So What Do You Pay for Parts/ Shop Repairs?

From: Dennis Woracheck,  I wish I had found this site when I was working on a 912. I rebuilt the engine and brakes and etc, etc on a 67 912. Now that the car is running great and doesn't need anything else, I'm willing to share my "secret" parts source. It started with my needing a rocker arm. Then after I took the jugs off - I needed ONE Japanese big bore piston! (OR 4 jugs and 4 pistons-ouch) Other parts as you can imagine. Armrests, Dash cover, etc.  I looked all aver the web for many of these parts and couldn't believe I found them right here in St. Louis, MO. German Automotive Specialties, 314-963-9911. He has a warehouse of hard to find 911 and 912 parts.  Mention my name, get a good seat. (or other parts) The car belongs to my ex-girlfriend who can no longer deal with the finicky nature of a car of this type. She likes her Civic's get in an go over the 912's get up and go. She could afford to maintain the car when she was sleeping with the mechanic. Now she wants to sell the car. I feel like we're selling our kid. Anyway, we're still great friends and I agreed to help her sell the car. I'll get her to register the car here, soon. In the meantime, anyone looking? Need info? Call me at 314-781-2015 for details. Thanks, Dennis

From: RevGuy912;  Nearly every new part on my 912 came from Performance Products in Van Nuys, California. (In case you didn't know, Performance Products has merged with Automotion). They have nearly everything, but at the time they did not have the floor pans, so they were purchased from Best Deal. For the roll cage and floor pan replacement, Speedwell Engineering in San Fernando, California did all that work. They are great at rollcage work and any kind of fabrication that you can think of. The best Porsche shop I've dealt with is Eurosport in Burbank, California. They really do know and understand the Porsche 912 and I've never had a problem with their work. They're also a great place for work on any European car that you may own.

From: ejk1976;   hi i own a 912E and i was wondering how much it costs to replace the push rod tube gaskets and also how much it costs to replace the intake manifold gaskets as well.thanks,erik

From: Tom York;   I have just purchased a 1976 Porsche 912E.  What are the best sources for parts?  My VIN # is 1701.  It is a great, original car.  Tom York

From: LIZMOODY2;  My father serviced and repaired my Porsches for 16+ years before fleeing for the tranquility of Florida.  He never charged a dime for labor and obtained the parts at a very fair price.  Prior to his leaving He told me that Einmalig  of Huntington Beach was the place for parts, and that 911 Design in Montclair, CA was a Porsche repair shop that has mechanics moonlighting at Laguna Seca, Stuttgart, and Johannesburg.

From: Steve;   Hello, My name is Steve and I live in San Diego... I would love to share. with others, a few places where I found great prices   Aase Bros. in Anaheim, CA 1 800 444 7444 has some of the best prices that I have found here in S. Calif for used parts.  They even ship too.  I have also found that Fiber-Tech located in Santee, CA 1619 448 4128 is another great place to buy new parts for your engine.  The people there are very informative and will help with anything too as far as getting you a cheep price on engine parts....  Love the site and thanks, Steve

From: Joe Russo;  Greetings all, I have a few pieces of advice:
First, on the subject of buying, don't be in a hurry. Look for a car that's in good shape and has had a lot of the 'usual' work already done. Things like transmission rebuilds and new front suspension pans are expensive (believe me!). Also, if you're looking for a potential race car, you'll save A LOT of money by finding a car that's already been built, or at least started (again, BELIEVE ME!!)
As far as purchasing parts-- SHOP AROUND!! Although it often doesn't seem like it, there are many places to get parts for your 912, and by investing some time and effort you can save yourself some significant cash. Asking other owners about their experiences with specific vendors for specific parts is a good idea.
Finally, when it comes to mechanics-- SHOP AROUND!! Find a mechanic with a good reputation, and who you feel comfortable with. Trust is a great comfort when shelling out bucks for repairs... Also, in my experience, some Porsche mechanics do not seem particularly enthusiastic about working on 912s, which in my opinion is not a good thing.
Cheers and happy motoring,
Joe Russo

From: Chris Smith;  I live close to Parts Heaven in Northern California but they ship world wide. Their prices are great. They are owners so most of them know what they're talking about and give great advice. Typical example: I got a rh heat exchanger in excellent condition for 300 bucks from them. PAR is another great place out of New York with great prices and good stock.

