Gonzo

Breaker, Breaker… GONZO 2010 In my many years of repairing cars I've helped out a lot of other shops with their electrical problems. Some shops I see a few times a month, and others only once in awhile. Back in the mid 80's and 90's I had one shop that I talked to almost every day until his eventual retirement. His name was Joe; he had a small repair shop along with a couple of tow trucks. His main business was the tow company, and the repair shop was there just to fill in the gaps on those slow days. One afternoon I got a call from Joe about a car his crew had given up on. They had changed several parts, but couldn't get this car to come back to life. Joe was busy with tows, and didn't want to spend any more time on it. So he put it on one of his tow trucks, and dropped it off at my shop for me to look at. "I'll be on the road all day busy with tows. If you get it going, could ya take it back to my shop for me," Joe said, as he made a dash for his tow truck. "No problem Joe, I'll get right on it," I said, just as he drove off. The car was a late 80's GM. I could see all kinds of shiny new components under the hood, and could tell they put a lot of effort into swapping parts to find out what was going on. With a flip of the key it would immediately start, but die just as quickly. Every time I tried it, it would act the same way without fail. The parts they changed were all predictable. They tried tune-up parts, an IAC, TPS, MAP etc… etc… all of which might, could, should've, probably, maybe… fixed it. But didn't. I wasn't going to go that route. I thought it best to start with the basics- fuel, fire, and air. Spark was good, timing looked good, injector pulse was there, and the intake had a good air pull. Well, what now? I gave it a shot of carb. cleaner… vroom, vroom, vroom. As long as I kept spraying… it kept running. Ok, check the fuel pressure… it had pressure. Hmmm, now what to do? The next obvious thing (to me) was to check fuel volume. I disconnected a fuel line and gave the key a flick into start… the fuel ran out… and then trickled to a stop. I did it a second time. Not as much fuel made it out… but there was some, although it didn't last as long as it did the first time. Maybe I should look at that gas gauge. Wouldn't ya know it… the friggin thing was out of gas. It had just enough in the tank to pressurize the fuel lines but not enough to keep it going. Might as well grab a gas can, and put some in the tank. I'll try it again… vroom, vroom, vroom, alright! It's running great! Looks to me, like it was out of gas. However, with all the new parts they installed, I couldn't be sure if this was the only problem or an after affect of having the car in the shop while trying to solve a different problem. It could have been that one of the components they changed really did need to be changed. I couldn't tell; they're all new… and all working perfectly. Later that day I drove the car back to Joe's shop. He wasn't there, but his dispatcher was in the office sorting out tow tickets and monitoring the CB with the volume up full blast. In the background you could hear the CB was busy with all the area's tow companies' chatter. About then I heard Joe's voice over the CB, "Did Gonzo call yet? Need to check in on him, we need to get that car back to the owner." "He just walked in Joe," the dispatcher told him. "So what was wrong with it," Joe asked between the squelch of the CB radio and all the other chatter from the other tow companies. The dispatcher turned to me and asked what I found wrong with it. I told him. The dispatcher, with a stunned look on his face said, "I can't tell him that. He is going to be so pissed." "I don't think you should tell him till he gets back," I said, while breaking into an ear to ear smile. The CB comes to life with Joe's voice; "So what did he find out? Geez, I'm busy… come on give me the news," Joe barks out thru the CB speaker. He sounded pretty demanding and frustrated. I don't know whether it was the way his day was going or it could have been over this car… either way, he's not going to like this answer. "Go ahead… tell him," I said, "He wants the answer, so tell him." "Alright," said the dispatcher grabbing the mike to the CB, "Joe, are ya ready for this? It was out of gas." A dead silence came over the CB. No chatter, nothing, not a sound. It was if someone had turned it off. A few seconds went by, then, all hell broke loose. Tow drivers from all over the city were razing poor Joe. The CB was full of laughter and goof ball comments, but not a word from Joe. Poor Joe, you asked for it, and now you're getting it. I got up from the desk, and dropped the keys off with the dispatcher, "Tell Joe to stop by the shop, he can settle up with me then," I said while trying to hold back the laughter. As I walked out the door I could still hear the CB chatter all the way out to the parking lot, and the comments were still flying. It was one of the funniest moments I've ever had for doing nothing more than putting a couple of gallons of gas in a car. When Joe came up to pay the bill I told him I had a little something for him. I handed him a little tiny gas can to keep on his desk, as a reminder to always check the basics. After all these years I'm sure he hasn't forgotten about it, and I'll bet he doesn't tell too many people what that little gas can sitting on his desk is all about… especially over the CB. Stories are here for your enjoyment before they are edited for pubication. Comments are always welcomed. Enjoy!

