Gonzo

Found It On The Internet A customer comes into the office the other day with a hand full of papers about his car. Each page was full of information and diagrams pertaining to a repair he wanted done. He was extremely proud of himself, and proceeded to tell me how he found this wealth of knowledge on the internet. You know, I think the internet is great, super in fact. (Imagine what it will be like in the future.) I use the internet all the time myself. I attend automotive classes, buy things, watch videos, chat with friends, emails, etc… It's endless what you can find or do on the net. But, I draw the line at some of the sites that give out information to the unsuspecting public, and inform them they have found some miracle cure for a certain aliment on their car. Perhaps, some of it is useful. Perhaps, some of it is better information than I gather from all my technical resources and the manufacturers, but I'd rather check the source before calling something I found on the net as the all knowing, never to be doubted information for automotive repair. Let's just say, I'm more than a little skeptical. Needless to say this guy was insistent I take a look at his information, and read up on what I was to do. Turns out, what he was looking at was some sort of way to correct a faulty dash circuit in a Lexus. All the pages were of photographic quality and very detailed in the descriptions on how the repair was to be made. From the few quick skims I took of the information, it appeared to be a bypass to the dash circuit by soldering a wire from one part to another. The one thing I thought was a little quirky was the solder gun the demonstrator was holding in the photos. It was an old Weller soldering gun, the kind with the little light bulb sticking out below the soldering tip. I haven't used one of those in years. Oh come on, you're going to solder a little circuit lead with the bulbous end of one of these relics? These days I've got everything from desk top, high powered dental tip soldering guns that will get hot in about 3 or 4 seconds to the butane portable units that have several different tips. Those old Weller's were great for putting together your electric erector set motor leads, but I certainly wouldn't use one on a tiny solder joint on a modern circuit board. I pointed it out to my all-so-proud/all-knowing customer, but he didn't see it as a problem. He was more interested in the results that were on the last page of his internet find. I, on the other hand, wanted to know what information other than these few pieces of paper he had that could back up his claim that this was going to fix his problem. Furthermore, was his problem even in the dash to begin with? "Sir, I really think I should test your car, before I take the dash out," I told him. "No, I've already had it checked out at the dealership. They want to sell me a new dash, and I'm not doing that. It's way too expensive. That's why my friend and I found this on the internet. I'm absolutely sure this will fix it." I read the material he brought a little more carefully, and I'll have to admit it did sound convincing, but I still had my doubts. I've run across these "wonder-cures" on the net before. Quite frankly, I don't think I want to try them on a customer's car. They're more of a curiosity to me. I do believe there are smarter people out there who can surpass the design ideas of the car manufacturers, but I don't think these people are dumb enough to give away their "great-idea" to the mass market for free. "I'll even take the dash out and bring it to you," my proud customer went on to tell me. Now, there's a kick in the old tool box for ya. He's going to help me out, and bring me the dash. Well, well, well… the one thing that is probably the "most likely not" to get screwed up in this whole ordeal is the one part he wants to help me with. "Sir, if you've got the dash out, and you have these drawings and directions, why don't you get a soldering gun and make the repair yourself. You don't need me for any of this; you've got all the directions right here to do it, and they seem easy to follow. All you need is one of these old Weller soldering guns, and you could copy the procedure exactly," I said while pointing at the smoke coming off of the solder gun in the photos. "No, I'd rather have a professional do it." I guess that means me. Now I've exchanged a lot of dashes in my time, and I've even soldered a few joints back together. I've also swapped a few stepper motors for gauges and things like that. But to take advice from an internet source that I know nothing about… hmmm… I think not. I can't imagine what "professional" would take on a project based on the information I had in front of me. Let's think about this for a minute. There is some sort of odd ball directions found on the internet by a customer, who is offering to remove the dash and bring it to you…BUT, he wants you as the "professional" to solder the wires onto his expensive dash. Really? I think I can guess the eventual outcome of all this. I'll bet he wants the "professional" to take the blame and responsibility if it doesn't work the way he expects it to after the Weller soldering job is done. Even if he says, "I'll take the responsibility." Believe me, if it doesn't work… it's your smoking solder gun he's going to point the blame at. "Sorry sir, that's not going to happen, I would rather diagnose it, repair it, or replace the dash according to the information I have. I can't take the word of some website this is going to work. The responsibility is not theirs to make sure this is fixed correctly--it's mine. You're just assuming this information you found on the internet is correct. I can't take the chance, even if you tell me that you wouldn't hold me responsible if it didn't work. I'm still not going to do it, sorry." With that my proud customer gave me the stare of shame. Oh you know the stare… that glare from across the room, the mumbling under their breath and the snarling Elvis lip quiver. Yea, I've seen it before; sorry it still isn't going to make me try some internet voodoo on your car, buddy. After the usual "customary-length" stare and glare were over, he gathered up his paper work and headed out to his car without another word. I don't know what he ever did, for all I know he found somebody else to do it. At least it wasn't me. Maybe if I do some checking myself I might find out this guy was right and it really did work. At least then I could say… "I found it on the internet." Thanks for reading my stories, your comments are more than appreciated. In fact, it's how I decide which ones will go on to the editors for publication. So definetly leave a comment. Don't forget to stop by my website for more stories, information and wacky car photos. www.gonzostoolbox.com View full article

