Syncro Specialists in New England?

[RI_Doka]

My 89 Syncro Doka is showing some rotational vibration(s) as it passes through certain speeds. To me that implies one of the drive shafts is probably out of balance.

The fastest remedy would be to have a trustworthy specialist evaluate and repair. The vehicle is new to me so I don't have a network of trusted Syncro service providers in range of my home in Providence, RI.

Can any of you all offer recommendations? TIA

[tjet]

Talk to Fred at Mechanical Advantage. It's a family business in in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. He has some old parts Syncros out back.


https://www.facebook.com/The-Mechanical-Advantage-LLC-100796486660780/

[ajdenette]

Unfortunately here in new England we are sorely lacking some of the good resources for Vanagon Mechanics. I work on my own vans so I do not have any direct experience but https://www.hansimports.net/North%20Kingstown-auto-repairs.html does seem to work on a number of Vangons, do your research but they may be an option.
_________________
1985 2wd Westy with 2000 Subaru 2.2 current driver
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=685635
1986 Syncro Doka Project next in line
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732777
1990 Vanagon Syncro Base awaiting body work

[skills@eurocarsplus]

I wouldn't suggest either. if mechanical advantage keeps selling customers GEX engines, they'll be closed soon and hans...meh, probably the least worse if you're desperate.
_________________

[4Gears4Tires]

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1uw_q...87&z=8

Any shops on this list around you?

I had some nice rotational vibration and it turned out my engine carrier bar was the 2wd version. Spacing it down 2" completely fixed that.
_________________
'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[kguarnotta]

I'm not sure of his syncro specialization but Lein's Auto is pretty good VW guy.

Luis has been working on VW's since the early 70's. He just moved to Attleboro a few months ago. I have not been to his new shop. I've used him for years when he was in Somerville.

http://leinsautorepair.com/
_________________
-Kevin
Lincoln, MA

'86 Triple Knob Syncro w/EJ22
'78 Westy
'69 Single Cab
'65 Kombi - EZ-Camper

[mikemtnbike]

I know it's not exactly New England, but Matt Steedle is in New Jersey and has fantastic reputation with VW gearboxes.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Matt-Steedle/100009320192608

fancy computer maps tell me it's actually a shorter trip, time-wise, to foreign auto supply in Maine, so that's another distant option.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[vanagonjr]

Here's a few New England shops that I, or friends, have had excellent experiences at.

Flint European Automotive - East Nassau, NY
906 Central Nassau Rd, East Nassau, NY 12062, (518) 766-5654

FAS - Harpswell, ME (http://www.foreignautosupply.com/)

The Beetle Shop - Belfast ME (https://www.facebook.com/pg/The-Beetle-Shop-690943691020962/posts/)

All have Syncro Experience, whether they can address your problem, I cannot say. The owner of the first shop owns two Syncros.

I don't know of anyone in RI.
_________________
John - 86 Wolfsburg Westfalia "Weekender"
Flint reversed 1.8T W/Passat 5-Speed
LiMBO (late model bus club) www.limbobus.org
LiMBO is on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/
FAQ thread: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=525798

[tencentlife]

Could just experiment with the hose clamp balance trick and find out if you can lessen the vibrations.

I find that the location that works best is often the last place you would think, which is to put the weight in line with one of the existing weights, maybe 6-10" closer to the midpoint of the shaft.
_________________
Shop for unique Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/

Please don't PM here, I will not reply.

Experience is kryptonite to doctrine.

[Brad4]

Check out Dennis VW service on Long Island. Dennis mostly works on Vanagons, specializes on Syncros. Customers come from all over the country use him. He is also a Go Westy rep.
_________________
91 Vanaru westy
07 GTI Fahrenheit
14 GSR Beetle
66 single cab
64 Herbie Beetle

[the joker]

German Motors in Providence may may not or at the very least refer you to someone,I also do all my own work, that;s life when you own a westy