If you're going to become a mechanic, I'd do something more than just fix cars... There are mechanics around every corner, try doing something more with your shop.
Thanks for all the great info guys. Its been a help.
Does anyone have any information about obtaining cheap cars though? When I was in high school I had a friend whose Dad was always getting stuff w/ salvage titles. Just project cars and experiments he'd would try out (like putting a V8 in a Chevette). I assume he got them from junk yards unless there are other avenues to obtain salvage titles. His Dad was a computer programmer so I know he didnt get them from work or anything.
Does anyone have any information about obtaining cheap cars though? When I was in high school I had a friend whose Dad was always getting stuff w/ salvage titles. Just project cars and experiments he'd would try out (like putting a V8 in a Chevette). I assume he got them from junk yards unless there are other avenues to obtain salvage titles. His Dad was a computer programmer so I know he didnt get them from work or anything.
you can go to trade school. Around where I live there are 2 big ones that I know about. Apex Tech. and Lincoln Tech.
http://www.lincolntech.com
http://www.apextechnical.com/main.htm
I'd rather be a plumber or an electrician, but thats just me.
http://www.lincolntech.com
http://www.apextechnical.com/main.htm
I'd rather be a plumber or an electrician, but thats just me.
ASE=Ask Someone Else.
Contact your insurance agent(car) and ask if they know of an insurance lot? A lot of times cars that are totaled are sent to an insurance lot and people buy from there, I have seen Brand spanking new Mercedes SLK AMG with kompressor engines gor for $20K, sure that's a lot for what you want to do, but it gives you an idea of how cheap you can get stuff that way. I almost picked up a 86 firebird for $700, it was in good shape body wise, but the engine was blown and the owner abandoned it.
Also check police auctions. Ebay has a section for parts cars. get you a chasis from there, or try auto trader. if you just want to learn, find the cheapest thing you can find, since it doesn't matter what it is as long as it is not to old as parts will be harder to find.
^
What he said and now my story and advice...
I am/WAS a mechanic. I worked on cars to pay for college. I got started because I am the kinda person that juts takes shitt apart to see how it works then put it back together. I also wanted to hot rod out my car.
BUT hot rodding a car AND general mechanic work as a career is day and night. If you want to ruin a great hobby, do it as a career. Also working for others means you have to accept THEIR ethics. I worked for myself ( Marlins Auto ) for the last 4+ years and that was good I could work on what I want and use my GOOD ethics when doing it. IMO owning your own shop is the only way, BUT you need a LOT of exp. to go on your own, and you need business exp. also. I know some great mechanics that could blow most mechanics away, but they had shitt for brains when it came to the business side and went under.
Best advice, work on cars while going to college and get a general business degree. If after 4+ years of working on cars that is still your choice well now you got the business degree to back up the other side of it. If not well then take your degree and do something else.
I like restoring or hot rodding cars, I am not going to ruin that by being a career mechanic.
Don't do that. I did that as an undergrad and I didn't learn anything useful.
I have figured out that there are only really 3 employable business majors.
1. Accounting
2. Supply chain/ operations management
3. finance/economics
Zenmervolt
Elite member
- Oct 22, 2000
- 24,514
- 44
- 91
You're pretty well right on with that list, but what I have never been able to figure out is how the #2 item on that list got there. Any Accounting/Finance/Econ major should have the math skills and problem-solving skills to move into the Operations Management area. The courses I took in Operations Management were so incredibly easy, but they were a lot of fun.
ZV
supply chain and operations managemnt is the bastard child of economics and industrial engeneering.
accounting and finance guys can NOT do supply chain stuff.
logistics (a major part of supply chain) is beyoned their grasp.
economics is very diverse. some schools don't offer business undergrad degrees, only econ and then if you want to do a business degree you do an MBA.
accounting and finance guys can NOT do supply chain stuff.
logistics (a major part of supply chain) is beyoned their grasp.
economics is very diverse. some schools don't offer business undergrad degrees, only econ and then if you want to do a business degree you do an MBA.
That couldn't be more true... Which is why I don't have the least bit of a problem trying to talk someone out of being an auto mechanic.
Thats true but its a very unappreciated profession.
As I was saying before. Its hard work, you're filthy at the end of the day and most everyone thinks mechanics are scums.
Theres always money to be made in every profession, but being rich as a mechanic is far and few.
Myself, being a manager at a Mcdonalds, I make pretty decent money because I'm a store manager but would I ever recommend it to others ??? HELL NO.
The owner of our franchise started the same way. Now, he has 19 stores and is a millionaire but thats far and few.
Myself, being a manager at a Mcdonalds, I make pretty decent money because I'm a store manager but would I ever recommend it to others ??? HELL NO.
The owner of our franchise started the same way. Now, he has 19 stores and is a millionaire but thats far and few.
Jeff7181
Lifer
- Aug 21, 2002
- 18,368
- 11
- 81
Originally posted by: Wingznut
That could very well be the best advice I've ever read on this msg board!
Well done, Marlin.
True... that's what I did. I bought a 1977 Cultass Supreme with the intent to build a new engine for it and make it a nice cruiser. Went to school at the University of Northwestern Ohio to be an automotive technician... by the time I finished schooling (18 months) I didn't even want to change my own oil.
I agree with everyone who said specialization is the key to making money. My father owns a shop and my brother and myself work there with him. We specialize in electrical and driveability problems. Most of our work comes from other shops who can't fix the problems. We are not typically dirty when the day is over, our shop is nice and comfortable to work in, and we have a high speed connection internet connection Just like doctors, the specialists charge more and bring home more money. One of the biggest benefits is that I never have to worry about unexpected car repair bills. Once in a while I Will pick up a car out of the classifieds that needs work- fix it and sell it for extra money. If you want to give it a try, I say go for it. The skills you gain will be valuable to you for the rest of your life, even if you decide on a different career.
Just like doctors, the specialists charge more and bring home more money. One of the biggest benefits is that I never have to worry about unexpected car repair bills. Once in a while I Will pick up a car out of the classifieds that needs work- fix it and sell it for extra money. If you want to give it a try, I say go for it. The skills you gain will be valuable to you for the rest of your life, even if you decide on a different career.A decent mechanic has about $60,000 worth of tools
Local newspaper
Get a job at a dealership, they will send you to school and pay for your A.S.E. training and tests.
You better get a business degree, it ain't easy owning/running a repair shop and expect to fork out some serious cash to get started with the shop.
I don't get rationalization of "well, once you own your own shop" you can make alot of money.
Well, sure you will but the odd of getting your own business started and being sucessful is very slim.
I would use the same analogy as.....well, you can make alot of money waiting tables....once you get your own restaurant.
You maybe a good mechanic but owning your own business is another thing all together.
It takes money, alot of hard work, knowledge and alot of LUCK to have a successful business......any business, not just a repair shop.
Well, sure you will but the odd of getting your own business started and being sucessful is very slim.
I would use the same analogy as.....well, you can make alot of money waiting tables....once you get your own restaurant.
You maybe a good mechanic but owning your own business is another thing all together.
It takes money, alot of hard work, knowledge and alot of LUCK to have a successful business......any business, not just a repair shop.
Luck has nothing to do with it, in order this it what it takes to run a successful shop ;
Business savvy
Knowledge and experience
Dedication
The ability to be a hard nosed prick
Money and lot's of it
Hard work
Communication skills
It is not easy, especially when you first start up the business, it is a hard struggle sometimes but I think it is worth it if you love what you are doing.
You are not going to get rich unless you either franchise your business or open up a chain of shops on your own.
Oh, and just to let you know, do not become a mechanic, become a Automotive Technician
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