Should one document classic parts before service by mechanic?

[H.G.P.]

Original Porsche parts: should these be documented before taking in to a mechanic/service? And if so, how does one go about documenting the parts?

One further note: Should I be concerned about a mechanic taking a "joyride" with my car?

Thanks

[B D]

I would imagine your receipts are part of the documentation you may need. I would also have the mechanic write up the repairs and parts you brought in on the invoice, and list the parts you brought and the ones they will provide seperatley.

A joyride not much of a concern since you want them to test the work they completed. Just note the miles and make sure there are only a few more miles on the car when you get the car back.

[H.G.P.]

Yes, I have all of my new parts (the parts I replaced myself) receipts. (However, I did all the replacement for them. ) With many origninal parts still on the car, I'm wondering? Unfortunately the odometer is not working

[H.G.P.]

Originally posted by B D
I would imagine your receipts are part of the documentation you may need. I would also have the mechanic write up the repairs and parts you brought in on the invoice, and list the parts you brought and the ones they will provide seperatley.

A joyride not much of a concern since you want them to test the work they completed. Just note the miles and make sure there are only a few more miles on the car when you get the car back.

A joyride is a concern to me, since this is a spring (early type) 901, and I don't want the gears wasted.

[sundaypunch]

I think the answer is to use a mechanic / shop that you trust. I wouldn't take the car to a someone that wasn't familiar with a 901.

[H.G.P.]

I've never had the Porsche serviced before by anyone but myself, so this is somewhat new here. So I might have to ask when I get there.

[raceman]

l installed the MSD 6al with the changable rev limiter modules..that keeps the valet`s and service people from revving past 3000 rpm...

[john walker's workshop]

oh sure, all the mechanics will steal your stuff. the feeling of distrust from a customer is what makes a shop say "so long buddy", so don't start off a customer/mechanic relationship that way. and don't bring your own parts.

[H.G.P.]

Originally posted by john walker's workshop
oh sure, all the mechanics will steal your stuff. the feeling of distrust from a customer is what makes a shop say "so long buddy", so don't start off a customer/mechanic relationship that way. and don't bring your own parts.

The owner did state to bring what I have (new parts).

I have a neighbor with a Porsche (different model), that highly recommends them. I just want to be properly prepared, mostly due to someone else working on my car for the first time.

(Also: Edit: I want to be sure that they have the parts to begin with, being a 69. Perhaps this will also mean less down time for the car)

[GrindingGears]

It's certainly possible that your mechanic could take it for a joyride, but if he's a Porsche wrench (and around these cars all day), why would he choose a '69 E? Don't get me wrong, that's a nice car, but it's not a 935 or something rare/exotic.

Bottomline, worry 'bout valets or your kids taking it for joyrides.

[yelcab1]

I think we have just insulted J. Walker, the best mechanic on this site.

[rcecale]

Originally posted by yelcab1
I think we have just insulted J. Walker, the best mechanic on this site.

He certainly gets MY vote!

Randy

[RANDY P]

To address your concerns, take it where you have referrals. Ask around, it's the only way to find a good wrench. Find someone who you can talk to and (at least seems to) pay attention to what you're looking for. Price isn't what gets you a piece of mind, trust is - on both sides. There have been times when I was an electrical guy where we'd turn away a good paying customer just because we knew he / she was just a PITA that didn't believe or trust. Don't let that happen to you.

Every decent Pcar mechanic I've ever heard of or seen has a car (or many cars) which most of us could only dream of having. Around here some of these guys have cars that cost more than a house to build. If you need to ask, then it's best to find someone else.

That being said, I never worry about it when my car is out. To remind a professional of such a basic rule is akin to snapping your fingers in a restuarant. (as just noted!)

rjp

[on-ramp]

i always bring my own (new ) parts so i know exactly what goes on my car....if they can't do it, i find someone who will.

i personally dont enjoy paying a premium for parts.

[Britwrench]

No shop is going to have all the parts needed for a large item (trans, etc) repair. The item needs to be disassembled before parts can be ordered.

As John said, bringing your own parts is frowned upon. It's not a case of paying a premium, it's that most shops profit margin is based on a ratio of labor and parts. Therefore the shop has to make a decision whether the shop can justify taking on the work. And then we come to the who is actually responsible if something goes wrong? If the customer supplies the part and it doesn't work who will pay the shop to recitfy the situation?
We will install customer supplied parts (within reason). We will not warranty those parts and if the part does not fit or work, the customer gets to call the supplier and resolve the problem.
(We installed a customer supplied used 928 transmission..it didn't work, nor did the next one they bought in. All the labor costs were the customer's repsonsibility. It would have been cheaper to buy a rebuilt and warranteed unit)
Of course, everyone takes their own steak to Outback.

Regarding test drives, it is not a "joy ride", the number of cars I have driven that have significant, and not reported by the owner, faults is not small.............

It comes down to this, if you do not trust the shop don't take your car there.

[RANDY P]

On the subject of parts -

Warranty claims become a nightmare if you're bringing in your own stuff. It it's fried out of the box you're still (rightly so) responsible for labor times. Imagine what it'll cost you if it's installed on the car and your customer supplied parts cook shortly thereafter!

rjp

[briansc]

Bringing your own parts to the mechanic is akin to bringing your own steaks to the restaurant. The markup on parts isn't so great that you're sending the mechanics kid to Harvard. If you have the parts already ask if he will install them. I know sometimes I get into the situation where I either thought I could do the job and find I can't or just don't have the time. Don't make it a habit, a reliable mechanic is your best assurance of continuing performance and reliability of your treasured Porsche.

[slope-nz]

How dumb, If you don't trust the mechanic you have two choices find a mechanic you do trust or learn to do the work your self. I don't think that there many parts if any on a69E that your shop can't get.Get a grip on your self and enjoy your car and get to know the person you ask to work on it . My $0.02 worth. Randy

[FenderGuy]

Originally posted by briansc
Bringing your own parts to the mechanic is akin to bringing your own steaks to the restaurant. The markup on parts isn't so great that you're sending the mechanics kid to Harvard.

Depends on some parts Ive seen some reciepts for shops here a Bosch Plug at $12 per plug vs $2 per plug at your local auto parts store (mind you these are the copper plugs too), most shops make thier money on small items like this like it or not.

[Tim Walsh]

my question is why dilly dally on the parts? they're not driving brand new carrera gt's to work everyday, they're just making a living. Personally I wrench on my own car because I like to. I buy as many parts as I can to keep my wrench in business so when I do need him he's there.
(and yes pelican gets everything I can't get through him, crane boxes, special order parts etc)

bottom line for me, support your local wrench so he'll be there when you need him.