A quick jump to the Samba VW forum, entered GEX in the forum search box and came up with nothing good about them. I also Googled GEX reviews, the newest was from 2016 on "Pissed Consumer.com" - again, not good.
Not looking for a new motor, but I am looking to find an air-cooled VW mechanic in the SW MO or NWA area. The #1 cylinder has only 90lbs compression, others have about 130. I could throw parts at it, (new heads with valves, jugs, pistons etc.) but I want to know what caused the problem, not just rebuild the top end. I visited Darryl's, very nice guy, interesting shop, does excellent work, but he builds engines, not rebuilds or repairs. Went to a place in Grove, OK, they seemed just to want me to chuck the dual Weber IDFs and sell me a single progressive Weber.
IF I were looking for a short or long block,or even a turnkey, I would at least give Darryl's in Neosho MO, a call, or visit. Seems Vienna is just over 3 hours away. I even know a cheap place for a fellow forum member to stay if overnighting it.