[updated:LAST EDITED ON 21-Dec-01 AT 11:48 AM (EST)]I was working as a mechanic at one of these parts stores repair places ( not to mention which one like PEP BOYS)and my nieghbor brought her car in there to get fixed because she knew me and i have worked on her car before. Well anyway I have done alot of brake jobs in my life and the shop manager and store manager had me come into his office and chewed me out for not selling enough parts. I am not a parts sales person I replied. The shop manager tells me we work on hourly and commission for parts we recommend for a repair. Now the shop manager brings up my old work orders and says why didn't I suggest new rotors and rebuild the calipers for these brake jobs ???
I simply said because it wasn't needed the rotors were plenty thick to be turned and the calipers were on a 2000 with only 45,000 miles on it and they were fine. The shop manager gave me a warning to start replacing more parts. I told him I'm sorry but if something is fine and doesn't need to be replaced I WILL NOT LIE TO THE CUSTOMER. I will fix what is wrong and not gouge the customer. I questioned the shop manager on this $45.00/extra for ABS brakes I was told new brake technology requires more time to complete a repair. I asked where he heard this kind of crap from ???? well to make along story short and I was about to quit anyway after this meeting with the managers. I was handed another brake job to do and was watched very closely i took the work order to the counter where my manager was standing and he took the work order from my hand now the job was wasn't completed yet he had me bring one of the rotors into the waiting area ad prceeded to tell the elderly owner of the car his rotors needed to be replaced I looked at him confused and pissed I spoke up and said NO they don't I can turn them and they will be fine there is plenty of room for turning and brought out my handy dandy micrometer and measured it in front of the customer and showed him they were fine to turn my shop manager didn't know what the micrometer was or how to use it. Well needless to say the manager took me out to the shop right outside the door and proceeded to give me a ##### chewing I yelled right back at him that I will not lie to the customers just to make my wallet fatter. If he doesn't like me being honest to the customers and making the repair as needed and doing it right then don't give me any brake jobs anymore. WELL I WAS FIRED. The elderly man followed me to my truck and asked me where he could take his car. And thanked me for being honest to him. I gave him my own card and now he has recommended 5 people to me for work on their cars. I guess HONESTY pays. :-X12

 

It does "EVERY TIME".
There seems to a lot of people in this world that are missing
a thing called Intregrity.
I sure wish I was there at the time to talk to >Mr.Manager.<

* Sidenote : The difference between telling the truth and lying is ,
When you tell the truth,the Story NEVER changes.

Insert a "Hearty Pat on the Back" here<

Dennis



It's Almost Time Everyone.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gallery/sizeimage.php?&photoid=314&.jpg


78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles

 

That is true. I have called up a local shop, Stop and Go in Portland, several times to see if they thought they could help me out. I have heard they do reasonable work.

2 or 3 times the owner told me enough that I could fix it myself, he recommended I try it and if I had a problem, "just come on in". A couple other times he told me that his shop was not equipped to properly handle a repair and he told me where to go to get it fixed right. Several other shops at the same time told me "sure they could do it", but when I asked about the special equipment they admitted they didn't have it and could only do a half way job.

So I feel bad that I have yet to actually take my car or truck in to this shop for some business. They appear honest and I hope some good comes their way.

To be sure, if and when I do need a repair which I can't do, I will consider them first. I appreciate an honest mechanic and shop. Especially the ones who really do understand the car, not just the shop manual.

Been skrewd by the dealer once too often.

Jim Henderson

 

I worked for a dealership just once for two weeks.

I was waiting for a position to open up in the service bays, and filled in the time as a "Lot Boy"...

In those two weeks, I heard one customer arguing with the manager over where the $140.oo service plan they had payed for went, and the manager sleazily explained that all one hundred forty had gone into their first TUNE UP! -Oh and by the way, there are still another twenty five bucks you owe us for the aforementioned service...