From: Jeanette Ahlgren;  Hi Rick, The MOST important thing I would recommend BEFORE any parts supplier, or repair shop etiquette, is DO pick up some books from the Maestro on engine rebuilding and what came with what engine AND what year.   This to keep from buying something that may not make you too cheery. The next, is to pick up "The 911 & 912 Porsche restorer's guide" by Dr. B Johnson so you have a pretty good idea how much the car has been "modified".  This is important if you are deciding on purchasing a car for ONLY concours, or something that you would like to track. I'm always a little saddened by "almost perfectly original" Porsches being gutted for competition purposes, or watching the zillions of dollars disappearing (AKA "trail of P car tears") in the quest for a Parade ribbon with a car that probably should have been kept a driver.  Once you know what you want to do, (and what should be done) the cross referencing of suppliers becomes much less of an obstacle.  Jeanette

From: mike and shirley;   My favorite place for parts also happens to be my favorite mechanic at Arcane automotive, excellent wrencher and also happens to be our prez of the porsche club.  He just got through overhauling my 912's 4 banger and did brakes as well. Might be able to do a complete suspension overhaul also but we'll see! I do also buy items at tweeks and am very interested in pelican parts so we'll see what happens. Some parts even came from parts heaven for the overhaul so i don't think one spot ever wins but many do.
Thanks for the site and letting me ramble on! regards mike '67 912

From: Robert Burn;  In terms of repair shops, I have done all my own work except for wheel alignment and tires for 30 yrs. My rebuild of 15 yrs ago was done with the help of the wonderful and funny books by The Maestro (aka Harry Pellow), and Elgin's Machine Shop in Redwood City, CA. I guess that, since it still runs reasonable well 15 yrs and 100KM later, it worked reasonably well.
For parts, I use Performance Products exclusively. They have the most extensive catalog, things are always in stock, and I receive orders within 48-96 hrs. Check out www.performanceproducts.com. The only deviation from the norm has been to use Fram C3-P oil filters; also I have changed oil religously every 3K miles. I am still on standard sized bearings. Since I have used a car cover for 30 yrs, I still have the original dashboard and, therefore, know nothing about replacements.
Happy holidays.
p.s. At least with a 912 there are no microprocessors, and we do not fear Y2K.

From: Peter Baldauf ;   356 Enterprises 810 575-9544 or NLA E-mail me for phone # . These guys, especially 356 enterprises, have very competative prices. So far everything I've ordered from there has been anywhere from 15 to 30% less than ***** or *****. Their selection is quite less but always worth checking if they've got the part, if so, it will be cheaper. As for the other questions I do all my own work. The only body work I've ever had done was done at Classic Coach Werks in Charlton Mass. Where my ex-roomate is the body guy. Don't get me wrong, he's only ex because I moved, not because of any ill bodywork. In fact, I recommend his shop, if your not in a hurry. Ask for Gary 508 248-9224. Happy Holidays Peter Baldauf

From: David Mauk;   I HAVE A LOCAL USED PARST SUPPLIER WHO ONLY DEALS IN USED PORSCHE PARTS. HE HAS AN EXTENSIVE INVENYTORY AND IS REASONABLY PRICED. THE BUSINESS IS CALLED CARQUIP AND IS LOCATED IN BOULDER COLORADO. AS FAR AS NEW PARTS GO I USE "DOC&CYS2" OR "BEST DEAL". THANKS AGAIN RICK! DAVID MAUK

