Larry Claypool / Vairshop to REDUCE ACTIVITIES

[Matt Nall]

These are the two e-mails that Larry has sent out to customers and friends.   Before things become  contorted... HE IS NOT CLOSING!!!!!




Larry's messages:

Dear customers, suppliers, friends and acquaintances,
Significant and far reaching family changes over the last 9 months have forced me to reconsider everything about Larry Claypool and the Vair Shop.
When I began the Vair Shop back in November of 1972, all I wanted to do was work on cars- predominantly Corvairs. I then expanded to provide a comprehensive supply of new and used parts. I think I accomplished that goal and earned a good reputation for honest repair at fair prices. My parts supply was large and ‘saved the day’ for many a Corvair owner in need.
I studied these strange little Chevys in depth, acquiring as much factory literature and documentation as I could find, and shared this knowledge through the many articles I wrote for both local and national Corvair publications. I have been heavily involved in the Corvair hobby through volunteer positions both locally and nationally.
In the middle 80’s I developed an interest in micro and mini cars, adding a number of these to my personal collection, and became significantly involved in that hobby segment as well.
While the Vair Shop has always specialized in Corvairs, any number of makes could be found in the service bay for repairs; indeed the list does run from A to Z.
In the late 90’s I became involved in a local all makes car club. As usual, I became involved with the operation of that group. The club has grown positively in many ways since then, and I added another whole group of car friends and customers.

One problem that has been ‘in the build’ is that these many volunteer positions would eat into my revenue producing work time. My reputation as a ‘guru’ of sorts has further compromised my billable hours with dozens of emails and phone calls each day, all seeking information or advise, the majority of which never leads to any revenue. In my typical 11-12 hour work day, I would often only be able to turn wrenches for 3-4 hours, the rest consumed by volunteer duties, free advice, or paperwork.

My recent personal situation along with a particularly difficult winter, made it clear that I could not continue with ‘business as usual.’ Either I had to reinvent the Vair Shop, significantly altering the way it operated, or do something else. The opportunity to do ‘something else’ came first, so I took it. That decision was one of the most difficult I have ever made; it did not come quickly.

The Vair Shop will not close completely, but will scale back significantly as I follow a new employment career. The scope of the shop operation is noted in a separate email I have prepared.

Fixing these old cars has been a very satisfying life for me, and introduced me to many great folks I now consider friends, and brought me numerous opportunities I would have never known in a different lifestyle. Please allow me to express my gratitude for allowing me to serve you over past many years.
Sincerely
Larry Claypool


Dear customers, friends, and acquaintances,
Significant changes will take place at the Vair Shop after the week of May 16th..
At that time , all current/future service appointments will be cancelled; I will no longer be servicing complete vehicles.
Rebuilding service for certain components (not installed in complete vehicles)- clutches, flywheels, and manual transmissions will continue, as well as machine shop service for heads, cylinders, and crankshafts.

I will continue to supply parts, both new and used, from existing stock until the supply is exhausted.
The shop will also change at that time to a part time operation, so most calls will go to voice mail. Leave a message and I will return your phone inquiry or email about parts availability as soon as possible. Technical questions I can answer within 3 minutes will be replied to when time is available; those needing research or lengthy replies will require a consultation fee.

I regret that I can no longer offer all the services that made the vair shop what it was, but life changing events have interceded, and drastic measures were required to maintain financial stability.

In closing, I wish to thank my many customers for allowing me to service your vehicles over the last 42 years. We had a lot of fun with these old cars; I hope your experience was positive.
Warmest regards
Larry claypool


Matt Nall
Charleston, Oregon
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