TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Apr 20, 2003 12:50 am

Does anybody know of a good, reputable shop In the Monterey, CA area? I finally got my mom in a VW when I was out there a few weeks ago. But it needs back brakes and I'm 3000 miles away, so I can't do them. It's a 69 bus, I know almost any shop can do brakes, but I feel better having her take it to a VW shop. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Sun Apr 20, 2003 9:43 am

if you don't mind a little eccentricity, try Bob Hays. (831)899-4645. he does good work, and will talk your ear off. he's in sand city which is right next to monterey.

Sun Apr 20, 2003 10:18 am

I used to live in Carmel and remember that Sand City was full of automotive related shops. There was all kinds of cool stuff for a car guy around there. Good luck!

Sun Apr 20, 2003 1:13 pm

yeah, there's alot of stuff around here and sand city does have auto stuff, but only a couple VW specific places. unfortunately there isn't really one good shop in the monterey area, just for parts that is. there is one in santa cruz, but that's 45 miles one way--a long way to go if you only need a $5 part. there are some napa type places that have the basics, but nothing exotic.
there's alot of cool car stuff. i often see rare exotics, rare one-of-a-kind cars, vintage rarities driving around. with laguna seca right up the street and the monterey historics there, during the summer especially, there are tons of interesting vehicles all over the place.

Sun Apr 20, 2003 4:29 pm

Then you have "The Salinas Boyz" over in Salinas and all over the Peninsula cruising in their '50's Lead Sleds and there is actually quite a impressive car community for such a small place.

Tue May 20, 2003 3:24 am

Try Get Hot Bugshop 119 Dewey in Pacific Grove - owner's name is Jim Fowler 831-372-7947 -

Tue May 20, 2003 9:35 am

It's been over 10yrs since i lived there, Bob built my 1600 and ran perfect the five years I had it. also if the "Sarg" is still around in Salinas, he owns "Old Volks Home". he did a lot of mechanical work for me and his prices were great.

Wed May 21, 2003 6:48 am

I didn't know if Jim Fowler had a shop or just parts, but I had a transaction with him and he was really great. I wouldn't hesitate taking my car there if I still was in that area.

Sun May 25, 2003 2:51 am

I don't know if you already have someone for the brake job but I can say I know there's a VW shop in Salinas on South 101 just after the billboard that's just after the merge for Highway 1 and between the start of the agricultural fields that mark Salinas. I don't remember what it's called, nor do I know if it's any good. Maybe someone here knows the name and even how well they do work? Hope that helped some.

Fri Mar 22, 2013 6:38 pm

Just had a wheel cylinder pop on my 70' Westy in Monterey, CA. Jim Fowler to the rescue! I called Jim (Get Hot Bug Shop Shop: 831-372-7947 cell: 831-229-6294) while I was grocery shopping here in Monterey, CA. . Jim responded quickly and did a very complete inspection. Given some oil leaks in the motor we decided to arrange a time to bring her by the shop.

An excellent interaction all around.

-jd

Thu Aug 21, 2014 7:08 pm

Kelly Avery 392-1609
Jim Fowler 831-372-7947 cell: 831-229-6294

Both guys are nice guys who know their stuff and can fix just about anything vw.

Sat Oct 18, 2014 9:55 pm

good to know - going to bookmark this one, too :)