What repair shops do you use. How do you know whos good and reliable....

Let's hear it for those TA & Peto Rip.er artists!!

 

I have a local guy who charges me $65/hour. I only go to a dealer if there are no other options. Over the years I have found smaller shops that have been fair with me and have kept their cards for future use. Some of these dealers rip you off for over $130/hour. Most smaller shops that I have been using is about $50-65/hour and most only charge for the actual hours worked, not some random figure from a book. There is a local truck stop that usually runs a special on pm's for around $200. I think they currently charge $215. That is less than most shops and chain truck stops. I don't have my local mechanic do pm's because he needs to charge over $300. But, I will do the other mechanical things with him.

 

Did you ever think of renting some bays and hiring your own mechanics if you have enough work for them it evens out and you make some extra.You will also get work from other o/o's.If you have enough trucks to keep your mechanics busy you just have a new business to make money.Somethong to think about.

 

Did you ever think of renting some bays and hiring your own mechanics if you have enough work for them it evens out and you make some extra.You will also get work from other o/o's.If you have enough trucks to keep your mechanics busy you just have a new business to make money. You can even see if you can form a partnership with the mechanic you use now and move to a bigger space.

 

I think the list of tools and equipment you would have to buy would be to long to mention. It would cost alot of money to get setup to run your own shop, unless all you did was minor service work and tires.

 

I would never agree to give some one a certain amount of business. I would not do any kind of partnership either. it will end your relationship as you now know it. I do most work myself, except when downtime cost more than I will save. I have a few shops who work on my truck, they all have dropped the ball at some time, in some way. some shop owners/managers hire folks that make mistakes. it happens. I get the wait also, sometimes. after calling about my truck, they'll say.. we have not even brought it in to look at yet, we got tied up on the previous job that is giving us a problem, e.t.c. shops take on several jobs at once & it is common for something not to go as planned. then every one on the fix it list is delayed. for me, it is not the wait, so long as # 1 do not tell me to bring it in on monday, when you will not be able to look at it til thursday. #2 do what it takes, charge what you will, but make sure the diagnosis & the repair are accurate & done right.

 

If you look at ads looking for mechanics most of them ask for the mechanic to have their own tools.You would have to buy all the diagnostic machines and lifts but alot of stuff can be bought used.Its not going to be easy but it could be some extra income if you get an experienced mechanic who knows the business.

 

I don't think shops would expect a mechanic to bring in his own lift, or diagnostic machines , I would think they are referring to the hand & power tools, gauges, e.t.c.