Olsen Spec Projects

[Boosted1]

This thread needs an update...

 

[545_days]

When I saw the thread had a new post I thought it was an update.

I hope Olsenmotorsports is well. His posts were always interesting reads and thought provoking.

 

[zmotorsports]

I can explain that for you, we all live in a very cost conscious World nowadays.

However, when it comes down to emotional purchases and cherished items "trust" in service providers far outweighs the cost, even for fairly simple repairs and upgrades people would just rather pay extra and remove any nagging doubts from the equation, simply for peace of mind.

Back when I was "Management" at the company I still work at as a technician after 20 years (I was a terrible manager BTW ) we used to study other "Trusted Brands" who had built this level of trust across multiple industries to see what we could learn.

A big part of it is "keeping your promises to customers" and the other is "good presentation" , if you can do those two things whilst standing behind your products and services the customers will find you.

Honesty, Integrity, Quality are what really matter to people.

Obviously you are already doing all this stuff at a high level

Just getting caught up on Tim's thread after being gone for the past week plus, but I can attest to this.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying I am anywhere near Tim's level of workmanship or volume, but when I had my speed shop, although I had a relatively small clientele, they came to me for the level of trust and delivering on what I promised. I also kept a tidy shop and according to many of my clients, that was a key to their initial impression, the value they found in my work came after the fact.

This was back in the early 2000's and I think it is even more distinct nowadays just because of the horror stories of poor workmanship. I have had past clients reach out to me to perform work even though I no longer have my business, simply because they have had bad experiences elsewhere, which is sad actually. People want the money, but they don't focus on delivering on their promises.

I actually wish I had more time to do more work for clients because I enjoy the work, plus I could make good money. Unfortunately, I seem to be more focused on keeping my own fleet going these days vs. working on other people's stuff.

I do preach all the time to my mechanics at work about how can they expect to get high quality workmanship and value when they go somewhere if they are not willing to provide it in their own jobs? I hope it gets through, but somedays I wonder.

 

[metalhead212121]

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Great episode of Tool Box Tours Tim!

 

[zmotorsports]

Awesome toolbox tour Tim.

 

[LXCam]

Damn Tim, very impressive bud.

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Great episode of Tool Box Tours Tim!

Awesome toolbox tour Tim.

Damn Tim, very impressive bud.

You guys are too kind! Im grateful to share my humble setup with the world - shows if my ******* can do it anyone is capable!

Merry Xmas all!

 

[olsenmotorsports]

I will have some updates coming soon for you all! I have been off the grid and busy - launched a new brand so that has kept me occupied as well as trying to close the year out strong!

As always content is posted daily on our Instagram!

 

[545_days]

It's great to see you back Tim.

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Thank you all for the great compliments and feedback on our YouTube collaboration. Never knew that a video showing tools could generate so much positive feedback! It’s kind of overwhelming!

I see this stuff every day so I think that I take what the shop has, how it is laid out, and the standard at which its run for granted as well as the “norm”

I cannot thank everyone enough for the incredible outpoor of love. These videos take a lot of bandwidth and that makes it all worthwhile

 

[zmotorsports]

Never knew that a video showing tools could generate so much positive feedback! It’s kind of overwhelming!

Come on Tim, you're not that new here....this IS Garage Journal after all.....

 

[Boosted1]

I had not commented yet because I haven’t made it all the way through the video yet.
Still have not but I’m loving it thus far!
Makes for several mornings of coffee content.
Thanks for taking the time to share

 

[Xti04]

Tim, your videos have made their way into my youtube shorts now. Its nice to see some of the techniques and tools you use on the air cooled engines.

 

[LXCam]

Thank you all for the great compliments and feedback on our YouTube collaboration. Never knew that a video showing tools could generate so much positive feedback! It’s kind of overwhelming!

Come on Tim!, you’ve been married a while. Ya know those times when the wife says “OMG!, those shoes, her purse, that dress…..just fabulous I tell you!!”


Well wtf make you think us dudes are any different. You’ve done a wonderful job of matching your nail color to your hair and wardrobe…..like I says-very impressive!!


A couple nights ago ago the wife asked what I was oggaling (I hv no fn idea how that’s actually spelled btw) and I showed her a picture of a knee mill a guy here had refinished.

She says what’s the big deal, you have a mill right? I said yup, but mine ain’t gonna make centerfold status. Mines more like the ********** ad in chino.. “hundreds of beautiful ladies & three ugly ones. I’m one of three

 

[zanyad]

what I was oggaling (I hv no fn idea how that’s actually spelled btw)

Ogling

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Come on Tim, you're not that new here....this IS Garage Journal after all.....

LOL I know but my tastes and tooling are what I would call not for everyone. All I see on the internet is pure hate for Snap - On and it is literally all I have! I expected tons of backlash but quite the contrary!

