Hi Everyone,
I was recently fortunate enough to purchase a Vintage Motorcars built 550 Spyder (Picture Attached).
I live in NYC and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a good and trusted service shop in the five boroughs?
I don't mind trailering the car to the service center, but driving it there would obviously be much more convenient.
Thank you very much to any and all who recommend. I'm very excited to be a part of this great community of owners and enthusiasts.
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Congrats!
Nice 550, @Spyderm@n
'Welcome To The Madness' known as replicar ownership! 
I had a client in NYC that used Caste Systems in Norwood NJ and was happy with their service. I don't have much personal experience with them...
You might also try reaching out to any local VW Clubs and asking who they use/know. I know there is a sizable Long Island VW Club
@LI-Rick -- any recommendations for this man?
@Stan Galat posted:@LI-Rick -- any recommendations for this man?
I don't know of any air-cooled shops left on Long Island. Here is a link to a local club, but they are based out of Suffolk County.
@chines1 posted:I'm now guessing that @LI-Rick is Long Island Rick... makes sense. What's the local/general consensus on AutoSport Design in Huntington Station (if you know)? Owner Tom Papadopoulos has owned several Becks (Spyders and Speedsters) and I assume his own shop does the upkeep on them.
Yes Carey, East End of Long Island. I'm going to be in Portland, Indiana at the end of the month and was thinking about driving over to Bremen. Could you possibly spare a few minutes one morning for a tour?
As for Autosport Design, I never heard of them. I checked out their website and facebook page. They are mostly a Lotus dealer, along with what appears to be a high end restoration shop for older Lotus, Ferrari, Aston Martin, ect. They could probably service air-cooled VW's, but I don't think anyone would like the bill.
@LI-Rick I have client visits scheduled for Tuesday AM and Thursday AM, and they're picking out all of the specs also, so they'll be a few hours each, so as long as we can schedule around those I'd love to have you stop by and show you around. M/W/F are open as of now.
I have several cars in NYC and a few on LI, so I've reach out to see who they use as well. I know my one Manhattan client uses the aforementioned Caste in NJ, and one other Manhattan car services during summer when he's at his Hampton's home, so somewhere around there.
@chines1 posted:@LI-Rick I have client visits scheduled for Tuesday AM and Thursday AM, and they're picking out all of the specs also, so they'll be a few hours each, so as long as we can schedule around those I'd love to have you stop by and show you around. M/W/F are open as of now.
I have several cars in NYC and a few on LI, so I've reach out to see who they use as well. I know my one Manhattan client uses the aforementioned Caste in NJ, and one other Manhattan car services during summer when he's at his Hampton's home, so somewhere around there.
Thanks Carey. I'll be out there 6/24-26. I'm out by the Hampton's, so I'd be interested in hearing who they use.
24th I'm free, 25th I have a client in the afternoon and would need to work around that, 26th I'm doing a charity "hot lap" event at Autobahn in Illinois where we run the 904 and attendees can donate to the AHA and get a few 10/10ths laps around the track. Historically the 904 has been one of the most requested ride along cars, but this year Brian Redman will be there (not sure what he's driving) so were have some competition in that regard I'm sure. :-)
Brian Redman is 87 years old (born in 1937).
I've always hoped to pass from this world into the next in a fast car, but probably not on a ride-along with a near-90 year old man. The thought of it is frankly terrifying.
Regardless, the cheapest option to get behind the wheel is 4 large, which is pretty rich for a busted up pipefitter, but I don't think the event is aimed at me.
The entire Autobahn Country Club experience is beyond my pay grade, but I have several clients who have extended open invitations on a guest pass (which we've taken them up on a few times) and we help by donating time/fuel/wear & tear on Randy's car.
LMAO @ the terrifying thought... I feel the same way when people get into a 904 or Lister with Chuck.
Wow! Lots of information to catch up on.
@chines1 - Great to meet you Carey! Thank you very much for the suggestion on Caste and for reaching out to a few of your clients to ask where they get their service done. On a related note, I'm a huge fan of all of the Beck builds and am very much looking forward to the day when I can commission a 904!
@Stan Galat - Thank you very much for the shout out to LI-Rick!
@LI-Rick - Thank you for the link to the LIVC!
Apparently there is a Shell station with service bays in Amagansette and one of my clients has used them for basic service (watercooled Spyder) with great success. Not sure they know aircooleds...
@chines1 posted:Apparently there is a Shell station with service bays in Amagansette and one of my clients has used them for basic service (watercooled Spyder) with great success. Not sure they know aircooleds...
Interesting. If I drive out that way in the off season, I’ll check it out. Billy Joel used to have a “cottage” in Amagansett.
