Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: CMcAllister]
#2771860
05/06/20 05:06 PM
05/06/20 05:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,774 St. Louis, Missouri area
Cometstorm
OP
"Beat It"
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OP
"Beat It"
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,774
St. Louis, Missouri area
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Well, at any rate... Drove the car on some errands today. No brake issues whatsoever. Must've wore off whatever was causing it. I've had a few cars in the past that (Saturns, in particular) were notorious for that... Some brake sounds upon initial drive after sitting outside, then nothing after a few miles. On the oil issue, monitor reads 95% good. Not that it's the most reliable thing....but still. Need to find a more reliable place, I know they're out there! Yes, in response to some who posted suggesting "If I don't like it, do it myself." I'm afraid those days are long gone with age...
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: CMcAllister]
#2771864
05/06/20 05:14 PM
05/06/20 05:14 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,955 Puttin' on the foil in Charles...
not_a_charger
Mr. Big Shot Moparts Moderator
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Mr. Big Shot Moparts Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 19,955
Puttin' on the foil in Charles...
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And if "Mr. I did you a favor and brought my own parts" shows up, send him down the road. That guy is usually as bad as "my car is perfect guy." Sometimes, he's even the same guy.
Earning every penny of that moderator paycheck.
DBAP
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: not_a_charger]
#2771877
05/06/20 06:24 PM
05/06/20 06:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 21,832 Kirkland, Washington
Pacnorthcuda
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 21,832
Kirkland, Washington
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And if "Mr. I did you a favor and brought my own parts" shows up, send him down the road. That guy is usually as bad as "my car is perfect guy." Sometimes, he's even the same guy. I did that with my first car, 45 years ago. U-Joints, had no idea that what I was doing was unethical.
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: CMcAllister]
#2771969
05/07/20 12:13 AM
05/07/20 12:13 AM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 959 Cincinnati,Ohio
jcastle1
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 959
Cincinnati,Ohio
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I have learned people will take anything you're giving away for free just as long as you are willing to do it. And once you do it, they expect it.
An oil change should be considered a service. Maybe include a "free" tire rotation if you want. Just make sure the time is covered. A quick glance at the brakes and tires while doing that. Look around for leaks, stuff falling off, belts, lights, while the oil is draining and while you're adding oil and topping fluids. It really doesn't need to be an hours long production dissecting everything. People soon figure out whether you're looking out for them or for yourself.
An in depth inspection is offered at some places for a set price, maybe an hour. Often it is sold as a used car inspection service or a Spring get the car ready service.
Doing annual inspections are when you really look for needed stuff you can sell, especially since it HAS to be fixed.
Two of the best pieces of advice I've received is "If you're good at what you do, don't do it for free." And "Sometimes you're better off firing a customer." The 19.95 oil change - free inspection places are a magnet for tight wads, cheapskates & FSA types who want someone to give them everything. They go to the auto parts for the "free diagnostic" that ain't worth spit, buy the part and expect you to install it for $10. Then want you to fix it for free when it doesn't fix the car. I know all about that from both the shop and the auto parts side of it..
This guy started out fine. OP was comfortable with the guy. Then the guy went into "get as much as I can out of this guy while the getiin's good" mode, tried to BS him and ended up screwing himself. Do good work, get paid for it, don't BS the customer or take advantage of them. If they are a regular and not a PIA an occasional favor for goodwill is fine. And if "Mr. I did you a favor and brought my own parts" shows up, send him down the road.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
EXACTLY!
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: jcastle1]
#2771976
05/07/20 01:25 AM
05/07/20 01:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,621 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,621
Fulton County, PA
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I knew a guy who runs (ran now maybe) a back alley shop the people in the hood would take their stuff to. He had an account at a parts store. One deal he liked to pull, customer would bring their car in for a no start. Shop guy would diagnose it, maybe it would need a fuel pump. Shop guy calls the parts store, verifies price and availability and says to bill it to him and the customer will come get it and pay for it.
Customer retrieves and pays for new pump ($3-400 usually) and takes it back to the shop. Shop guy tells the customer that he'll call him when it's done.
Shop guy will go to the junk yard and buy a fuel pump or whatever he needed to get the car going. 10 or 20 bucks. Put the used fuel pump in the car and get it going. Bring the new pump back to the store with his receipt, tell them he didn't need it and get his 3 or $400 back. Cash. Did that all the time with all kinds of parts.
It's a jungle out there.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: jcastle1]
#2772038
05/07/20 10:04 AM
05/07/20 10:04 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,774 St. Louis, Missouri area
Cometstorm
OP
"Beat It"
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OP
"Beat It"
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,774
St. Louis, Missouri area
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I have learned people will take anything you're giving away for free just as long as you are willing to do it. And once you do it, they expect it.