good one....

Your probably right about the tranny shop... I don't know... I really don't know. After looking back on it... I really think it was one of those jobs that the diagnostics just got off on the wrong foot and no matter what they did ... they just couldn't get it back on track. The tranny shop is usually pretty good... However, after this job I never got another job from them. I credit that to either being more careful with their diagnostics or to save embarrasment... they found somebody else to check their stuff out... go figure... Sometimes, being good, ain't so good... at least that's my thoughts on this one. You know these stories, as my wife tells me... Are for everyone to read that's in the business... her way of putting it... is that there is more to fixing cars than turning some wrenches or pushing some buttons on a scanner... and my stories try to bring out the other side of the business... glad ya like the stories... so far almost everything I send out gets picked up by one of the magazines... I've hardly had to rewrite or reject a story proofing them here really makes a difference. You know, there's one thing in this business... you hardly ever "really" get a thank you, oh we do on occasions... but for the most part... it's not like each and everyone calls you back and tells you how good their car is working..(screw one up and watch how soon they show up). I just hope my stories let everyone know... we all do care.. and we all do apperciate it. And most of those customers really do too. because... "shift happens" Thanx again for your comments Joe.... always appreciate them...

Joe, I would have to agree with you..."again. I think most "guys" out there don't think of "life" as short.... that is until we all reach that 5-0 number... then you start taking a different look at things. family is where I put my efforts into these days... it's all you have when it's all said and done with... wait till you retire.. who do you think is going to come visit you... that guy that you changed his oil for the last 20 years... doubt it... but your family... now that's a different story. never lose sight of what is REALLY important...

funny stuff ....

I need to come up with a good Thanksgiving story... nothing yet... in fact didn't even think about putting one together... but now that you mention it... I think I will. Anyway, here's a joke for ya. Two turkeys are sitting on a fence when they see a jet fly across the sky, the pilot turns on the afterburner and streaks out of sight. One turkey turns to the other one, "I'd fly that fast too, if my butt was on fire."

