Where to go for auto repair east of Cleveland?

[greggarthurevans]

There are plenty of mechanics who tell you they have worked on Vanagons and that is fine.

But you know the right one when he smiles and inhales slowly, taking in a contact-high imagining all the memories you are going to make in your new van.

Then he push his forehead into the side of the cab and starts whispering gibberish.

I live 30 min east of Cleveland. Where should I take my vanagon to have it worked on?
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Holy crap I want to get this van on the road.

[AZ Landshaper]

Survey says........ Back to your own garage.
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Support Small Business.

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85 Weekender w/ EJ22
Previously
64, 71, 72, 73, 76, 81, 84, 85 & 87 Campmobiles and Westfalias
and a 67 bug.

[Gauche1968]

East of Cleveland? How about Buffalo? Pittsburgh?

Sorry, couldn't resist.
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1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[Jeffrey Lee]

In general, Vanagon mechanics, especially the type you describe, are an endangered species, and may soon be extinct. (I understand Van Cafe / Rocky Mountain Westy may be conducting a secret captive breeding program, but who knows?)

Not sure how current it is, but here's an index of Shop Reviews for Vanagon mechanics in Ohio:
http://www.roadhaus.com/shops_search_map.php?state_id=35

In the end, the best mechanic, and perhaps the only one you'll find with the sort of dedication and affection you describe, is you.

No matter what your current skill level, experience, or aptitude, I believe virtually anyone can learn to become their own competent wrencher. Start with the simpler, easier tasks, then work your way up, always stretching your limitations just a little bit beyond your comfort zone.

Between these Samba forums, some good workshop manuals, and a few bloody knuckles, you'll find some great support for your efforts, and you'll be amply repaid every time you pick up a wrench.

Good luck!
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www.CampWestfalia.com

[RicoS]

[greggarthurevans]

Toto it looks like were not in Humboldt county anymore.
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Holy crap I want to get this van on the road.

[wpegden]

Eric Zeno is near Pittsburgh.

He was banned from these forums for bad internet manners but he is a excellent mechanic all around and knows a ton about vanagons.

I generally do all my own work on vanagons (including replacing heads, the motor, etc), but Eric is the one person in Pittsburgh I have let work on my van when I needed something done I was too busy to do myself. And he caught a bunch of other issues at the same time that I would have overlooked.

He can be reached through the Pittsburgh Vanagon Club:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PVC-VW

[Buggeee]

Technically Southwest of Cleveland, in Parma:

http://www.germanautopros.com/

I have not used them because I do all my own work, but there are a handful of Vanagon Westfalia campers belonging to some of the people who work there and I see Westies on the lot from time to time as well. They are next to the auto parts store, so I have stopped in occasionally to waste their time. They fawn over an old air-cooled if it stops in for a greeting but they don't really work on them - their shop is focused on water-cooled if that happens to be what you have.
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Big Time 1988 Vanagon Westy
Release the Krankenwagen! 1966 Sportsmobile Camper
Dr. Kompressor 72 Super Duper
61 Turkis Pile (adopted out)

[greggarthurevans]

[Dave Wood]

I've had work done at Streetsboro Foreign Auto and completely happy. Its not cheap labor but I feel they are honest and do quality work.
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Dave
87 Vanagon GL

[greggarthurevans]