** Calling All Technicians **

[bcschief]

You got it. Finding a water pump for them today that doesn't cost a arm and a leg is not easy haha

Those were really throw away motors. Was designed to compete with 3208 Cats
Not really sure when they came out but they went away by the mid 80's also about the same time 2 cycle Detroit's left the automotive market.

 

[Dust]

I was Chrysler electrical and air conditioning Master Tech for ten and a half years. In 2018 I switched over to government fleet at a local water utility fixing their Fords, Toyotas, Chevies, big trucks, and small equipment. I also teach introductory automotive part time at my old college.

I've found fleet work to be incredibly boring, and I hate working on Fords so much I'm starting my own side repair business specializing in Chrysler air conditioning. Going to be distributing advertising post cards tomorrow, in fact. I knew I had to do something about the boredom when I started having dreams about going back to work at the dealer and actually enjoying it.

 

[London21]

Those were really throw away motors. Was designed to compete with 3208 Cats
Not really sure when they came out but they went away by the mid 80's also about the same time 2 cycle Detroit's left the automotive market.

Couple that with their extremely low tolerances to heat and tight operating temp range, yeah I can totally see how they would be perceived as that. Funny enough though now a running example can fetch a few grand even in poorer condition. So the motor alone is worth as much as the truck is with it running.

Shoot, finding head gaskets for that dinosaur is no picnic either!

I bet, there's little to no market for those old behemoths. Thankfully this one didn't blow out a head gasket when the water pump went(I don't know how they got so lucky)
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[Gunfixr]

Does gunsmithing count?
Machinist/fabrication/tool and fixture design and fabrication?

 

[Formula]

Took auto shop classes in high school. Went to trade school right after that. Been a GM dealer tech for 31 years now. I do it all. Transmission, hybrid/electric vehicles, diesel. WCT since 2004.

Times were better and made good money years ago. Especially in the 90s. Today with sinking warranty times and more and more hassles I keep looking for a reason to get out of the business but I’m getting closer to retirement so I may just hang on. Time will tell but it doesn’t look like it’s getting better. Average age of the guys in the shop is around 55. Very few young guys getting into the trade and for good reason. There’s no money to be made anymore, especially for a rookie with no experience. The few young guys we get figure that out and quit within a year or less. With us old guys getting out soon and lesser and lesser young guys getting in, I’m not sure what the future holds (this is what we’re seeing in dealers). Bottom line comes down to money. Nobody wants to pay anymore as things become more advanced and complicated to work on. The manufacturers keep cutting warranty time to ridiculous numbers and the dealers keep raising their hourly labor rate, yet the techs don’t see any pay increases.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Times were better and made good money years ago. Especially in the 90s. Today with sinking warranty times and more and more hassles I keep looking for a reason to get out of the business but I’m getting closer to retirement so I may just hang on. Time will tell but it doesn’t look like it’s getting better. Average age of the guys in the shop is around 55. Very few young guys getting into the trade and for good reason. There’s no money to be made anymore, especially for a rookie with no experience. The few young guys we get figure that out and quit within a year or less. With us old guys getting out soon and lesser and lesser young guys getting in, I’m not sure what the future holds (this is what we’re seeing in dealers). Bottom line comes down to money. Nobody wants to pay anymore as things become more advanced and complicated to work on. The manufacturers keep cutting warranty time to ridiculous numbers and the dealers keep raising their hourly labor rate, yet the techs don’t see any pay increases.

Sorry to hear things are going that way in your trade. Around here there seem to be plenty of younger guys getting into the heavy truck/trailer field. Honeslty, I couldn't do automotive stuff for a living. Far too many expensive specialty tools needed, tight working areas and the idea of flat rate just doesn't work for me. I've noticed the crazy warranty times issue in my trade as well though.

Currently there is a massive recall we are doing for Hendrickson on steerable lift axles.... one of the companies contracted to make the knuckles screwed up and left out a crucial support bracket. They pay 10 hrs for a complete swap of both knuckles which is doable when everything is still brand new. I've had a few (plus 5-6 more done by other guys in the shop) with 6-12 months of "in service" time that took at least twice the given time due to seized kingpins, etc.

