Punk A$$ Mechanics...

[WydRyd]

Is it just me, or do you guys also experience difficulties requesting mechanics do simple jobs for you?

Just curious, cause I asked a local mechanic if he can assemble and fit my new 965/993 aero mirrors, wire in a Haltuner A/F Gauge, corner balance the car and he declined the job

To me, it looks like some P-car mechanics only take on profitable jobs, OR jobs THEY want 100% input in (i.e: customer's needs doesn't matter).

OK, so it's his loss of business (current and future), but it seems these days, they just pick and choose which clients they take on.

Not impressed to say the least

Oh well, that's another one on my black list

[Bobboloo]

Maybe he just wasn't the right guy for the job. He probably did both of you a favor.

I don't take every job that comes along in my work for various reasons. Sometimes it's because some clients couldn't pay me enough (as in I'd rather chew gravel) other times it's because there are better people for the job.
Hopefully in your case the later is true. He probably had no idea how to price the job if his main gig is auto repair service.

You might try a body shop for the mirrors and gauge and a suspension/tire shop for the corner balance.

Bobby

[diverdan]

Would you pay $70.00 an hour for all of that work? That's how it gets billed in my friends resto shop which is really in the sticks. They will do it all and to perfection if they have the equipment. Shouldn't be too hard to find a body man to do the mirrors and an electrician for the wiring and a chassis tech for the suspension work.

[WydRyd]

I prefer a ONE-STOP shop to do all the work. I don't have the time to visit shop after shop for each component of work I want completed. That's just me

[Sean Hamilton]

Originally posted by WydRyd
I prefer a ONE-STOP shop to do all the work.

Me too, Merv. But in an ideal world.
I don't think I'd trust Melb PC to do an engine rebuild? - dedicated to MY needs? I'm a nobody, nothing special, just another job - 20th in a day. They're too big and set up mainly for volume servicing and got it down pat so their fees are competitive to that extent.
On the other hand, the smaller wrench that specialises and concentrates on the "bigger" one-off projects would probably prefer not to be bothered with simple plugs and oil swaps - his time too valuable both in $$ and availability. So I pick 'n choose depending on the job I want done.

I run my own business in a similar way - picking and choosing the jobs and the clients. Maybe they think I'm a punk ass too, but it's also my neck on the block, not the customer's. I also decline to refer them on now. The little jobs are just not worth taking on anymore! (unless it is as a favour for a long term repeat client, a mate on a handshake or from a referral) There's no profit in 'em. PI insurance costs and litigation risks these days put paid to those jobs, well and truly. My colleagues are of the same opinion. We're buggered if we know who will actually tackle them anymore? - anyone with the necessary skill and experience that is. The wash up is at the end of day it's the consumer - the one who pulls the trigger if he aint happy, that ultimately pays the price.

BTW do "we" know the mob you're referring to?

[juan ruiz]

Merv,Joint the CLUB,If I can only tell you what I had to go to obtain my HP you DIE, He probably refuse because you got the parts,so he wont make any money,thats the must common reason why they don't do it,the other one is that he may feel that you are a cheap guy so why bother,regarless it sucks, Im telling you Hot Rod this thing is a big pain!
my 0.02

[RoninLB]

My wife's mechanic told her, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder".................. Ron

[slakjaw]

hmm

thats interisting

[wcballance]

I'll agree that maybe the mechanic wasn't the right guy for the job. It would be nice to have one-stop shopping, but unfortunately we don't always get what we want.

Some mechanics should be avoided all together.... I found an article yesterday that talked about a mechanic that took customers' cars for joyrides. He bragged about one of his joyrides online and got busted.

---
Will Ballance
'82 911SC coupe

[Chuck Moreland]

Did you ask him why he declined?

You seem to be taking it personally. Unless there was some friction between you that you didn't tell us about, I'd guess he did you a favor.

He probably couldn't do the corner balance. Most mechanics don't have the scales required.

Perhaps he has a backlog of work and wouldn't be able to get to job in a timely fashion. Maybe he is going on vacation, or out of business. Maybe he specializes, and this isn't his specialty. Who knows, could be many reasons that are good and valid.

Don't get your nose out of joint. Just take your business someplace else.

[yelcab1]

Most mechanics have an area(s) of specialty they work in. Out of those and they are not as good, do not enjoy the jobs, lose money on, or you get bent out of shape with the quality of work. Be thankful he was not desperate enough to accept the job and botch it up.

Find someone else for that job.

[CamB]

I'm losing count of the number of places I've taken the BMW to. One guy did the race prep. Another (older BMW specialist) does the mechanicals when I don't have the time. Auto electrician. Panel shop. Alignment shop.

I'll end up going somewhere else soon too... I have been happy with all these guys but it is horses for courses. I try and find the best person for each job (and cheap is good too). My theory is that I try to find whomever is most practiced at what they do - they are less likely to screw it up and more likely to get it done quickly (and cheaply).

By the way, I paid NZ$45/hour (its about US$22) for the race prep and the general mech work. Weep at that strong currency Americans!

I also paid only about NZ$50 for the work on the 911 (and he very generously didn't charge for many many hours).

[WydRyd]

Thanks guys. Maybe I am taking it too personally I'll shop elsewhere.

[Mike the mechanic]

Merv, come to Canada!!!

[pwd72s]

Just be grateful it's CAR specialists we're posting about here...NOT "health care professionals", which seems to be the current USA term....

[stuartj]

Merv! Where you been, bloke???

There is a shop in richmond that does corner balancing. Dont forget to fit the mirrors first, or you'll have to do it all again....

stuart 87carrera

[Victor]

Meeeerv, Mate.

Drop it 'round. Stuart and I will do it for you. Just leave it with us for a couple of days. We'll also help you lighten the rear end by removing some stuff.

[stuartj]

Merv

Do you mean to say you have driving the 400hp Black Hole with no CORNER BALANCING!!!??? On the streets!!!

You are one fockin hella badass mofo, dude.

stuart

[WydRyd]

LMAO @ Vic&SJ

I definately need an alignment cause she's pulling to the right a bit and there's some vibration in the steering. Just needs a fresh alignment and corner balance IMO.

Might wait till I receive my lightweight rear bumper and tail before fitting those brand spanking new 993 mirrors

[howie944]

Seems to me that the automotive mechanic is going the way of the medical profession. Used to be you had the old family doctor who did just about everything including making house calls. Now there's the cardio specialist, the ENT specailist, the dermatologist, proctologist, podiatrist etc. Cars are somewhat like us..they have so many sub assemblies that its hard to find a "general practitioner" that can assist with all your needs. There are shops out there that can make your engine sing yet couldn't fix a balky sunroof or fix a slow passenger window. You just have to find the right shop for the job at hand. Its no longer one stop shopping. Or so it seems to me. Even the dealerships farm out jobs to shops that are more specialized in the craft needed. Just my 2 cents and worth probably much less than that.