I couldn't agree more Joe. I could sit here and write ten pages of what I think of the whole thing... but I might as well save that for another story. Gonzo

GOOD,, CHEAP, FAST If you're in the auto repair business like I am, you know there are certain times and events throughout the year that dictate how business is going to flow in the shop. Sometimes it's a good thing; sometimes the shop moves really fast, other times it's so slow you have enough spare time to build a canoe and wait for the rain to come. For me, I can just about plan my year by the calendar. School starts, shop goes dead. Holidays, shop goes dead. Tax season, shop goes dead, change political parties, shop goes dead. Any long stretch of mid-70 degree days with no need for air conditioning, heater, or the wipers, shop goes dead. Pretty much anything that upsets the balance of the space-time-continuum, the shop goes dead. However, through all the usual up and down cycles I manage to keep the doors open. There are so many different things that can get in the way of maintaining a full shop. Of course, in the midst of all this chaos I have to find time to keep up with the current technology, and at the same time, purchase any new equipment to go along with this new technology. I try not to buy the cheapest scanner or tool out there. I've seen the results of poor judgment when it comes to that. Fast service to the customer is a plus. However, too fast and you may over look things. I'd like to think I am doing the best I can with every job that comes into the shop. Hopefully, keeping in mind to not go too fast, not use cheap parts, and always give good service. There's no doubt that the electronic age has affected every part of our daily lives. I see it even more when it comes to car maintenance and general repairs. Even with all of this technology they haven't been able to get rid of the technician and a toolbox. There's still a need for a trained technician to be under the hood doing the hands-on work to get the car back out on the road. I hear so much talk about "Weeding" out the cheap shops, and promoting the good ones in the automotive repair trade. I believe that's a good thing, a really good thing; it puts all of us in the business on the fast track to success, and hopefully gives more credibility to the automotive repair shops out there. Although, as it is in the real world, for some people, all they really want is cheap. Cheap enough that their pocketbook doesn't dry up after a car repair. Let's face it, as long as there are those "Bottom-feeder" shops out there, and people willing to go to them, little is going to change. That's where one of my favorite little quotes comes into play. It goes like this: "There are three things you can have in auto repair or any business for that matter… and that's--- "Good, Cheap, and Fast". The only problem is that you can only choose two of these. Choose wisely, because the one you did "not" pick, you must use it to finish this sentence: "It's not going to be very _____." I've heard this quote from a lot of different sources. It's nothing new. I wouldn't doubt it's been around for a hundred years or more, but it's still true even today. To bring it into some modern terms let's take this example: "Temporary battery clamps." You know the ones you find on about 50% of the cars that come into the shop? Hmm… they're not called "Replacement Clamps," now are they? No, the common term I've heard for years for them is: "Temporary Clamps." (Call the parts store and ask for temporary clamps, see what they send you.) So, why are so many of them installed and then left on the car? Well, let's see, they're cheap, and they can be installed pretty fast. Would I say they are good, well, good for a while… they're only temporary right? Thus, the answer to this one is "Cheap and Fast" and the results are: It's not going to be very – Good. Maybe I'm just a little crazy, but wouldn't it make more sense to invest in a battery clamp crimping tool, some good replacement clamps, a few sections of color-coded shrink tubing to seal the ends, and take the time to repair them correctly? Hmmm, problem here….. if I was using the quote as a guideline, it would read: "It's not going to be very "Cheap". Again, those three little words come into play again. For me, the real funny part, is how-in-the-world did you end up needing a new clamp in the first place? Oh, that's right, the maintenance was neglected, or should I say… somebody was too cheap to get regular maintenance done. There are always other reasons you know; I could go on about those… Am I moving too fast for ya? I'm not? Good. I guess it all goes back to that "Good, Cheap, and Fast thing". It's amazing how it seems to always end up with those three little words to explain it all. I don't think it really matters whether it's something for the house, or that awful hotel room you stayed in, or even a battery clamp. Some way or another things can or will go wrong if poor choices are made on just about anything in life. So keep this little quote handy and see how often it works out there in the real world. I have it posted in the front office area, and when someone asks I'll tell them, while pointing to the little sign: "If you want it cheap, and you want it fast"… "It's not going to be very… Good." Hope you enjoy the stories, leave a comment if you'd like. These stories are here before final editing and publication. Always love to hear from everyone. Don't forget to stop by my website www.gonzostoolbox.com Gonzo View full article

