60+ year old thread.

boatswain · May 14, 2021

Evening all:
Holy crap Mike, sounds like you have had it to put it mildly, time to do what you enjoy and want to do now.
My buddy who quit his job after 42 yrs. has no regrets, figured enough is enough and it was time to move on.

Welcome to the thread Steve, first fill up the cooler and then pull up a chair on the porch, we're like the morning coffee group and anything other than politics is acceptable to discuss.

Oldie2007 · May 14, 2021

Slacker1017 said: ↑

Thanks for the welcome. Here's a few pics of my boy Rhett. He's 2 years old and crazy as hell. Also a few of my Taco. It's been OV2 tuned and feels pretty good. It's a work in progress like everybody's else's.

Click to expand...

Afternoon, and welcome Ed! This is a real easy place to be!

Steve60 said: ↑

Good afternoon, gentlemen. 61 year old not-quite-retiree here in Boerne, TX. I've been here on Tacoma World for many years; I get more active when looking for my next Tacoma. I'm currently waiting for delivery of my third after my 2019 SR5 was totaled by a neighbor a few weeks ago. She came over the centerline (I suspect asleep at the wheel or texting), and hit me near head-on. I was fortunate to have no significant injuries. My truck took the hit for me. Got the insurance payout, and now waiting for my new TRD Off-Road to arrive, hopefully next week. Looking forward to a maiden voyage up to Taos in a few weeks. So anyway, happy to be here on the porch with you guys.
Click to expand...

Welcome over to this thread Steve! Don't need to see a pic of the last Taco this time!

RustyGreen · May 14, 2021

Tacoma Mike said: ↑

All I ever wanted to do was to fix things.

To do something most people couldn’t.

To do it with pride.

To do it with respect.

To do it with knowledge gained to make myself the best at my craft.

It started when the family moved and of course a new neighborhood and kids.

Was just riding around on my bike and down one street and I heard a loud noise.

It was a engine. I followed the sound to a house and in that yard was a oval track race car running. Numbers on the side etc. To me, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

I just road by for weeks.

Come to find out there was a bunch of older kids that were working on it with the

Adult owner. So one day I stopped and actually went onto the driveway and talked to the guys.

One of the kids was actually a family friend’s son.

So this started be an a ritual after school. I started helping, a little. Christ I was 13.

I lied about my age to get into the races a few years later.

I gained a lot of knowledge.

I was a sponge.

I was reading hot rod magazines as fast as I could earn money.

I could recall little details and at one race the car was not right.

Backfire, skipping. The guys were lost.

I didn’t say much.

I was a tag along until this day.

They had given up on the car for the night and they were just going to start the race with no expectations.

When they were in line before going out on the track I ran up to the owner in the car

And I yelled.

“Take the air cleaner off ,Take the air cleaner off.

They had changed the air cleaner a few weeks earlier but we had gotten rained out for 2 weeks.

I ran to the oldest kid and yelled the same thing.

Cars were starting and he just took off running.

Popped the hood and yanked it off.

He started last due to qualifying.

He finished third

Car was as fast as before.

Owner got out of the car and walked over to the oldest kid and

said “Good call”

The kid said “ Don’t thank me, thank Mike”

I became part of the Crew then and there.

Went to Vocational School.

Went to Vocational College. Did double classes and did two years in one.

I tore into things and with my race experience I was so far ahead of the others the

teacher asked why I was even there. I could use all the machine tools. Rebuilding

Connecting rods, pistons, cranks. Boring cylinders, honing.

You name it, I did it.

Had to be shown once and then, I was off and running.

Started working for Chrysler.

Got all my certificates.

Taught a few classes.

Became a Master tech

Big wigs came down cause they had heard I was fixing a problem they couldn’t.

Other dealers were towing cars from out of state to my shop.

I wouldn’t tell them unless they made me rich.

So I’m still poor. Don’t care.

Started working on Toyota’s

Got all my certificates.

Became a Master Tech.

I was not a back yard flunky.

Not a guy that tinkered.

Not a grease monkey.

I am a professional.

I mastered my craft.

I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE A MASTER AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN.

Honest

Never ever did something or upsold something that in my heart wasn’t needed.

Reliable

Always showed up on time. Even during a blizzard. Vary rarely closed.

Respectful

Even now when lots of customers are pieces of shit assholes, when I had to talk to them,

I never was demeaning, or insulting, or derogatory. I would explain why things had happened and how I could get them on the road.

UNTIL,,,, THEY DISRESPECTED ME.

Then, the gloves were off.

Calling me liar or a thief was the worse thing they could say.

Many many times it was not pretty.

I don’t have a filter.

Never got an apology when i proved I was right.

I’m human.

I make mistakes.

Not very many but I do.

I take the hit.

I make it right.

I tell the customer what happened and how it was resolved.

I did the right thing.

It’s been 48 years.

I’m beat and battered, like all other physically hard working people.

We get no thank you.

No pat on the back.

Just a faster, or how much longer ( which would infuriate me. WTF you think

I’m doing back here.)

