Hello All,

This is my first post to the forums and it's a necessary one. I need to find a good mechanic for my '76 2L bay window bus.

I currently use a VW specialist on the southside and I have to say his actual mechanical ability and attitude that is beginning to show through is rather poor.

I am having to take things back to him twice at a minimum to have it fixed and that is just not on.

I want someone who is not going to bullshit, is going to do great honest work and actually knows how to tune a VW engine because currently mine is suffering from hesitations.

I did a search and found this THREAD, but it's 18 months old and a lot of things change, like someone in there saying the VW and Volvo Centre has shut down, which it definitely hasn't. Hmmm I wonder how I know this?

Anyway guys, some good honest advice is sorely needed here and even maybe some stories on good service you have received from your favourite VeeDub workshop.

Regards.

[ Edited on 27-2-2006 by T-BONE ]

[ Edited on 10 April 2006 by T-BONE ]

Mate, I don't know how far you want to travel, but give Gary a call at Conti Engines at Bribie Island. He recently rebuilt my 2lt for my bus and she has never run so good. A top bloke and a fair price, he knows what he's doing as well which is a pleasant change to some other "specialists". Check out VWMA for his number and ad, I don't have it on me at the moment.

I would recomend leons motors. Very good, never had a problem with him, and goes out of his way to fix things. Though i think he may be going on holidays very soon, so may be very busy for a few weeks while leon is away.

Tbone, I have had my 74 Bay Kombi serviced at Volksworld at Windsor for the last three years, always good service and never a problem.

Also Erwin at Phoenix Engineering at Woolloongabba has a good reputation.
Give either of them a call.

Regards

Phil

I can vouch for Erwin at Phoenix Engineering in Woolloongabba as well.

Yogie

I second Leon at Leons Motors - have been very happy with his help and assistance.

Rodger Woods at Southside vw, excellent work now in his 60's and started his apprenticeship on vw's and has never worked on anything but aircooled and his mechanic was the head engine assembler for vw australia:beer:beer:beer

This is great feedback guys.

I looked in the phonebook and saw that Mark Pell still has a workshop in Nambucca Heads. I don't actually know him, but my parents used to exclusively use him back in the 60's and 70's for their dubs - beetles and kombi's.

They said back in the day that he was the epitomy of VW mech's and had their cars running incredibly strong. I saw somewhere that his son Luke is running or doing the business, does Mark still have control or contact with it? Is his son Luke as good as his father?

Any knowledge about Mark Pell's workshop no matter how big or small would be appreciated, as I may consider driving down just to use his services.

Regards.

No one wants to talk about Mark Pell?

I've never had experience with him so can't comment, however with the wealth of experience listed above I'd be surprised if you have to travel so far to obtain services that are readily available in Brisbane. Your call at the end of the day though.

The Pell's VW workshop does not operate any more. Both Mark and Luke operate a towing business. The big shed is used to store the family's VW "projects", I think.

Mark definatley knows his VWs though.

I can vouch for Erwin at Phoenix Engineering at Wooloongabba. He is honest and very switched on with vw's. I know him persoanlly and he has had over 30 years experience with vw's. Give him a call!
66kombi

The Pells' are at Nambucca area in NSW

Just thought I'd post a conclusion to my mechanic search.

I took some peoples recommendations on this board and went and saw Erwin at Phoenix Engineering.

His mechanic Gordon serviced my car and what a wonderful bloke he is. I had an oil leak which looked to be coming from the topside of the block and the car was running like a pig. Gordon explained to me that it was the oil pressure switch that was causing the oil to leak and the cause of it running rough was the carby was missing a jet of some sort. I was really happy (as I am mechanically interested) when he did not hesitate to show me the broken oil pressure switch and then proceeded to show me on another kombi where it was located and which jet in the carby was missing. A refreshing change from the last mechanic I used.

I didn't know what to expect when I went there as I still had a sour taste in my mouth from the last guy. When I dropped the Kombi off that morning one thing I did notice was Erwin had a spotless office floor, which is always a good sign. So all in all I am a lot happier about my Kombi now as a result of good workmanship which actually fixed my problems and a fair price.

The only thing that annoys me now, is the last mech who touched my car told me that the push rod tube seals were the cause of the oil leak so he replaced those and charged accordingly. I suppose it pays to do the research before you choose a mechanic.