An oil change should be considered a service. Maybe include a "free" tire rotation if you want. Just make sure the time is covered. A quick glance at the brakes and tires while doing that. Look around for leaks, stuff falling off, belts, lights, while the oil is draining and while you're adding oil and topping fluids. It really doesn't need to be an hours long production dissecting everything. People soon figure out whether you're looking out for them or for yourself.
An in depth inspection is offered at some places for a set price, maybe an hour. Often it is sold as a used car inspection service or a Spring get the car ready service.
Doing annual inspections are when you really look for needed stuff you can sell, especially since it HAS to be fixed.
Two of the best pieces of advice I've received is "If you're good at what you do, don't do it for free." And "Sometimes you're better off firing a customer." The 19.95 oil change - free inspection places are a magnet for tight wads, cheapskates & FSA types who want someone to give them everything. They go to the auto parts for the "free diagnostic" that ain't worth spit, buy the part and expect you to install it for $10. Then want you to fix it for free when it doesn't fix the car. I know all about that from both the shop and the auto parts side of it..
This guy started out fine. OP was comfortable with the guy. Then the guy went into "get as much as I can out of this guy while the getiin's good" mode, tried to BS him and ended up screwing himself. Do good work, get paid for it, don't BS the customer or take advantage of them. If they are a regular and not a PIA an occasional favor for goodwill is fine. And if "Mr. I did you a favor and brought my own parts" shows up, send him down the road.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
EXACTLY! You nailed it very well!
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: CMcAllister]
#2772341
05/08/20 06:12 AM
05/08/20 06:12 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,696 jersey
Spaceman Spiff
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,696
jersey
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Unless there is a real issue, a brake inspection in my world is look at the pads and verify no leaks. Done. A lot of the time it can be done without removing the wheels. Unless it has a real concern - pulling, pulsating, losing fluid, lights on, park brake hanging or something obvious - I'm not going to spend a lot of time tearing stuff apart to look at it.
The brake fluid I get. It does get nasty and degrade. However, that would be done at the same time as a brake service/pad change.
Again, I would have been done with this guy early on. I would have pushed the car off the lot before letting him do any work. Don't BS me. I’m guessing your world doesn’t involve working on other’s vehicles, where actual safety is a concern?
526 cubes of angry wedge, pushbutton shifted, 9 passenger killer!
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: Spaceman Spiff]
#2772428
05/08/20 11:47 AM
05/08/20 11:47 AM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,621 Fulton County, PA
CMcAllister
Mr. Helpful
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Mr. Helpful
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,621
Fulton County, PA
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Unless there is a real issue, a brake inspection in my world is look at the pads and verify no leaks. Done. A lot of the time it can be done without removing the wheels. Unless it has a real concern - pulling, pulsating, losing fluid, lights on, park brake hanging or something obvious - I'm not going to spend a lot of time tearing stuff apart to look at it.
The brake fluid I get. It does get nasty and degrade. However, that would be done at the same time as a brake service/pad change.
Again, I would have been done with this guy early on. I would have pushed the car off the lot before letting him do any work. Don't BS me. I’m guessing your world doesn’t involve working on other’s vehicles, where actual safety is a concern? Haven't been on a line in awhile, but I don't recall people ever wanting to pay me to take stuff apart just to look at it beyond maybe pulling drums. Not without having a specific concern. Or doing a pad or shoe replacement and the stuff is already apart. Been screwing with junk with wheels for other people since 1974.
Last edited by CMcAllister; 05/08/20 11:54 AM.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: CMcAllister]
#2772634
05/08/20 09:55 PM
05/08/20 09:55 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,796 minnarusta
TX9H6E4CUDA
master
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master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,796
minnarusta
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I just went through getting reamed by a shop.
I had this 1992 Caprice and the original rear end was howling. I installed a new police car rear axle with a better ratio. Ever since the wap I was chasing a driveline vibration. Long story short, After doing everything I could, I asked a friend who is a mechanic where to bring it. He suggested a local driveline shop and he sends all of his driveline work there.
I made an appointment and dropped the car off. I wrote a note about everything that was done so far and that if the repair goes over $350.00, to call me first.
First week: no word and when i called they were going over everything I already did. Second week: no call and when I called they Did somethings and still not fixed Third week: no call, when I called they talked about the pinion angle was off, ordered new control arms and the bill was $650. Shocked but still ok with it, I said go ahead Fourth week: no call, I called and they said car is still vibrating and they are throwing in the towel. They were "not charging me for labor" and parts only at $950.00. I almost dropped the phone and started yelling at him. He said they went through the entire rear axle and have four weeks into the car.
