks I have spoken with, this guy Billy Benz is
a rude, total rip off, and takes forever to get work done. He knows
he can get away with it, because he is one of the only 'specialits' on
aircooled's in the area....this is just the word on the street- don't kill
the messenger.

2. I also heard that the forementioned shop in New Bedford is worth
checking out. Good professional work, done in a timely fashion.

3. However, I took the liberty of dropping my bus off at RM Auto Care, in
North Providence, as the owner, Mark, was highly reccomended by a
good friend of mine who owns a '72 Super Beetle. She told me that
he is great all around- you just have to keep calling to find out if the
car is ready. Their number is 401-231-2070.

4. Therefore, my bus is now at RM with Mark, awaiting all new brakes,
cables, drums....yikes. To the tune of almost $800....is this normal?
He told me that the body is in great shape, the engine is quite healthy,
but he couldn't belive I have been driving it, as it has literally no
brakes!

Anyways, that's it for now, and I will be sure to follow up, once I get the bus back . Thanks for all of your imput. Now get out there and enjoy what little of Summer driving weather we have left.

Best,
Stinky

Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:48 pm

Complete brake jobs can indeed get very costly when done by someone else.

Bill