Quote:
Originally Posted by ckelly78z
We have a guy who runs a shop from his home (separate shop building) who is very reasonable on labor, and will only do what you ask to the degree that you want it fixed. He will afro-engineer if you tell him to to save some money., but will also do a fine job on most projects. He is getting up there about 65 years old, so I have to wonder how long he will continue.
I gained respect for him, and vice versa many years ago when we both raced Datsun Zs, and shared knowledge about the cars. He could tell that I wanted to learn, and wasn't just bleeding him for information on how to fix my car. If a stranger walks into his shop and starts asking a bunch of questions, he will show them the door, but if you truly have a give and take converstaion with the guy, you both will stand there for an hour and discuss everything from politics to local news, to cars.
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Sounds like my Benz indy. Not 65 yet, but otherwise similar. And he's actually ok with customers bringing parts if we let him know in advance, he's all about the cars staying on the road affordably. His customer base is a bunch of Benz enthusiasts who couldn't afford the cars otherwise.
For me now it comes down to the lack of a lift and some physical limitations from a spinal injury a few years back. I'd like to diy everything but engine internals on my 911 but can't work for long lying on the floor anymore. The Benz's are pretty complicated for more than routine stuff like oil/trans fluid/brake work. The diagnostic computer clones are a $800 investment and while cool as all get out (they come with diagnostics and Mercedes WIS, which is more or less electronic shop manuals for all the cars from mid 90's on) not something I've been willing to buy yet.