What's going on?

[clinebarger]

This shrikes me as an odd phenomenon & thought I'd share......I've pretty much been a GM mechanic most of my career, Worked for GM dealers & even achieved "World Class" status through GM's technical training program. After that.....I worked for a Specialty shop doing LSx swaps & building performance & race prepped Hydramatic transmissions for 15 years.

Then that shop got sold, Things went sideways & took a job at a general automotive repair shop working on just about every make. Lasted about a year before opening my own shop.

Been open a little over 3 months & over 75% of my business has been Ford Pick-ups, Seems like one right after the other! Now I'm getting calls from complete strangers wanting to bring their F250/F350 in for engine work because they got told I'm a former Ford master tech.

I would never tell anyone that, Don't really talk about my GM factory training & certifications for that matter because it's outdated!

Lot's of 6.4L Powerstrokes & 3V 5.4L's.....The 6.4L comes pretty naturally to me because my LB7 Duramax training (Injectors under the Valve Covers) & dealing with fuel leaks that dump into the sump.
Remove the valve covers....Throw some dye in the fuel filter...Raise the Rail Pressure with the engine running...Find the leak with a A/C black light.
K16 HPFP's, Injectors, Rails, Rocker Arms....etc.

3V 5.4L's are even easier.....VVT Phasers, Timing Chains, Tensioners, Oil Pumps, Rocker Arms, Camshafts, & the occasional broken Valve Spring.

I didn't set out to be a Ford repair facility & would rather work on GM vehicles....But the money is just TOO good & I can't help myself! These two are from this week alone! 2008 F250 5.4L service body & a 2008 F250 6.4L 4x4.

 

[dogememe]

You know your stuff, you're honest, and you're professional. It's hard to find that in a mechanic/shop these days and that's why you're getting so many customers via word of mouth! If I was in your area I'd take my Suburban to you for diagnosis and repair!

 

[Snagglefoot]

I think word got around you do cab-off work. Word of mouth is a great way to do business. Not sure you invested in a website but if you did, you could accentuate the GM aspect while still having some Ford info. The cab-off photos should definitely stay on the website. Once you got more GM customers word would spread.

Another handy suggestion would be to post cab-off photos of GM work. Good luck!

 

[clinebarger]

Word of mouth is the only advertising I have. As a 1 man shop I can't handle huge work loads. Duramax trucks are the only GM's it make sense to pull the cab on IF your doing head gaskets.

 

[GMBoy]

Originally Posted by clinebarger
Word of mouth is the only advertising I have. As a 1 man shop I can't handle huge work loads. Duramax trucks are the only GM's it make sense to pull the cab on IF your doing head gaskets.


Me as well...no advertising at all and my shop stays full and with a waiting list. It is just me and my son running it. My full time job is at a General motors plant so, like you, that is mostly what I know but end up with BMW, Ford, and all sorts of other vehicles. It's all the basically same when you get down to it. As soon as I retire (or quit) my shop will be my main thing and the clientel is already built up.

Good luck with all you do - sounds like you are off to a running great start!

 

[vw7674]

You found a sweet spot for cross-application of your GM diesel diagnostic talents.
No lack of Fords left to repair. Swim with the current.

 

[demarpaint]

The word of someone who does good work spreads fast. That is exactly what is happening to you! My suggestion is start looking for a good tech to work for you, even if it is just for part time work. From the sound of it you're going to need help. Turning work away, work that you would normally do because you're too busy so something people don't forget either. Long wait times is a turn off to customers too unfortunately. Don't get me wrong having a heavy work load is a good problem to have. Just make sure if you do hire someone his work gets your stamp of approval before anything he does leaves the shop. I went through those growing pains too. I wish you continued success!!!

 

[bbhero]

Those Ford guys... Love their trucks.... And to get them modified is not all that uncommon. My step sold his 96 Ford 250 turbo diesel for good money given it was in such good shape.. and only 165k miles on it... Those mid to late 90s Ford diesel trucks are still quite popular even now.

 

[bbhero]

Originally Posted by dogememe
You know your stuff, you're honest, and you're professional. It's hard to find that in a mechanic/shop these days and that's why you're getting so many customers via word of mouth! If I was in your area I'd take my Suburban to you for diagnosis and repair!



This is exactly right ^^^^^^

 

[CharBaby]

Indeed, congratulations to you sir. You gotta do what makes your money for ya!