Things change all the time.

Always going to school.

Learning to fix the crap and shit the car companies put in these vehicles.

Never ending.

But now, the end is here.

Today is my last day as a full time Master Auto Technician.

To all my faithful customers that followed me during my career

(Some of them as much as 33 years) that trusted me, gave me gifts of

Cards, Food, ( Dam your blueberry pie was always so awesome Diane) thank you notes, you have no idea what it means and how I respected our relationships.

I will miss you all.

To all the others.

Unfortunately I cannot change your opinion.

I tried all my career.

I was talked to from the higher up’s so many times about my low

Upsell numbers I can’t begin to count.

If I wasn’t as good as I was I think I would have not been around.

When I first started, it was a service. To help.

Now, it’s a business, to make money.

Big business changed the industry.

Big business didn’t change me.

I am sorry you didn’t trust me.

I have done all I could do.

I gave it everything I had.

I have no more to give.

I have my integrity

I have my honesty

I can go to sleep well tonight knowing I did it right.

I’m Done

Click to expand...

Double like that eloquent post, good for you man!

I have been following along with your story for quite a while and picking up on your increasing frustration -- and also the tremendous respect that other forum members, including myself, have for you. So glad you did it!

Steve60 · May 14, 2021

Travlr said: ↑

You in Phoenix... or Tucson? Taos is one of my favorite places. I really enjoy the art galleries and restaurants. Glad to hear you came out of your accident unscathed. Too bad about the truck.
Click to expand...

I'm actually in Texas, but like to spend as much time as I can in New Mexico. My wife and I are looking forward to the galleries there in Taos, and will likely partake in the restaurant scene also!

johneman · May 14, 2021

Steve60 said: ↑

Good afternoon, gentlemen. 61 year old not-quite-retiree here in Boerne, TX. I've been here on Tacoma World for many years; I get more active when looking for my next Tacoma. I'm currently waiting for delivery of my third after my 2019 SR5 was totaled by a neighbor a few weeks ago. She came over the centerline (I suspect asleep at the wheel or texting), and hit me near head-on. I was fortunate to have no significant injuries. My truck took the hit for me. Got the insurance payout, and now waiting for my new TRD Off-Road to arrive, hopefully next week. Looking forward to a maiden voyage up to Taos in a few weeks. So anyway, happy to be here on the porch with you guys.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the porch Steve. Glad you didn't have major injuries from your accident. Enjoy the posts.

Tacoma Mike said: ↑

All I ever wanted to do was to fix things.

To do something most people couldn’t.

To do it with pride.

To do it with respect.

To do it with knowledge gained to make myself the best at my craft.

It started when the family moved and of course a new neighborhood and kids.

Was just riding around on my bike and down one street and I heard a loud noise.

It was a engine. I followed the sound to a house and in that yard was a oval track race car running. Numbers on the side etc. To me, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

I just road by for weeks.

Come to find out there was a bunch of older kids that were working on it with the

Adult owner. So one day I stopped and actually went onto the driveway and talked to the guys.

One of the kids was actually a family friend’s son.

So this started be an a ritual after school. I started helping, a little. Christ I was 13.

I lied about my age to get into the races a few years later.

I gained a lot of knowledge.

I was a sponge.

I was reading hot rod magazines as fast as I could earn money.

I could recall little details and at one race the car was not right.

Backfire, skipping. The guys were lost.

I didn’t say much.

I was a tag along until this day.

They had given up on the car for the night and they were just going to start the race with no expectations.

When they were in line before going out on the track I ran up to the owner in the car

And I yelled.

“Take the air cleaner off ,Take the air cleaner off.

They had changed the air cleaner a few weeks earlier but we had gotten rained out for 2 weeks.

I ran to the oldest kid and yelled the same thing.

Cars were starting and he just took off running.

Popped the hood and yanked it off.

He started last due to qualifying.

He finished third

Car was as fast as before.

Owner got out of the car and walked over to the oldest kid and

said “Good call”

The kid said “ Don’t thank me, thank Mike”

I became part of the Crew then and there.

Went to Vocational School.

Went to Vocational College. Did double classes and did two years in one.

I tore into things and with my race experience I was so far ahead of the others the

teacher asked why I was even there. I could use all the machine tools. Rebuilding

Connecting rods, pistons, cranks. Boring cylinders, honing.

You name it, I did it.

Had to be shown once and then, I was off and running.

Started working for Chrysler.

Got all my certificates.

Taught a few classes.

Became a Master tech

Big wigs came down cause they had heard I was fixing a problem they couldn’t.

Other dealers were towing cars from out of state to my shop.

I wouldn’t tell them unless they made me rich.

So I’m still poor. Don’t care.

Started working on Toyota’s

Got all my certificates.

Became a Master Tech.

I was not a back yard flunky.

Not a guy that tinkered.

Not a grease monkey.

I am a professional.

I mastered my craft.

I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE A MASTER AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN.

Honest

Never ever did something or upsold something that in my heart wasn’t needed.