 

[t_brown]

Started working at an Agco-Alllis farm equipment dealer when I was 15. Went to school for electro-mechanical tech and started at my current company as production maintenance when I was 20. Worked the farm equipment job on the side for awhile then worked on the side driving truck and excavating for 6 years or so. All the experience has came in very handy over the years. Have built a house and redone a few on my own. Have built a large self storage facility with help from friends and family. Doing my own excavating and utilities saved me in excess of 300k. My day job covers a very wide range of production equipment. From thin coating and lamination, to gold, copper, and nickel plating. To vacuum deposition, to many types of measurement systems. Way to much for one person to master, but that's how we operate.

 

[CS454]

Sorry to hear things are going that way in your trade. Around here there seem to be plenty of younger guys getting into the heavy truck/trailer field. Honeslty, I couldn't do automotive stuff for a living. Far too many expensive specialty tools needed, tight working areas and the idea of flat rate just doesn't work for me. I've noticed the crazy warranty times issue in my trade as well though.

Currently there is a massive recall we are doing for Hendrickson on steerable lift axles.... one of the companies contracted to make the knuckles screwed up and left out a crucial support bracket. They pay 10 hrs for a complete swap of both knuckles which is doable when everything is still brand new. I've had a few (plus 5-6 more done by other guys in the shop) with 6-12 months of "in service" time that took at least twice the given time due to seized kingpins, etc.

Younger guy here, average age in our place is late 30's I'd say. As for the kingpins...rosebud and a bottle jack from the bottom? been there and done that...

 

[iWrench]

I first became interested in working on cars helping my dad and uncle work on friends and families vehicles at home. After high school, I started working as a technician professionally. I'm 33 years old and my technician work experience is as follows:

technician at Ford dealership for 3 years, hated the flat rate pay system because of the dealership politics.

technician at Hertz car rental for 6 years, fair hourly pay but felt stuck with no where to go and lack of available training or career advancement.

currently working as a Tesla technician for the past 1.5 years. Good hourly pay, working with cutting edge technology and being at the forefront of the eventual transition to electric vehicles.

 

[bonneyman]

Times were better and made good money years ago. Especially in the 90s. Today with sinking warranty times and more and more hassles I keep looking for a reason to get out of the business but I’m getting closer to retirement so I may just hang on. Time will tell but it doesn’t look like it’s getting better. Average age of the guys in the shop is around 55. Very few young guys getting into the trade and for good reason. There’s no money to be made anymore, especially for a rookie with no experience. The few young guys we get figure that out and quit within a year or less. With us old guys getting out soon and lesser and lesser young guys getting in, I’m not sure what the future holds (this is what we’re seeing in dealers). Bottom line comes down to money. Nobody wants to pay anymore as things become more advanced and complicated to work on. The manufacturers keep cutting warranty time to ridiculous numbers and the dealers keep raising their hourly labor rate, yet the techs don’t see any pay increases.

That's pretty much what happened in HVAC. There's so few new people coming into the field, and those that do don't have the necessary troubleshooting skills to repair units. Not that most companies care about repairs these days - it's all about replacement. used to be warehouses would have training classes for the techs. especially when new stuff came out. offer free food - and technicians will show up. learn some stuff, get fed, and probably buy a few new tools. not anymore. Free seminars are gone, and the few training classes they offer are paid. I get it - they can't give away stuff. But the last class I went to was a joke. Nothing about actual troubleshooting - thoe whole time was basically talking about how great the new system was. then when it came to the default codes and what they meant, I was like Yeah, the good stuff! Nope spent about 15 minutes on it, and the final word was if you get a code, call the manufacturer and he'll tell you what it means (if he even knows)
So I got out of the trade. I miss it. But not the new technology, 80-90 expected work weeks, plus oncall, etc. Just have to move on.

 

[kbeefy]

I've been a gearhead since I was a kid.
First 'Technician' position was in 1998 after I got my A&P, started working on Aircraft.
In 2015 I left a 15 year career as a helicopter mechanic (multiengine turbine), a job that flew me all over the world and allowed me to work a rotation with as much as 2 months off between rotations.
At that point I decided it would be a good idea to purchase an automotive shop. I've done that for 6 years now, wearing every hat from janitor to lead tech and manager.

