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Etched Corvette

Gonzo

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Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

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Corvette etched glass

 

A mid 90’s Corvette with a couple of problems to take care of came in the shop some time ago. The first problem was an intermittent start and the other problem was the suspension warning light stayed on all the time. The first problem had been looked at many times by a dealer in Florida where the owner had a second home and where he stored the car for those times he would be there. The car sat around a lot and the owner was getting very upset that it wouldn’t start when he would show up at his vacation place to drive his car around.

 

Apparently not much was solved but like most other electrical problems if it’s intermittent and you can’t duplicate, read a history code or at least see the problem… most anything you do is just a guess. The lucky guy to actually see the problem looks like the genius and in the customers mind all others that have tried have reached some level of stupidity… or worse. Someone tried a new starter, another battery, a little of this and some of that. None of which fixed the problem. Luckily for me, the Vette went through its death rolls right there in the shop for me. It turned out that the thin wires that make up the security system which are attached to the ignition switch tumbler had broken. As you turn the ignition switch the wires must twist with the switch and like anything else that moves, it will wear out. --- it did… Replaced the unit and all is well. The second problem required a little more effort and a whole lot of waiting. The driver side shock had gone bad. On top of the shock is a electronic sensor that had broken its little gear and the shock had “locked-up” which is probably why the sensor failed. But, the only place that still had parts for it was in Florida. Imagine that… drive the car halfway across the country to Oklahoma, to my shop and find out the only replacement parts are right where you were to start with… go figure. It was about a week or more before the replacement parts showed up.

 

The car was finished and sent home with the owner. All parties are paid up, car is starting with no problem, and the suspension is working as it should… what could be wrong. A few days later the phone rang, my daughter Mandy, was working the office that day, she took the call, “Yes, huh, uh, I remember the car…. really? I wonder how that happened….. Are you sure about that…. Hmmm, well I’ll check with the shop and see what they say…. I can’t think of any way that could happen… ok, I’ll call you back when I know something, thanks for letting me know, Good-bye”

 

I was standing nearby a little puzzled as to who was on the phone or for that matter what the call was about. Mandy turned to me, “Dad, you’re not going to believe this. That Vette you just finished the other day…. The guys’ wife insists that there is human hand print in the windshield…and I don’t mean on the windshield… she says it’s permanently “etched” into the glass.”

 

“You’re kidding”, I answered.

 

“Nope, she’s dead serious. She even told me that she took the car to a glass shop and they couldn’t get it out. They tried all kinds of chemical cleaners and its there as plain as day,” Mandy went on to tell me.

 

“Oh come on, this is ridiculous…. How in the world would I have done that? Anything that would carve a hand in a windshield would have carved whosever hand that did it… I think I would have known about that, because let me guess, it’s my hand print right? …. And if I could leave a permanent “etched” imprint in the windshield how come I haven’t left a mark on myself,” I said in a fit of confusing reactions.

 

“Have her bring the car back and let me take a look at it,” I told Mandy.

 

“Ok, but I don’t think that’s going to happen, they’re pretty upset with you.”

 

Upset or not, to me there is only one way to resolve things like this. “Bring the car back to the shop that has done the work so they can see what’s going on, or I’m coming up to see it.” But, do you think that happened… nooooo. Not a chance.

 

A few weeks later I ran into the husband at a meeting I was attending. It’s a meeting of some of the top businesses in town, not only are they some of the largest but mostly they are some of the best. I wouldn’t think there was anybody in this room that would have any misunderstandings about any service work done for them since we all are basically in private business and deal with people, parts and things like this each and every day. I asked him why he didn’t bring the car back to me to have it looked at. There again, I was surprised at the answer.

 

“You obviously have no idea of the concern that my wife is having over this issue. The trauma caused her to go to a rehab in Denver for a nervous condition. I had to take the car into a glass shop and have the windshield replaced with a new one. That finally made things right with my wife. So I don’t think I’ll be bringing anymore work to you. She’s still very upset but, she is on medication for it now.”

