Quantcast
Jump to content


Real or Reality TV - - - So many shows, so many characters turning wrenches.


Gonzo

Recommended Posts

Real or Reality TV

Have ya noticed all the reality programs on TV these days? There’s a reality show for every subject you can think of... and probably a few you never would have thought of. From high society in the big city to the suburbs, and even some from way … way back in the woods. They can be quite entertaining, funny, and sometimes pretty strange.

Now, I’m not much on which rich neighbor is doing what with which rich neighbor or who makes the best moonshine, but what I do know a few things about is the automotive world. I might sit down and watch a few of those. Although, from my side of the wrench, as a professional mechanic, I take a completely different view of them. In my opinion, some of these reality shows are far from real reality. I’ve watched a few that I didn’t even make it to the first commercial break before I flipped the channel to something else.

It’s not so much the cars; it’s how they go about restoring them that gets to me. They’ll start off with somebody flashing a wad of cash, and then they buy some old relic, tow it to their garage and present it to the crew. The crew will have this shocked look at what was just dropped off or they’ll have their own ideas as to what to do with this latest acquisition. That's about the time the boss gives them the lowdown on what is going to take place, which usually consists of a full restoration job, and only a few weeks to do it all in. By the end of the show there's a gleaming fully restored work of art on the screen that almost certainly has a buyer or two ready to shell out some ridiculous amount of money for it.

But the shows that really irk me are the ones that use the “all-nighter” approach to car repair. They’ll completely dismantle a car and do all the mechanicals, electrical, vacuum systems, interior, dash and instrument panels, brakes, transmission, rear-end, engine, cooling system, heating systems, all the glass, and a full paint and body mod in less than 72 hours. And, the best part, (or biggest guffaw on these shows) is the final reveal to the owner/buyer of the newly restored gem. Off to the side, just out of the primary camera view is the entire crew that has spent the last three days bringing this ride back to life. I'm in awe of the crew to say the least, not one of them is covered in grease, or has half of their shirt untucked, no fresh cuts or scraps, and not one of them show any effects of sleep deprivation. Simply amazing… TV magic I guess.

I’ve done my share of all night marathon repairs before and quite frankly, by the time the sun comes up I’m not the most coherent guy with a lug wrench in his hand. Hey, they call it “Reality TV” but, as this arm chair quarterback sees it……. it doesn’t seem all that realistic to me. I’m sure the entire staff involved are some of the finest mechanics, bodyman, electrical gurus of the automotive world, but I highly doubt you can turn out a truly professionally restored vehicle in that short amount of time. There has to be a huge number of short cuts that are taken to meet the deadlines.

On the other hand, there are a lot of great automotive reality programs on the television that go to great lengths to show how a modification is installed and go through the process of explaining those mods to the “nth” degree. Any show that portrays the reality of doing the job I do every day in a professional manner I'll sit down and watch it from beginning to end. You want to show me how you install some super cool new rear tail light lenses or wild looking front grill... awesome!!! Or, pulling an engine out of a classic and doing the necessary rebuild on it... super!!! Love that stuff. But, when you try to convince me that you're going to take some car that has been sitting for ten years in the back of some family garage totally neglected and you're going to raise it from the dead overnight... ya lost me.

Come on, I do resto's all the time and the biggest hassle with any of them is … parts availability…. The job comes in the shop, you put it up on the lift and ya spin the drive shaft only to find out the differential or bearings are shot. It’s not like you're going to run down to the local parts store and pick up a set of bearings for a thirty year old low production car just like that. But, somehow some of these shows pull it off... (That's TV for ya.) And, someone also should consider what the original reason was for the car to be parked for so long in the first place. Something is usually worn out, hard to find, or really expensive to repair. Not every car in the back of the garage is there because someone was collecting it. I guess these TV shows neglect that part of the reality of restoring old cars.

I think it gives the novice car enthusiast the wrong impression of what it takes to restore a car. Lately I've been doing a lot more restoration projects than I've done in the past and I do believe it's a result of all these reality shows being aired. For that, I thank you. But, at the same time... shame on you! I can't live up to the overnight results that seem so possible on the big screen. Even though the customer doesn't mention they have been watching a reality show, you know... they're thinking … “This shouldn’t take any longer than it does on TV.” The idea that you're going to be able to resurrect a dilapidated hunk of iron into a show stopper in such a short span of time is not reality.

And, let's not forget the real big issue.... cost. Now there's some reality for ya. When the customer starts to see the costs, WOW!!! Then the reality of doing a restoration project starts to set in. I'm certainly grateful for the few shows that have that “sit-down-with-the-customer” session explaining the cost of the restoration. It does add to the realism and makes it more believable.

I’ve got a big “Thank You” to the guys and gals on these shows that portray the automotive world in its true form. It's a pleasure for me as a professional mechanic to see the artistry and talent of another professional on screen. Watching them dealing with a stuck bolt, rusty bodywork, or dodging the fumes from the soldering gun is all part of the real reality. But, I do have to give credit to all the other shows too, they are entertaining, and in some small way add to the resurgence in restorations projects across the country…. The only thing I ask is… keep it real.