Good article Joe, There's no doubt that the "moral" of the shop starts from the top. I've struggled with the same issues over many years of service work myself.

As with most of my stories... YES it is the same where ever you go... I just bring it to light by writing about it in my column. One of these days I'll tell the story of "Tito" the forgetful customer --- (His car sat outside for over a year before he finally came to get it) I like yours about "what time to ya close" good one Joe. Great comments guys... always good to know I'm not the only one. LOL Gonzo

I got a release from the company to allow me to post my article/review on their new scanner. Here it is before final editing for publication as viewed on my website. Check it out and let me know what you think of the tool.. http://www.gonzostoolbox.com/Reviews/DOL.html View full article

How Bout' Friday? A rather slow week at the shop turned into a very interesting one. With the economy slowing things down to a crawl, it's understandable that people can't afford to have their cars in for repair like they should, and regular maintenance is usually not that high on the list of things to be concerned about. Of course, the customer can always have an issue with the cost. Sometimes, it's not the cost of the repair, sometimes it's the cost of dealing with that certain type of person. Either my sanity or my patience is going to be tested. Financial worries aside, I find common sense is the one thing that tends to get thrown out the window with some regularity when it comes to mixing the customer and the car together. Let's see what you think of this latest ditch-dodger of the public highways. This dude has raised the bar of stupidity to a level that I don't think anyone else will ever obtain. I'm pretty sure this gear grinder didn't have all 4 tires on the ground. A Dodge Intrepid was on the "hook" apparently, a "no-start" condition. It was supposed to be at the shop that afternoon, but that's not quite how it happened, more like 3 days later. No phone call from the owner in the past 3 days to let me know what the delay was or a heads-up that it was getting towed in today. The battery was totally shot. If you've ever changed the battery on one of these you know what I mean when I say it's a pain. (I think the engineers should explain this to the customers when it's time to replace the battery instead of me having to telling them.) This isn't an "in/out" job… oh no, not these cars… a couple of panels and some tight places to get your hands into. Wonderful fun, just love this job. Ya think they could design a better place to put the battery. Why did they put it there? I can hear the engineers talking: "Oh, let's make it harder to change than it needs to be, you know those batteries never need regular service. Why it hardly ever needs replaced so let's put it in a cavity in front of the tire with a little plastic panel where all the road salts and dirt can't effect it at all." The big problem might have been the battery replacement, but then again, it's not. It's the owner. With the tow charge, battery install, and the cost of the battery all added up, the only thing left to do was to get this road-jockey back in the saddle. I gave him a call he answered. "I'll get back to you." "I'll get back to you…" went on for another week of sitting in the shop. Now, I normally don't keep cars this long without getting riled up over the space it takes up in the shop. I tried to call but he would never answer. I didn't want to leave it outside, and it never failed, the shop was getting busy and the old Dodge would end up in the way more times