I paid the bill on my unfixed car and I put it up for sale the next day. I couldn't even look at the car anymore. I will do everything in my power to cost them tripple that amount in lost sales.
If you are an honest mechanic, I will bend over backwards to be an awesome customer. Any MN residents want to know what shop it was PM me.
For the absolute best powder coating go to J.I.T powder coating, contact infomation is in my personal profile..
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: Jjs72D]
#2772706
05/09/20 06:58 AM
05/09/20 06:58 AM
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 601 Mass
charge70
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 601
Mass
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In our shop,if I'm doing a LOF I will do a quick visual brake check.That means looking thru the wheels at pad wear. If the customer wants the brakes checked with wheels off or drums pulled,then the clock starts.If we find it needs brakes and the customer wants them done now,we will do the inspect at no charge.If they decline repairs,they pay for the time.
1970 Dodge Charger R/T S.E.
1969 Dodge Dart GTS 440 M-Code
1970 Dodge Charger 500 383/4-speed w/A.C.
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: Cometstorm]
#3030717
04/04/22 08:39 PM
04/04/22 08:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,237 Looking for a way out of Middl...
IMGTX
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 12,237
Looking for a way out of Middl...
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I find complaining about a shops policies always brings out people who defend the shop so I wouldn't get wound up if somebody does. Last time I had my wife's car in for the second alternator replacement. Original one died after 120K miles. The replacement only made it 20K and died. It happens, parts fail so no biggie. They replaced it for free because it was less than 2 years old. I had heard stories about the new management so I charged and tested the battery before I took it in so they couldn't say it needed a battery too, but they texted me and said they wanted to replace the battery because it was "heavily discharged" for only $340. I said no, and that battery is still going after 3 years. As for the copper in the brake lines, that is a new one. Copper in the brake pads is one I have heard about. Some places decided that copper in the brake pads could be toxic so they passed laws limiting copper in the pads. Cali is the only one I know of but I'm sure there are other states. Copper has been in brake and clutch pads for probably over a century and nobody has a confirmed case of copper exposure to brake pads because they were used on vehicles. Maybe manufacturing them but not from using them or replacing them. If you were concerned about the copper in the pads then I would replace them when they wore out with copper free pads but for me not any sooner than when they wore out, unless the thought bothers you. At least you spent a necessary $24 to find out where not to go.
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: BSharp]
#3030747
04/04/22 09:54 PM
04/04/22 09:54 PM
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6,290 nowhere
Sniper
master
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master
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 6,290
nowhere
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Technically, that's a 3/4 race cam. No, no. no it's a v6 cam in a v8, lol
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Re: Bit of auto repair shop venting
[Re: jcastle1]
#3030784
04/04/22 11:35 PM
04/04/22 11:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,450 It's a dry heat
gtx6970
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,450
It's a dry heat
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I have learned people will take anything you're giving away for free just as long as you are willing to do it. And once you do it, they expect it.
An oil change should be considered a service. Maybe include a "free" tire rotation if you want. Just make sure the time is covered. A quick glance at the brakes and tires while doing that. Look around for leaks, stuff falling off, belts, lights, while the oil is draining and while you're adding oil and topping fluids. It really doesn't need to be an hours long production dissecting everything. People soon figure out whether you're looking out for them or for yourself.
An in depth inspection is offered at some places for a set price, maybe an hour. Often it is sold as a used car inspection service or a Spring get the car ready service.
Doing annual inspections are when you really look for needed stuff you can sell, especially since it HAS to be fixed.
Two of the best pieces of advice I've received is "If you're good at what you do, don't do it for free." And "Sometimes you're better off firing a customer." The 19.95 oil change - free inspection places are a magnet for tight wads, cheapskates & FSA types who want someone to give them everything. They go to the auto parts for the "free diagnostic" that ain't worth spit, buy the part and expect you to install it for $10. Then want you to fix it for free when it doesn't fix the car. I know all about that from both the shop and the auto parts side of it..
This guy started out fine. OP was comfortable with the guy. Then the guy went into "get as much as I can out of this guy while the getiin's good" mode, tried to BS him and ended up screwing himself. Do good work, get paid for it, don't BS the customer or take advantage of them. If they are a regular and not a PIA an occasional favor for goodwill is fine. And if "Mr. I did you a favor and brought my own parts" shows up, send him down the road.
If the results don't match the theory, change the theory.
EXACTLY! EXACTLY.
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