Should it cost $350-400 in labor to install a MY02 Shifter and alum emergency brake?
01-09-2007, 10:09 AM
#31
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Originally Posted by Steve 96C4S
Ok, I am now here defending my position.
The other side of this? The mechanic's point of view?
Ok, I called the guy 2 months ago. I said I got this shifter and emerg brake and could I pay him to install them. We set up a time to do that. I walked in, I told him I had a print out from the internet if it would help him with this install. I wasn't being a jerk. I wasn't acting weird, immature, boastful, demanding, etc. I didn't have an attitude about it. I simply was there to have them put in. He said some rude things about the internet and other things in general. He took a look at the emergency brake and declared that it would take the better part of a day and I'd have to leave the car with him another day as he didn't realize it was so involved.
That was it. Other side of this? What other side... a guy treating a paying customer like he's an ignorant shuck?
Fuming,
Steve R
The other side of this? The mechanic's point of view?
Ok, I called the guy 2 months ago. I said I got this shifter and emerg brake and could I pay him to install them. We set up a time to do that. I walked in, I told him I had a print out from the internet if it would help him with this install. I wasn't being a jerk. I wasn't acting weird, immature, boastful, demanding, etc. I didn't have an attitude about it. I simply was there to have them put in. He said some rude things about the internet and other things in general. He took a look at the emergency brake and declared that it would take the better part of a day and I'd have to leave the car with him another day as he didn't realize it was so involved.
That was it. Other side of this? What other side... a guy treating a paying customer like he's an ignorant shuck?
Fuming,
Steve R
01-09-2007, 10:15 AM
#33
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Originally Posted by Steve 96C4S
It's in Rockville, trinitony. It's VERY small.
Steve R
Steve R
01-09-2007, 10:46 AM
#34
Rennlist Member
"Way to go Steve! We're all here behind you .... you can do it!"
Wait ... isn't this what goes on in AA and Weight Watcher meetings ??
Seriously, your ****e detector alarm went off correctly in the mechanics shop, and if you choose to DIY, there is a lot of experience here to back you up.
Wait ... isn't this what goes on in AA and Weight Watcher meetings ??
Seriously, your ****e detector alarm went off correctly in the mechanics shop, and if you choose to DIY, there is a lot of experience here to back you up.
01-09-2007, 11:05 AM
#35
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Originally Posted by Steve 96C4S
Ok, I am now here defending my position.
The other side of this? The mechanic's point of view?
Ok, I called the guy 2 months ago. I said I got this shifter and emerg brake and could I pay him to install them. We set up a time to do that. I walked in, I told him I had a print out from the internet if it would help him with this install. I wasn't being a jerk. I wasn't acting weird, immature, boastful, demanding, etc. I didn't have an attitude about it. I simply was there to have them put in. He said some rude things about the internet and other things in general. He took a look at the emergency brake and declared that it would take the better part of a day and I'd have to leave the car with him another day as he didn't realize it was so involved.
That was it. Other side of this? What other side... a guy treating a paying customer like he's an ignorant shmuck?
I usually joke around this guy, ask him about his family, and am generally kind.
Fuming,
Steve R
The other side of this? The mechanic's point of view?
Ok, I called the guy 2 months ago. I said I got this shifter and emerg brake and could I pay him to install them. We set up a time to do that. I walked in, I told him I had a print out from the internet if it would help him with this install. I wasn't being a jerk. I wasn't acting weird, immature, boastful, demanding, etc. I didn't have an attitude about it. I simply was there to have them put in. He said some rude things about the internet and other things in general. He took a look at the emergency brake and declared that it would take the better part of a day and I'd have to leave the car with him another day as he didn't realize it was so involved.
That was it. Other side of this? What other side... a guy treating a paying customer like he's an ignorant shmuck?
I usually joke around this guy, ask him about his family, and am generally kind.
Fuming,
Steve R
01-09-2007, 11:22 AM
#36
Rennlist Member
Having met Steve many times, I can personally attest that he does not have an obnoxious or overbearing personality and comes across as friendly and genuine. Like many of us, he probably asked a few questions about the job and the approach. Maybe he asked too many questions, but, if this is true, did he deserve to be treated in that manner?
I'm not sure too many of us here would have simply dropped off our cars to a new shop without having a conversation with the mechanic outlining details of the work. He's a customer, and since he's paying the bills, he gets to ask the questions and should in no way have been made to feel the way he did. I have not owned Porsches for the past forty years, but in the time that I have had them, I've sometimes noticed a not insignificant amount of ego from a few mechanics, some of whom look disparagingly at "the internet" and the info that can be obtained. Usually, however, the mechanic is much nicer to new customers, familiarity perhaps breeding contempt.
Some people are just not mechanically-inclined, in the same way that some are good at math while others have strengths in verbal skills. There is a maturity in knowing what you're good at and when to hire a pro to do a job that you know you may muck up.
Steve, if you're going to attempt this yourself, why don't you PM Skip aka swftiii for help? He has excellent mechanical skills and a knack for solving any problems you may run into. He helped me install my HID's way back when.
Good luck!
I'm not sure too many of us here would have simply dropped off our cars to a new shop without having a conversation with the mechanic outlining details of the work. He's a customer, and since he's paying the bills, he gets to ask the questions and should in no way have been made to feel the way he did. I have not owned Porsches for the past forty years, but in the time that I have had them, I've sometimes noticed a not insignificant amount of ego from a few mechanics, some of whom look disparagingly at "the internet" and the info that can be obtained. Usually, however, the mechanic is much nicer to new customers, familiarity perhaps breeding contempt.
