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Extremely helpful! (Reply to this comment)
by henry_thoreau
Too bad I don't have an "MH" button! ;-)
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Apr 22 '08
3:17 pm PDT
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by George_Chabot
Very good advice - thanks for an excellent read!
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Apr 14 '08
3:24 pm PDT
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Terrific! (Reply to this comment)
by gaelkm
I really needed this! Thanks so much for the excellent advice.
~gael
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Apr 14 '08
11:52 am PDT
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Sometimes the truth hurts, doesn't it (Reply to this comment)
by donc230
Don,
As one of those "shade tree guys" (oh, I did have a couple of years pulling "service" at a rental car agency in the 60's, but that's about it), I've found this essay to be very true!
Yes, I still do a whole lot of my own scheduled maintenance (almost all of the maintenance and repairs on my motorcycles), but still spend (invest? ) a lot of time developing relationships with dealers and local shops. Changing fluids and squirting white lithium greese on hinges isn't that big a deal to me. But whenever I get near being over my head, I too have found it best to bring in my own detailed service records when I beg for help!
In fact, I realized as I was reading this that I group shops in much the same manner. This has become an important factor in keeping my "mini fleet" on the road. I "grew up" rebuilding a 1965 BMW R69S transmission on our kitchen floor (didn't get caught until a friend told my wife what I'd done), so I've been able to "develop" with my choice of brands of motorcycles. The 11 year old MB daily in my garage get about 75% "Speciality Shop" support and 25% out of my roll-around tool box, as getting in over my head happens sooner. My wife's 04 Jag is serviced / maintained 90% by the dealer and around 10% under my shade tree, since there's stuff in there I can't even identify, let alone service!
But even working this way, I find myself having to "protect the honor" of many very good shops (and dealerships) - sometime check out my "What you should know about BMW dealerships" review - so much so that I have been acused of being a factory flack!
This is good stuff, and I hope more read and learn.
Ride safe,
Don
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Apr 13 '08
7:08 pm PDT
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Great review!! (Reply to this comment)
by cmuir
Wish I had the MH button here! My Hubby was a mechanic for years and now just basically does our own heavy equipment stuff. Although you know what they say about mechanics and not fixing their spouse's vehicles, unfortunately he knows I can fix quite a bit on my own. My son is now doing mechanical work and about a year ago got his inspection license, so now most of the time he is fixing my vehicle, all this computerized, fuel injected stuff is a bit out of my league. Now give me an older Ford pick-up and I can help change a motor and tranny in 3 hours. LOL
Again, great job,
Cindi
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Apr 13 '08
6:29 pm PDT
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You are (Reply to this comment)
by susiewho
terrific for reaching out to her, great read
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Apr 13 '08
2:59 pm PDT
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Can you be my mechanic? (Reply to this comment)
by bettega
Argh, I have had awful experiences with mechanics. I mean, absolutely terrible.
toolguy, I really appreciate this esssay, as usual it's crafted with love, and I will write you an email, but my experience has been completely the opposite except for this one guy down the street who is one of our patients. Great guy, great relationship.
I am kind of tired and in need of a nap, but I will write you an email later.
Great job otherwise. Any coincidence about the 76 trans am? That was the last one with the 455. Trent. HA HA HA! Nice. I still love those cars though. It's my next review (the 79, anyhow).
I do detect a shade of bitterness in this review. Has someone made you mad lately? I've been mad myself. It does affect your writing...
Ciao and keep in touch
Bettega
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Apr 13 '08
10:23 am PDT
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