Shift Happens Jo was a new customer referred by an old-time regular. Her little KIA had a transmission problem that seemed to be getting the best of the transmission shop. The story goes that the SUV was constantly in limp mode, and would never shift properly… ever. As it always seems to be the case when a simple problem can't be solved simply, somebody started the diagnostics off in the wrong direction. Little did I know this was a simple problem…. But, as I see it, each and every type of diagnostic work that you do requires a certain step by step procedure that you must follow. Miss a step, or completely overlook a step, usually means you're going to miss that simple problem all together. This was no exception. From what information I could gather the person who diagnosed it at the transmission shop wasn't the same person who installed it. So after the tech put the last bolt in the transmission, he set the car out front, and told the front office, "Got the transmission in that KIA." The front office considered it done, and the call went out for Jo to pick it up. She didn't make it around the block before she was back at the front counter in a "not-so" pleasant mood. You can just imagine the situation at the counter… not pleasant I'm sure. After some deliberation, and very little diagnostics the transmission shop came up with the conclusion that it must be a bad transmission. Luckily, Jo's ride that had brought her there was still in the parking lot, so she left the KIA for them to re-do the whole job again. A week later, it was supposedly done. This time a different tech had installed the second transmission. Unfortunately, he made the same mistake as the first tech. When Jo came to pick up her car the shop owner took her for a ride to be sure that the repairs were made to her satisfaction. It was a short drive… This time, the owner said he was going to pay for the transmission, and would even purchase one from the dealership just to be sure it wasn't their mistake in rebuilding it. But even the dealer transmission failed to shift properly. The tranny shop was at a loss, they decided to make a few calls for some help, and that's when my phone rang. Now, I'm not one to diagnose anything over the phone. I just don't think it's a smart way of taking care of such problems, because you never quite know what you're getting into. But the tranny shop owner sounded desperate, and now the repair costs were coming out of his pocket. From his frantic explanations of no codes, no shift, and no idea of the problem, he kind of put me on the spot … so … I suggested a computer. Heck, why not… ya' changed the tranny 3 times for Pete's sake, obviously that ain't' it. I probably shouldn't have done that, but I think he wanted to try and save as much money as possible without resorting to taking it to another shop. Well, a new TCM didn't work either…. Now, the car is finally coming my way. Jo was a little unsure whether or not there was anyone out there who could find the problem, but her friend told her that it couldn't hurt to let me see what I could do for her. I'll give it a try. When the car showed up at the shop I took it around the block once to verify the condition, and then put it up on the lift. While it was on the lift I decided to drop it into gear and check it against the scanner. To my surprise, it shifted perfectly. I'm not kidding… absolutely perfect. I dropped it back on the ground, and went for a ride again. I didn't even make it around the first corner… stuck in limp mode just as it was before, this dang thing can't pull itself out of a pot hole. Back up on the lift, and wouldn't ya know it, shifts perfectly… AGAIN! What's the deal here? I did it several times, just so I could be sure of the results I was getting. After a few trips I checked the wiring to the transmission while it was on the ground. Oh, oh, the main ground to the TCM wasn't there. How in the world was it there when it was in the air? AH HA! It's moving the wire! Yes, it was moving the wire alright, and a few more than just the TCM ground lead. The locator page showed the TCM ground wire was bundled with several other ground leads that were all attached to the main chassis ground… which wasn't attached to a thing, but was dangling by the battery box. Turns out the whole problem started when she had her battery changed at a department store repair shop, and they didn't have the right size to fit the car. They disconnected the chassis ground wire, so the taller battery would fit. When I told Jo what I found, the two of us pieced together the how and why it happened. Her only comment was, "Well, shift happens". All said and done with, the transmission shop paid for the entire repair, and gave her back what she spent with them. Everyone involved was glad to have the problem solved, and the car back on the road as good as new. I like this gal, she's become a regular at the shop these days. What a card! Always has some sarcastic comment for me, but at the same time a very understanding nature and takes life in stride. I'd love to have a couple of dozen customers just like her. As she always tells me… "If you can't live on the bright side of life… start polishing the dull one."

I've ran a big crew and lots of hours... I've ran a skeleton crew and lots of hours ... lately it's just me and office help, I run fewer hours and fewer cars... but the most surprising thing.... after all said and done with... my actual take home dollars is almost exactly the same as it was when I was putting in 60 or more hours a week and a full crew. Go figure... My thought these days (the older I get) 5 days a week is all I can stand... I'm going home, enough is enough... leave those long hours for the young guys... LOL

It's a perfect way to celebrate family and friends... Thanksgiving day... I'd like to thank all of ASO and their families. Have a great Turkey day....! !

OK, let's here it ....how many of you had to google the Abbott and Costello routine and find out what the short stops name was... ROFL... come on... how many of ya did...???

I don't know about brilliant... but I was trying to capture that moment we all go thru at the counter or on the phone when you have someone who just keeps repeating the same thing over and over again.... when I listened in on the converstation... my first thought was the Abbott and Costello routine. The conversation lead to a pretty funny story with an underlining message... And it doesn't surprise me at all, that you, of all people read between the lines as to what the message was... Way to go Joe... always can count on ya... and yes... Kate is a real gem... (Photos on my web page of the girls... go to the gallery page near the bottom... ) Later...