From: Adam Reed; Adam and Jennifer Reed;  I've got to say that Gary and Rod Emory at Parts Obsolete in Oregon are my favorite parts folks to deal with. If you don't know Parts Obsolete, you've got a treat coming. Not only are they about the best restorers around, but they can find you just about any part imagineable. They specialize in 1973 and earlier parts, so that makes them just about perfect for us 912 folks, doesn't it.... Check out their web site at www.partsobsolete.com. Call 'em at 503-835-2300. Can't tell you anything about general repair houses, as I do it myself, but I can highly recommend Competition Engineering in L.A. for machine work. Ray Litz has been around forever and probably knows the four cylinder Porsche engine as well as anyone.
Happy Holidays!!
Adam Reed

From: Ron Anthony;   Hi, Rick! I like to deal with Europroducts in Florida. They seem to have a good inventory and very fair pricing. Ron.

From: Jim Margrave;   I buy all my parts wholesale, or from PB Tweaks. I haven't bought a Porsche part in about ten years. The last thing I bought was a blinker/headlight dimmer, and that I got at the dealer using my buddy's account. I remember it being about $90, but I had rebuilt the thing about five times, and it wouldn't hold together anymore. Anyway, I'd rather talk about BMW motorcycles nowadays. Jim Margrave 912E guy

From: Nanea;   I BUY PARTS FROM DOC & CYS-800-950-0356 OR STODDARDS.

From: Darroll Morehouse;   So far, I've had real good luck with EASY (European Auto Salvage Yard) in Emeryville, Ca and Automotion in Sunnyvale, Ca. (800)777-8881. Both have been pleasant to deal with and very free with advise. Darroll (pops_912@hotmail.com) or (darroll@lodelink.com)

From: Jason Terada;   Like most people, I think Stoddard Imported Cars Inc. in Willoughby, Ohio is the best place for buying parts, in terms of prices and them having hard-to-find stuff. For used parts, I have been pretty happy with Best Deal in Stanton Calif. They also have a good selection of new parts at competitive prices.
For potential buyers, here's an often overlooked trouble spot. Check that the clutch and brake pedals move freely and independently of each other. Try to move the pedals sideways and feel for any play. The plastic pedal bushings used at the factory tend to wear out after 30-odd years of use and will make the pedals rub against each other, creating a dangerous condition. Replacing the bushings requires removal of the master cylinder to get the pedal box out. Fortunately, Weltmeister makes a bronze
pedal bushing kit (I bought mine at Automotion) that costs less than $20.  These are oilite-type bushings and should last forever. The plastic throttle bellcrank bushings, under the car near the left heat exchanger, also tend to get fried and will make carburetor adjustments iffy and cause play
in the throttle linkage. Replacement bronze bushings are around $4 each (2 required), and are available through Stoddard and other catalog parts houses.

From: Giolli, Florio;  For parts, I use Parts Heaven for used stuff. I find them very cooperative and service oriented. For new stuff I use Performance Parts. They are also very helpful and run specials some times which can't be beat. For repair shops, I have nothing good to say about them, leave it at that.  For contact numbers fgiolli@usa.capgemini.com
Florio, Voice-Mail 1-800-227-4230 X8243, Mobil at 727-415-6756