 

[joegreen]

My job rents a small space in a Ford dealership. Every time I walk by the shop I always see the cabs off of trucks. Is it easy to pull the cab on a Ford? I never hear much of people pulling cabs on gm trucks. Are they harder to pull the cab on? Also you are lucky you are in Texas. Here in NY that 2008 Ford would be all rusted and a pain to work on.

 

[Linctex]

Originally Posted by demarpaint
The word of someone who does good work spreads fast. That is exactly what is happening to you! My suggestion is start looking for a good tech to work for you, even if it is just for part time work. From the sound of it you're going to need help. Turning work away, work that you would normally do because you're too busy so something people don't forget either. Long wait times is a turn off to customers too unfortunately.


^^ This ^^

A friend of mine is a guitar player, he plays with many Texas country bands, does studio work, and is a regular for bands playing at Billy Bob's.

He tells folks "I'm busy this weekend - - but PLEASE don't stop trying... That one night I had a gig cancel is the night I'll need your call"
At any rate, he stays booked up and is VERY good at what he does.

Originally Posted by joegreen
Is it easy to pull the cab on a Ford?


I know folks that can do it in less than 2 hours.

Chris, try to hire a young, eager guy who wants to learn - but is careful - and doesn't break stuff.

 

[mattd]

I've made most of my living off ford trucks, the last several years diesel work.

 

[JeffKeryk]

You are providing a valuable service, quality.
Perhaps one day you will have a trainee to learn the right way to operate in your trade.

Well done Clinebarger.

 

[maverickfhs]

Originally Posted by JeffKeryk
You are providing a valuable service, quality.
Perhaps one day you will have a trainee to learn the right way to operate in your trade.

Well done Clinebarger.



^^^ This is well said, Clinebarger

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted by dogememe
You know your stuff, you're honest, and you're professional. It's hard to find that in a mechanic/shop these days and that's why you're getting so many customers via word of mouth! If I was in your area I'd take my Suburban to you for diagnosis and repair!


This.

 

[maxdustington]

Originally Posted by Linctex
Originally Posted by demarpaint
The word of someone who does good work spreads fast. That is exactly what is happening to you! My suggestion is start looking for a good tech to work for you, even if it is just for part time work. From the sound of it you're going to need help. Turning work away, work that you would normally do because you're too busy so something people don't forget either. Long wait times is a turn off to customers too unfortunately.


^^ This ^^

A friend of mine is a guitar player, he plays with many Texas country bands, does studio work, and is a regular for bands playing at Billy Bob's.

He tells folks "I'm busy this weekend - - but PLEASE don't stop trying... That one night I had a gig cancel is the night I'll need your call"
At any rate, he stays booked up and is VERY good at what he does.

Originally Posted by joegreen
Is it easy to pull the cab on a Ford?


I know folks that can do it in less than 2 hours.

Chris, try to hire a young, eager guy who wants to learn - but is careful - and doesn't break stuff.
People will wait if you are worth the wait. If you are a specialist who has a good rep, there is going to be a line for your services.

Young guys with all of those attributes don't really exist. If they are willing to show up on time, learn and buy tools that's good enough for me. Young workers need to be developed, they are cheaper for a reason. There's not as many younglings looking for trades careers when digital careers pay MUCH better, and are less dirty and dangerous. Old dudes don't realize this an act like it's 1985 and there is a line of kids at the door.

 

[Alfred_B]

It's tough to find a competent mechanic and once you find one, like yourself, the word gets out.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted by demarpaint
The word of someone who does good work spreads fast. That is exactly what is happening to you! My suggestion is start looking for a good tech to work for you, even if it is just for part time work. From the sound of it you're going to need help. Turning work away, work that you would normally do because you're too busy so something people don't forget either. Long wait times is a turn off to customers too unfortunately. Don't get me wrong having a heavy work load is a good problem to have. Just make sure if you do hire someone his work gets your stamp of approval before anything he does leaves the shop. I went through those growing pains too. I wish you continued success!!!


Spoken with a business owner's perspective. Those of us who own/operate our own biz know that service is the key. Demarpaint knows when you turn some folks away because you're booked out two or more weeks they will find someone else. There may even be resentment, too.

OP, you are a shining light in a sea of mediocrity, keep up the good work. I always tell my co-workers that we only work for the nice folks, and I hope you get to that magical place of success!

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Good stuff