What’s on Second Gonzo 2010 My office manager is also my oldest daughter Katie, a bright, pretty gal with a quick wit and long beautiful red hair. Naturally, Katie gets all the phone calls and front office issues. She does a great job, and makes everything feel like a day at the ball park. Sometimes I wonder if she shouldn’t be a comedian, or even have her own vaudeville act. She cracks me up with some of her responses to those wacky phone calls we all tend to receive at the repair shop. On one occasion I happened to be in the office, and listened in on a conversation she was having with a prospective customer. The way she handled it was remarkable. With the phone on speaker I couldn’t help but hear the entire conversation. By the end of the phone call I was laughing so hard that I nearly forgot I was only supposed to be listening and to keep quiet. I did, but managed to have a big smile on my face for the rest of the day. The phone call went something like this; “Good morning, this is Katie, may I help you?” “Yes, I had my car over at the transmission shop, and they recommended you guys,” the caller said. “Ok, great, is it a shifting problem?” she asked. “No, it’s an electrical problem.” “We certainly do that kind of work. When would you like to bring it in and have it diagnosed?” “No, I already had it diagnosed at the other shop.” “They did, did they? Did they tell you what the problem was?” “No, they didn’t know what was wrong with it. That’s why they sent me to you.” About now Katie is getting the raised eyebrow look going, and her pen is scribbling some sort of gibberish on the note pad. Something is up. I can tell you know… I’ve answered phone calls like this myself. Let’s see how Katie handles this … I’ll listen in a little more. “So did they give you any clues to what the problem was?” she asked curiously. “They said they didn’t know.” “Well that doesn’t help either one of us… let’s start this all over again. It sounds to me like the other shop checked it out, and determined that it was something they couldn’t handle and recommended us. Their best guess was that it was something electrical. Then they gave you our phone number, and told you we could take care of it. Am I pretty close to what’s going on sir?” Katie asked. “Quite right” “Ok, let’s see if we can knock one out of the old ball park. First off… the transmission shop sent you to … … … who?” “To you…” “Great we’ve made it to first base. Now then, let’s head to 2nd base… that’s where we figure out the “what’s wrong with it” part.” He quickly interrupted her… “Nope, already did that.” “Well, what’s wrong with it then?” Katie asked. “I don’t know, and they couldn’t tell me either,” the caller said. “Sir, somehow we have made it all the way to third base, and haven’t touched second at all,” she answers. “I don’t understand what you’re getting at,” the bewildered caller said. “Let’s try this again,” Katie goes on with, “We have established that the “who” part of this is to bring the car here. As of now we have a good foot hold on first base… the second thing is the “what” part, and that’s where we are having a problem… the “I don’t know” part can be answered once we have it diagnosed. “I already had it diagnosed.” “Ok, then “what’s” wrong with it?” “I don’t know.” (Here we go again, passed 2nd and slid into 3rd) “Naturally,” Katie answers him with that -I’m not going thru this again- look on her face, “They didn’t know… that’s why you’re talking to me.” “I don’t think you understand,” he answers her. “Oh, I understand perfectly well, sir. I don’t think you understand that I can’t repair it, unless I know what is wrong with it,” she answers back, “This is why I wanted to start you off with “who’s” on first… which is me.” “But, I just told you… they diagnosed it already.” “Who did?” “Not you…………, they did.” “What did they tell you was wrong with it?” “I don’t know……………,” our caller answered while making another beeline for 3rd base. “Sir, we will need to diagnose it all over again in order to find out “what” is wrong with it… and hopefully avoid that 3rd base.” “What 3rd base?” “What is the 2nd base, I don’t know is 3rd,” Katie answered him. “So, we need to stay on what?” asks the caller. “Yes, second base.” “Who’s on 1st?” “Naturally, I’m on first base. I thought we already got past that point. We need to move onto 2nd base.” “Second base, will that fix my car?” “I don’t know”, said Katie. “So are we on 2nd or 3rd now?” the caller asked. “Sir, I’m still on 1st base where we started. Now let’s try 2nd again. I still need to get it diagnosed… that’s second base,” Katie answered. “I already had it diagnosed,” stated the caller. “And what did they find out?” “I don’t know… … … 3rd base,” they both answered in unison without missing a beat. The phone call went on for some time. I’m about to fall off the barstool laughing so hard. We all know what the problem is. It’s not the what, who, or I don’t know… it’s because he has already paid someone to check his car out, and they failed to find the problem. So “naturally”, the customer assumes that there is no need in paying for the same thing a second time, if nothing came about it the first time around. (Try that when you go to a second doctor for another opinion) I understand their plight. I just wish when he got up to bat at the first shop they would have done a better job of explaining to him about the necessary procedures to make these repairs. Then again the charges the customer was given might have been for other work, and not for any diagnostics at all…..but that never made it into the conversation. The call ended with, “I can’t bring it today, but I can bring it in tomorrow.” What a relief, “Because”- (he’s in the outfield)… today is the day to catch wacky phone calls, and I’ve caught all the foul balls I can stand for one day. I just hope “Tomorrow” doesn’t end up throwing me any wild pitches. So no matter how you handle things in the office or in the shop… sometimes you just want to make it around the bases without getting tagged. And there’s one more thing I’m sure of -- I don’t want to end up with the customer only making a “short stop” in my shop, because we haven’t seen eye to eye on how the problem needs to be resolved… Cause, we all know that short stop’s name……