than not. Then, another week went by, and so far the owner hadn't called back or returned any messages I left. Finally, on a Monday, 2 weeks after the car had been brought in, the customer finally called. "How much was the bill?" I gave him the total once more, and a complete run down on the test results. He seemed to understand, and I wasn't expecting any problems from here on out. I should have known better than that, this isn't the first time I've been stuck with a car in the shop. "Can you have it done today?" he asks. "Sure can," I told him, (Of course it was already done, how else could I have had moved the car for the past two weeks.) "I take it you'll be picking it up today? It's been here for 2 weeks already you know." "OK, well… how about Wednesday? Can you have it done then?" Now how did Wednesday enter into the conversation, must be an issue of when he can get a ride, or maybe his financial situation is in jeopardy till Wednesday. "It's been here for 2 weeks, which should have been plenty of time for you to pick it up or decide on what to do. You never returned any of my calls, and I don't have room to just keep moving your car around and around. Besides the fact I kept it inside at night for security purposes." "Do you charge for storage?" he asked. "Yes I do, but if you make an effort to pick it up today I'll wave the storage fees." "OK, so you can have it done by today, right, and if I pick it up today you won't add any storage charges?" "If you pick it up today, I don't see a problem with that. I need the room in the shop." I told him. This is great, I'm thinking to myself: "I'm going to finally get this thing out of here." Then he blurts out the most unusual request I've ever heard: "OK, How about Friday?" How in the world did we go from Wednesday to Friday all on a Monday? Has this curb-hugger just had some drastic change of events again! "Uh Sir, that would be even more additional storage charges." I told him. "What's the storage charges for?" with a questioning tone, as if he never heard a thing we were talking about earlier. Did this guy really pass a driving test, or did he just find his license at the bottom of a box of breakfast cereal? I can't tell if this guy is joking or if his gears are stripped. I'm pretty sure this guy couldn't take a loan out to pay attention. I'll bet when his driving instructor said, "Back up." he moved the seat. The way he answered questions with questions just didn't make any sense. I'm not sure what's going on, but before we finished our conversation on the phone I was left with the impression he was going to be picking it up today to avoid any storage charges. Now wouldn't ya know it? After the car sat in the shop for two weeks, and without a word from this ditch-dodger, he shows up at the shop 30 minutes after I hung up the phone. I'd like to think that the rest of this guy's life is going to be better than this. After personally meeting this dip-stick it wasn't hard to tell he didn't have things hitting on all cylinders. What a goober… I'm just glad he's out of my shop and back out there in the world. You know, if a psychologist ever wanted to do a case study on the real world, come on down to the shop. Stick around for awhile, and you'll see all you'll ever need to see. View full article

Welcome Sean, it's a pretty happenin' place. You'll find all sorts of interesting and informative articles here. Glad your here! Gonzo

Don't think about beer, don't think about beer, don't think about beer, don't think about beer.... ROFL

I took the test after a few cold ones, I didn't do so good.... But, by then... it didn't matter,

