Having given up home ownership, and the joys of shovelling snow and cutting
grass that accompany it, lack of a work area forces me to have most of my
work done by a mechanic.

I use Kevin Mowatt, Mowatt's Automotive, 252 Warren Ave, Portland.
207-878-1265

Kevin isn't a vanagon guy. A couple of years ago he told me mine is the only
one he's ever worked on. AFAIK it still is. He is, however, a truly good
mechanic. Not just a parts replacer, but someone who understands mechanical
principles. Know's what he doesn't know. I've seen him refer to my Bently
when working on my van.

He's done plenty of work on my vanagon, including an engine swap. I have no
complaints. He's also done all the work on my wife's car, and my son's.

Totally honest. Only mechanic I feel comfortable telling to "just fix
whatever's wrong with it".

The "Dave" Marla referred to is probably Dave Knightly. I think he's in
Oxford. Too far away to be convenient for me, but I've heard nothing but
good things about him.

John Flaherty
Portland, Maine
'84 GL

----- Original Message -----
From: "Fitz-Randolph, Douglas" <Doug@BEACONTEL.TV>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2002 2:36 PM
Subject: Re: Mechanic in Maine?

> <<Anyone know of a good Westy mechanic in southern Maine?>>
>
> No, though I can tell you who to avoid if you are interested! After
several
> less-than-positive experiences, I now try to avoid taking my van to a
> mechanic if humanly possible.
>
> Seriously, if anyone knows of one, please speak up!! Also, looking for a
> reputable body shop  - one capable of demonstrating the kind of care
> required to do a restoration project rather than just fix dents for
> insurance work.
>
> Doug Fitz-Randolph
> Freeport, ME
>