Reliable

Always showed up on time. Even during a blizzard. Vary rarely closed.

Respectful

Even now when lots of customers are pieces of shit assholes, when I had to talk to them,

I never was demeaning, or insulting, or derogatory. I would explain why things had happened and how I could get them on the road.

UNTIL,,,, THEY DISRESPECTED ME.

Then, the gloves were off.

Calling me liar or a thief was the worse thing they could say.

Many many times it was not pretty.

I don’t have a filter.

Never got an apology when i proved I was right.

I’m human.

I make mistakes.

Not very many but I do.

I take the hit.

I make it right.

I tell the customer what happened and how it was resolved.

I did the right thing.

It’s been 48 years.

I’m beat and battered, like all other physically hard working people.

We get no thank you.

No pat on the back.

Just a faster, or how much longer ( which would infuriate me. WTF you think

I’m doing back here.)

Things change all the time.

Always going to school.

Learning to fix the crap and shit the car companies put in these vehicles.

Never ending.

But now, the end is here.

Today is my last day as a full time Master Auto Technician.

To all my faithful customers that followed me during my career

(Some of them as much as 33 years) that trusted me, gave me gifts of

Cards, Food, ( Dam your blueberry pie was always so awesome Diane) thank you notes, you have no idea what it means and how I respected our relationships.

I will miss you all.

To all the others.

Unfortunately I cannot change your opinion.

I tried all my career.

I was talked to from the higher up’s so many times about my low

Upsell numbers I can’t begin to count.

If I wasn’t as good as I was I think I would have not been around.

When I first started, it was a service. To help.

Now, it’s a business, to make money.

Big business changed the industry.

Big business didn’t change me.

I am sorry you didn’t trust me.

I have done all I could do.

I gave it everything I had.

I have no more to give.

I have my integrity

I have my honesty

I can go to sleep well tonight knowing I did it right.

I’m Done

Click to expand...

I am happy for you Mike that you are retiring on your terms. Congratulations. Now you can set your schedule for doing what you enjoy. Enjoy.

Devious6 · May 15, 2021

Slacker1017 said: ↑

Good Morning ! New to the thread. Just turned 60 this year so I guess I qualify...
Click to expand...

Welcome to the porch from another Pennsyltuckyvanian!!!

Devious6 · May 15, 2021

Steve60 said: ↑

Good afternoon, gentlemen. 61 year old not-quite-retiree here in Boerne, TX. I've been here on Tacoma World for many years; I get more active when looking for my next Tacoma. I'm currently waiting for delivery of my third after my 2019 SR5 was totaled by a neighbor a few weeks ago. She came over the centerline (I suspect asleep at the wheel or texting), and hit me near head-on. I was fortunate to have no significant injuries. My truck took the hit for me. Got the insurance payout, and now waiting for my new TRD Off-Road to arrive, hopefully next week. Looking forward to a maiden voyage up to Taos in a few weeks. So anyway, happy to be here on the porch with you guys.
Click to expand...

Congrats on the new truck and welcome to the porch!!

Devious6 · May 15, 2021

Tacoma Mike said: ↑

All I ever wanted to do was to fix things.

To do something most people couldn’t.

To do it with pride.

To do it with respect.

To do it with knowledge gained to make myself the best at my craft.

It started when the family moved and of course a new neighborhood and kids.

Was just riding around on my bike and down one street and I heard a loud noise.

It was a engine. I followed the sound to a house and in that yard was a oval track race car running. Numbers on the side etc. To me, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

I just road by for weeks.

Come to find out there was a bunch of older kids that were working on it with the

Adult owner. So one day I stopped and actually went onto the driveway and talked to the guys.

One of the kids was actually a family friend’s son.

So this started be an a ritual after school. I started helping, a little. Christ I was 13.

I lied about my age to get into the races a few years later.

I gained a lot of knowledge.

I was a sponge.

I was reading hot rod magazines as fast as I could earn money.

I could recall little details and at one race the car was not right.

Backfire, skipping. The guys were lost.

I didn’t say much.

I was a tag along until this day.

They had given up on the car for the night and they were just going to start the race with no expectations.

When they were in line before going out on the track I ran up to the owner in the car

And I yelled.

“Take the air cleaner off ,Take the air cleaner off.

They had changed the air cleaner a few weeks earlier but we had gotten rained out for 2 weeks.

I ran to the oldest kid and yelled the same thing.

Cars were starting and he just took off running.

Popped the hood and yanked it off.

He started last due to qualifying.

He finished third

Car was as fast as before.

Owner got out of the car and walked over to the oldest kid and

said “Good call”

The kid said “ Don’t thank me, thank Mike”

I became part of the Crew then and there.

Went to Vocational School.

Went to Vocational College. Did double classes and did two years in one.

I tore into things and with my race experience I was so far ahead of the others the

teacher asked why I was even there. I could use all the machine tools. Rebuilding

Connecting rods, pistons, cranks. Boring cylinders, honing.

