I played with fire and didn't get burned

[rick-l]

I needed both a Missouri state inspection and new tires so instead of taking just the wheels in to have tires mounted I brought in the whole car.

I copied the factory service manual page on wheels and tires and printed the picture of the bottom of the tub from this bulletin board that shows where lift pads are welded on an 88.

Believe it or not the FIRESTONE store on Manchester Road and 141 in St Louis took the extra time and extra work to follow the instructions.

I watched from the waiting room the guy using a floor jack, breaker bar and torque wrench. I briefly considered giving the guy a 10 to buy a beer but figured he would be insulted.

[cliyde]

Hmmmm, yeah that's always been a tricky one for me. I'm very paranoid when it comes to that sort of thing... Just recently I needed tires, so I jacked up the entire car, removed all the tires and went down to the tire dealership w/ em myself. They were immediately like "where's the car, we have a special lift just for porsche's that fit directly into the stock jack port on the sides..." Well, at first I was flattered, but then I quickly remembered I have a Targa which IMO, that is not the best way to lift that car.

Besides, it only took an extra 1hour out of my day, and for the piece of mind, it's priceless!

[Walko]

wouldn't it be worth giving the guy a ten so that next time you can feel confident that he will respect your car. i always try and reward the extra effort some workers go to when I take my P car to a place that doesn't normaLLY DEAL WITH THEM

mY 2 CENTS

Michael

[dentist90]

Know what you mean. Sometimes mechanics must think we're a paranoid bunch telling them how to jack it, watch out for the oil and A/C lines, please don't use the impact on my aluminum lug nuts, careful with the polished anodized Fuchs, etc...
Just had two rear tires replaced and I actually left the jackpad tool sticking out of the jackport so they couldn't miss it. When I picked up the car after work I could see where they had removed the old adhesive wheel weights but had left the double-sided sticky tape on the wheel. He explained that they were afraid to take it off for fear of scratching the wheels!

[Jgordon]

I've been there myself. Perhaps a 10 would be misconstrued, but a 6-pack or a case of beer is never, ever seen as insulting. At least in my experience.

[defcon65]

Not really paranoia as much as well-guided concern: when I was shopping around for my 911 I saw ALOT of pictures of damaged pans from improper jacking. The floor behind my driver's seat has been pushed up an inch from an improperly-placed lift pad, I'm sure.
I always tip when I get good service. It's nice to know that some mechanics are truly conscientious and want to do the best job they can. I'd go back there and give him a ten-spot and a sincere thank-you.

[JBO]

Everyone doesn't drink, and I learned that years ago trying to "reward" someone with a 12 pack - felt kinda stupid, so I no longer give alcohol unless I know the person drinks.

[greg bradbury]

I had the experience of the mechanic trying to use a floor jack on the side valance and oil line. He got a quick NO! I then plolitely said that I would take them off myself. One side at a time using the pathetic little jack the porsche supplies. No problem. No tip.

[Emission]

Another great approach is to send a letter (via snail mail) to the owner/manager of the shop telling them how great of a job they did with your car (point out the employee, if you can). Letters like that are pretty rare - and they will really appreciate it.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by Emission
Another great approach is to send a letter (via snail mail) to the owner/manager of the shop telling them how great of a job they did with your car (point out the employee, if you can). Letters like that are pretty rare - and they will really appreciate it.

Best suggestion yet.

Alcohol used to be a better ambassador than it is today. Your opinions may vary on that depending on your region and demographics. Money is always welcome and never insulting unless you pulled out your change.

Times were when a sixer of Coors east of the Mississippi was gold. In CA, it probably ought to be Mexican brew (no offense implied, they make some good suds).

[randywebb]

Letter - you don't know the guy, do you? He could be a Christian or Muslim who avoids EtOH like the plague -- or he could be in AA...

[mgbruno]

Ok, reading the horror stories here make me wonder if my suspicions were on the mark. About 2 years ago I put new tires on my car. Went to a place recommended by my mechanic - who dealt only with Porsches - He was in Monterey (David Loop). Anyway, the place jacked up the car by driving it over a lift, with wood on the parts that touched the bottom of the car. Then they lifted my baby. I'm watching all this thinking - this can't be good for the car. Luckily I don't think anything happened, but what do you guys think? Was it wrong to jack up the car like this - with all four tires hanging down over the lift - it still hurts when I picture it.

[rick-l]

Originally posted by mgbruno
Was it wrong to jack up the car like this - with all four tires hanging down over the lift - it still hurts when I picture it.

You didn't say what model, but if they used the lift and set the four arms on the lift pads all is well.

[craig001]

Rick,

I know the Firestone you went to, but know nothing of the folks there. I use th Firestone at Crestwood Plaza for mounting, balancing and alignments. I too take them the shop manual with the specs. They aren't insulted by that.

The manager's name is Mike Brandt. He's pretty cool. Tell him Craig of Saleen and Porsche cars sent you and he may give you 10 to 15% off. I know I sent my neighbor there and he was very happy when I talked to him especially because of the discount. They have a $30k Hunter alignment rack Mike is very proud of. He was like a kid in a candy store when they first got it in - took me back there and ran some screens on the built-in computer.

Mike has had some BMW's and at one time may have had a 944.

Who do you use for service? I have been using Kent at German Auto Specialists and may give Reid-Vann a shot with my next service. I talked to GLB on Big Bend north of 40 once and I don't think that they were that comfortable working on 964's. I have an acquaintance that uses them for servicing his 928 and 944.

[rick-l]

Originally posted by craig001
Who do you use for service?

I've been lucky and never been desperate enough to have to take any car in except for inspections, tires and alignment (and I'm going to try that soon). I don't think there is even close to a John Walker equivalent in St Louis.

Reid Van hacked me off when they charged my wife $15 for a bulb (third brake light, 1 of 3 bulbs, max 2 minutes labor) during a state inspection on my Audi. This is after she asked how much a bulb cost and they told her about a dollar and she said go ahead. This was several years ago but I still hold a grudge. I guess they figured they didn't make enough on the state inspection fee.

Parktown has mounted tires for me and done an alignment. They weren't that expensive and I can't fault their work.