Now, at the time (1979, I think) one of the special instructions they had was to check around the windshield seals of a particular model car of theirs during the acceptance check ride when the carriers delivered them. On a few of them, I found air gaps big enough to stick your hand through! What were they, you ask?

Brand new Chevy Camaro Berlinetta's...

Yep, grandpappy was right! Always deal with someone you know.

 

Wow. Well, first off, good for you for having the decency and integrity to not gouge the customers. From your description, that place does not sound very honest. If you feel strongly enough to post on this board, then you might want to consider contacting an attorney for being fired for something that seems so outlandish. In the very least it might help to warn customers by bringing this story to the attention of your local news stations. Pep Boys or whoever that large chain is has deep pockets and the negative attention could get you some reperations or at least get that store to change it's practices.

 

Good for you! Fired for honesty, what a badge of honor to add to your resume`- wear it proudly. In the long run, a good name and reputation are worth more than gold.

 

If you got time, I would make an editorial in the local newspaper. This kind of stuff is a "goldmine" for reporters.

too bad you live in Az, I could get you quite a few jobs here in Kansas.



'93 F-150 loaded and modified!

http://briefcase.yahoo.com/toydestroyer1

 

Well, you might have gotten fired but you can probably make as much working on the side by word of moth as you could working for a rip shop

 

GOOD for you! Mechanics everywhere benefit when someone stands up to "the boss" and does the right thing. I work with an honest mechanic, and while he doesn't drive the newest truck or live in the biggest house, he is happy with his life and the many satisfied customers he has. I do the same in my towing business, and could tell horror stories all night long about my "associates," everything from damaging customers' cars and hiding it, to outright theft. You didn't get fired, you ESCAPED.

 

BTW, I just noticed another poster said you were in Arizona. Phoenix area? I'm in Honolulu but the family is in Phoenix and Glendale. I've got relatives in the auto business there and could put a word in for you, I just hope it's not the same place you got fired from. LOL

 

1987 Ranger STX Supercab 4X4
2.9L V6

Good for you!!
I agree with one of the posters that you could probably get a lawyer and sue them if your work orders had the proper documentation that you could use in a court of law. Just remember, there are bad apples everywhere...Lawyers included! I have been an RN for 25 years and I could tell you some REAL horror stories. Unfortunately, there are some really BAD doctors in our mists,but because they are thew ones that admit patients,the hospital makes money from their services....hospital administrators back up the MD. Being the "Rebel I Am", I'm always in the hot seat for telling my patients and their families the Truth,which the MD's don't like...but tough...Most MD's at least listen to us nurses who have bedside experience. Tell the truth forever and ever...AMEN
P.S. I have even helped patients change MD's...boy does that get their goat!!

 

I am SO glad to hear there are honest people out there. Gives me a warm feeling in my heart. I am so tired of 60 minutes and the sort doing clips on how "shady" us mechanics are. Know what if I were you I would give them a call and let them in on this little "gem". If not them at least the BBB Better Business Bureau. Slam these son of a jackals. I am glad to here things are doing ok for you though, sometimes its hard to be honest, but before I die I want to be able to look my son in the eyes and say I got it honest. You should post your locale, so people here can recommend you to more folks, hey its worth a shot. I know I would.

cpnhgnjnky

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 29-Dec-01 AT 11:54&nbsp;AM (EST)]well all I decide to enroll myself into UTI school here in Phoenix and get into the Ford program they offer and I will graduate in 60 weeks with up to 45 different Ford credentials and open my own shop in the mean time. going to name it "Honest Auto Repair" I kinda like the name and think it is self explanatory to customers

 

Excellent idea !

If my Brother-in-law needs work done,I'll send him to you.

The name:
I know it will sound better than

"Trust Me,I know what I'm doing" Auto repair



Dennis






78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles

 

And the name sounds much better than "Boyd, Dewey, Cheatem & Howe." (Say it fast). I've been to THEIR outlets!