 

In all my years of working with the general public, nothing surprises me anymore. You think you’ve seen it all then some cracked pot, off the wall lady like this comes along. I’m not the type of person who wants to think that I’ve done something wrong and caused someone to have to go to rehab… but then I’m thinking… You’ve got the time and money to go to rehab over a friggin’ windshield… boy you’ve got a real problem lady… and it ain’t windshield. I believe that people and their emotional states can be the hardest automotive diagnostics you’ll ever run across.

 

If you could leave the person out of the equation things would go a lot smoother at the repair shop. You know, there’s one thing I can say about cars that I can’t say about their owners. Cars are never crazy, wacky, or just plain nuts in the need of counseling…. They’re just a car.

 

People on the other hand… well I’d like to leave this story with a professional opinion of them but, I’m no shrink… I’m only the mechanic. I’ll leave the emotional evaluations to a doctor.

 

 

Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Yea, it happens to me Frank... but I'm going to tell all these "Loose Nuts" to head in your direction...

 

But, you know I'll have another story about another nut next week... LOL

 

 

If it can happen to anybody it can happen to Gonzo.

Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

That's what a typically call a "WALK AROUND" ... tha's when a customer takes his first good detail look at their ride. Not knowing whether it was like that before you worked on it is what brings on your (and mine) doubt whether it was done at the shop.

 

I see people do this all the time, they come in for an oil change and when they go to leave they walk "around" the car checking for damage... No while in HELL don't ya do that before you bring your car in the shop PEOPLE! ! LOL

 

If you notice a bodyshop will always do a walk around when taking a car in ... they deal with sort of thing all the time... repair shops on the other hand, tend to fix whats broke and go on... customers, well,

they are not that trusting........ ya trusted me enough to make the repairs... but I guess I'm to stupid to notice some flecks on your drivers window.... ah yes, another day....

 

 

 

the Service Writer and he tried to take a razor blade, but the etchings are still there. What could do this? I haven't seen it yet. The only thing I can think of is we sublet it out for a rebuild transmission work. They may have had a bead blaster or welder, we do not. I have to see it 1st. If it was a welder, it should have done something to the door paint also. There is always a first for everything.

Gonzo Grand Master

Gonzo

Posted
  • Author
Posted

To funny, I had one many, many years ago... a guy comes in (could have been Sum Guy) for an oil change... pulled the car out and this fool was pissed because his valve stems front and rear no longer lined up with each other... he wanted me to turn the valve stems so that all 4 tires were at 12:00 .... what an idiot.... I laughed, and walked away...

 

Customers can be really weird. We had a woman accuse us of replacing one of her tires with a different tire. Now this wasn't a deal where we blew a tire out and replaced it on the side with a used one we had. I was here the whole time and we did nothing to her tires other than take them off and put them back on. It was to do brake work or something. I never did figure out what that was about. The tires she had on it were nothing special.

  • 4 years later...
alfredauto Experienced

alfredauto

Posted
Posted

Best one I had was a customer came in complaining of an intermittent noise. We go for a test drive, he starts holding his ears and grimacing. "Do you hear it?" I asked? NO! But its almost doing it I can almost hear it. How can I fix a noise that is almost about to happen?? Huh.

cdhowell Enthusiast

cdhowell

Posted
Posted

"Why is the pin stripe an inch away on one side but close on the other?" We only spray the liners, we do not move the pinstripe.

PAPShop Collaborator

PAPShop

Posted
Posted

Must be Corvette owners. We had an 80's Vette in here to remove the old mufflers and replace with new from muffler to exhaust tip. Simple, all work done on a lift, under the car.

 

Apparently, according to this Lumber Jack, gravity and welding works differently in our building. He claimed that we got welding slag on his windshield, his buddy that has been a welder for over 30 years told him it was welding slag burns on his windshield and we did it.

 

The shop owner came up front and asked a couple questions....

 

1. If you are welding under a car, how can welding slag get on the windshield?

2. If you are TIG welding, how can there be welding slag in the first place? (His buddy choked and walked out.)

 

It still did not finish well, but we have heard thru the grapevine that he has been asked to not come back to a few other places. With some people you just can't win.

