<VV> Checking in on the Corvair Mechanic thing

[J R Read_HML]

Grant...  Time for a "mechanics lean" - then sell it.  Just to stay safe, 
give him a final warning.
Later, JR

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Grant Young" <gyoungwolf at earthlink.net>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 9:49 PM
Subject: <VV> Checking in on the Corvair Mechanic thing


> Some interesting views have been shared on why there are not many Corvair 
> mechanics. My take is some combination of them. Most modern day mechanics 
> have been schooled on how to hook up and read diagnostic equipment and 
> change parts with special numbered tools. For this you pay upwards of $75 
> an hour. This covers the equipment, air conditioned shops, union wages, 
> dealer advertising, etc. I don't know how much of the cost the mechanic 
> takes home (I would guess around 25%?), but I do know that there are 
> incentive for beating the rate manual, and penalties for comebacks. There 
> are also healthcare and retirement benefits which usually cost companies 
> more than the wages they pay. These things simply don't exist to that 
> extent in the private owner shops, so why fight it? If I didn't have a 
> teaching job on the side with health care, I couldn't "afford" to work on 
> Corvairs and carburetors at a rate that most Corvair folks are "willing to 
> pay." I put this in quotation because the vast,
>  vast majority of owners have them as a hobby, and thus there is no REAL 
> need, other than an often undefinable need to drive a classic car, to get 
> them repaired. So, they can "afford" to be tight with their money. (I have 
> a '62 one- owner coupe out back that was dropped off for repairs over 2 
> years ago, and I have not heard from him since the bill for about $2000 
> for an engine rebuild and brake system replacement was discussed). As for 
> parts, because I am aware of some of the costs direct from the 
> manufacturer or distributor, I know that some of you are paying 1000% or 
> more markup on some items. I can not in good conscience ever charge that, 
> so I don't mess with that end of things. The rationalization I have heard 
> usually goes something like this - "well, it's better to have it at any 
> price than not at all." As long as enough owners are willing to pay the 
> price, the prices will remain as high as sellers can get (Economics 102). 
> Just my 10 cents (inflation) and hoping no toes
>  were stepped on.
> Grant
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