Here are some of the reviews on MY book. It's not wise to judge your own work, so I copied some of the reviews other people have left about my book. I do think it's a pretty funny look at you and I in the business of auto repair as well as how silly the customer can look when you take them out of their comfort zone. Pickup a copy either at my website or thru Amazon.com. Ask at your local book store if they don't have it I'm sure they can order it in for you. If you have any comments, leave them here for everyone else to read too. Thanx again. Gonzo www.gonzostoolbox.com http://www.amazon.co...04253552&sr=1-2 A Humorous Look at Customers from a Service Technician's View Having been in private business for many years, I've learned customers are the key to good business. Any service person will tell you that customers can provide a lot of fodder for good stories. So, instead of just telling my stories, I've written them down. Reading this book will give an inside view of what it's like from the other side of the counter. Whether you are a customer or a service person, some parts of these stories will jog your memory of a past situation. Humorous, thought provoking, but never meant to be serious. Just a fun read, with helpful tips to keep in mind when you step up to that counter. About the Author Scott "Gonzo" Weaver was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and now resides in the mid-west. He was given his trademark moniker, "Gonzo", while serving in the USMC. You will usually find him under a hood or dash repairing cars, as he has for the past 25 years. This review is from: Hey Look! I Found the Loose Nut! (Paperback) Being in the auto repair biz about 25 years. The book has good insight on daily life dealing with the public. Its no easy task to keep people happy while repairing cars. No one likes to spend money on car repair(unless its for an upgrade) and can treat the mechanic like its his/her fault the car is broke down. All we ever hear is how mechanics rip-off or are imcompetent. Should be the other way around. Media should report how crappy general public treat mechanics. We need to make a living too and yes, good car repair is expensive. Its the unskilled and untrained so called mechanics that taint the industry for good mechanics. Because they don't know how to run a business except by bashing good repair shops and doing cheap, hack type repairs. The book is not about bashing public or customers but gives nice examples of the different walks of life we deal with daily. Thanks for the good read This review is from: Hey Look! I Found the Loose Nut! (Paperback) Very funny book! I couldn't put it down - the stories kept getting funnier and funnier! If you work with people (retail, service, etc) you have to get this book. This review is from: Hey Look! I Found the Loose Nut! (Paperback) I was pleasantly surprised after reading "Gonzo's" book! Of course, everyone should buy this book to give to their favorite car mechanic. But I also think the author's philosophy on many of life's experiences is refreshing and, mechanic or not, we all can relate to his "customers" in one way or another. I intend to steal a quote from Scott myself to hang somewhere in my office---"It's like living on a teeter totter. One side is "genius" and the other side is "idiot", and all day long you are walking back and forth on the board, trying to keep the teeter-totter balanced...." This book will make you take a second look at how you've been treating your automobile repairman. And you'll wish you could take your car to "Gonzo"! View full article

Glenn Pray : The Untold Stories An Autobiography By Glenn Pray As told to Cyndie Warner-Garner (author) "I started with nothing, and have most of it left." Glen Pray The author, Cyndie Warner-Gardner followed Glenn's personal history with a touch of admiration for this man, and this is just how I remember him myself. To actually speak to Glenn Pray was like finally getting a chance to talk to the wizard behind the curtain in the Emerald City. A remarkable man of many talents. Glenn Pray, a Tulsa High School teacher who used his charm and whit to become the owner/president of the Auburn-Cord-Duesenburg Company. He was the youngest automobile manufacturing company owner in 1963, but that was only the start of his adventurist life with the automotive world. This is an intriguing book of factoids and stories told by Glenn himself as he remembered them. Funny, astonishing, and very entertaining are just a few of the ways I would describe this book. Cover to cover you'll find the most captivating stories of one man's struggles and daring efforts to fulfill his dreams of producing his own version of Americana. Being in the Tulsa area myself, I did in fact have a chance to visit the "pickle factory" in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and meet with Glenn Pray himself. He really was quite a charming guy, and you'll get the same reactions from reading each chapter, because of the way Cyndie has captured Glenn's thoughts and amibitions in print. Lots of photos of the cars and of Mr. Pray are dotted throughout the book. You'll find this a book that you'll not only read from cover to cover but you'll admire the tenacity of Glenn and how Cyndie has put it into words. A book that should be in every car enthusiast collection. Pick up a copy for yourself today! Glenn Pray 1925-2011 Here is the direct link at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Glenn-Pray-Untold-Stories/dp/0881442046/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301743597&sr=1-2 Return to Review Page click to enlarge var user='1756277598',pp='Reviews%5CGlenPray', to=-360,cl=1,id='',r='http://web4.realtracker.com/'; </DIV> View full article