This Friday will be my last day, we've sold the business and the building to a former employee.

Looking forward to just being a hobbyist again, flipping a car here and there for spending money and maybe finishing a few of my own projects.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Younger guy here, average age in our place is late 30's I'd say. As for the kingpins...rosebud and a bottle jack from the bottom? been there and done that...

That's exactly how I've been dealing with the stubborn ones I've done. Usually have to rattle it from the top too with the CP717 to get it moving. Gotta keep your head outta the way incase she pops!

We have a press, but it's for a different manufacturer of axle and won't work for these.

 

[joey1320]

Times were better and made good money years ago. Especially in the 90s. Today with sinking warranty times and more and more hassles I keep looking for a reason to get out of the business but I’m getting closer to retirement so I may just hang on. Time will tell but it doesn’t look like it’s getting better. Average age of the guys in the shop is around 55. Very few young guys getting into the trade and for good reason. There’s no money to be made anymore, especially for a rookie with no experience. The few young guys we get figure that out and quit within a year or less. With us old guys getting out soon and lesser and lesser young guys getting in, I’m not sure what the future holds (this is what we’re seeing in dealers). Bottom line comes down to money. Nobody wants to pay anymore as things become more advanced and complicated to work on. The manufacturers keep cutting warranty time to ridiculous numbers and the dealers keep raising their hourly labor rate, yet the techs don’t see any pay increases.

In 2019 I went to a BMW service manager/shop foreman regional meeting (I was a foreman then) and the people who ran the BMW training center were talking about how they expect a 25% decrease in technicians within the next 5 years and a possible 35% decrease within the next 10.

Average tech age at that time was 47yo and they are not seeing the influx of young techs coming in. There's a mix of many different things leading to this but yeah, things are bound to get bad.

In our shop, we have two guys ready to retire. Another older tech who's having back issues and will more than likely need surgery - who knows if he will ever come back. I also heard another older technician complaining about not being able to find a part time job and he seems really stressed about his financial situation so who knows what will happen with him.

Things are changing...

 

[2ndGearRubber]

In 2019 I went to a BMW service manager/shop foreman regional meeting (I was a foreman then) and the people who ran the BMW training center were talking about how they expect a 25% decrease in technicians within the next 5 years and a possible 35% decrease within the next 10.

Average tech age at that time was 47yo and they are not seeing the influx of young techs coming in. There's a mix of many different things leading to this but yeah, things are bound to get bad.

In our shop, we have two guys ready to retire. Another older tech who's having back issues and will more than likely need surgery - who knows if he will ever come back. I also heard another older technician complaining about not being able to find a part time job and he seems really stressed about his financial situation so who knows what will happen with him.

Things are changing...

Call it bargaining power.

Let management and the customers reap what they have sown. I can hardly believe there aren't mass walk outs over some of the times I hear guys having to deal with. My employer is far from the worst, some of the stories I hear boggle the mind.


I've been laying down the law lately where I work, walking off jobs and refusing vehicles. No pay no work. I'm tired of hearing about this teamwork ********, pay me. I'm sick of working in shops hovering in the 50s when it's in the 20s outside, paying out of my pocket for shop supplies, being expected to play QC for the goobers, etc.

 

[65ranchero]

Started out in 1970/71 pumping gas at an Exxon gas station afternoons after attending Auto Technology School during the day work my way in side to help the mechanic in between gas customers,
After working there for a while got a job at a Datsun (read Nissan) dealer as a c- tech
work there for maybe 2 years then of to a Texaco Gas station and then bounced through several more gas stations and got the urge to get out of dirty hand syndrome and got hired at Hertz Car Leasing as a maintenance analyst (New Program just starting for cost savings) basically telling National account shops (GY, Firestone etc.) they can't rebuild cars that are 1 and 2 years old.
Went back to a Gas station because Hertz moved to OKC and I lived in NJ.
Finally in 1986 I bit the bullet and wound up at a Volvo dealer and became a Master Volvo Tech. after being sent to different schools
Add in ASE 1-8 and L1 along the way.
By this time knees started to hurt along with back pain and the torture of flat rate made me look at other jobs but I got hired at Volvo Corp of NA as help desk consultant ( one of 8)in 2002 less money for a while but better benefits and more days off.
Moved in to another section of VCNA and became a " emission engineer" (in name only) in charge of managing and procuring cars for In Use Verification Program (IUVP) Mfg run program that report real world emissions results to the EPA.
I liked that job it got me out of the office 3 /4 times a year and would travel to Ontario CA, Dearborn, MI and Aurora ,CO. Stayed at VCNA until 2013 retired at 61 and sold my house and moved to VT.