You name it, I did it.

Had to be shown once and then, I was off and running.

Started working for Chrysler.

Got all my certificates.

Taught a few classes.

Became a Master tech

Big wigs came down cause they had heard I was fixing a problem they couldn’t.

Other dealers were towing cars from out of state to my shop.

I wouldn’t tell them unless they made me rich.

So I’m still poor. Don’t care.

Started working on Toyota’s

Got all my certificates.

Became a Master Tech.

I was not a back yard flunky.

Not a guy that tinkered.

Not a grease monkey.

I am a professional.

I mastered my craft.

I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE A MASTER AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN.

Honest

Never ever did something or upsold something that in my heart wasn’t needed.

Reliable

Always showed up on time. Even during a blizzard. Vary rarely closed.

Respectful

Even now when lots of customers are pieces of shit assholes, when I had to talk to them,

I never was demeaning, or insulting, or derogatory. I would explain why things had happened and how I could get them on the road.

UNTIL,,,, THEY DISRESPECTED ME.

Then, the gloves were off.

Calling me liar or a thief was the worse thing they could say.

Many many times it was not pretty.

I don’t have a filter.

Never got an apology when i proved I was right.

I’m human.

I make mistakes.

Not very many but I do.

I take the hit.

I make it right.

I tell the customer what happened and how it was resolved.

I did the right thing.

It’s been 48 years.

I’m beat and battered, like all other physically hard working people.

We get no thank you.

No pat on the back.

Just a faster, or how much longer ( which would infuriate me. WTF you think

I’m doing back here.)

Things change all the time.

Always going to school.

Learning to fix the crap and shit the car companies put in these vehicles.

Never ending.

But now, the end is here.

Today is my last day as a full time Master Auto Technician.

To all my faithful customers that followed me during my career

(Some of them as much as 33 years) that trusted me, gave me gifts of

Cards, Food, ( Dam your blueberry pie was always so awesome Diane) thank you notes, you have no idea what it means and how I respected our relationships.

I will miss you all.

To all the others.

Unfortunately I cannot change your opinion.

I tried all my career.

I was talked to from the higher up’s so many times about my low

Upsell numbers I can’t begin to count.

If I wasn’t as good as I was I think I would have not been around.

When I first started, it was a service. To help.

Now, it’s a business, to make money.

Big business changed the industry.

Big business didn’t change me.

I am sorry you didn’t trust me.

I have done all I could do.

I gave it everything I had.

I have no more to give.

I have my integrity

I have my honesty

I can go to sleep well tonight knowing I did it right.

I’m Done

Click to expand...

Mike, let me start by offering you my heartfelt congratulations and respect. Many people struggle their entire work-life trying to find their niche, to find what they are good at and, more importantly, what they love. You, my friend, are among the few who recognize their passion early in life. And, when passion meets ability, that is just magic. I would love to just sit and listen to your tales of racing and from your work experience. I would love to have just a bit of your mechanical talent and your ability to just know how things go and work together. You are a Master Automotive Technician. But, you are more than that because many others get that designation who don't have the final bits of ingredients that make it all special - passion, integrity, honesty, caring. Those take talent to the level few really ever achieve. That's you, Mike. That's the type of person most of us wish we had working on our vehicles when we drop them off for service or have a problem. What we get, typically, is the one without those extra ingredients - those who bend to the pressures of management. That you did not speaks volumes about who you are as a person - the guy we have seen here on the porch with us.

In my mind, integrity and honesty are the most crucial traits when I'm working with people. We all make mistakes. But, not being honest, not having integrity is a CHOICE. And once you give them up it is near impossible to regain them.

I hope you are as proud of yourself as we are of you right now. I hope we get more time to hear your stories now. And, I hope you, truly, realize how much respect I have for you as a Master Automotive Technician but, most importantly, as a person. Well done, my friend.

Devious6 · May 15, 2021

Good morning everyone!!!

I managed not to hurt myself..or anyone else yesterday playing golf. Mission accomplished. I also finally got a coat of water seal on the deck boards of the trailer before I left for the course.

Lynn is at her sister's place outside of Philadelphia and they are flying to Atlanta today to spend a few days with their youngest sister. So, I am on my own and unsupervised - just me and the dogs. Be very afraid.

I'm going to take a sample of our pool water in to have it analyzed this morning to see how much salt I need to add. Then I'm going to start up the heater and throw the solar cover on so I can get the water temperature up high enough so the chlorine cell starts to generate chlorine. I might even get in a first swim by tomorrow.

I need to pick up a new door for the greenhouse at Lowe's but I am thinking it will be packed today so I think I'll hold off until Monday for that.

Oh, and I need to cut the grass. Today looks like a good day to do that, too.

Be safe and enjoy the day!!!

95SLE · May 15, 2021

MtnAltitude said: ↑

Good morning all,

Welcome Ed, good group here on the porch whether you are here for coffee or evening cocktails.

