Tuneups
This consists of essential maintenance procedures that keeps your VW running healthy and smooth:
- Oil Change
- Transmission Fluid Check
- Brake Fluid Check
- Valve Adjustment
- Distributor Maintenance
- Compression check
- Points Adjustment
- Static and Dynamic Timing Check
- Carburetor Tuning
Brake Jobs
We have the solution for many common brake issues, such as:
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal
- Stiff Brake Pedal
- Pulling to One Side When Braking
- Brake Fluid Leaks
- Brake Fade or Weak Braking
- Grinding or Squealing Noises
- Brake Drag (Brakes Not Releasing)
Suspension
We tackle a variety of suspension jobs to address common issues.
Front Suspension
- Ball joint replacement (later Beetles/Buses)
- Center pin replacement (Bus)
- Tie rod end replacement
- Steering damper replacement (common fix for Super Beetle shimmy and steering vibration)
- Steering box adjustment or replacement (restores tight, predictable steering)
- Torsion arm bushings replacement
Rear Suspension
- Spring plate bushing replacement
- Torsion bar indexing / ride height correction
- Wheel bearing replacement (often seen as rumbling, grinding, or play at the wheels)
- Axle seal kits (gear oil leaking onto the brakes or inner wheels)
- CV joint service (Independent Rear Suspension or IRS cars)
- Reduction gearbox service (Split Window Bus)
Other
- General Suspension Services
- Shock absorber replacement
- Bushing and rubber replacement throughout
- Inspection for rust or cracked mounts (especially on Buses)
Electrical
Electrical issues are very common in VW's due to their age.
Charging System Repairs
- Servicing or replacing generators/alternators and voltage regulators
- Testing and repairing wiring between battery, regulator, and charging unit
- Installing alternator conversion kits
Battery & Ground System Service
- Testing for voltage drop or poor grounds
Starter System Repairs
- Replacing starter motors (including auto-stick specific types)
- Replacing starter solenoids
- Fixing ignition switch issues
Ignition System Work
- Replacing coils, distributors, condenser, points
- Setting dwell, timing, and advance curves
- Diagnosing misfires or weak spark issues
Lighting Repairs & Upgrades
- Fixing dead headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals
- Replacing or refurbishing bulb holders/sockets
- Diagnosing flasher relay issues
- Restoring proper grounds to horn or headlights
Fuse Box & Harness Repairs
- Replacing blown fuses
- Repairing melted or damaged wiring
- Installing new wiring sub-harnesses
- Full harness replacement
Engine rebuilds
*Indicates a service that is outsourced to a trusted machinist.
Inspection & Diagnosis
- Engine tear-down and inspection
- Measurement of crankshaft, camshaft, case, and bearing surfaces
- Evaluation of reusable vs. replacement components
- Build recommendations based on budget and intended use
Crankcase Services
- Case disassembly and cleaning
- Inspection for cracks
- Align-boring*
- Case decking
Rotating Assembly Services
- Crankshaft inspection and polishing
- Crankshaft grinding*
- Rod bushing replacement and pin fitting*
- Dynamic balancing of crank, rods, pistons, and flywheel*
- Flywheel resurfacing*
- Flywheel endplay set
Camshaft & Valve Train
- Camshaft and lifter inspection or replacement
- Cam gear fitting*
Cylinder Heads
- Head disassembly and cleaning
- Valve job (valves, guides, seats)
- Head resurfacing*
- Spring testing and setup
Pistons & Cylinders
- Inspection/measuring of pistons and cylinders
- Honing as needed*
- Ring fitting and gapping
Oil System
- Oil pump inspection or replacement
- Doghouse oil cooler conversion
- New oil cooler seals and hardware
- Pressure relief valve inspection
Engine Assembly
- Complete short-block and long-block assembly
- Bearing clearances checked and documented
- Crank endplay setup
- Torque procedures to factory specs
- Assembly with proper lubricants and sealants
Fuel & Ignition Setup
- Carburetor rebuild and installation
- Fuel pump inspection, replacement, rebuild
- Distributor inspection and setup
Metal Fabrication
We work with an extremely talented metalworker in the harbor area of Half Moon Bay known as Princeton. He has two decades of experience and can tackle the widest variety of metal fabrication jobs, including full pan replacement, custom framing, rust repair, and much much more.
Mobile Jobs
Is your VW not running, and you don't feel like dealing with the tow truck company? Too busy to bring your VW by the shop? We can come to you. We offer mobile services for all minor repairs and tuneups. Contact us for more details.
Give us a Call
(650) 490-0248