Recently I’ve noticed a very disturbing trend on the internet. On my recent views of sites like Craigslist I seen a few ads for “Part Sourcing” or “Part Locator” for VW parts. These people state that they can help you find and buy a part for a fee. Not buy a part for you but just tell you where you can locate a part then pay them a set amount for that information.

We here at Ernest’s don’t think that’s right. Why should someone get paid to give out information? Anytime you contact someone to find a part that should be FREE. We NEVER charge to help someone find a part we don’t have in stock. And if someone is working on the up and up they shouldn’t either.

In fact here’s some companies we refer to for parts we don’t have or carry in stock. This information is FREE. We don’t charge you or them to give their names out:

www.partsplaceinc.com – They’re a GREAT resource for Watercooled VW parts. Even NEW VW parts! I needed a cold start jet for my ’87 Cabrio and everyone in town said they couldn’t get one and no one was making them anymore. I called Parts Place not only did they have new ones but great pricing on the good used. I bought the used one and it worked just like new.

www.wolfsburgwest.com – Wonderful source for older VW parts. If you don’t need OEM they probably have what you need. Their website is clear on where the parts come from so you know if it’s made by Wolfsburg or from Germany etc.

www.mamotorworks.com – Great source for body panels if you can’t find any original pieces. Carry lots of new parts. My favorite is the Plug and Chug. It’s a cup holder that fits in the ashtray hole on ’68 and new VWs. It even has a cell phone holder on the front! It makes trips in my Westy a lot more fun. And for the older VWs they have cup holders to fit them too.

So check out Ryan Moore’s blog www.theguidetogood.com.

If you’d like to see pictures from this year’s show go on over to www.chirco.com. If they haven’t posted them yet give them a day or two to rest up after the show!

Dawn the Office Manager here and I have some advise for anyone looking for a mechanic.

1. How long has this person been working on your type of vehicle. Is he self trained or worked under a master mechanic.

2. If he’s doing a motor rebuild how many has he done. Learning motor rebuilds from a book only is not a good sign. Your mechanic should have build several motors under supervision to learn the dos and don’ts. Books are great but learning from someone is a better tool.

3. How long has he been in business. I mean doing mechanical work not a accountant now running a vw shop.

4.Does he have a business license. A valid license for your state. I’ve heard of several accounts of “vw shops” opening, the guys taking in motors and money and then disappearing. With a license you have some recourse if the guy rips you off.

5. Does he charge and pay sales tax. (If not be wary might be a fly by night business). If he doesn’t want to provide you with a receipt with details for the work performed and charging sales tax for parts be VERY CAREFUL! Lack of paperwork will make it hard to prove he did anything and he is working illegally because no tax may equal no license.

6. If he has to consult a book doing your tune up RUN. Seasoned mechanics don’t have to look up the small stuff. If he doesn’t know how to gap valves without looking it up you maybe the first car he’s done.

7. If he is a mobile mechanic and doesn’t have a mailing/business address. If he won’t provide you with an address he doesn’t want you to find him if something goes wrong.

8. If he comes to your home and has to borrow all or most of your tools. Seasoned mechanics should have all the tools they need for most simple jobs. If he doesn’t have wrenches and sockets for a simple tune up or carburetor job he may not know what he’s doing.

9. Can’t answer simple questions. If he knows what he’s doing he should be able to answer your questions without consulting a book or calling you back ( a sign he has to look it up).

10. Finally call around. Asking questions of others shops in your area is a great way to gauge cost and experience.

If you have any questions for Jay or myself please feel free to email or call we’d love to hear from you.

Tango can be reached at 520-795-5920 or direct 520-272-8954.

Didn’t have time to take pictures too busy selling a bunch of parts at low prices.

And don’t fear if you miss us we still have TONS of good used parts for sale.

We’ll see all of you again at Bugtoberfest 16!

So if you have the time Sunday October 17th 2010 come on down. We’ll have some great deals on used parts!

Just present this coupon at time of service and receive 10% off your bill.

Must be presented at time of service will not be honored after services are rendered or for a cash refund. Not good for parts purchase.

No cash value

ERNEST’S OLD VOLKSWERKS 17625 W. REDROCK LN. MARANA, AZ 85653

We got cars for sales and we’re getting pictures posted. Right now if you click vehicles for sale we have a beautiful 1973 standard bug you’ll fall in love with. The parts pages is still a work in progress since we have so many parts for sale it would take days to list them all.

Don’t forget the Old Volkswerks has reconditioned and rebuilt engines available. So if you need a dual port 1600cc, old school 40, or I looking to have something custom built give us a call.