Tom, I gave blood last Friday. They are adding a lot of results to the taking, COVD antibodies, confirmed blood type, hemoglobin, cholesterol. Or at least this group that runs the drive in the small community near me has added results.

Warmer today, maybe in the low 60's but cooler weather with rain/snow mix headed our way for the weekend. Still not complaining - it all helps with a lesser fire season.

Have a great day and be safe - just think we don't have wear masks on the porch anymore
Click to expand...

I usually donate every 2 months. The questions have increased due to the C19 but it really no big deal. The Bloodmobile is attached to a hospital and for the most part the donated blood stays in the community or in the local area. It does feel good to donate the gift of life.

Slacker1017 said: ↑

Thanks for the welcome. Here's a few pics of my boy Rhett. He's 2 years old and crazy as hell. Also a few of my Taco. It's been OV2 tuned and feels pretty good. It's a work in progress like everybody's else's.

Click to expand...

WOW Handsome pup and the Tacoma is stunning. I liked the color when it first came out and it does look stunning. The Harley is good looking too. I stopped riding a long time ago.

Steve60 said: ↑

Good afternoon, gentlemen. 61 year old not-quite-retiree here in Boerne, TX. I've been here on Tacoma World for many years; I get more active when looking for my next Tacoma. I'm currently waiting for delivery of my third after my 2019 SR5 was totaled by a neighbor a few weeks ago. She came over the centerline (I suspect asleep at the wheel or texting), and hit me near head-on. I was fortunate to have no significant injuries. My truck took the hit for me. Got the insurance payout, and now waiting for my new TRD Off-Road to arrive, hopefully next week. Looking forward to a maiden voyage up to Taos in a few weeks. So anyway, happy to be here on the porch with you guys.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the threads Steve. Sorry your Tacoma was totaled.

Tacoma Mike said: ↑

All I ever wanted to do was to fix things.

To do something most people couldn’t.

To do it with pride.

To do it with respect.

To do it with knowledge gained to make myself the best at my craft.

It started when the family moved and of course a new neighborhood and kids.

Was just riding around on my bike and down one street and I heard a loud noise.

It was a engine. I followed the sound to a house and in that yard was a oval track race car running. Numbers on the side etc. To me, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

I just road by for weeks.

Come to find out there was a bunch of older kids that were working on it with the

Adult owner. So one day I stopped and actually went onto the driveway and talked to the guys.

One of the kids was actually a family friend’s son.

So this started be an a ritual after school. I started helping, a little. Christ I was 13.

I lied about my age to get into the races a few years later.

I gained a lot of knowledge.

I was a sponge.

I was reading hot rod magazines as fast as I could earn money.

I could recall little details and at one race the car was not right.

Backfire, skipping. The guys were lost.

I didn’t say much.

I was a tag along until this day.

They had given up on the car for the night and they were just going to start the race with no expectations.

When they were in line before going out on the track I ran up to the owner in the car

And I yelled.

“Take the air cleaner off ,Take the air cleaner off.

They had changed the air cleaner a few weeks earlier but we had gotten rained out for 2 weeks.

I ran to the oldest kid and yelled the same thing.

Cars were starting and he just took off running.

Popped the hood and yanked it off.

He started last due to qualifying.

He finished third

Car was as fast as before.

Owner got out of the car and walked over to the oldest kid and

said “Good call”

The kid said “ Don’t thank me, thank Mike”

I became part of the Crew then and there.

Went to Vocational School.

Went to Vocational College. Did double classes and did two years in one.

I tore into things and with my race experience I was so far ahead of the others the

teacher asked why I was even there. I could use all the machine tools. Rebuilding

Connecting rods, pistons, cranks. Boring cylinders, honing.

You name it, I did it.

Had to be shown once and then, I was off and running.

Started working for Chrysler.

Got all my certificates.

Taught a few classes.

Became a Master tech

Big wigs came down cause they had heard I was fixing a problem they couldn’t.

Other dealers were towing cars from out of state to my shop.

I wouldn’t tell them unless they made me rich.

So I’m still poor. Don’t care.

Started working on Toyota’s

Got all my certificates.

Became a Master Tech.

I was not a back yard flunky.

Not a guy that tinkered.

Not a grease monkey.

I am a professional.

I mastered my craft.

I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE A MASTER AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN.

Honest

Never ever did something or upsold something that in my heart wasn’t needed.

Reliable

Always showed up on time. Even during a blizzard. Vary rarely closed.

Respectful

Even now when lots of customers are pieces of shit assholes, when I had to talk to them,

I never was demeaning, or insulting, or derogatory. I would explain why things had happened and how I could get them on the road.

UNTIL,,,, THEY DISRESPECTED ME.

Then, the gloves were off.

Calling me liar or a thief was the worse thing they could say.

Many many times it was not pretty.

I don’t have a filter.

Never got an apology when i proved I was right.

I’m human.

I make mistakes.

Not very many but I do.

I take the hit.

I make it right.

I tell the customer what happened and how it was resolved.

I did the right thing.

It’s been 48 years.

I’m beat and battered, like all other physically hard working people.

