am i out of line here?
03-30-2011, 07:35 PM
#76
I know none of us like being told how to do our jobs or having our expertise / knowledge questioned, but I have learned numerouse times you need to ask and ask and ask to be sure tech's and any proffesional knows what there doing because a lot don't. I have had a volvo / porsche 'specialist' instal new front struts differently on both sides, I didn't know which way it should be done but I knew one was wrong I've had another 'porsche' specialist tell me by diff is gone when I brought it in for itermittent CV joint noise the tech is running on a ramp listening with stethoscope!!
I've had a 6 month arguement with a tow company who tore off the abs wiring after twoing a Jeep because I decided not to saying anything to the idiot about how he was strapping the the thing down.
I'm sorry for all the good techs who take offence but if you there are plenty of IDIOTS out there doing your jobs
I've had a 6 month arguement with a tow company who tore off the abs wiring after twoing a Jeep because I decided not to saying anything to the idiot about how he was strapping the the thing down.
I'm sorry for all the good techs who take offence but if you there are plenty of IDIOTS out there doing your jobs
03-30-2011, 10:42 PM
#78
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how about this rant
"sorry for the rant..." Sydneyman2007 This had been one of the most entertaining threads to read, thanks. Luckily your were not insulted by my reply of another point of view. Here's one for you. When I purchased my tires about 2 years ago, I drove one block because I had to. As soon as I pulled out I heard a knocking noise, stopped asap. I discovered only 3 of five lug nuts on the right frt. wheel and they weren't even hand tight only started! I tightened them and went back, shop manager was in total denial. I politely drug him thru his lot and had him personally pick up my missing lug nuts. 6 months later one tire had a slow leak, had them fix it. It only cost me my divers watch, which they stole, the tire repair was covered by the hazard warranty. Likely there's going to be at least 1 a** hole in every crowd. Glad your car wasn't damaged.
If I were you I would keep and eye out for brake fluid leakage. Absolutely check the tightness of the new stainless hoses.......you never know.
If I were you I would keep and eye out for brake fluid leakage. Absolutely check the tightness of the new stainless hoses.......you never know.
03-31-2011, 12:08 AM
#79
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
"sorry for the rant..." Sydneyman2007 This had been one of the most entertaining threads to read, thanks. Luckily your were not insulted by my reply of another point of view. Here's one for you. When I purchased my tires about 2 years ago, I drove one block because I had to. As soon as I pulled out I heard a knocking noise, stopped asap. I discovered only 3 of five lug nuts on the right frt. wheel and they weren't even hand tight only started! I tightened them and went back, shop manager was in total denial. I politely drug him thru his lot and had him personally pick up my missing lug nuts. 6 months later one tire had a slow leak, had them fix it. It only cost me my divers watch, which they stole, the tire repair was covered by the hazard warranty. Likely there's going to be at least 1 a** hole in every crowd. Glad your car wasn't damaged.
If I were you I would keep and eye out for brake fluid leakage. Absolutely check the tightness of the new stainless hoses.......you never know.
If I were you I would keep and eye out for brake fluid leakage. Absolutely check the tightness of the new stainless hoses.......you never know.
) i think we've all learned over and over again that at the end of the day no one will take care of your car like you will. I left my favorite shop behind in Virginia so this was a reminder that not everyone is as conscientious...
03-31-2011, 09:59 AM
#80
Nordschleife Master
Rip It, its all in good fun, i appreciate your input! (even if i won't always agree with it!) i think we've all learned over and over again that at the end of the day no one will take care of your car like you will. I left my favorite shop behind in Virginia so this was a reminder that not everyone is as conscientious...
) i think we've all learned over and over again that at the end of the day no one will take care of your car like you will. I left my favorite shop behind in Virginia so this was a reminder that not everyone is as conscientious...
THIS thread is the reason I do ALL my own work... soon to be doing my own tire work too!
03-31-2011, 10:40 AM
#81
Race Car
Me, for one, am not telling you to fix it yourself. As a tech, I am reinforcing what others here are saying...find another shop. One that welcomes and respects your business. As for the D-bag comment, there are tons of D-bag customers, but that should never affect how a tech approaches the car. In no way would I imply you were being, or are, a bad customer.
Lemme guess...they put an impact on your lugs too.
Lemme guess...they put an impact on your lugs too.
03-31-2011, 11:51 AM
#82
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Me, for one, am not telling you to fix it yourself. As a tech, I am reinforcing what others here are saying...find another shop. One that welcomes and respects your business. As for the D-bag comment, there are tons of D-bag customers, but that should never affect how a tech approaches the car. In no way would I imply you were being, or are, a bad customer.
Lemme guess...they put an impact on your lugs too.
Lemme guess...they put an impact on your lugs too.
as far as the impact gun, they were fixin to! I think their heads would have exploded if i had stuck around and asked them a second time to not do something...
im just glad i got out of there when i did...
....aaaaaand in other news a south Georgia boy was found in his Porsh at the bottom of a ravine because his frame snapped after being used as lift points and he couldn't stop because sources say he effed up his brake line install. His mother told us between sobs "If only he had the work done somewhere! But then again he was kind of a *****..."
03-31-2011, 12:07 PM
#83
Race Car
As for these (and other) older Porsche models, I do like an independent shop who knows the cars. Yes an occasional trip to the tire store, or alignment shop will require some scrutiny when the tech pulls the car in. In these cases, I have found that a tech will (should) enjoy working on a Porsche if they don't see them all the time. I will hand them the soft socket and politely explain the need for it. I always get a chuckle when these guys hold a lightweight lug in their hands the first time. If this is met with dissidence, talk to the shop forman or manager. A steering "centering-bolt" is always welcome too - it makes the alignment easier.