 

[GTA Matt]

I started out leaning on a broom at a pontiac/olds/gmc dealer in 1998 at 14 years old. Worked my way up the chain, and after 6 years, followed the service manager to a chevy store. That dealer got shuttered in 2009 and I moved 'temporarily' to an indy shop, where I learned how much I didn't know about cars, which really pushed me to learn more. Currently at a wonderful euro focused shop, however we still work on about everything. ASE master, L1, and I caught the attention of someone at ASE, because I got invited as a subject matter expert to make test questions for them, which is actually quite an amazing process and I'm thankful I got the opportunity. Still love fixing cars, yes, some days ****, but I have no desire to do anything different unless something came along at a performance/fab shop for the same money (unlikely), or a training position that didn't involve a lot of travel (again, unlikely).

 

[ChefRex]

Yep, I learned to fix things, these days I change parts, don't care, it's easy and they pay me well.
I have the knowledge and willing to pass it on, too bad the kids in the shop don't care.

 

[BigMike782]

After about 4 years I quit the brewery and got a job working for the largest industrial gasses company in the world running on site air separation plants. They paid to relocate me and my girlfriend out to Colorado and I've been here ever since.

The big green machine?

 

[joey1320]

Call it bargaining power.

Let management and the customers reap what they have sown. I can hardly believe there aren't mass walk outs over some of the times I hear guys having to deal with. My employer is far from the worst, some of the stories I hear boggle the mind.


I've been laying down the law lately where I work, walking off jobs and refusing vehicles. No pay no work. I'm tired of hearing about this teamwork ********, pay me. I'm sick of working in shops hovering in the 50s when it's in the 20s outside, paying out of my pocket for shop supplies, being expected to play QC for the goobers, etc.

I don't want to derail the thread but you're correct, more bargaining power. My employer treats me good. I work 8-4 M-F and don't do stuff I'm not supposed to nor am I taken advantage of. Other shops are hell holes.

 

[zendriver]

Auto-track Radar Technician USAF and then Computer/Network Admin and support, Novell CNE, MCSE.

Now a transportation technician.

 

[jeffmoss26]

shop technician for a locksmith company. I turn brass into gold!

 

[charbar]

Worked at a GM dealer right out of college, got tired of the BS there, took a small break from turning wrenches to play carpenter, but now run my own repair shop. 85 percent automotive, dabble in tractors to break up the monotony. Rural area, diesel pickups are where most my money seems to come from, although I absolutely hate diesel pickups

 

[jsaw]

Started out working on vehicles as a hobby. Then worked on a farm working on equipment.Next worked at a Chevy dealer while going to college for automotive.worked at Chevy dealers for 14 years.got sick of dealership/GM politics.
Went to work for a commercial ambulance company maintaining ambulances. Also do other outside vehicles as time allows. Been there 14 years.

 

[Mr.Smoke]

Thanks to everyone who's taken the time to share their story here. Some of you have done some pretty awesome things throughout your careers. Have really enjoyed reading the comments and replies from everyone so far!

 

[532r5]

Started out pumping gas as a kid. Would go inside and help mechanic fix cars. In high school went to auto mechanics votech. Was top of class. Worked at a few gas stations and Pontiac dealer as mechanic. Pit crewed on late model and modified dirt track cars for excavating company, boss liked me and took me on and taught me how to work on heavy equipment and old mack trucks. Got a job working on cranes in New York city. Now I'm a maintenance mechanic for local 15 operating engineers NYC. Worked on almost every big job in the city, 911 memorial, yankee stadium, city field, Barclay's arena, Madison Square garden, space shuttle on the intrepid, varranzano bridge, Hudson yards, East side access and too many more to mention. Just finished taking nys dot welding exam.