We get no thank you.

No pat on the back.

Just a faster, or how much longer ( which would infuriate me. WTF you think

I’m doing back here.)

Things change all the time.

Always going to school.

Learning to fix the crap and shit the car companies put in these vehicles.

Never ending.

But now, the end is here.

Today is my last day as a full time Master Auto Technician.

To all my faithful customers that followed me during my career

(Some of them as much as 33 years) that trusted me, gave me gifts of

Cards, Food, ( Dam your blueberry pie was always so awesome Diane) thank you notes, you have no idea what it means and how I respected our relationships.

I will miss you all.

To all the others.

Unfortunately I cannot change your opinion.

I tried all my career.

I was talked to from the higher up’s so many times about my low

Upsell numbers I can’t begin to count.

If I wasn’t as good as I was I think I would have not been around.

When I first started, it was a service. To help.

Now, it’s a business, to make money.

Big business changed the industry.

Big business didn’t change me.

I am sorry you didn’t trust me.

I have done all I could do.

I gave it everything I had.

I have no more to give.

I have my integrity

I have my honesty

I can go to sleep well tonight knowing I did it right.

I’m Done

Click to expand...

Lots of respect Mike. I am sure a lot of your loyal customers are sorry to see you leave. A great automotive mechanic is a good find. I have been taking my vehicles to the same shop for over 30 years now because they are honest and stand behind their work.

Yesterday was about donating blood in the AM the we went and picked up some more plants, vegetable and flowers, to plant today.

johneman · May 15, 2021

Good Morning Folks.
Looks to be a nice day brewing for today. This is going to be the year I get to go crazy. Deb and I are doing a major kitchen rebuild. We hired a fellow who came very highly recommended to do our cabinets but due to the covid, he is behind schedule so he is expecting a delivery date around July 19. Then I have to hope my knee is good enough for me to rip out the old cabinets and tear down the pantry so the new cabinets can be installed. All new appliances came in sooner than the vender expected and they are giving us a hard time about storing them but we don't have the room for them yet. I am going to start demo'ing the kitchen pantry door today and if time allows(as well as the wife) I might start taking down some of the upper cabinets. We were hoping to have the kitchen done by June but it sure isn't going to happen. I guess you can say all the planning can only work when all parties involved are on the same page. I just hope it all comes together.
Have a great day folks and be safe.

Travlr · May 15, 2021

I took the black truck in to a new mechanic in town. My usual mechanic is still recovering from having a foot of his colon removed.

The guy gave me an appointment two weeks ago, so he is already too busy to get things in quickly, and he gave me an estimate to replace a rear wheel bearing. It seems that nowadays the most common result is that you get the work done in twice the time claimed and at a significantly higher price.

But I picked up my truck yesterday, at noon on the day promised, and the bill was less than originally quoted.

I think this guy is gonna work out.

Oldie2007 · May 15, 2021

Devious6 said: ↑

Mike, let me start by offering you my heartfelt congratulations and respect. Many people struggle their entire work-life trying to find their niche, to find what they are good at and, more importantly, what they love. You, my friend, are among the few who recognize their passion early in life. And, when passion meets ability, that is just magic. I would love to just sit and listen to your tales of racing and from your work experience. I would love to have just a bit of your mechanical talent and your ability to just know how things go and work together. You are a Master Automotive Technician. But, you are more than that because many others get that designation who don't have the final bits of ingredients that make it all special - passion, integrity, honesty, caring. Those take talent to the level few really ever achieve. That's you, Mike. That's the type of person most of us wish we had working on our vehicles when we drop them off for service or have a problem. What we get, typically, is the one without those extra ingredients - those who bend to the pressures of management. That you did not speaks volumes about who you are as a person - the guy we have seen here on the porch with us.

In my mind, integrity and honesty are the most crucial traits when I'm working with people. We all make mistakes. But, not being honest, not having integrity is a CHOICE. And once you give them up it is near impossible to regain them.

I hope you are as proud of yourself as we are of you right now. I hope we get more time to hear your stories now. And, I hope you, truly, realize how much respect I have for you as a Master Automotive Technician but, most importantly, as a person. Well done, my friend.
Click to expand...

Hear, hear!

Oldie2007 · May 15, 2021

Good Morning Porchites! One more Congrats @Tacoma Mike - hope you slept in just once to prove you could!

Starting to sprinkle here, and on and off rain predicted though next Thursday. The rest of the blinds came, so I will be doing that today, probably little else. Been putzing on those bins and drawers of old hardware while I wait on the truck - which is now going to be a little longer. I'm getting depressed. It's all he is working on. After the compressor went in, the expansion valve was found to be a problem, and then he couldn't get the part delivered. Now, it's shutting itself off before getting pressure, and he can't find it. Just have to hold out a little more. Damn it.

Steve60 · May 15, 2021

Tacoma Mike said: ↑

All I ever wanted to do was to fix things.

To do something most people couldn’t.

To do it with pride.

To do it with respect.

