Flaky, slow mechanic. Should I take somewhere else?

[HippyTom]

I was spoiled by a local dude who I paid extra money to and he gave me top priority. When he left, the old crotchety guy didn't seem too interested in making it easy for me to spend my money with him. So I got pissy and took my car to a shop an hour away that wasn't busy and seemed eager to make it easy for me to spend my money.

Well, I soon learned why they had no wait. Everything they did I had to re-do. And I learned how to do it all myself. My issue at that point was time. I had an event coming up and didn't have time to figure out andcdo it all.

So eventually, when I ran into something else I couldn't do I went to the local old guy. Turns out he's had a bad history with cheap VW owners who want everything now on the cheap. So as he takes care of me on the rare occasions I need help me or my VW buddies can't handle, I make sure to toss him some extra cashola. Not a ton, but an extra $20 or $30 makes a difference in the crotchety level and willingness to squeeze me in.

[1970Type2]

[1970Type2]

[TDCTDI]

[wythac]

Hear, hear, TDI. It's been years since I've needed a shop for my ACVW, but even further back I learned that it was a waste of everyone's time to call my favorite shop....if it was important, I'd drop in with some time on my hands and wait til someone could talk. If they were busy, I'd come back. Easy for me to say though since I haven't needed an ACVW to get me to and from work since the 80's.

[skills@eurocarsplus]

[TDCTDI]

I had three different credit card processing companies calling me 6-7 times a day for months, I finally told them I was interested & they each sent their “local representative” to give me their competitive rate, so I scheduled all three of them within an hour of each other. The first thing these assholes ask for is a copy of my bank statement so I tell them that I need to see their business card & drivers license as proof of who they are before I can release such information, I then photocopied their ID & then handed them a call log of each & every date & time that their telemarketers called me & told them that this was harassment & against FCC regulation & if I got one more call from their company, I was going to sue them personally & then sue their company. The last one got pissed & told me that he flew in from Georgia, rented a car & that he was going to beat my ass, I told him “good, now I’ve wasted as much of your time as your company has of mine” & informed the stupid fucker of my state’s castle doctrine & gave him the choice of leaving vertically or horizontally. He left without his license.

I have never gotten another call from any of those companies again & only had to do it to another since.
_________________
Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.


GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!


An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.


Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it.

[Zundfolge1432]

Wow are these guys tough or what? I’m scared just reading this. ^^^
Back on topic I guess it’s a sign of the times because of shortage of mechanics and those willing to work on VWs in particular. Hardly a week goes by you don’t see a plea or recommendation for mechanic in some location. So it’s gotten to the point of humoring, cajoling and tipping to get it done. Wow.

[slave1pilot]

Why do you guys even answer your phone?
If it's a number that I have in my contacts, then I answer
If not, then it goes to voicemail.
If it's important, they leave a message.
If not, then I haven't been bothered
If they are telemarketers, then the number gets blocked.

I don't have a landline as nobody but telemarketers would use that number, and I have my cell on vibrate so it's as least disturbing as possible.


now, back on topic, is your van still there and have you heard from them yet?
_________________
My Photobucket for my Herbie Project - http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/TK-439/library/Herbie?sort=3&page=1

Currently:
1963 Ragtop Beetle
Previously:
1967 Beetle
1968 Beetle
1970 Beetle

[1970Type2]

[tootype2crazy]

I work at the only acvw shop in an 500 mile radius with my friend and from the sound of it, you all are dealing with some very unprofessional people who don't really work while they are at work. We never have a car more than 6 months even for total restoration. We are both in our 30s, though, so that may be the difference. Quality work is one thing, but customer service is another, and it often makes the difference between repeat customers or not. It's a shame to hear about shops like that.
_________________
air-cooled or nothing for me
1978 Sunroof Deluxe Bus (daily driver)
1978 Transporter (mom's, making into a camper)
1970 Single Cab 2.1 turbo/EFI 6 Rib, 78 front beam, vanagon backing plates on rear (project)
2001 GTI VR6 (wife's)

[slave1pilot]

_________________
My Photobucket for my Herbie Project - http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/TK-439/library/Herbie?sort=3&page=1

Currently:
1963 Ragtop Beetle
Previously:
1967 Beetle
1968 Beetle
1970 Beetle

[jinx758]

Sorry to hear of your troubles with local shops, especially with the vwclassic show in Fredricksburg in a few weeks. Just want to toss this info out there :

Autobahn auto services.

Although they are near 410 & 35 in San Antonio, they may be able to get your wheels rolling in a timely manner. I understand the tow would be a long one and may not be an option but I've heard good about them. Just passing on some info. I will be using them for stuff I can't do myself but haven't yet ... as my go-to guy retired in December ( Pierce Automotive ).

There are actually a number of shops in SA that repair ACVWs... not sure if these are even an option for you ... what with the distance and all. Google map it & decide.

I've also heard of a guy in Comfort, Tx. but I think he only does engine work & by appointment only.

Time is a marchin on !

Hope this issue gets resolved satisfactorily ... ! !

jinx ... near S.A.,Tx.
_________________
" It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford

It's not unlike the same difference

You can't push a rope


VALVES (cold)
POINTS
TIMING
CARB (fully warmed engine)

SCRAPE ALL GROUNDS

My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor

[1970Type2]

[1970Type2]

[TDCTDI]

You should see if there are any clubs or other enthusiasts in your area that you can get together with & learn how to do the routine maintenance yourself. If you don’t, you’ll continue to be at the mercy of the few remaining shops that are willing to work on them.
_________________
Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.


GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!


An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.


Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it.

[1970Type2]

[1970Type2]

UPDATE: Tuesday April 3rd was the first correspondence that I had ever received.
I had called them around 9 am to find out where I stood in the never ending line of ACVW that need repair. The service writer didn't know. Told me he'd have the owner/mechanic call me back in about an hour. That call never came. I called in the early afternoon to find that he had gone to lunch and to expect either an email or a phone call when he got back.
Well, that email or call never came either.
So, I finally received an email from the owner around 7:30 pm last night saying that he doesn't think that he would have my BUS road worthy by the VW show on April 20th.
I have another local VW mechanic lined up that said he would get it done and that it won't sit around too long at his shop. I am going to ask these guys if they can just make it drivable. So far, I heard that it turns over. So, they rebuilt the carbs. Now, I just need brakes.
_________________
1970 VW Bus CampMobile Weekender edition. owned since 1996.

[Cusser]

[1970Type2]