Trust a shop?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 117
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From: Erie, Pa.
Trust a shop?
Questions are these...Should I take my new side bars off before the shop puts it on a lift and an alignment machine? Or trust they won't scratch them up? And would you leave your mint truck with the shop and pick it up later or wait in the shop while they do the service? Would you trust their opinion as to the needs of repairs or make them show you personally the evidence of need? It's a local family owned shop that I used once without a problem. It's hard to trust. should I relax?
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,735
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From: TX
If its only supposed to be in there for the day then I would stay with it. Im not sure abou the nerf bars though. But if you think that they might scratch up, then take the time and take them off.
Just my .02
Just my .02
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 104
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From: Winnipeg, Canada
Personally, I would stay at the shop with my truck. I've seen enough scratches, dings, dents, etc. to turn me off of trusting a shop. Especially when the service you're getting done is quick. As for your side bars, I'd take them off. Better to be safe than sorry!
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,139
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From: fremont ohio
I stay away from shops as much as I can. I work on mine till I don't know what I'm doing, then I ask on here. If i still can't figure it out, then I'll take it in as a last resort. I've heard too many horror stories abt stuff getting messed up.
As for repairs, I'd make them show you exaclty what they think is wrong, and you decide for yourself if they should touch it. If it's a lift kit, I'd take the nerf bars off, too close to their region of work, who knows what they might do, on slip of a wrench or sumthin and you got problems.
I also always remove anything that may be appealing to a guy working on it. I don;t mean like your stereo or anything like that, but little things, like in your glovebox, center console, or laying around.
As for repairs, I'd make them show you exaclty what they think is wrong, and you decide for yourself if they should touch it. If it's a lift kit, I'd take the nerf bars off, too close to their region of work, who knows what they might do, on slip of a wrench or sumthin and you got problems.
I also always remove anything that may be appealing to a guy working on it. I don;t mean like your stereo or anything like that, but little things, like in your glovebox, center console, or laying around.
Last edited by nick88f150; Nov 2, 2004 at 03:53 PM.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Erie, Pa.
You guys are great, thanx, your replies are what makes this forum tick. I will take the side bars off and empty the valuables. It's an alignment job so I can't do it myself. I do most things myself. I will drive to the shop and take a look-see if they call me at home to push for more repairs like tie rods or ball joints. I'll post a reply tomorrow on the end result. Less
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
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From: BC, Canada
It seems like most of the trucks I work on have running boards or side bars and it's no big deal. Most hoists have good enough extensions that you dont have to worry about the arms hitting the boards.
Alignments are one thing that can be quite easy to rip people off when doing. I've seen shops replace tons of parts that really didn't need to be. You do however want to be sure that the front end is tight and within spec before doing the alignment or you'll probably have to get it redone later. A second opinion isn't a bad idea when dealing with the front end of a truck if it's at a shop that you're not sure about.
Alignments are one thing that can be quite easy to rip people off when doing. I've seen shops replace tons of parts that really didn't need to be. You do however want to be sure that the front end is tight and within spec before doing the alignment or you'll probably have to get it redone later. A second opinion isn't a bad idea when dealing with the front end of a truck if it's at a shop that you're not sure about.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 723
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From: Lolo Montana
I did security work for a living. At a dealership here in Missoula, the owner had us put a panning camera in the shop area and a monitor out where the customers sit. You could watch as your rig got worked on. The owners thought was if his customers could not trust the work than how could he as an owner trust his employees. The camera is panning all the time and the workers do not know where it is looking at, but they do know that they are being watched by the customers. It is also viewed in the owners office and his GM's office. Even where they do the oil changes there is a camera watching your car. All of this is also being recorded 24/7.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Erie, Pa.
I took off the nerfbars and emptied the cab contents of valuables. I dropped off the truck for an alignment at 9 am. I recieved a call about 11:30 telling me I needed two balljoints and a wheel bearing was loose. I gave the go ahead because I checked the balljoints this morning and the right side did appear sloppy. I recieved another call about 4 pm saying the truck was done and he was "working" on the bill. About 15 minutes later he called and asked if my truck had a brake leak. I told him it did not and he said it does now. He suggested it was a rusty line that happened to "go" today. It also happened to be at the front wheel where they were working. I got my mom to take me to pick it up. I ran another motorist into the other lane pulling out of the shop, trying to stop. I drove it home wanting to drag my foot out the door. It was scary. I got what I expected. 
Last edited by Lesspaul; Nov 3, 2004 at 11:40 PM. Reason: adding
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