Good shops in N Iowa area

[VixenUNBREAKABLE]

Still haven't gotten the chains done :banghead: but hoping to do so with tax money, if not sooner. Only problem is I can't find a good place to take the car to. I don't want to spend $1000+ at the dealer. Called out to Wick's here in Mason City and the guy had no idea timing chains even needed servicing, quoted me $700 but I hear he's really slow, so that price will probably be a lot higher than that.

Any suggestions? I don't mind taking it out of town if I have to as long as it isn't too far away. I baby the car and don't want somebody royally screwing it up.

[Dubtuner]

Im not to sure how far away you are but ive done my share of timing chains. Pm me and ill give you the shop's number.

[twooly]

Kevin (vwmeister) is a good option also, sure he would be glad to help out.

http://www.lichty.com/

[Jameson250s]

word at kevins...

[VixenUNBREAKABLE]

Im not to sure how far away you are but ive done my share of timing chains. Pm me and ill give you the shop's number.

Thanks for the offer! But I think Dubuque is like 3ish hrs from me, a little far.


Kevin (vwmeister) is a good option also, sure he would be glad to help out.

http://www.lichty.com/

Thanks, I'll shoot him a PM :)

[rubberpenguin]

ill talk with my GM and see if he knows a good place... he just moved down from mason city so he knows the area well... if you can get it that far word on going with kevin. :tu:

[65dunebuggy]

dubtuner will do a good job at a good price for you. Sure its a drive but worth it

[rubberpenguin]

i agree andy will do a great job... we have quite a few skilled techs and shop owners on here... its all a matter of geography at that point tho...

[Turbo_powered]

Could always talk to Sarge at Big Jim's Extreme Automotive in Cedar Rapids. He'd do a good job too. Shop # is (319) 261-0999.

[Dubtuner]

Geography is certainly a big factor and if kevin is closer no reason not to go their im sure he would do a good job also im sure sarge could take care of it as well

[VixenUNBREAKABLE]

Waterloo is like 45min from me so if the rents are okay with me taking it there I might do that. Still looking around though. I was gonna tackle it with the bf but I don't have a garage to work in currently :(


ill talk with my GM and see if he knows a good place... he just moved down from mason city so he knows the area well... if you can get it that far word on going with kevin. :tu:

That would be awesome of you, thanks!

[Jameson250s]

just come down here n meet the loo crew already

[vrjetta98]

Yep doin chains at kevins also... and an entire motor for that matter.

[fatmobile]

Yeah, Wick can be a little slow at big jobs like this.
He's getting older.
but if he says that's the price; that's it.
Being slow doesn't usually cost more, it's rushing people that cost more and usually gets worse results.

How's that saying go?

Done fast
Done right
Done cheap
Pick 2

I'd see if Greg Berghoffer, over in Garner, would do it for you.
He raced a Scirocco in the hornet class so he knows a 16V for sure,..
and he worked at a few dealerships so he should know the VR6.
..and has a nce shop at his house.
I don't know his number right off but Greg has vw stuff listed on Mason City Craigslist. example: http://masoncity.craigslist.org/pts/1552196731.html
If he doesn't have time for it, he might be able to suggest someone.

[thedeezel]

I know Greg, and have bought stuff from him recently. I would agree that he would be a good option if you cant find anyone else. His number is 641-512-4637

[thedeezel]

Oh, and that 1.8t is spoken for :)

[fatmobile]

Better delete his ad then, ha.
Bought stuff from him lately eh?,...
hmmm I don't see the TD quantum listed anymore.
If you do get ahold of him, tell him we sent ya.
Craig

[MurA1]

ill talk with my GM and see if he knows a good place... he just moved down from mason city so he knows the area well... if you can get it that far word on going with kevin. :tu:

WAIT?!? You work for Benny! Tell him "HI" from Rhett. I went up and worked at his store last yr. (also a fun guy to party with!) Shh, don't tell him I said that. LOL

[iowagn]

If you were close to DSM you could join us for a timing party since it sounds like we have a couple to do...

[MurA1]

More than just mine?

[VixenUNBREAKABLE]

Yeah, Wick can be a little slow at big jobs like this.
He's getting older.
but if he says that's the price; that's it.
Being slow doesn't usually cost more, it's rushing people that cost more and usually gets worse results.

How's that saying go?

Done fast
Done right
Done cheap
Pick 2

I'd see if Greg Berghoffer, over in Garner, would do it for you.
He raced a Scirocco in the hornet class so he knows a 16V for sure,..
and he worked at a few dealerships so he should know the VR6.
..and has a nce shop at his house.
I don't know his number right off but Greg has vw stuff listed on Mason City Craigslist. example: http://masoncity.craigslist.org/pts/1552196731.html
If he doesn't have time for it, he might be able to suggest someone.

Thanks! Are you from Mason City then?? $700 is a good price, I was just nervous because he didn't really know the timing chains needed to be done and had never done them before. But I hear he does good work on older Mercedes' and things like that.


I know Greg, and have bought stuff from him recently. I would agree that he would be a good option if you cant find anyone else. His number is 641-512-4637

:tu: I'll be getting a hold of him, thanks guys.

[fatmobile]

I don't live IN Mason City, I'm about 10 miles to the north.
Working on the old diesels so I don't know anything about a VR6 chain either,..
or I'd offer to help Wick with it.
EDIT: Location added to profile, thanks for the reminder.

[VixenUNBREAKABLE]

Oh cool what do you drive? I'll probably end up taking him to wick's, greg doesn't have time now and only person who could think of to help was someone in Iowa city, and that's too far. He's also heard good things about wicks so hopefully all goes well.

Thanks for the help.