Sent from my SM-G965U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Fastbird]

Turned my wrench turning hobby into a profession when I left the military (In-Flight Refueling Specialist on the KC-10) back in 2010. Spent 3 years working as a tech and thoroughly hated it. Got into factory production work for a major worldwide tire mfr in 2014, moved over the line to Salary with them in 2018 as a Quality Process Tech, and just accepted an offer to move to the Progress Team for the plant in a couple of months.

I LOVED working on cars. I hated doing it professionaly. Now, I do what I want, when I want. I took on a 2005 Audi A6 a few years ago I got for a steal and did a upper timing job in car on it, drove it 6 months, and flipped it. Currently have just gotten running a $400 07 Buick Lucerne CSX (N* motor) that lost it's guides and chewed the valvetrain up. Full motor swap without a lift, went through the new motor, car is running 100% without a single erroneous indicator light at this point (it's for my Mother in Law).

 

[rustbucket5]

was a cook for 7 years then realized how garbage it was then decided to try HD mechanics, did my pre-app/first year while working at a lube shop for experience. took a job working for a landscaping company working on anything and everything. bosses were not good so i started looking else where and got a job working at a golf course as the golf cart mechanic then left to work with an independent golf cart shop and have been there ever since. working on golf carts are fun, i enjoy it. the worst part is having to fix carts that people have tried fixing themselves "because anyone can work on a golf cart"

 

[ScooterFL]

In my 35th year wrenching professionally. ASE Master and L1 Certified, former GM Master tech as well. Grew up in a family run shop as a teenager, pops was a dealership tech for years in the 60's at Pontiac, then opened his own shop in 71. He was in business for over 35 years before retiring. I went to work at Cadillac Buick dealer after my time in the Navy. From there I went to Chevrolet, then Toyota. Moved over to independent shops after the dealer years. Worked as a service manager then GM of a large tire and auto shop, left that a few years ago went back to Toyota for a few years now back as shop foreman at an independent shop where I will probably stay until I retire. Seen a lot and done a lot but it still comes down to just doing the work of fixing the problem. Spent way too much on tools and equipment, never enough training or down time to recover but still enjoy what I do everyday. If you enjoy the work it is a good career if you put the time and energy into training and learning and being the best you can be. There's a lot of parts changers and shade tree guys with big boxes and all the toys and tools but can they really troubleshoot and make proper diagnosis and repair what is needed the first time. As with anything it takes commitment and pride in what you do.

 

[zmotorsports]

I've had a wrench in my hand since about 12 years old. While living on a dairy farm I learned how to keep things running from my dad and brothers. Around 12 years old I started picking up non-running lawn mowers, snowblowers and anything else I could get my hands on. I'd fix them and sell them.

The love of all things mechanical really grabbed hold by the time I got into high school and was working on friend's vehicles and family of friends on the side while selling auto parts part time after school.

At the age of 19, in 1988, I started as an Apprentice Industrial Maintenance Mechanic in a large warehouse with automation and began learning the trade. I had an amazing mentor who I learned as much as I could from. Within about 3 years I had worked up to Journeyman Mechanic and at about the 10 year mark I decided I wanted to cross train and gain more knowledge so I went to work in our Fleet Shop where we had about 45 OTR trucks and 235 trailers with a mix of dry van and refrigerated units. Worked in the Fleet Shop for about 6 years or so then transferred back to the Facilities Maintenance Shop where I was the Lead Mechanic/Shop Supervisor.

I continued to work in that capacity until about 5 years ago when I took the Maintenance Manager position. The money is better but to be honest I enjoyed spinning wrenches so much more than dealing with all of the ******** on a higher level. This year will mark my 33 years with the company as a Mechanic.

Also back in 1997 my wife and I opened up our speed shop at our home shop. I was into racing, building street rods, snowmobiles and sand quads and wanted to earn extra money and turn it into a business. Partially because I wanted to eventually go full-time with it but also to use the tool and equipment purchases as write-off's for the business.

