finding a shop or shops

[oasis]

Hi,

I have question which I am hoping I am posting to correct forum.

How do I find the correct shop or shops to go to for custom work?

Last weekend, I went to a shop which performs a lot of work on Type 1s and Type 2s. In the course of talking to them, they tried to talk me into wanting a 1776 Type I engine that they would build to meet my needs rather than installing the Type IV which I really want. They said a Type IV would require a lot of cutting and fabricating. In all of my reading on the Internet and the dozens of books I own, I have never seen that as being a necessity.

They also said converting a 1302 to rack and pinion steering would be nearly impossible. I printed and saved the thread from this forum on the subject for future reference and/or argument. (They have a supposedly rust-free 1302 minus fenders and engine for sale which I may consider.)

What really got my dander up was when they said later year Beetles were crap because they were Mexican built. Now, I may not know a Dellorto from a Kadron from a Weber, but I do know Mexican-built Beetles were never officially imported into the states. And I know Super Beetles -- tin-top and canvas-top -- were only made in Germany. And I know a friend of mine has a Type 181 made in Mexico which isn't crap. And I know my 2002 Cabrio which was made in Mexico has gone nearly 18,000 trouble-free miles. And I know a childhood friend who is the original owner of a 1979 1303 Cabrio which isn't crap.

Maybe this shop does good work their lack of historical knowledge notwithstanding. I don't know. It sure gives me pause, though.

Then there is the question on finding a good shop which will handle what I want with regards body, paint, interior, etc. Do I need to find a VW-specific place for that? And how do I find a good one?

Sorry about the rant (if you've gotten this far), but I am very anxious to get started, but I want to get going in the right direction. Boy, it's enough to make me want to become a do-it-yourselfer ... well, almost.

Thanks,
René