Personalized Autohaus

Some Advice for New Porsche Owners

2011-11-30T12:31:00.000-08:00

Being a Porsche owner for the first time can be an exhilarating experience. The thought of having a classic or new vehicle with such high performance should be an exciting prospect. Many Porsche owners say that one of the first things you should do is join the PCA (Porsche Club of America). Doing this gives you a subscription to Panorama magazine and will provide you an opportunity to connect with other Porsche enthusiasts who will be thrilled to bring you into their world.

Another good thing to do is take some driver’s education courses. No, we’re not talking about the same classes you took inside a bungalow at 15 years old, but courses that will teach you how to properly drive your new super car and truly appreciate the performance capabilities that the Porsche has to offer. Learning how to drive a high performance car will totally change the way you experience your new ownership. After you take your lessons, drive as much as possible. After all, you bought the car for a reason.

Upgrading is another great way to get more enjoyment out of your new found Porsche ownership. There are tons of expensive and inexpensive upgrades and modifications for Porsches on the market that can greatly enhance your driving experience. You can focus on upgrading the interior, exterior, performance or all of the above. You should choose the upgrades and modifications that you will enjoy the most, not necessarily what is expected.

A Few Reasons to Walk Away from a Porsche Buy

2011-11-12T12:27:00.000-08:00

You may have been on the market for a Porsche for some time, but are not completely confident in your ability to not only find a good deal, but to pick a reliable car that won’t break down a few miles after you finish the sale. The truth is that there is probably no one thing that should disqualify any particular purchase, but there are a few things to be on the lookout for when thinking about making the final step of Porsche ownership.

Too Good to Be True – Let’s say you’ve found the model of your dreams and not only is it low miles and in near perfect condition, but it is being listed at half the market price that the car is normally listed at. You may have very well found a miracle deal, but beware that the deal may be too good to be true.

Service History – While a PPI is an invaluable source of information on your prospective Porsche, they are not infallible. A full service history can provide a lot of additional information that can inform your decision.

Used Car Dealers – There are plenty of superb used Porsche dealers that are highly reliable and will sell you a great vehicle. There are also some dealers that are less than reliable. Do as much research as you can on any prospective dealer to find the right one for your purchase.

Private Sellers – Dealing with private sellers can be sort of a mine field when it comes to purchasing a Porsche. It’s important to go with your gut instinct some of the time here. Does the person seem trustworthy, forthcoming and do they have lots of knowledge about the vehicle? Make sure you know all that you can before going through with a sale with a private seller.

What’s Involved in a Porsche Restoration: Part Two

2011-10-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

Last post we went through the first two steps involved in some classic Porsche restorations: rust repair and the paint job. These posts should not be taken as a guide on how to repair a Porsche on your own, but a general list of things that are typically restored during the process. The amount of work that will need to be performed will depend on how neglected the car was and whether or not there needs to be any complicated engine work.

Brakes, Suspension and Wiring – the suspension is completely disassembled and ever part is bean blasted and then cleaned and refinished before reassembly. For such a small car, the Porsche has a lot of wire. Every circuit needs to be documented during disassembly. Color-coded wire helps, but marking the wiring and photographing the route and mounting location of the harness is essential when restoring the dash, gauges and any other electrical parts.

Engine work – engine repair and restoration is probably too complicated to go over in a simple blog post. The key with engine restoration is to know exactly what you are doing when attempting to restore or fix any components. Doing the wrong thing or not handling parts correctly can cause a significant amount of damage to the engine. The experts at Personalized Autohaus are trained professionals who know how to deal with classic Porsche engines.

What’s Involved in a Porsche Restoration: Part One

2011-10-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Restoring a classic Porsche can be an exciting prospect, but some people aren’t aware of the vast amount of knowledge and expertise required to effectively restore the car to its original condition. Many people who attempt to restore an old Porsche on their own may find themselves working on it anywhere from a couple of years to fifteen years. How long it takes depends on the person’s level of dedication, hours worked per week and level of knowledge on their particular model. Personalized Autohaus has expert mechanics and personnel to make a restoring a Porsche a much simpler process. The following are some of things involved when someone restores a classic Porsche.

