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In preparation for my eventual Speedster ownership I'm interested in learning how to work on these cars, primarily basic engine work like valve adjustments, tune-up, timing, etc. Anyone have any ideas on how to get this type of training, preferably in Northern California but I'm open to a trip to Southern California if there was a weekend course or something like that. 

If I can't find anything formal my plan is to find a VW mechanic near me (looks like there's a good one in Vallejo) and see if they'll teach me the basics on my car for a fee. 

Of course I've already ordered a book on Amazon- "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step-by-Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot". Sounds like right about my speed. 

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Robert M posted:

I learned how to do valve adjustments and timing adjustments by watching YouTube. Saw numerous videos and all were done the same way. Some were better in their explanations but after watching several do it the same I figured that was how to do it and did it.

My son has tackled hundreds of jobs he never would have begun without YouTube. Enough so that I bought him this for his hat:

You tube is a great resource. So are the Bug Me videos, available on DVDs. But the best resource is a friendly local mechanic who'll let you work along side him. @Anthony was the guy for me. He has his shop in Auburn: Anthony's Clasic Autowerks. Give him a call when you get your new ride. He's debugged several new Vintage and JPS speedsters from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. Just ask @Sacto Mitch, @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal, @majorkahuna or @TRP.

I am continually amazed at the depth and breadth of information available on Youtube.  After my Dad died, my Mom wanted to sell their car (she no longer could drive) - a late '90's Buick with a digital dash, half of which wouldn't light up.  I found a Youtube video not only describing the problem (burned out electronic resistors in the dash and fairly common on that model) but also showed me where to look for the faulty parts (like the charr mark on the circuit board wasn't enough), where to buy beefier replacements and how to replace them!  Took about an hour to pull the dash and fix it and I was honestly surprised when it lit right up!  

Stan Galat, '05 IM, 2276, Nowhere, USA posted:
Robert M posted:

I learned how to do valve adjustments and timing adjustments by watching YouTube. Saw numerous videos and all were done the same way. Some were better in their explanations but after watching several do it the same I figured that was how to do it and did it.

My son has tackled hundreds of jobs he never would have begun without YouTube. Enough so that I bought him this for his hat:

I like it Stan.

Anthony posted:

I may have a JPS with a new motor available. Car has upgraded interior, CSP carbon fiber porsche shroud, optional custom hard top. Contact me if interested. I will post the ad later this week. Car is in new condition. Has less than 1,000 miles since new

tony@anthonysclassicautowerks.com

I know this car. Beautiful! Sad that the owners are thinking of selling it. It can be very frustrating when someone takes delivery of a new car and is immediately faced with teething issues. The new engine is from Ken Jansen, a well-known builder in Belmont, CA. It'll be bullet-proof.

Terry Nuckels posted:
It can be very frustrating when someone takes delivery of a new car and is immediately faced with teething issues. The new engine is from Ken Jansen, a well-known builder in Belmont, CA. It'll be bullet-proof.

 We've got 4 of our grandkids staying with us for a week, so I'm a bit sleep deprived and my guard is down-- but how did we get to the point where the need for a new engine was considered "teething"?

JPS strikes again, apparently. 

Last edited by Stan Galat

Thanks Anthony - can you tell me more about the car? Color, motor size, price, etc. You can message me or email at bwkirk94510@gmail.com

Although I'm fairly certain I'd like to go the build route and get exactly what I want I'd be interest in learning more about what you have. 

Also interested in talking to you about learning how to work on my car- when I get one - basic maintenance generally. 

Last edited by Blake

 

If it weren't for @Anthony , my brand new VS would have been one of those cars that's mysteriously back on the market with something like 1000 miles on the clock. It hardly ran at all. About the fifth time it quit on me with my wife in the right seat, I suddenly decided I needed to 'free up some space in the garage for other projects'.

Luckily, I found Anthony, who gradually nursed the car back to health and turned it into a reliable driver that I don't hesitate to take anywhere.

The fact that the car, right out of the box, needed a new transaxle actually was a 'teething' issue - the ring gear had more teeth than it was supposed to.

 

Will Hesch posted:

...my transaxle has too many teeth on the ring gear too...

but that was my fault, it's what I ordered (4:12)...duh

and my angels are  Jim Ansite and Pat Downs, the ones that keep Whitecloud from hitting the auction-block...

I'm still trying to figure out if the meat of "the hobby" is primarily charlatans and thieves peppered with a few really god guys, or the other way around. Either way, there are guys nobody should be dealing with, and guys that would be friends even if they weren't really great at what they do. 

i stayed in Art Thraen's home several times when my various projects were in full swing. If I was closer to the left coast, I'm pretty sure I'd share a burger and some suds with Pat.

Regardless, I'm super-glad you found them, Will. 

Last edited by Stan Galat

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