Thanx, it's an honor to share these stories...

I don't want to sound like a repeat of most of my other posts. But, free isn't free... if you want to break up the diagnostics into different levels... fine. But when I have a tech that comes up to me and says, "I've done 12 free code checks today.... what's my pay for all of that..." Now talk to me about free.... it ain't folks... I've had those days where that's all I've done... read codes, or read codes a diagnose... and never made the repairs... either do to time or dollars. The next time I go to the doctor or dentist... I'm going to ask him what I would get for a no charge visit... I'm probably going to get laughed out of the office... but I'm going to do it just the same. Those free clinics that are out there for those who can't afford any other means of medical care are needed... because not all can afford good quality svc... But, that doesn't mean I have to drop my standards to meet those needs... I've got a family to support... If I had a "free clinic" for car diagnostics and code reading... I'm sure it would be just like the free clinic... where a un-named weathly person or organization was sponsoring the "free clinic" to the public... and the doctors were either donating their time or doing it for a reduced fee. Like I said ... nothing is free... so stop trying to do it with my livelyhood....

Dude, meet my daughter Gonzo 2010 When it comes to dealing with customers, there are always a few things that are sure to be an issue, i.e...Cost, how long will it take, and when is it going to be done? Then there are those times when the unexpected happens. When that front door opens and a new customer comes thru the door, and your expectations are high. Will this customer become a regular? Then there is the type that you’ll say to yourself … What’s it going to be this time. The other day I was in the office when the front door opened. In walked a young man with that “clean-cut kid next door” look. Nice kid, seemed like he had his head on his shoulders. I was busy finishing up with an aggravated lady who was having a little fit over paying for the results of her car’s outcome. The poor lady’s car had broken a cam, and took out the engine. It was going to take a new one. She couldn’t afford the engine replacement, and her frustration was noticeable. She was completely out of control… mainly because a cheaper solution wasn’t possible. So with a captured audience she let the shouting commence at the front desk… “Let the world know you are having car problems” and who would ya think had a front row seat to this show of shows… you guessed it… me … and boy, was she sounding off … Yipes! As this lady continued with her ranting about her situation, the young lad sat in the background waiting for his turn at the counter. She soon left with her cell phone stuck to her ear calling for a tow truck. The young lad walks up to the counter with a concerned look on his face, “Do ya need a minute, how about you take a deep breath, just inhale slowly and exhale. Wow, dude… she gave you an earful. How do ya deal with that kind of thing?” “Oh, I guess you could say you get used to it. It’s nothing; she’s just upset that she’ll have to buy another car. Thanks for asking, it’s no big deal… what can I do for you?” I said as I took that deep breath. “My headlights go off if I tilt my wheel all the way up.” “No problem, do you need to wait on it?” “If it won’t take long, that would be nice.” I filled out the paper work and put the truck in the shop. Sure enough if you put the wheel all the way up, the lights would go off. Down they worked fine. Removing the steering column trim revealed the problem. The main wire that leads to the dimmer switch had come free from the multifunction switch connector. Every time the column was up the wire would separate. It was quick fix… nothing special. Just push it back into place, make sure it “clicked” into place and strap it down to the other so it couldn’t pull free again. I even adjusted the entire harness so there was a tad bit more room for the swinging motion of the column. Before I put all the trim back on I tried it several times… it worked super. I pulled the car around front, and he paid for my time and was back on the road. He was the kind