Rust Repair – water damage and neglect can cause a lot of rust damage to the body of a Porsche. This can occur on nearly every part of the metal body, with some areas being much easier to repair than others. Large panels like door skins and fenders can be purchased, but smaller sections need to be replaced through metal fabrication, which requires an expert.

Paint – metal work and painting are often performed on a rotating stand for accessibility purposes. After a sealer coat is applied to help protect the metal, imperfections in the metal are fixed with a variety of tools. The more attention paid to these defects the better the restoration. After the metal defects are fixed the car is given a primer coat. Block sanding is then used to level out the surface. Additional primer and surfacers may need to be used to fill in abrasions and scratches. Before receiving its final color coat, the car gets a sealant. As you may have noticed, a good paint job requires a lot of work and preparation in order to get the results that your restore Porsche deserves.

More steps to come!

Why You Should Bring Your Porsche to Personalized Autohaus

2011-09-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

If you own a vintage Porsche you obviously care a lot about your car. Why take it anywhere else but to a place that has decades of experience working with and repairing Porsches of all kinds. Personalized Autohaus has been open since 1974 and has many long time happy customers. Take a look at what some people have to say about the superior quality care and service that is provided at Personalized Autohaus.

“Personalized Autohaus is the only shop that I would bring my Porsche to. Their ability to diagnose issues and solve problems means the job gets done right the first time…Wayne and Nancy’s network in the Porsche community is unmatched in sourcing rare, hard to find parts and cars and their experience in repair and service of these cars is unparalleled.”

“You have performed flawless work on my 356 Porsches over the years. Most recently my 1957 speedster, engine, trans, new wiring harness, brakes. Total rebuild of all components about three years ago and all are working wonderfully. Keep up the good work.”

"Our family has been Porsche owners for over 45 years. When we found Wayne Baker at Personalized Autohaus to service and maintain our cars, we discovered a truly gifted Porsche pro. Wayne and his staff use their mechanical skills and experienced insight to fix even the most difficult automotive problems. They're the best! "

It’s clear, whether you are a Porsche racing pro or simply a weekend warrior who enjoys driving as a hobby, Personalized Autohaus is the perfect place to bring your car for tune ups and maintenance. Let Wayne Baker and his team of professional certified mechanics treat your Porsche, Volvo or BMW the way it deserves to be treated.

Porsche Maintenance Essentials

2011-09-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Personalized Autohaus is a great place to go for Porsche services like breaks, engine overhauls, restorations and various diagnostic services as well as any other type of repair the vehicle might need. There are a lot of things you can do at home to ensure that your Porsche runs at optimal levels without being in the shop. Below is a short list of things to check for to ensure a healthy vehicle.

Check Fluids – fluid checks are essential for maintaining a healthy car. Check your oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid (if present), auto transmission fluid (if present), hydraulic clutch fluid (if present) and windshield washer fluid on a regular basis. Check the car manual or with the mechanics at Autohaus to find out which fluids to use before you add them.

Check Hoses - Old radiator hoses or loose clamps can cause coolant leaks, which will lead to overheating and expensive repairs. Check hoses periodically and replace them if they're aged or leaking. It’s a good idea to replace the upper and lower radiator hoses whenever your replace your water pump or radiator.

Personalized Autohaus: What We Can Do

2011-08-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

If you drive a Porsche, BMW or Volvo, you need to see us! Visit Personalized Autohaus for BMW repair, Volvo brake jobs, Porsche restoration and more. Read about our services below and come visit us! If you live in La Jolla, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Penisquitos and surrounding areas we are conveniently located!

MAINTENANCE SERVICES:
                * Minor & Major Services (7.5K, 15K, 30K etc, Inspection I & II)
                * Calendar Based Services (Brakes Fluid & Antifreeze Flush)
                * 4-Wheel Alignment (Street and Competition)
                * Jack Weight and Corner Balance
                * Brakes (Including ABS) and Suspension
                * Pre-purchase Inspection
              DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES:
                   * Check Engine Light Diagnostics
                   * Electrical (Batteries/Starter/Alternator/Generator)
                   * Ignition Systems
                   * Fuel Injection
                   * Airbag (SRS) Warning Lights
                   * Factory Approved Diagnostic Equipment
              OVERHAUL SERVICES:
                   * Engine (Street & High Performance Street)
                   * Transmission (4 & 5 Speed)
                   * Carburetion (2 & 3 Barrel/PMO, Solex, Zenith, Weber)
              PERFORMANCE SERVICES:
                   * Brakes (Pagid Racing Pads), Brake Cooling Systems
                   * Race Car Construction, Full Race Prep and Mentoring
                   * Quaife Limited Slip Differentials & Twin-Plug Engines
                   * Custom Gear Ratios for Specific Track Needs
                   * Race Car Transport Locally and Nationally
                   * Arrive and Drive Plans
              RESTORATION SERVICES:
                   * 356 and Early 911s
                   * Ground-up Restoration
                   * 356 Tall 4th Gear for better highway drivability
                   * Chassis Undercoating
                   * Extensive used parts inventory for that hard to find part

