I am working on getting my 63 Beetle going again after a long hiatus - been out of the loop for over 10 years. Any recommendations for good VW mechanics in Adelaide who know what they are doing? My go to man is long retired.

Cheers

Andrew

The bug previously ran a 2110cc with dual 44idf Webers. So planning a new engine build as the 2110 is long gone. I reckon I'll go a bit bigger this time, but need to sort disc brakes and the front end first!

I will dig out a pic of the car in its former glory and post later.

Who did you go to in the past? Dave

Keith Poole, but this was in the late '90's.

Keith is still about and still doing some work I believe. Somebody on here will have his details,
if not on the 16th of this month is the 'day of the vw' at tea tree plaza. I am sure he will be there. Dave

That is very good to hear. I think I saw him the other day towing a car trailer up the freeway in his Kombi camper. Planning on getting to Day of the Volkswagen, my little one's are going to love it.

Here is a pic of the car.

Kieth lives up Claire valley these days.
PM me if you want to contact him.
I see him on and off through Volks enthusiasts events.

As for others in Adelaide, well, they are getting thin on the ground these days.
The aircooled scene is really dying here.
GHR motors are the only dedicated aircooled workshop I know of still trading.
Peter Debiasi still does a bit from his property in Longwood.

Volksfactory at Holden hill may be an option, but do mainly watercooled these days.

Steve and Siggi at GHR motor on daws road.
They will be able to help you out with original stuff
They arent too keen on modification stuff tho.

PM sent

Does Keith's son [Mark Poole] do VW work, or just Porsche ?

Mark is in Edwardstown.

Just porsche unless you have an in. I am not sure about dying in SA, just not in the mainstream. There are a lot of good guys around, you just have to find them.

Alf is still screwing good motors together but a long waiting list.

T54

Thanks for the response people.

Agree with comments about the scene sort of dying here in Adelaide, I was a little shocked at DOVW the other weekend.

It didn't seem like a fantastic turn out to DoVW.. not sure what it is normally like though. Being new to the scene I was hoping to see a few more cars for inspiration and ideas

Actually I qualify my comments, the scene isn't dying, it is just less visible than it once was. Clearly there are plenty of people tinkering with their aircooled pride and joy. I spotted a sweet slate grey oval beetle in a driveway in Littlehampton a couple of weekends ago and I spotted a beautifully restored 23 window Kombi (navy blue and white) driving through Mt Barker last weekend.

Is the volksfactory any good? I've called to ask questions a couple of times and the guy on the phone is the type who tells you what he wants to do instead of seeing what YOU want to do. I dont have issues being told that something is complex and may not be worth it, but this guy just makes me feel like a 12yo child being told to go to my room and leave my beetle alone.

Hey Miss TB,

I had the same feeling when I used to go there sometimes when I lived there a couple of years ago. I just use to go there for parts in the end cos they had some good used parts. I had the Sbug brakes done there and that was good. They tend not to want to do out of the square type stuff. There is also Volkscare at Gilles Plains if he's still there. He's good for high quality parts. I use to use a mixture Volksfactory, Volkscare and Debiasi. I did notice that whenever I took the bug to a tyreshop or other mechanic just to pick up my other car that most of the more mature mechanics commented that they had done their apprenticeships on old dubs. Frank Briar was one and there was another around the Highbury area I think. It might pay to have a good look around and ask a few questions. There seems to be a lot of VW guys in non-VW workshops down there.

Hope this helps a bit.

Thanks for the headsup! I spoke to the chirpy mechanic at the Volksfactory today, and despite the short notice he is willing to have the car delivered there Monday morning to do an inspection so I can get it registered here. It really was that 'o I guess I can take your business' type attitude that only a small business owner can get away with. I dont care if he has a terrible 'bedside' manner if he knows his business though. Its exciting to finally get it delivered, its either going to be the funniest thing to drive or a huge mistake! Lifes too short not to leave the 4wd in the garage and try something fun. I figure I dont really drink, and I never smoke or gamble, so if I want to drive some classics, thats what Im going to do!

Too right. You'll love it. I've tried a few times to give up bugs but guess what? There's another one in the garage again.