FW: Good AMC mechanics anywhere!!

["Graham, George W (GE Energy)" <george.graham@xxxxxxxxx>]

John's comment to Brian is exactly why I'm considering copping an early
retirement deal from GE, and taking on some AMC repair work on the side to
keep me busy (after I build that big garage on my retirement land up in
Austin!!).   I am a mechanic (have been since 1967) who knows what he's
doing -- no brag; just fact! ;~)  -- who has also kept up with "new" stuff.
In my entire driving life, I have only had to take a car to someone else
four times -- twice for recalls and twice for warranty work on my wife's
newer cars (too cheap to pay for it myself if its warranty!!).   And every
single time, the dealer either screwed up something doing the work, or
couldn't figure out how to repair the problem!!

I think the root problem here is that "newbie" mechanics are no longer
taught the theory of systems operation to any extent.   What is taught is
rote "if problem is this; try replacing that" learning.   They have no idea
how what they are trying to fix actually works!!   Kind of like math class
in school now; they don't teach math theory, but rather just how to work a
calculator.   If some computer cannot tell them exactly what's wrong; they
are clueless.

My wife's Lexus currently has an ECM problem that I have been trying to get
the &^%$# dealer to warranty.   All they do is plug in the OBD tester.   If
no codes, that means no problems; even though they freely admit the problem
is there.   I tried to explain that if the ECM and/or PROM have certain
problems; it cannot even store codes!!   I even went so far as to show them
the ECM test procedure from their own manual (which I have gone through
myself, so I know what's wrong with the car), and the blank looks I got were
astounding!!   A test procedure that only uses a voltmeter!!   Unheard of!!
How can that possibly tell you what's wrong??!!   Geez.

Anyway; enough venting.   Before someone gets all huffy about my statements
above, I'm not saying that all young mechanics are idiots (some try to learn
the theory behind the equipment, and build a personal knowledge base); I'm
only saying that the ones I have dealt with personally in the past were
substandard.

George Graham
VP & Newsletter Editor - American Motors Club of Houston

-----Original Message-----
From: John W Rosa [mailto:JohnRosa@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 7:31 AM
To: AMC List
Subject: Good AMC mechanics in North NJ?


From: "Brian Hagen" <brian.hagen@xxxxxxxxxxx>

Hello again,

I figured the best person to bring my car to is someone with some AMC 
experience. Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in Northern NJ (Morris 
County) for my 65 Rambler?

Thanks in advance
Brian

----------------------------

Brian,

I wish I had someone to suggest, but I'd be 
interested in finding one as well. I end up
hoping from one to the next as each one 
blunders after the last. Around here, ASE
seems to mean 'Avoided Special Ed'. I admit
I'm no mechanic, but I've never made the 
bonehead errors and assumptions so-called 
'professional mechanics' have made on my
vehicles.


John W Rosa
http://www.JavelinAMX.com
 My AMCs:
1973 AMC Hornet X 360/Auto
1973 AMC Hornet 258/Auto (parts)
1973 AMC Javelin AMX Pierre Cardin 360/Auto/Go
1974 AMC Javelin AMX 401/Auto/Go (parts)
1977 AMC Gremlin 258/3spd (parts)
1979 AMC Spirit DL 258/4spd (parts)


1981 AMC Spirit DL 258/Auto