Cars for Sale at Personalized Autohaus!

2011-08-09T15:43:00.000-07:00

You know that Personalized Autohaus is your alternative for the dealer for your Porsche, BMW or Volvo, but did you know that it addition to Porsche restoration services, independent Volvo mechanic work and more, we sell cars too? Well, now you do! Here are a few of the gorgeous automobiles that are for sale at Personalized Autohaus!

Very rare 1968 911L soft window Targa.
Freshly painted, newly upholstered seats with black and white checkered inserts, new rugs and new soft window installed by Autobahn Interiors. No accidents or rust and always located in Southern California. Very nice driver with excellent mechanicals. VIN 11855034
$48,000

1972 Porsche 911T Sunroof Coupe.
Freshly painted back to original Silver color. New interior by Autobahn Interiors with German black and white houndstooth inserts for the seats. This is a great driver with excellent mechanicals.
$58,000

69 911 2.0 LTR VINTAGE RACE CAR

ENGINE:
2.0 LTR 200 HORSEPOWER

TRANS:
5-SPEED
TORSION BIAS
GEAR RATIOS – E/I/N/T/W
904 MAINSHAFT

KONIS - FRONT & REAR, 23 & 31MM TORS. BARS
ADJ. SPRING PLATES, BUMP STEER KIT
27 GAL FUEL SAFE FUEL CELL, SPARCO RACE SEAT
MSD IGNITION, “S” FRONT CALIPERS
PAGID YELLOW RACE PADS, SS BRAKE LINES
MANY EXTRAS – TURN-KEY READY
$85,000

1974 Porsche Targa, 2.7Ltr engine VIN 9114110048.
Gold metallic with black vinyl interior. Very good driver with excellent mechanicals. California smog exempt.
$12,500 OBO

For more pictures and details, contact Wayne Baker.

619-743-1356 cell
858-586-7771 wk M-F 6:30am-4:00pm
Email: waynebaker@earthlink.net

More on Personalized Autohaus’ Wayne Baker

2011-07-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

Once he felt he had exhausted the 914-14, Wayne decided to take on another challenge by campaigning a 934 Porsche in the GTO class for the 1983 IMSA racing season. That year, Wayne competed in 17 races coast-to-coast with co-drivers Jim Mullen and Kees Nierop. He enjoyed five class wins and was the first to win the 12 hours of Sebring first overall. But the pinnacle came when he won the IMSA GTO Championship.

In 1985, Wayne decided to retire from racing … but three years later he was introduced to vintage Porsche racing when he entered a customer’s 1958 RSK at Laguna Seca for the 50^th anniversary of Porsche. The experienced paved the way for many other events, like racing a 1967 Porsche 910 in the Tour Auto in France, 24 hours of Magny Cours in a 1965 Porsche 911, racing in Spa, Belgium, Nurburgring and Monza, Italy.

Wayne organized the Porsche 2.0 Liter Challenge Series with HSR-West in California in 2000. Due to his experience and background, Wayne offers custom Porsche setup, mentoring and an arrive-and-drive program for new and experienced drivers alike. He has traveled to many of the U.S.’s famous tracks, like Sebring, Daytona, Road Atlanta, Road America and Watkins Glen, with his 4-car transporter and 6-car transporter.

{Photo Credit: opencage.info}

All About Wayne Baker

2011-07-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

When we say we specialize in vintage Porsche repair, we mean it! Personalized Autohaus’ Wayne Baker became a Porsche mechanic trainee in 1963 and went to Porsche Certified School in 1965. After working in the Porsche dealership system in L.A. as a journeyman mechanic, Wayne moved to San Diego and established Personalized Autohaus in 1974. That same year, Wayne wed Nancy and she became a major part of the complete Porsche restorations business in 1976.