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      The Technician Shortage Is Our Fault, And It's Time We Own It
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      Many shop owners have learned that team morale, along with the opportunity to earn income, is important to technicians and to the company's long-term success. But let me ask you: how many technicians have left or been pushed out over the years because of the old flat-rate pay system?
      Another issue is the workplace environment. I remember being grateful to be hired as a young technician at a local repair shop. While very thankful, the work environment was not ideal. The shop owner kept the bay doors open year-round (I am from New York) unless it rained or snowed. He felt that if the bay doors were closed, customers might think we were closed for business. We had no heat and no hot water. Many of the jobs were done outside, year-round,  in all types of weather. The starting pay was minimum wage, with no benefits, sick days, or vacation pay. 
      Now, again, I need to point out that I was truly grateful for the opportunity this shop owner gave me. I learned a lot working there, and the experience was pivotal in my career. But looking back, I wonder how many people were discouraged by these working conditions?
      While the physical demands of the repair workplace are daunting, perhaps even more critical is the culture. Too many of my generation shop owners preached the mindset of "my way or the highway." We were the business owners, after all. We started our companies, took all the risks, and provided jobs. Why shouldn't we be the ones to set the ground rules our way?   
      Many of us found over the years that the "my way or the highway" mentality was a sure way to isolate employees and make them more likely to look over the fence for greener grass. In other words, it led many technicians to seek employment elsewhere, where they felt they could be appreciated and recognized for their hard work. The issue, however, was that there wasn't much green grass around. Disappointment after disappointment, bouncing from repair to repair shop, eventually led to despair. So, I ask you: were workplace conditions a contributing factor in today's technician shortage?
      Another factor that we are all well aware of is the complexity of the modern automobile. When I started, the work was mostly physical, and you were required to master essentially three vehicle models: General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. Let's fast-forward to today. The evolution of automotive technology, along with the extensive training and tools required, has outpaced the typical technician's pay compensation, with no clear career path. Again, leading to frustration and insecurity about the future.
      Here is the bottom line: people don't leave their job; they leave their experience. We must do a better job. 
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      To fix the technician shortage, it will take a combined effort from everyone in the automotive industry, particularly automotive shop owners. Shop owners are in the perfect position to make the greatest impact, not only on their businesses but also on the future automotive workforce.
      First, shop owners must become better leaders and understand that their ultimate success is directly dependent on the people they assemble around them. Any shop owner who mistakenly believes they can build an empire solely on their abilities is destined for serious disappointment. Business owners who think like this will eventually plateau. Without the collective contributions from a team of qualified people, your business will stall; it will not continue to grow.
      Create a workplace that attracts top talent: a clean, professional, well-equipped facility designed to support productivity, teamwork, and a career, not just a job. Build a great reputation in your community by getting involved locally. Become the auto repair shop that people take notice of as "the" place to work.
      Next, shop owners must become more financially knowledgeable. Knowing your numbers and what you need to achieve for a strong bottom-line profit is essential to paying technicians the money they need and deserve. Profit will also allow you to compete with other trade industries by providing a benefits package that has real take-home value and security.
      When it comes to culture, this is where the rubber hits the road. People crave recognition, praise, and a sense of purpose. Despite what you hear, people are not just money-motivated. Once people feel secure in their financial situation, retaining and motivating technicians can only be achieved by connecting with them on an emotional level. You cannot show enough appreciation. Give out praise for a job well done as if your business depended on it, because it does.
      As technicians age, we need to have a place for them. Expecting a 58-year-old to perform like a 35-year-old is unrealistic. We need to be more focused on career pathing. Provide training, skill development, and coaching to develop leaders and mentors within our older workforce. While their bodies may have slowed, the knowledge they have gained is priceless. 
      Our future is dependent on young people entering our industry. We need to give more young people opportunities. Every shop owner across the country should consider hiring an apprentice, then build an apprentice training plan and career path for them. If every shop did this, we could solve the technician shortage within five years. Get involved with the trade schools and high schools in your area. Look into the NAPA Apprenticeship Program. Don't sit on your hands with this one. Do it today.
      Lastly, don't get left behind. Commit to ongoing training for all your employees. Keep up to date with tools and equipment tailored to your business model. Don't try to be all things to all people and all vehicles. Identify your core profile customer and the vehicles they drive, and become an expert on those vehicles and the services you offer.

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