I continued to work full-time as an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic and run the speed shop on the side for 20-years until I dissolved the business in 2017 after the wife and I decided to move and build a bigger shop.

 

[77Mini]

Licensed Millwright. Spent about 10 years on the tools, now doing more management duties....sometimes miss being on the tools.

 

[zmotorsports]

Licensed Millwright. Spent about 10 years on the tools, now doing more management duties....sometimes miss being on the tools.

Seems like I'm not alone in my thinking.

 

[ZRX61]

It says "Mechanic" on my A&P ticket...


Started as an apprentice mech on Jaguars, then worked as a mech at a couple of Kaw dealers. Next up was a stint building/fabricating specialist vehicles for use in the Sahara for a couple of years & about 35 years ago started working as a mech/restorer on WWII aircraft.
No one has yet dared call me a technician & if they did, I'd tell them to **** off or assume they were talking to someone else.

 

[Al Borland]

Did mechanic thing in the 80s, had ASE certs and went on to other things.

 

[ZRX61]

Here is something I had never seen before. This is on a 6 month old trailer. Steerable lift axle had the entire end of the axle separate. Knuckle, spindle, hub, drum, tires and the stub coming off the axle tube.

As we say in aviation: I bet that sounded expensive

 

[Aileron]

I was a certified Grumman F-14 Tomcat Avionics Technician working intermediate maintenance repairing all the black boxes for this specific fighter jet for the United States Navy.
View media item 110419
I was stationed aboard the USS Eisenhower, CVN-69 and at Naval Air Station Oceana.

It gave me the knowledge to be a civilian electronics technician for building, testing, and downloading programs for auxiliary equipment, including robotics, chillers, dryers, and conveyors for the plastics industry.

I then got a job as a HVAC technician designing automation for commercial buildings, allowing building engineers to see and control every room and piece of HVAC equipment in their building via the world wide web or intranet.

I worked on Automated Logic, KMC, and Tridium software platforms.

Today, I am a Relaxation Technician responsible to relax and do what I want. It's a tough job to be retired, as working for yourself is a 24/7/365 day a year job. But I do get to sleep in whenever I want!

Carrier Ivu screen shot?

 

[stearn786]

I was a Chrysler technician for 8 years. Got sick of fighting with rotten bolts and a rotten service manager and left to find something better to do with my life.

Now I work for as an engineering technician building and testing transport refrigeration units. Similar skill set but there's no salt water dripping on me all day in the winter, and I have the opportunity to learn new things.

 

[tcttcf]

40 years spinning wrenches, mostly at new car dealerships. I also worked on Ambulances for a few years. ASE Master since 1976, Emergency Vehicle Master since 2003.
Ambulances are a real challenge. They are mostly Ford diesels in E-350 vans and every thing is very tight. It can take a week to replace one fuel injector on the right side. They can be more than a challenge if they get an electrical problem with the medical equipment. That job will let you know if you are really a mechanic.

 

[tcttcf]

In my 35th year wrenching professionally. ASE Master and L1 Certified, former GM Master tech as well. Grew up in a family run shop as a teenager, pops was a dealership tech for years in the 60's at Pontiac, then opened his own shop in 71. He was in business for over 35 years before retiring. I went to work at Cadillac Buick dealer after my time in the Navy. From there I went to Chevrolet, then Toyota. Moved over to independent shops after the dealer years. Worked as a service manager then GM of a large tire and auto shop, left that a few years ago went back to Toyota for a few years now back as shop foreman at an independent shop where I will probably stay until I retire. Seen a lot and done a lot but it still comes down to just doing the work of fixing the problem. Spent way too much on tools and equipment, never enough training or down time to recover but still enjoy what I do everyday. If you enjoy the work it is a good career if you put the time and energy into training and learning and being the best you can be. There's a lot of parts changers and shade tree guys with big boxes and all the toys and tools but can they really troubleshoot and make proper diagnosis and repair what is needed the first time. As with anything it takes commitment and pride in what you do.

You are right! I learned early on the accuracy beats speed at paycheck time.