When I get a release on the story I wrote about the Autoland DOL scanner, I'll post it on ASO. Right now, I'm locked into a holding pattern on it until I get an OK from the company. The article has already been approved and edited, but, I haven't "officially" talked to the company about a release. (Sometimes they want to hold the rights to the article, other times I get to resell the article to other magazines.) I'll say this, once you read this article... you'll want one. You can check out a short Bio on the scanner on my website under the reviews page. It tells a lot, but there is even more info in my article. Here's the link http://www.gonzostoolbox.com/Reviews/DOL.html Check it out and let me know. Gonzo

Hey I know a book... "HEY LOOK, I FOUND THE LOOSE NUT" available at amazon.com, gonzostoolbox.com, and many fine book stores near you. It's a must read book for all consumers. Ok, self plug there... LOL But, he he .. I couldn't resist.

hmmm,,, good question. If it was the "Off the truck" scanner it would have to say... Snap-on. BUT! ! I wouldn't buy it myself. For the real honest answer no, I wouldn't buy it... UNLESS you are buying their scanner that also doubles as your "Mitchell On-Demand' There is one of their scanners (probably more these days) that offer not only code reading but the ability to diagnose using Mitchell... that's a good deal. However, I already have Mitchell On-Demand so that doesn't help me much. Further more, if you ARE using Mitchell... read the tests... almost all of them require the dealer scanner to actually do the tests. Ok, with that out of the way... Let me tell you which scanners I would buy. Gonzo's Scanner Choices. #1 Bosch/Vetronix --- Master Tech. It has the best coverage for a lot of vehicles... Including some flash programming, and a built in multi-meter and O-scope. It can be made CAN and will do imports as well as domestic. The coverage varies and the scanner is easy to use. You'll find things on it that you will not find on a Snap-On scanner, only on a dealer level scanner. It's a good code reader and data reader. What it lacks is a decent "live" data reader... it's kinda lame. But still helps. #2 Autoland Scientech DOL (Diagnostics On-Line) This is a new concept in scanners. A fair price at 1500 bucks. And an annual fee of around 150 dollars. Now it's not much more than a code reader/clearer but it can do that on 40 + manufacturers. and ON ALL SYSTEMS... including airbag, steering ratio, Security access, key immobilizer, key reprogramming, and HVAC... etc... I just finished reviewing this one for the company... and I really think this is a great machine for the shop that doesn't do a lot of computer diagnostics. With this scanner you'll be able to retain a lot more work such as high end vehicles that you might have turned away in the past. There is talk of adding a lot more features to it too. #3 Dealer level scanners. Without a doubt you can't go wrong with them... however they are manufacturer specific and expensive. I have several of them. NGS, IDS, DRB, etc... #4 Snap-On... nice machines, but, too many parts to deal with... the little keys get dirty, broken or misplaced. But they are an effective machine for the price. #5 Genysis - a slow but effective machine, lots of updates and crazy cards to deal with it. I've got one... ya wanna buy it... LOL I also have some airbag only scanners... dated.. and not updatable. (Snap-On units), I also have some older scanners like the Matco 4000E... effective in their day, but I haven't turned them on in years. I really like the Ford IDS program, but I will say this .. TAKE SOME CLASSES it will help to understand it better. I just finished writing the quiz and tests for AVI's video on the IDS... Here's AVI's website and a few of the pages. http://diagnosticnews.com/category/tech/page/2/ (kinda partial to the author of this story) http://diagnosticnews.com/category/quick-quiz/ (some of the quiz's that I wrote) I would browse this site, you'll find a lot of great DVD's, on line classes, and exceptional info. Of course, I write for them also. LOL Here's a good site for Airbag infor too. http://www.airbagsolutions.com/ I've got more info, but I think this is a good start for anyone that hasn't been in the "know" about scanners. I am a little partial on the scanners that I do use, but I have demo'd the Snap-On scanners, and when I have a MasterTech sitting next to it... I'll take the MasterTech every time. Hope this helps, there are a lot more scanners out there, and I haven't used them all, but I've used a LOT of them. If you have any more info, I'd like to hear about it. Get Scannin' - Gonzo