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Come on Tim!, you’ve been married a while. Ya know those times when the wife says “OMG!, those shoes, her purse, that dress…..just fabulous I tell you!!”


Well wtf make you think us dudes are any different. You’ve done a wonderful job of matching your nail color to your hair and wardrobe…..like I says-very impressive!!


A couple nights ago ago the wife asked what I was oggaling (I hv no fn idea how that’s actually spelled btw) and I showed her a picture of a knee mill a guy here had refinished.

She says what’s the big deal, you have a mill right? I said yup, but mine ain’t gonna make centerfold status. Mines more like the ********** ad in chino.. “hundreds of beautiful ladies & three ugly ones. I’m one of three

Bro now THATS funny. And so true. I am constantly searching for better than what I have, then realizing that I just don’t have the cash to burn ARGH! Peasant life with Hermes taste *****!

I blame all you assholes for enabling and daring

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Tim, your videos have made their way into my youtube shorts now. Its nice to see some of the techniques and tools you use on the air cooled engines.

Thank you for that support! I am extremely grateful for it. I really am. Let me know what things you would like to see!

 

[olsenmotorsports]

I had not commented yet because I haven’t made it all the way through the video yet.
Still have not but I’m loving it thus far!
Makes for several mornings of coffee content.
Thanks for taking the time to share

You are very welcome! I know it’s a long video and I am afraid it’s kind of a drag. I have two more rooms full of factory tools we were going to have a peek at but I think that would be a whole nother video on its own!

 

[olsenmotorsports]

It's great to see you back Tim.

Thank you sir! Im excited to share what I have been up to after the holidays!

 

[Scuderia-F1]

You are very welcome! I know it’s a long video and I am afraid it’s kind of a drag. I have two more rooms full of factory tools we were going to have a peek at but I think that would be a whole nother video on its own!

Tim, we need a tour of the premises. The longer video the better.
That’s all I want for Christmas.

The toolbox tour was amazing, as I’ve already told you.

Merry Christmas to you, your family and your crew.

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Tim, we need a tour of the premises. The longer video the better.
That’s all I want for Christmas.

The toolbox tour was amazing, as I’ve already told you.

Merry Christmas to you, your family and your crew.

Ha! Maybe some day! Merry Xmas!

 

[zmotorsports]

LOL I know but my tastes and tooling are what I would call not for everyone. All I see on the internet is pure hate for Snap - On and it is literally all I have! I expected tons of backlash but quite the contrary!

Well I guess I'm in good company Tim. Most of my stuff is Snap-on as well. I simply don't understand all the hating on the interwebs about it. It's just a brand and a high quality one at that. I get a laugh out of all those trying to downplay it, like it is compensating for something. It's funny as hell actually.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Well I guess I'm in good company Tim. Most of my stuff is Snap-on as well. I simply don't understand all the hating on the interwebs about it. It's just a brand and a high quality one at that. I get a laugh out of all those trying to downplay it, like it is compensating for something. It's funny as hell actually.

Isn´t it funny, all these keyboard pros that are hating on peoples tools and work!? Like you and Tim, I'm happy to pay for quality. Not that it makes me a better mechanic. But it sure makes my mood better when I'm working....
I've since long stopped getting into discussions about the cost of my equipment. Nowadays I just answer, ALL the money.

 

[zmotorsports]

Isn´t it funny, all these keyboard pros that are hating on peoples tools and work!? Like you and Tim, I'm happy to pay for quality. Not that it makes me a better mechanic. But it sure makes my mood better when I'm working....
I've since long stopped getting into discussions about the cost of my equipment. Nowadays I just answer, ALL the money.

It boils down to choices Anders. I roll my eyes and shake my head at what other people spend on things, but that is their choice.

 

[Trapps]

It boils down to choices Anders. I roll my eyes and shake my head at what other people spend on things, but that is their choice.

This.

We all make choices based on our own situation. I have tools from Snap-On to Wera to Craftsman to Harbor Freight and everything in between. There are tools I'd like to replace with better quality (real or perceived) and budget versus use case is usually my guiding light. But then, emotion steps in to fight with logic. I'm wearing a watch right now that was probably not a good investment, after all a watch is just a tool and 2:31 is 2:31, but it won the emotional argument for me. Others would think me foolish. That's OK. The world would be pretty boring if we all had the same values and tastes.

 

[olsenmotorsports]

This.

We all make choices based on our own situation. I have tools from Snap-On to Wera to Craftsman to Harbor Freight and everything in between. There are tools I'd like to replace with better quality (real or perceived) and budget versus use case is usually my guiding light. But then, emotion steps in to fight with logic. I'm wearing a watch right now that was probably not a good investment, after all a watch is just a tool and 2:31 is 2:31, but it won the emotional argument for me. Others would think me foolish. That's OK. The world would be pretty boring if we all had the same values and tastes.

