Classic Air-Cooled VW Repair
Beetle, Bus, Karmann Ghia, Thing. 40+ years of air-cooled experience. One of the few shops in Florida still doing this work right.
Air-cooled VWs are their own thing
These cars do not plug into a scan tool. They do not throw codes. They require a mechanic who can listen to the engine, read the plugs, adjust the valves by feel, and diagnose issues no computer will ever catch. That is a skill set you either have or you do not, and it is disappearing from the auto repair world.
Roger Silva has been working on air-cooled Volkswagens for over 40 years. He previously ran the shop as MSI Customs at this same location and built a reputation across Florida as the guy you bring your classic VW to when nobody else can figure it out. Carburetors, full restorations, vintage electrical, Roger has seen and fixed just about everything that can go wrong with a Beetle, Bus, or Ghia.
What we do
- Carburetor tuning and full rebuilds (Solex, Weber, Holley)
- Valve adjustments (the correct way, by feel)
- Full engine rebuilds and refreshes
- Generator, alternator, and voltage regulator service
- Vintage electrical work: 6V and 12V systems
- Wiring harness repair and replacement
- Brake system rebuilds
- Transmission service
- Frame and floor pan inspection
- Full nut-and-bolt restorations
- Pre-purchase inspections for classic VW buyers
Why Florida heat matters
Air-cooled engines rely entirely on airflow to regulate temperature. In a state where summer pavement hits 150 degrees and humidity chokes the air, that cooling system is working overtime. A poorly tuned air-cooled engine in Florida heat is a ticking clock. Carburetors running too lean, ignition timing slightly off, or tin wear that disrupts airflow can push an already hot engine past its limit.
Proper carburetor tuning, valve adjustments, and cooling tin maintenance are not optional in Florida. They are what keep your classic VW on the road instead of on a flatbed. We set up cars specifically for the climate they are driven in, which is why our builds last.
Vehicles we work on
- VW Beetle (all years, 1938-1979)
- VW Bus / Transporter / Type 2 (Splitty, Bay Window, Vanagon air-cooled)
- VW Karmann Ghia
- VW Thing / Type 181
- VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
- Air-cooled Porsche 356 and early 911 (selective)