In the end though, I don't like a shop where a service adviser runs out to meet you, types up your requests, and throws a paper mat on your floor and promptly ushers you to the waiting room...then your car disappears around the corner.
You should be able to meet, talk, (and often hang out with) the tech doing your work. It's the culture of the small independent and meaningful on these older cars. If you get a bad vibe from your shop, start looking for other options.
I think this is very important in the ownership of these cars. You WILL need a shop of one form or another regardless of how much of your own work you do. The shop should be your friend...you should be happy to go there and they should be happy to see you.
I'm regretful that your experience happened like it did. This is a very common thing and it only embitters the car owner, damages the car, and makes it difficult for the good guys who care.
In the end though, I don't like a shop where a service adviser runs out to meet you, types up your requests, and throws a paper mat on your floor and promptly ushers you to the waiting room...then your car disappears around the corner.
You should be able to meet, talk, (and often hang out with) the tech doing your work. It's the culture of the small independent and meaningful on these older cars. If you get a bad vibe from your shop, start looking for other options.
I think this is very important in the ownership of these cars. You WILL need a shop of one form or another regardless of how much of your own work you do. The shop should be your friend...you should be happy to go there and they should be happy to see you.
I'm regretful that your experience happened like it did. This is a very common thing and it only embitters the car owner, damages the car, and makes it difficult for the good guys who care.
03-31-2011, 01:26 PM
#84
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So what are you guys doing for safety inspections? Around here you have to take it in for state safety inspection once a year, and the places that offer the inspections are usually gas station shops and not "german/porsche specialty" shops. They usually jack one corner up and zip the wheel off with an impact gun to check the brakes... and since they can only charge around $15 for the inspection, they're trying to get it done as quickly as possible. (i.e. not looking in the book for proper jacking points, or torquing the lugs by hand)
03-31-2011, 01:57 PM
#86
Drifting
You should be able to meet, talk, (and often hang out with) the tech doing your work. It's the culture of the small independent and meaningful on these older cars. If you get a bad vibe from your shop, start looking for other options.
I think this is very important in the ownership of these cars. You WILL need a shop of one form or another regardless of how much of your own work you do. The shop should be your friend...you should be happy to go there and they should be happy to see you.
I think this is very important in the ownership of these cars. You WILL need a shop of one form or another regardless of how much of your own work you do. The shop should be your friend...you should be happy to go there and they should be happy to see you.
03-31-2011, 02:21 PM
#87
Race Car
USMC...I didn't want to go that far, but my customers are among the best of my friends. I've been to weddings, wild parties, funerals, graduations etc. It starts with a baseline professional respect, then a personal respect and trust. I cared more about their cars than they did. It really is part of the joy of owning a sports car; your going to need a shop anyway, at some point.
Also, I would have potential customers approach me at PCA meetings, driver eds, etc and inquire about rates and such. My interview with new customers usually began with "who's working on your car now, and why are you looking at me?" If there was the hint that they had an established relation with another shop, I would strongly suggest they stick with them. I would hate to interfere with a good 'fit".
Point is, when looking at shops, visit them all before you need work. This is important, interview your prospects. Go with the one who gives YOU the best impression, shows you the shop and ongoing projects...they'll be interviewing you as well remember.
And for the extra curricular association, our customers were VIPs when it came to our parties...especially DE's. often, we would encourage a small group to attend a DE if they seemed inclined. Once at the track they had access to all of our support without cost...watching them grow is very satisfying.
As for safety inspections, on most of our cars, a pen light will allow you to check the pads between the spokes of the wheels without removal. feel free to have a look yourself, then school the safety inspector as soon as he reaches for the impact.
Also, I would have potential customers approach me at PCA meetings, driver eds, etc and inquire about rates and such. My interview with new customers usually began with "who's working on your car now, and why are you looking at me?" If there was the hint that they had an established relation with another shop, I would strongly suggest they stick with them. I would hate to interfere with a good 'fit".
Point is, when looking at shops, visit them all before you need work. This is important, interview your prospects. Go with the one who gives YOU the best impression, shows you the shop and ongoing projects...they'll be interviewing you as well remember.
And for the extra curricular association, our customers were VIPs when it came to our parties...especially DE's. often, we would encourage a small group to attend a DE if they seemed inclined. Once at the track they had access to all of our support without cost...watching them grow is very satisfying.
As for safety inspections, on most of our cars, a pen light will allow you to check the pads between the spokes of the wheels without removal. feel free to have a look yourself, then school the safety inspector as soon as he reaches for the impact.
03-31-2011, 07:04 PM
#88
Drifting
Whalebird... I consider these cars similar to my life support equipment... ie cave and wreck diving SCUBA gear. If something goes wrong as you take a corner on a track or even daily traffic... Well, hopefully you only have to cash in on the auto policy.
Like my dive gear... Absolute trust is an absolute must if I'm going to place my life or my family's well being in the hands of a mech. I went to the same BMW indy for 14 yrs. Funny but I still meet the shop owner for lunch even though I'm driving the Porsche now. I keep pushing him to ramp his mech up on the 997s.
Sounds like you have a great operation in NC... friendly, passionate about your work(wish my indy would show up at the tracks), and selective of the clients you take on. Life's short enough...
Like my dive gear... Absolute trust is an absolute must if I'm going to place my life or my family's well being in the hands of a mech. I went to the same BMW indy for 14 yrs. Funny but I still meet the shop owner for lunch even though I'm driving the Porsche now. I keep pushing him to ramp his mech up on the 997s.
Sounds like you have a great operation in NC... friendly, passionate about your work(wish my indy would show up at the tracks), and selective of the clients you take on. Life's short enough...