 

.


View full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gonzo have you ever noticed how pristine clean those cars and shop areas stay. There is no dust, no grease, no rust, nothing like that.

Yea, I have... they sure don't want to come to my shop on a busy day... LOL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Reality? Man, come down to my shop, hide a few cameras and find out what reality really is. Gonzo, you are right on target. All these shows are scripted and directed. That's a fact. Some are fun to watch, others I end up throwing my empty beer can at the TV.

 

Here's what's real...you can't beat the reality that we go thru, each and every day!

. Good thing that beer is empty... wouldn't waste beer on some of these shows.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm especially intolerant of the suspension of disbelief that's necessary when watching this form of entertainment.

My teen-age son, who's not gotten his hands on cars (yet) has become an armchair expert, after listening to my

regular commentary. It started when he began asking me why it took me SO LONG to work on the cars that come through

my shop. From there it was a slippery slope, pointing out all the inconsistencies.

 

There's one group of tatooed car builders who

always seem to be seconds from disaster, only to "Pull together as a team" in order to make their deadline. The owner,

who seems to do little more than yelling at his staff and complaining about his stress levels, seems happy to hobnob with his

celebrity clients while the predominantly Mexican-American workers do all the heavy lifting.

The frequent breaks with progress, so they can go kart racing or some other time-wasting foolishness, bothers me to no end.

 

When I'm on a project, in the zone, getting good work done, the absolute LAST thing I'd welcome would be a break in the action.

Shortcuts? No doubt. Reality TV? A contradiction in terms.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

These shows create unrealistic expectations with some of our customers. Some think we should only work on their cars until it is finished. They will

come every couple of days to see the progress, but difficult to find when we need money from them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Great points HK and Geez. now if somebody would tell the TV land people what a good automotive repair program actually would be for the untold number of mechanics in this country to watch... I'd be recording that and maybe learning a few new tips or tricks that I don't know already.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Available Subscriptions