PREACH!

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Speaking of new kits.



I bought one of the auto twirler pro’s rotisseries.

Running a time study on building a complete 911 on a rotisserie (assembled minis engine) instead of on a lift.

Thinking we can gain 10-15% plus wear and tear in the bodies if the employees work is right in front of them.

Thoughts?

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Speaking of new kits.



I bought one of the auto twirler pro’s rotisseries.

Running a time study on building a complete 911 on a rotisserie (assembled minis engine) instead of on a lift.

Thinking we can gain 10-15% plus wear and tear in the bodies if the employees work is right in front of them.

Thoughts?

Money well spent!

 

[zanyad]

I bought one of the auto twirler pro’s rotisseries.

Running a time study on building a complete 911 on a rotisserie (assembled minis engine) instead of on a lift.

Thinking we can gain 10-15% plus wear and tear in the bodies if the employees work is right in front of them.

Time to sit and rotate?

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Money well spent!

I am hoping so homie. Makes sense that it is ergonomically better for the guys - Hoping that equates to happier people with higher production!

 

[Nolift911]

Caught up - good stuff. Sunroof delete for my 84 Carrera...would like to see that here.

 

[Boosted1]

I like the rotisserie idea.

 

[hbabler]

Hope things are going well for you
I finally had some issues pop up that necessitated using my Verus you inspired me to get. Holy cow does a scope make things easier to diagnose. Thanks for the inspiration

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Thanks for the update, glad to see your doing well.
My rotisserie is a tool that gets used all the time and is well worth the investment.

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Its been a minute! Here is some updates on what I have been up to.

I needed to step away for a bit and put the work in for lack of a better term Since August of last year (my last big update) I feel like i have done a lifetimes worth of work. We launched a new media brand (on insta - @olsenspec you better follow!!!), expanded Chicago with a new division (interiors), built a car for my boy (81 911 SC), stripped down the cab and started bodywork, stripped down the Targa and sent it to the dipper (more on this later), and fully integrated A.I. into the business. This is where I went off the grid and put in the work. All I hear in my space (cars, especially older ones) is that A.I. isn't taking my job or has a place here etc..... What short-sided stupidity people who say that have, AI is here to make us money, reduce stress, increase efficiency, train our employees, and ultimately replace the need for guys like myself. In order to understand how it could be used and integrated I first needed to fully grasp what it was, what its intended purposes are, and most importantly how to prompt it and teach it. I started with some basic Masterclasses, and then did some 6 week course stuff at the graduate level.

End result is more time to do cool things! Olsen doesn't require me to be there anymore to supervise, teach, coach, or provide experience. Now it is just ask AI instead of ask Tim. Complete game changer and I am so grateful for it.

I have had people ask me why at almost 50 I am trying so hard to change things that "worked". Two things. One is they only work because I make them work lol, that weight that you carry around as a business owner of the make it work takes years off your life if you let it. No need for that anymore with A.I., there's literally no stress. The second is on a personal level, i have been through 3 world changing events, and was unable to capitalize (introduction of the computer, the internet, and the smart phone, all to young to fully understand), but this one is even bigger and I will be on that boat!.

Now what to do with all that time!!!!! Do a garage of course right??



At the Florida house we really enjoy where we live - just about a mile from the beach in a bustling part of town that has a ton of life, energy and things to do. All important to us as we are city people at heart, and happy there. To get a building on property we would have to move about 5-6 miles inland, way too remote for us and I know we would not be happy there. Too quiet. This place we found is literally across the street from our gate. I can walk there in 5 minutes. I would have liked a little more space (this is only 1800) but for the area we are in, I will have to get creative and make it work.

For the first time in my life i have a me spot, as well as something to do when we spend time in Florida which is our game plan now that we have AI working for us.


Nothing pretty to look at here - this is last week after closing and getting some equipment delivered...

Lets get this place built out!

 

[BORING HOP YARD]

Glad to see your still kicking, looking forward to seeing what you do with your spot.
Thank you for sharing!

 

[ScepterToad]

Super cool! And you’re spot on with the whole AI thing. I finally got around to watching your tool box tour. Great episode! And, I saw this in my office complex parking lot and immediately thought of you (and that other Olsen guy floating around here).

 

[olsenmotorsports]

Glad to see your still kicking, looking forward to seeing what you do with your spot.
Thank you for sharing!

Thank you! I am very excited!

Super cool! And you’re spot on with the whole AI thing. I finally got around to watching your tool box tour. Great episode! And, I saw this in my office complex parking lot and immediately thought of you (and that other Olsen guy floating around here).

That speedster is Gorgeous!