In a message dated 5/16/2001 7:01:28 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
msznaier@gandalf.ee.psu.edu writes:

> I'd like to get info on good mechanics/mechanics to avoid close to Pasadena
(
> CA).
>  I need to replace the front shock absorbers on our '87 syncro.
>

Mario--

Bela's Forign Car
2525 N. San Fernando Blvd.
Burbank, CA  91504
818-842-9464

Bela (pronounced Beel-a as opposed to Bell-a) was recommneded to me by
another listee. I have never had him do work on my bus, but he has been
honest and helpful with me in recommending a smog test station. He even took
time to look over my bus, look at my old emissions results from NYC and feel
the CAT to see how hot it was to determine if it might need replacement. He
said come back if the smog test shows high Co2 which means the cat is bad--he
didn't think it felt hot enough but said--maybe you will pass--if not come
back. The Co2 passed. Another time he took a few minutes to find phone
numbers of VW wrecking yards when I was looking for parts. And I'm not even a
customer yet. Mostly because I do my own work so far. But I will give Bela a
try when I need something done that's too big for me. He always has a few
Vanagons there that he's working on.

Hopefully someone who has experience real with him or others will chime in,
but maybe this is at least a lead.

Good luck
Jeff
LA,CA