To do it with knowledge gained to make myself the best at my craft.

It started when the family moved and of course a new neighborhood and kids.

Was just riding around on my bike and down one street and I heard a loud noise.

It was a engine. I followed the sound to a house and in that yard was a oval track race car running. Numbers on the side etc. To me, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

I just road by for weeks.

Come to find out there was a bunch of older kids that were working on it with the

Adult owner. So one day I stopped and actually went onto the driveway and talked to the guys.

One of the kids was actually a family friend’s son.

So this started be an a ritual after school. I started helping, a little. Christ I was 13.

I lied about my age to get into the races a few years later.

I gained a lot of knowledge.

I was a sponge.

I was reading hot rod magazines as fast as I could earn money.

I could recall little details and at one race the car was not right.

Backfire, skipping. The guys were lost.

I didn’t say much.

I was a tag along until this day.

They had given up on the car for the night and they were just going to start the race with no expectations.

When they were in line before going out on the track I ran up to the owner in the car

And I yelled.

“Take the air cleaner off ,Take the air cleaner off.

They had changed the air cleaner a few weeks earlier but we had gotten rained out for 2 weeks.

I ran to the oldest kid and yelled the same thing.

Cars were starting and he just took off running.

Popped the hood and yanked it off.

He started last due to qualifying.

He finished third

Car was as fast as before.

Owner got out of the car and walked over to the oldest kid and

said “Good call”

The kid said “ Don’t thank me, thank Mike”

I became part of the Crew then and there.

Went to Vocational School.

Went to Vocational College. Did double classes and did two years in one.

I tore into things and with my race experience I was so far ahead of the others the

teacher asked why I was even there. I could use all the machine tools. Rebuilding

Connecting rods, pistons, cranks. Boring cylinders, honing.

You name it, I did it.

Had to be shown once and then, I was off and running.

Started working for Chrysler.

Got all my certificates.

Taught a few classes.

Became a Master tech

Big wigs came down cause they had heard I was fixing a problem they couldn’t.

Other dealers were towing cars from out of state to my shop.

I wouldn’t tell them unless they made me rich.

So I’m still poor. Don’t care.

Started working on Toyota’s

Got all my certificates.

Became a Master Tech.

I was not a back yard flunky.

Not a guy that tinkered.

Not a grease monkey.

I am a professional.

I mastered my craft.

I AM AND ALWAYS WILL BE A MASTER AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN.

Honest

Never ever did something or upsold something that in my heart wasn’t needed.

Reliable

Always showed up on time. Even during a blizzard. Vary rarely closed.

Respectful

Even now when lots of customers are pieces of shit assholes, when I had to talk to them,

I never was demeaning, or insulting, or derogatory. I would explain why things had happened and how I could get them on the road.

UNTIL,,,, THEY DISRESPECTED ME.

Then, the gloves were off.

Calling me liar or a thief was the worse thing they could say.

Many many times it was not pretty.

I don’t have a filter.

Never got an apology when i proved I was right.

I’m human.

I make mistakes.

Not very many but I do.

I take the hit.

I make it right.

I tell the customer what happened and how it was resolved.

I did the right thing.

It’s been 48 years.

I’m beat and battered, like all other physically hard working people.

We get no thank you.

No pat on the back.

Just a faster, or how much longer ( which would infuriate me. WTF you think

I’m doing back here.)

Things change all the time.

Always going to school.

Learning to fix the crap and shit the car companies put in these vehicles.

Never ending.

But now, the end is here.

Today is my last day as a full time Master Auto Technician.

To all my faithful customers that followed me during my career

(Some of them as much as 33 years) that trusted me, gave me gifts of

Cards, Food, ( Dam your blueberry pie was always so awesome Diane) thank you notes, you have no idea what it means and how I respected our relationships.

I will miss you all.

To all the others.

Unfortunately I cannot change your opinion.

I tried all my career.

I was talked to from the higher up’s so many times about my low

Upsell numbers I can’t begin to count.

If I wasn’t as good as I was I think I would have not been around.

When I first started, it was a service. To help.

Now, it’s a business, to make money.

Big business changed the industry.

Big business didn’t change me.

I am sorry you didn’t trust me.

I have done all I could do.

I gave it everything I had.

I have no more to give.

I have my integrity

I have my honesty

I can go to sleep well tonight knowing I did it right.

I’m Done

Click to expand...

@mike - There’s nothing like hearing a man speak his truth. I hope to be as eloquent and true as you when my time comes to Be Done. Congratulations on your new status and wisdom.

Tacoma Mike · May 15, 2021

Steve60 said: ↑

@mike - There’s nothing like hearing a man speak his truth. I hope to be as eloquent and true as you when my time comes to Be Done. Congratulations on your new status and wisdom.
Click to expand...

