Owner operator... mechanic

I do it all but the big stuff mainly tires brakes and electric. I have a bad back from working on big trucks for most of my lifetime.

 

If its broke... I'll fix it.

Only way to save a majority of monies. Go look around, I bet you'd be surprised asking what the hourly rate is at your local shops.

 

I can be out making money to pay a mechanic. Or I can be hanging at home, drinking beer and wrenching on the truck. Choice is easy for me.
Plus its always an excuse to buy more tools...

 

^ and beer

 

Guess I'm the odd ball. I fix little minor stuff but that's where it stops. My mechanic charge me $75 hour and parts at cost. I write a list of things for him to fix and drop the truck off. I try to enjoy myself and relax when I'm home and not even think about the truck.

 

I've found a flat rate type shop that is very, very reasonable. I don't go to them for high tech stuff, but replacing air compressors, u joints, heck they did a head gasket and resealed the front cover a few years ago. It's easier than me doing it when it's 90 degrees outside. Until I found them, I did things like brakes, wheel seals and bearings, air bags, turbo, etc. When I'm paying $45 to change out a 15 year old u joint, or $90 for an air compressor, I can't justify doing it myself.
@TaylorMade407 Who do you use? I've been using Aldo off Orange Ave for a while.

 

I go to a guy name Johnny off of Old winter garden and Lamar st. Shop called Xpressway motors or something I'll have to look at a receipt. He does it all. Inframe on down. Doesn't kill you on the hours either.

 

I'm not mechanically inclined, but I have been around long enough to know how to do some things. It's just less aggravating for me to have somebody else do it

 

I wrench it myself because I'm capable of doing it. I have a great relationship with a small shop that when I do use them, I typically get away with murder. I don't see an issue with it taking up my time as I'm saving $. That being said, I'll be lazy once I have a garage or shop built. About 90% of the work has been done in parking lots or rest areas.