of person who makes your day special. Especially after dealing with a lady and her dead engine… (Maintenance people… it makes a difference… but that’s another story) A day or so later the same young lad was back… but now it wasn’t because the headlights wouldn’t come on while tilting the wheel… it was because the headlights blinked off and on. He seemed very stern with his explanation. He made his point, and then stood there waiting for my answer. Normally, I would be thinking it’s time for me to get defensive. I just fixed his “no headlight” problem the other day and now this… Oh, the wheels are turning in my head. I could feel the steam reaching the flash point. This kid was looking at me with that same look the lady with the dead engine was looking at me with… (You know the look). I didn’t want to blow my top over this but I kept thinking; this guy is going to tell me it’s doing the same thing… I just know it. He stood there staring me down. I was waiting for the usual; “It’s doing the same thing” response. With his arms folded across his chest, “It’s doing the same thing.” I’m going to go ballistic… My daughter (Mandy) was running the service desk that afternoon. I could see she was looking for that “safe zone” to get out of the reach of dad’s soon to explode tantrum. But this kid was so concerned with my well being the other day I figured I’d give him one more chance. I looked outside at the truck, turned to look at him and groveled out something that sounded like, “Doors unlocked?” He answered, “Sure is.” Without another word I walked out and turned the headlights on, while he followed me out to the truck. He began to tell me how the headlights would fail, and how often it would happen on his truck. As he explained the situation to me he seemed to be more concerned that I wasn’t going to blow my top. Not only was this fella sorry to bother me, but he wanted to be sure to tell me it only blinks after he’s been driving for more than an hour or so… and not when it’s tilted as it did in the past. He also told me that he noticed when the headlights do start to blink he could wiggle the headlight switch knob and they would come back on. “Well, this is NOT the same thing; this is quite different from what was wrong with it the other day, what makes you think it was the same thing?” I asked. “Just wanted to raze ya man… thought it would be funny, you seem like an uptight guy who doesn’t get a lot of laughs. Thought you might get a kick out somebody playing ya,” he answered chuckling and patting me on the back. (I don’t know how this kid pegged me for an uptight guy… but I’m starting to like him...) Ok, ya got me… good one kid. I’ll give you that. Ya got me good. I had to laugh, nothing like somebody from outside the industry seeing the difficulty and stress that this job can put you under. We struck up a friendly conversation about college, family and work while we were waiting to see if the headlights would blink. After about a half hour or so the headlights did exactly what he predicted. It was nothing more than a faulty headlight switch. After wasting the better part of an hour of just chatting and small talk, the two of us went back into the office and asked Mandy to order a new headlight switch. Mandy was startled, she was expecting me to come in slam something on the counter, say a few choice words, and rant my way back to the shop kicking doors open all the way. But instead I had a big smile on my face, and my new found bud under my arm… “Dude, meet my daughter, Mandy.” You can guess her reaction after this confrontation. (Mandy wasn’t all that impressed with the guy.) When the switch made it to the shop I went right to work installing it, and sent my little friend down the road. But I’m sure he’ll be back. He made my day with his quick little observations of the goings on at the repair shop. Just wish more people acted that way… it would make my life a lot easier. As for Mandy… she hasn’t decided yet. I guess this guy wasn’t her type. Hey, but a dad can dream …. can’t he…? Stories are posted for your enjoyment and before they are sent to the editors for printing. Comments are more than appreciated... it lets me know how to make the stories better for publication. www.gonzostoolbox.com see ya there.