Some people are just not mechanically-inclined, in the same way that some are good at math while others have strengths in verbal skills. There is a maturity in knowing what you're good at and when to hire a pro to do a job that you know you may muck up.
Steve, if you're going to attempt this yourself, why don't you PM Skip aka swftiii for help? He has excellent mechanical skills and a knack for solving any problems you may run into. He helped me install my HID's way back when.
Good luck!
01-09-2007, 12:06 PM
#37
Rennlist Member
Originally Posted by Steve 96C4S
Damn, that's alot of encouragement to at least try it one more time.
Steve R
Steve R
Good luck! You can do it. I recently did the CF shift **** install a few months ago and it was pretty easy and i'm NOT a big DIY guy. My advice is to allot a generous amont of time in your schedule and take your time.
First, you need to get the boot off the console by pushing down on one side first (check the instructions on which side). The **** is merely pressure fitted and needs a seriously good pull upwards, but no way impossible (caution: don't knock yourself or the rear view mirror out when the shift **** comes off!). After that, it's a matter of putting the new one on. If it's the same '02 CF **** as mine (got from Gert), the **** will fit right on the shift lever, but the **** opening will be a little bigger than the lever. It will not fit snugly and will cause a pretty loud rattle. I taped a thin layer of tennis grip around the lever to make it thicker. I then slowly pushed the **** onto the lever and voila...no rattle and solid install.
You can definitely do it...just take your time. This is a great first DIY as there really isn't much that you can mess up.
I never thought I would be giving someone DIY help! Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!
01-09-2007, 12:25 PM
#38
Rennlist Member
This story is really amazing. Steve, you really should do this yourself. The shift **** takes, oh, about 4 minutes start to finish. The handbrake is a little more involved but the instructions on p-car sound right. Despite the exploded view there, you don't end up really taking much apart. I'd say maybe an hour for a totally unskilled person. Maybe 30 mins for a know-it-all jerk like that mechanic.
01-09-2007, 01:45 PM
#39
Rennlist Member
autothority
I really liked dealing with Pitstop...they did my ppi in september and seemed very knowledgable on 993s and very professional.
they are very close to Dulles.
oh yeah, change those interior items yourself, you will experience a feeling of accomplishment everytime you shift or use the e-brake!
I really liked dealing with Pitstop...they did my ppi in september and seemed very knowledgable on 993s and very professional.
they are very close to Dulles.
oh yeah, change those interior items yourself, you will experience a feeling of accomplishment everytime you shift or use the e-brake!
01-09-2007, 05:32 PM
#40
Rennlist Member
Steve, you seem like a genuinely nice guy. I totally understand the non-DIY thing, my father in-law is the same way. He's not stupid just not good at stuff like this. No big deal. He just prefers to pay professionals to do the stuff he doesn't like to do or can't do himself.
Anyhow, I know I could talk you through the shift **** over the phone... it really is easy. The eBrake would be a little more effort but still not bad if you have a couple of wrenches and a screw driver. I think Viper Bob already offered so I guess I am just making the same offer.
Anyhow, I know I could talk you through the shift **** over the phone... it really is easy. The eBrake would be a little more effort but still not bad if you have a couple of wrenches and a screw driver. I think Viper Bob already offered so I guess I am just making the same offer.
01-09-2007, 06:07 PM
#41
Rennlist Member
Steve, a mini-project like this shifter/ e-brake install is a perfect case for:
-put a call out for a local rennlister that is comfortable doing the job
-have him show you a few of the install tricks; so if you want to take it apart next time, you know how.
-feed him a nice meal and a few beer
-kick back in the garage and BS with your new friend (add more beer)
Hope you enjoy the new shifter and brake handle when all is said and done .... you've had enough anxiety and $$ for a much larger job!
max
-put a call out for a local rennlister that is comfortable doing the job
-have him show you a few of the install tricks; so if you want to take it apart next time, you know how.
-feed him a nice meal and a few beer
-kick back in the garage and BS with your new friend (add more beer)
Hope you enjoy the new shifter and brake handle when all is said and done .... you've had enough anxiety and $$ for a much larger job!
max
01-10-2007, 12:59 AM
#44
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the kind words and generous offers, guys. I'm sent some PM's and will post soon what's become of this situation. It's cool to be a part of this web board sometimes... well, all the time.
By the way, this is the email I got from Funktion Auto today about doing this work. This is the place I was referred to by a gent on Rennlist a while back... I don't plan to use them to install this stuff, but may use them in the future for general service work.
"Steve,
The shifter looks very simple and the parking brake handle, not much harder. I would estimate between 2 to 3 hours @ $98 per hour. Let me know when you would like to schedule some time to come in. Thanks!!"
At least they seemed "normal"!
Steve R
By the way, this is the email I got from Funktion Auto today about doing this work. This is the place I was referred to by a gent on Rennlist a while back... I don't plan to use them to install this stuff, but may use them in the future for general service work.
"Steve,
The shifter looks very simple and the parking brake handle, not much harder. I would estimate between 2 to 3 hours @ $98 per hour. Let me know when you would like to schedule some time to come in. Thanks!!"
At least they seemed "normal"!
Steve R