In the late 1970s, racing became a large part of Personalized Autohaus. After racing in SCCA, Wayne moved up to the professional series in IMSA by racing a highly modified 914-4 cylinder, light-weight, 2.0 liter engine—and he achieved over 230 horsepower!

To our knowledge, Wayne was the first and only person to win an IMSA race in the GTU class in a 914-4 cylinder, when he won Sears Point, and also to completely finish both the 12 hours of Sebring and the 24 hours of Daytona in this same car.

The 60th Anniversary of The Mobile 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring

2011-06-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

The 60^th Anniversary Celebration for The Mobile 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring will be held March 14-17, 2012—and Personalized Autohaus’s Wayne Baker will be there along with other past winners. The picture above shows Wayne Baker, Kees Nierop and Jim Mullen in the winner’s circle after winning the Twelve Hours of Sebring back in 1983. The trio will return to Sebring International Raceway for the celebration in 2012.

Baker, Nierop and Mullen were the first ever to win an overall race in the GTO category. Wayne was driving the last stent to the finish and Greg, his crew chief, didn’t tell him that he was first overall—he thought he was just first in his class. The second place car was less than a minute behind Wayne, but Greg didn’t let on for fear that he would let the excitement get the better of him and lose out on first place.

In 2008, the three drivers were invited to Sebring for the Twelve Hour race to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of their famous win—undoubtedly one of the most historic wins in vintage Porsche racing U.S. history. Wayne will

On Sebring International Raceway’s official website, Sebring President and General Manager Tres Stephenson says, “We are not resting on our laurels following the hugely successful 2011 race. We fully intent on making the 2012 race the biggest and best Sebring ever. Our 60^th anniversary celebration will be something special.” Stay tuned!

Even if you’re not hitting the track in your Porsche Speedster, visit Personalized Autohaus to get your Porsche purring like she should be.

A Blast from the Past: 1967 Porsche 910

2011-06-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

{Wayne sitting in the Porsche 910. Photo Credit: Pascal Gai}

{Wayne and Nancy Baker celebrating in Bierritz, France at the conclusion of the five-day race. It was his first time completing the Tour Auto and he emerged victorious in the competition category!}

{Some Paris students stopped for a photo with the 910}

{The Porsche 910 making its way down the red carpet}

{One of Tour Auto's staging areas}

Porsche restoration services are one of Personalized Autohaus’ specialties, and the personal passion of Personalized Autohaus founder Wayne Baker. So it should come as no surprise that when Wayne participated in the 2000 Tour Auto in France he and co-driver Yves Junne were ecstatic about driving a 1967 Porsche 910 owned by Stanley Gold.

Traditionally, the race begins in Paris at the Tracadero in front of the Eiffel Tower and lasts for five days straight—during which hundreds of spectators line up alongside the road to watch Porsche Spiders and other amazing cars zoom by. Cars have to be 1980 or older to enter so there are always some beautiful cars in the race!

Calling All Volvo Owners!

2011-06-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Do you drive a Volvo? Personalized Autohaus has been providing alternative to dealer services for Volvo owners since 1974.

So what makes Personalized Autohaus the best place to take your Volvo for maintenance, diagnostics, performance, overhaul and restoration services? The talented team!

A certified technician on all Volvos, Porsches and BMWs, Glenn Roberts joined the team in 1977, became shop foreman in 1985 and part owner in 2005. An Automotive Service Master Technician since 1982, Eric Benner is a Certified Volvo Master Technician and has been with Personalized Autohaus since 1992. So what are you waiting for? Bring your Volvo to Personalized Autohaus!

Don’t take our word for it? This customer testimonial from a Volvo owner will do the trick:

“I have been coming to Personalized Autohaus, Inc. with my 1994 Volvo 940 for several years and have found the technicians and staff to be very efficient and reliable. They get the job done right the first time and at a reasonable cost. I would highly recommend this facility to any Volvo owner,” B.L., San Diego.

Photo via masolino.

Some Advice for New Porsche Owners

2011-01-28T16:28:00.000-08:00