  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
  • Similar Topics

    • By Changing The Industry
      Episode 184 - Managing Workflow & Scheduling in High-Volume Shops With Dan Vasquez & Jacob Wierengo
    • By carmcapriotto
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Recorded at the 2024 Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO) Business Management and Lindertech Training Tradeshow, discover how simply attending meetings can significantly improve net profit, the impact of cost management, and tips on leveraging technology for business efficiency. Murray Voth, RPM Training. Listen to Murray’s previous episodes HERE. [email protected] Show Notes Watch Full Video Episode Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO): https://www.aaro.ca/ Importance of Attendance (00:02:04) Discussion on how missing educational events can lead to lost opportunities and profits. Value of Showing Up (00:03:05) Murray emphasizes the connection between attendance and improved business performance. Networking and Community (00:04:39) The significance of in-person meetings for building relationships and sharing knowledge. Learning from Group Sessions (00:05:23) Murray shares insights on the benefits of participating in group coaching sessions. Addressing Intimidation in Coaching (00:07:50) Discussion on how some individuals feel intimidated and hesitant to participate in coaching. The Need for Continuous Learning (00:10:59) Carm stresses the importance of seeking expert guidance and accountability in business. Coaching Styles and Techniques (00:11:53) Murray contrasts different coaching approaches and their effectiveness in the industry. Utilizing Technology for Coaching (00:13:28) Murray discusses the transition to online coaching and the importance of Google Business Profile. Engagement in Virtual Meetings (00:14:17) The effectiveness of screen sharing and virtual meetings in enhancing learning experiences. Introduction to Collaboration Tools (00:15:54) Discussion on using screen sharing and collaboration tools for knowledge sharing among automotive shop owners. Resources for Business Improvement (00:18:58) Introduction to automotive management network resources such as SOPs and checklists for business advancement. Note-Taking and Organization (00:20:00) Personal experiences with note-taking and strategies for managing notes effectively in a business context. Using Google Docs for Accountability (00:23:22) How Google Docs can facilitate accountability by allowing team members to log and review action plans collaboratively. Networking and Community Support (00:27:02) Encouragement for members to utilize networking tools like Slack for better communication and support among peers. Understanding Employment Law (00:30:33) Insights into Canadian employment law regarding severance and the importance of having employment contracts to protect business owners. Understanding Severance Costs (00:32:12) Discussion on the financial impact of severance costs and the importance of understanding net income. Calculating Impact on Sales (00:33:13) Exploration of how to calculate necessary sales to cover losses in the automotive industry. Networking and Sharing Solutions (00:34:11) Importance of sharing experiences and solutions among peers in overcoming business challenges. Expense Management Insights (00:35:09) Discussion on the need for better focus on expense management in business operations. Insurance and Expense Comparisons (00:36:02) Sharing strategies for managing insurance and other recurring expenses effectively. Planning Expense Discussions (00:37:35) Proposal to plan discussions on key expenses in future meetings for better financial management. Setting Budgets and KPIs (00:38:27) Discussion on the importance of setting budgets and KPIs for various business expenses. Normalizing Income Statements (00:39:18) Explanation of how to clean up income statements for accurate financial analysis.
      Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX, NAPA TRACS, and Automotive Management Network Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Get ready to grow your business with the Automotive Management Network: Find on the Web at http://AftermarketManagementNetwork.com for information that can help you move your business ahead and for the free and informative http://LaborRateTracker.com Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections             Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Do you believe that every shop has a culture, whether intentional or not? Discover how to define your desired culture and lean into empowering leadership and personal development. This episode is packed with actionable insights and real-life stories to help you transform your shop’s culture from the ground up. Whether you’re struggling with high turnover or just want to create a more positive work environment, this discussion has something for everyone. Dave Schedin, CompuTrek Automotive Management Systems. Dave’s previous episodes HERE Maryann, Small Biz Vantage. Maryann’s previous episodes HERE. Rick White, President and Lead Coach for 180BIZ, Listen to Rick’s previous episodes HERE. [email protected] Show Notes
      Rick White on Culture (00:04:55) Rick White challenges the idea of "no culture," emphasizing intentional versus unintentional culture. Maryann Croce on Defining Culture (00:06:59) Maryann Croce discusses the importance of defining desired culture for employee engagement and customer perception. Discussion on Culture's Impact (00:11:53) The panel discusses how culture affects profitability, sustainability, and enjoyment in the workplace. Unethical Practices and Culture (00:12:44) Carm emphasizes the connection between poor culture and unethical practices within a business. Personal Development (00:14:09) Dave discusses how personal development influences a shop owner's ability to cultivate a positive culture. Rick White on Wisdom vs. Knowledge (00:16:54) Rick contrasts knowledge and wisdom, stressing the importance of applying knowledge to create a strong culture. Poor Culture Indicators (00:17:55) Discussion on signs of a poor workplace culture, including low morale and unsafe environments. Lack of Trust and Engagement (00:18:35) Exploration of how absence of trust leads to employee disengagement and its negative impact. Leadership and Growth (00:19:07) Importance of strong leadership for shop success and personal investment in leadership development. Business Ownership Realities (00:24:02) Reflections on the challenges of business ownership and the unexpected demands it brings. Hope and Future Potential (00:27:19) Emphasizing the need for hope and setting high goals to maintain motivation in business. Cultural Shifts and Coaching (00:30:38) Encouragement for gradual cultural improvements and the importance of seeking guidance from coaches. Core Culture Ingredients (00:33:17) Identifying key elements of a positive culture, including leadership behavior and employee recognition. Understanding Culture (00:37:00) Discussion on the significance of culture in a shop and the difficulty of addressing toxic behaviors. Toxic Employees and Culture (00:37:37) Rick shares experiences with toxic employees and how their negative impact can be mitigated. Firing Toxic Behavior (00:38:41) Dave narrates a tough conversation where he separates an employee's behavior from their identity. Difficult Conversations (00:41:06) The importance of having tough conversations to maintain a positive workplace culture is discussed. Burnout and Culture (00:42:46) The effects of burnout on shop owners and the necessity of a supportive culture are highlighted. Culture Change in Teams (00:46:45) The need for team members to see themselves as part of a whole is emphasized through a TV show example.
      Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Auto-Fix Auto Shop Coaching Proven Auto Shop Coaching with Results. Over 61 Million in ROI with an Average ROI of 9x. Find Coach Chris Cotton at AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching on the Web at https://autoshopcoaching.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/Connect with the Podcast: -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Join Our Virtual Toastmasters Club: https://remarkableresults.biz/toastmasters -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on X: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections                      
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Want to create video content that boosts your shop’s visibility and drives more customers to your door?
      Discover how taking on the VEDA (Video Every Day in August) challenge can help you get comfortable on camera, overcome any fears, and make video a natural part of your marketing strategy.
      In this episode, we’ll share practical tips on using video to build trust with your audience, improve your SEO, and showcase your expertise—all while staying consistent with daily video content. Plus, you’ll learn how doing VEDA can help you master video creation and create real connections with your customers.
      Don’t miss out on this chance to level up your video game and see real results for your shop. Tune in now and start creating videos that truly connect!
      Thank you to RepairPal for sponsoring The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast. Learn more about RepairPal at https://repairpal.com/shops
      https://www.facebook.com/brian.walker
      https://www.facebook.com/brian.walker/videos/877852980463356 - Brian’s #veda day 31
      https://www.facebook.com/brian.walker/videos/2358559621160873 - Brian’s #veda day 32
       
      How To Get In Touch
      Group - Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind
      Website - shopmarketingpros.com 
      Facebook - facebook.com/shopmarketingpros 
      Get the Book - shopmarketingpros.com/book
      Instagram - @shopmarketingpros 
      Questions/Ideas - [email protected]
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • Fast Free Shipping on All Orders Over $50
    • By Changing The Industry
      Why Pricing Adjustments Can Hurt Your Sales #podcast #autorepairbusiness #podcastclips


  • Our Sponsors



×
×
  • Create New...