Over the years, Volkswagen offered new versions of their vintage models, like the "new" Beetle and the Eurovan, but many folks still prefer the old school bugs and microbuses.
"At any given time, in any given room, there is always someone who at one time in their life owned a VW Beetle or bus," says Roy Henning, the vice president of Mofoco, 102 W. Capitol Dr.
Volkswagen culture is so filled with enthusiasts it's sometimes, jokingly, referred to as a "cult," and anyone with an old VW knows that driving it around inspires people to wave, point and flash the peace sign.
The constant need for parts and repair are part of the fun of owning an old VW. Hence, Volkswagen owners often share manuals and information, tinker around with the "guts" of their vehicle and try to locate needed parts via the Internet or other sources.
"As newer cars get more and more complicated with computers, an aircooled VW can always be worked on in any garage with relatively simple tools," says Henning, whose father, Randy, opened the business in 1969.
At times, lack of time or a particularly perplexing job requires vintage VW owners to consult an expert, so it's groovy to know that Milwaukee has a few really good Volkswagen repair shops. Here's a list of them and feel free to add others via the Talkback feature.
Vintage Volkswagen repair shops in Milwaukee:
Boucher Imports
9601 Washington Ave., (262) 886-2886
Boucher offers basic VW maintenance and repair for vintage models and can farm out body work jobs to Boucher Chevrolet.
Hall Volkswagen Mazda
19809 W. Bluemound Rd., (262) 782-5300
Hall services Volkswagens both old and new. The business offers basic repair and has a body shop.
Jim's Bug Center
822 W. St. Paul St., Waukesha, (262) 547-9667
Jim's is a family-owned and operated business that services all makes and models of Volkswagens. They will handle any repair with the exception of body work. Jim's specializes in locating VW parts. "We have an excellent source for parts," says one mechanic.
Mofoco
102 W. Capitol Dr., (800) 558-8955
mofoco.com
For 40 years, Mofoco has been in the air-cooled vintage Volkswagen business. The family-owned business rebuilds transmissions, engines, carburetors and heads. They also carry or locate parts. "If we don't stock it, we can get it," reads the Web site.
Riverwest Automotive Services
801 E. Keefe Ave., (414) 332-3844
Riverwest Automotive is a small ASE-certified shop in Milwaukee's Riverwest Neighborhood. The shop specializes in brakes, engine repair, electrical repairs and oil changes. At this point, RAS does not offer body repair.
RK Motors
3700 N. Holton St., (414) 964-5535
rkmotors.com
RK Motors offers basic VW maintenance, including oil changes and tune-ups, but does not offer body work or advanced jobs that require hard-to-find parts.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