Thank You.
Long and winding path to this point for sure

Tacoma Mike · May 15, 2021

Devious6 said: ↑

Mike, let me start by offering you my heartfelt congratulations and respect. Many people struggle their entire work-life trying to find their niche, to find what they are good at and, more importantly, what they love. You, my friend, are among the few who recognize their passion early in life. And, when passion meets ability, that is just magic. I would love to just sit and listen to your tales of racing and from your work experience. I would love to have just a bit of your mechanical talent and your ability to just know how things go and work together. You are a Master Automotive Technician. But, you are more than that because many others get that designation who don't have the final bits of ingredients that make it all special - passion, integrity, honesty, caring. Those take talent to the level few really ever achieve. That's you, Mike. That's the type of person most of us wish we had working on our vehicles when we drop them off for service or have a problem. What we get, typically, is the one without those extra ingredients - those who bend to the pressures of management. That you did not speaks volumes about who you are as a person - the guy we have seen here on the porch with us.

In my mind, integrity and honesty are the most crucial traits when I'm working with people. We all make mistakes. But, not being honest, not having integrity is a CHOICE. And once you give them up it is near impossible to regain them.

I hope you are as proud of yourself as we are of you right now. I hope we get more time to hear your stories now. And, I hope you, truly, realize how much respect I have for you as a Master Automotive Technician but, most importantly, as a person. Well done, my friend.
Click to expand...

Thank You so very much.
I was reading this to Carol and I couldn’t finish. We were both crying our eyes out.
Your words have touched me dearly.
I am forever grateful...

4x4spiegel · May 15, 2021

@Tacoma Mike https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqjlFGZxtE

MtnAltitude · May 15, 2021

Good morning all,

Congrats Mike, not only on your retirement but more importantly on being able to walk away on your terms. I have been fortunate to follow you on both this thread and the 50's for over a year now. There is no way I could put in words how much respect we have for you as the Colonel put it so elegantly. Welcome to retirement, now its your turn to enjoy. Looking forward to more racing stories. RESPECT

Welcome Steve, as you can see there are a lot of really great people on this thread and it isn't always about our Taco's. Welcome to the porch

Nice morning here need to jump out and get a few things done, severe weather expected this afternoon - have to cover two vehicles that don't get under cover - new windshields and hail is predicted. Hail at this altitude can be really heavy and damaging - to the point the county plows are parked in readiness.

Have a great day everyone and Colonel be safe LOL

cheech1 · May 15, 2021

Oldie2007 said: ↑

Who's got who, Cheech?
Click to expand...

We used to have three cats...dog thinks she's a cat.
Dotter is a vet tech.

Mike, YOU DA MAN!!! Congrats!

Log in or Sign up

Welcome to Tacoma World!

60+ year old thread.

#33081
boatswain Well-Known Member

#33082
Oldie2007 Well-Known Member

#33083
RustyGreen A breaker point guy in a Bluetooth world

#33084
Steve60 Well-Known Member

#33085
johneman [OP] Life is good relaxin' on the porch!!

#33086
Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33087
Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33088
Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33089
Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33090
95SLE Starting to get cold outside

#33091
johneman [OP] Life is good relaxin' on the porch!!

#33092
Travlr Lost in the ozone again

#33093
Oldie2007 Well-Known Member

#33094
Oldie2007 Well-Known Member

#33095
Steve60 Well-Known Member

#33096
Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

#33097
Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

#33098
4x4spiegel Well-Known Member

#33099
MtnAltitude AKA: Grump-a-saurus

#33100
cheech1 Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Welcome to Tacoma World!

60+ year old thread.

#33081 boatswain Well-Known Member

#33082 Oldie2007 Well-Known Member

#33083 RustyGreen A breaker point guy in a Bluetooth world

#33084 Steve60 Well-Known Member

#33085 johneman [OP] Life is good relaxin' on the porch!!

#33086 Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33087 Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33088 Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33089 Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33090 95SLE Starting to get cold outside

#33091 johneman [OP] Life is good relaxin' on the porch!!

#33092 Travlr Lost in the ozone again

#33093 Oldie2007 Well-Known Member

#33094 Oldie2007 Well-Known Member

#33095 Steve60 Well-Known Member

#33096 Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

#33097 Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

#33098 4x4spiegel Well-Known Member

#33099 MtnAltitude AKA: Grump-a-saurus

#33100 cheech1 Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in Entire Site Forum: Off-Topic Discussion Thread: 60+ year old thread.

#33081
boatswain Well-Known Member

#33082
Oldie2007 Well-Known Member

#33083
RustyGreen A breaker point guy in a Bluetooth world

#33084
Steve60 Well-Known Member

#33085
johneman [OP] Life is good relaxin' on the porch!!

#33086
Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33087
Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33088
Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33089
Devious6 Not your Average College President Emeritus

#33090
95SLE Starting to get cold outside

#33091
johneman [OP] Life is good relaxin' on the porch!!

#33092
Travlr Lost in the ozone again

#33093
Oldie2007 Well-Known Member

#33094
Oldie2007 Well-Known Member

#33095
Steve60 Well-Known Member

#33096
Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

#33097
Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

#33098
4x4spiegel Well-Known Member

#33099
MtnAltitude AKA: Grump-a-saurus

#33100
cheech1 Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in