The word "sell" is the key... nothin' is free...

I couldn't have said it better myself. The intention of the article was to get feedback from across the country as to how everyone feels about diagnostics... I wish there was a way you could put a stop to the free services... the way you handled it with the owner was quite brave ... but effective. we need more guys like you out there,,... great effort, great responce... Gonzo

Old Sarge Sarge was not only a customer... but a dear friend of mine... this is his story. I met this great man through his son, who happened to be the driver of that Chevy van from the furniture store that was my very first customer. Sarge isn’t his real name, but that’s what I called him. He was a retired Marine Corps cook. I met him one day when he came in with a sick Cadillac. The old Cadillac hardly had any power at all; just as slow and lazy as a snail. I was only in business for a few months, and didn’t know anybody. I didn’t have any work to speak of, so even though it wasn’t an electrical problem (as he originally thought), I jumped right in and found the problem. It was a clogged catalytic converter. Unbelievably, it wasn’t even welded in place. I could take off the clamps, and remove it without much hassle. Back then I didn’t have a lift to put the car in the air, so I had to do the whole job on the ground. Well, old Sarge just sat there and watched me do the whole thing. I think he was a little suspicious of this skinny little white kid who was hacking away at his car, but he patiently waited, being the good man he was. We got to talking about things, and it wasn’t long before he found out that I was also in Marine Corps. Now we had some common ground. We were buds for life, always cutting up with each other. One hot August afternoon Sarge brought in one of his other cars to get some work done. I had the back door to the shop open, and Sarge steps outside for a little fresh air. I thought I could hear the guy crying or mumbling something, couldn’t tell which it was. I stuck my head around the corner, “Sarge, ah …. you ok, buddy?” I asked. He proceeded to tell me how the house he grew up in was close by, before it became a shopping center. He talked about his dad and family, and how he hunted rabbits right where we were standing. It was during the Depression. Hard times, and things were scarce in those days. How his dad hid a pig in a pit, not too far from here. Where they kept the corn mash for making moon shine. I sat and listened to this hardened Marine tell me his life’s story that day, from his first car to how he ended up in the Corps. I didn’t answer the phone, or go up front to see if anyone came in. I just sat out there in that August heat, drenched in sweat, listening to this fella tell me his life story. I’ll never forget that afternoon. I’ll also never forget how every time he came to my shop over the next 25 years he would sneak up on me, and yell in a drill instructor voice, “TEN HUT!” I would snap to attention just like a good Marine should. Sometimes, just to get a rise out of Sarge I would purposely hit my head on the hood of the car I was working on. He got a kick out of it every time. Sarge passed away a couple years back. I still think about him now and then. I hope he’s up there hunting rabbits, or something. Maybe he’s guarding the gates like every Marine hopes to be doing when their time comes. Or, he could be just waiting there to try and surprise me with one more “TEN HUT” when I show up. Sarge, I miss having you around the shop. If you have purchased a copy of my book or have been following my posts this story is nothing new... however, if you would like to purchase a copy of my best selling book you can do so at www.amazon.com or at my website www.gonzostoolbox.com. The cost is not that much (under 13.00 bucks) but the stories are for you the shop owner ... they are all about our daily activities at the shop... well worth the read. Gonzo

Nice to know ya Tim, I'm the.. uh-um... entertainment.... oh a little info now and then, sometimes good, sometimes... ya never know... Oh the managment system I use... I stick a post note to their foreheads... I call it my managment filling system "some-ware" ... that software stuff is over rated... Ok only kiddin... a good mangament system works well. there's a lot of them out there... good luck... Gonzo

CONGRATULATIONS

Well, a sci-fi fan... mmm... maybe... more often whatever looks like a good story - could be western, could be a silent movie, .. and believe me..... you don't really want to see the world from these eyes... it ain't that pretty... you're a real character Joe, ya make my day with your comments... thanx buddy Live Long and Prosper ....