From: John Flacey;  Rick: I have had the most success through the years, and through three cars (66 912, 74 914 and current 69 912 Targa), with Performance Products. They have consistently had better selection and availability than the other two large catalogs and sometimes even reasonable prices. As an owner group, we have an "only game in town" problem. As with all retailers, care and comparison in shopping is a key success factor. Every dealer I have ever used treats me like an eccentric and wayward child, though they have everything if you give them 12 -18 months lead time. Plus with German as the primary language of many parts managers they always sound like they are angry at you or clearing their throat, even when they are not.
Service is a regional if not local issue. Merely for reference, I have been very happy here in CT with Kam Motorsports up in Waterbury. Gerry McCarthy has forgotten more about the four cylinder Porsche engines than you and I put together will ever know. He is also extremely active in PCA. I would trust
him with my children over and above my car. Excellence consistent with expense is OK with me. As for tune ups, there is a local guy here who grew up with a father's 356 and his fascination is huge and continuing.  There are more of these guys out there than are easily findable I would imagine. In conversations with PCA folk, and on the golf course with people who earn their living in the classic/ collector car trading business, I hear praise for Larry Prentiss at SpeedSport in Norwalk for mechanical work, and for Wayne Carini at Continental Autobody in Portland, CT for restoration work. John

From: brian reynolds;  Dear Rick, No favorite parts company , i like to shop from all of them , some have better prices on service parts than others. as for repairs have had push rod seals replaced and oil cooler seals replaced, and tune ups.   have been happy with work done by my service shop, but did not like before quotes and after billings. Have talked to other porsche owners about opions on other shops in are area, and seems like all of them work the same way. GUESS THEY KNOW THERE BUSINESS!!!. My advice to other victims would be learn about the car they want, maintanace, know problems of car and what they want to do with car. ( every day driver or garage queen) Wish i bought car with more miles and little more worn. I have every day driver that is all
original. Feel i am taking great model of 912e and turning it in to regular car. brian

From: Trenholme, Phil;   I am currently the owner of a 68 912 and a 65 356. My 356 is a street legal vintage race car that I do drive occasionally on the street but it is the most fun on the race track. My 912 is a car that I recently purchased for a daily driver. The reason I love these two cars is that I can repair just about everything on them myself. I do not do any of the machine shop work but short of that everything else is within the capability of somebody with reasonable mechanical skills. I find that although there are very good shops, most repairs can be handled with excellent results when using the workshop manuals and by obtaining advice from people who have experience. I obtain a great deal of satisfaction from making repairs myself and find that once you begin making your own repairs your confidence will grow and allow you to tackle jobs that you probably wouldn't have ever considered previously. The proper attitude for working on cars is something you have or don't have. If you are easily frustrated or find yourself getting angry because something won't go together then maybe you are better off finding a good repair shop. I look forward to working on my car and actually find it be relaxing. There will always be "problems" that come up on even the most basic repair. I find that the secret is to always plan to spend a lot more time than you anticipated. It also helps to have a garage, tools and a back up car to drive when the simple repair has turned into a bit more than anticipated. Good luck with your repairs.
Phil Trenholme
68 912
65 356 C Coupe

From: Mark Price;   As in all things, it pays to shop. There is such a wide swing in prices I make a list of parts and get on the phone with it. I have found that for trim and body type parts Vertex , engine parts Zims. NOPI in Atlanta is also a good source for odds and ends. My luck with people I've paid to repair the car has beenall over the place. When it would run and quit, it costme $800 to find air leaks in the injection, the same shop did the clutch, plate, etc. for $600 which I thought was a great deal. Mark Price 76 912E, 97 Intrepid, 87 CRX Si 9 the indestructable teenager car)

From: Neil Fennessey;   I do a bit of business with Foreign Intrigue, Berwick, Maine. They're an honest group of Porsche-philes and charge fair prices. And they happen to be not far off a well travel route I drive when visiting family in Maine.  They also have the best stock of used/salvaged parts in the northeast that I know of. The bulk of my new parts are purchased from Stoddard in Ohio.   Simply the best quality and selection. - Neil '67 912 (Ol' Blue)

From: fmarshal;   With the exception of Harry "the Maestro" Pellows performing my engine overhaul (A spectacular job), I perform all of my own maintence.  Harry's work certainly isn't for every Porsche owner (some people try to cheat the Gods and save money), but his work IS for efvery Porsche. I found him to be a perfectionist; but, after all, isn't that what you want when it comes to engine internals? :) fmarshal

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