Wes you need to stop putting yourself down! My husband works for a new car dealership where mechanics can barely service new vehicles that are all the same make. Here you are servicing everything under the sun and doing a great job of it! You are a special kind of mechanic that this world needs more of! Keep up the GREAT work.

@dominickmilano9972

Жыл бұрын

West just charge them eveything you need to do on a truck or car parts and labor if they dont like it they just won't return and they will return 🙄

@Peter-td3yk

Жыл бұрын

Dealers charge a heck of a lot more..

@TonyRule

Жыл бұрын

Self-deprecation keeps you humble. The world needs more humble people because we're seriously overstocked on people that for no actual reason believe they're God's gift to the world.

@RicardoMartinez-kr5qk

Жыл бұрын

@@dominickmilano9972 seriously! these are old trucks and customers need to understand what that implies. And they need to get backnto work too.

@baileyhatfield4273

Жыл бұрын

I heard one tech. he had a ''used'' aka like 1 2 year old vehicle and was complaining about one of the caliper slide pins being seized...like. That's nearly every other brake job. That, a seized piston, leaky piston, chewed out everything. Nothing is as it seems. Can't just quote rotors and pads and call it done. Same with most repairs.

I refuse to believe anything can break the mighty Wes.

@robertappleyard7053

Жыл бұрын

Wait until it costs you money to fix a worthless pile of junk that belongs to someone else who you’ve set high standards for.

@sawarebel

Жыл бұрын

@@robertappleyard7053 what does that even mean?)

@edwardcaseyjr5490

Жыл бұрын

I agree 👍💯

@JHruby

Жыл бұрын

@@sawarebel It means that by not knowing what it means, you've outed yourself as never having run a business before.

@commenter5469

Жыл бұрын

@@robertappleyard7053 I have one customer right now which want’s me to completely re-do the wiring on the equipment trailer that is rotten to unbelief. And I don’t want to do it, and he insists, and I can’t say no because he gives me a lot of work. 😳🤨

As plenty of other people have said, the folks in your area are lucky to have such a competent and diligent mechanic. As far as jobs like that go, I think there are two options: time and materials or refusal, you're right to say you can't keep losing money on work like that. Keep your chin up, you're a great guy.

@marcelw223

Жыл бұрын

100% agree you don't have to refuse the work, and you don't have to loose money on it either.

@tonydaddario4706

Жыл бұрын

@@marcelw223 As I said earlier, Wes could say look I might have to charge you the hours it takes rather than the book hrs otherwise I can't afford to do it. I think most could or would understand?

@davidc4988

Жыл бұрын

Fantastic job Wes, don’t know how you managed to stick with it, not to mention the freezing! Credit to you. All the best, Dave Uk.

@JonathanPhillips411

Жыл бұрын

You can't charge book on vehicles like this.

This will (correctly) date me as a child of the 1970s, but watching that picture of Orange Tang being poured into the radiator really brought back some memories. It's what the astronauts drank!

Wes as a small business owner in the same boat only difference between us is I run a service truck too. I can understand where you’re coming from with jobs like that. I consider them necessary evils. Only advice I can give you is when I get trucks in like that I always tell the customer it’s time and materials. I.E whatever it takes to fix it (usually everything) and how much time I punch on it. Keep up the good work.

@csham8875

Жыл бұрын

That is exactly right. Tell them what is most likely wrong and that everything around it will crumble once touched and need replacing too.

@dondalrymple5794

Жыл бұрын

This. Anything that’s been modded/ altered goes right to T&M. And I’ll bet they’ll pay it. You’re not a charity.

@briangall8442

Жыл бұрын

Stick some buffalo hair in the grill, and tell insurance you hit a sasquatch as it rolls down a 3000 ft cliff!

@briangall8442

Жыл бұрын

😉

@92powerdiesel61

Жыл бұрын

@@dondalrymple5794 As someone with an old crusty truck I'll take the hit on the bill to simply find someone who will fix it right. I can do a lot but I can't do everything and without a shop I'm very limited in the winter.

Every mechanic has had jobs that make us rethink our life choices. But few of us take others along for the ride. Thank you for that Wes.

@TheSilmarillian

Жыл бұрын

My sentiments exactly

@samholdsworth420

Жыл бұрын

We feel his pain

"The Power Steering Pump is Down Yonder" Thanks for the nod to southern folk.

The old rockers keep dying off but Keith Richards is probably immortal.

Don't get discouraged Wes! If you would've sat on the couch that day, then you wouldn't have made this awesome video. Some people like watching the struggle! I love your positive attitude even when the day goes sideways.

Plow trucks are time and materials. No up front quotes and no guarantees. Just make sure they are aware it is possible this $500 repair turns into a $5000 repair. If they are good with that then you can't loose and you likely will stay busy. 🙂

@cyrilhudak4568

Жыл бұрын

Same deal with shovelhead Harleys back in the day. ☺

@j.walterstrucking3893

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. I’ve had a few jobs take the same route. I now have a firm policy for such occasions.

@jdmccorful

Жыл бұрын

Sounds real good!

@dfross87

Жыл бұрын

Yep, and no limits on materials for these jobs. If I put a hole in the radiator changing the PS pump, customer pays. Broken windscreen while I change the rear brakes -- customer pays.

Wait, I thought "end of truck life = beginning of plow life"--that all plow trucks were scrapyard rescues 🙂

Tip for dealing with jobs like that - only sell them as an hourly job! ? If its a repeat customer, they probably trust you, and being a plow truck it may worth alot more to get it running than you would think. They may be happy pay to get it fixed right :)

FWIW, the plow truck videos are my favorite. I guess it's because I learn the most seeing how someone who knows what he's doing handles a series of worst case scenarios and everything going wrong - and you always do such a great job with it. I'm also a small business owner in another industry so I certainly understand the reasoning to turn future jobs down. Hopefully the KZread revenue eventually makes up for the loss.

@Fiden6666

Жыл бұрын

Oh the yt revenue is flowing for Wes, why do you think we only get one video every other week or so, it's not lack of customers, it's lack of want. But I could be wrong, who knows.

@davedunn2124

Жыл бұрын

I'd have to agree. I hate to reap the benefits on Wes's behalf so to speak but I am with you.

@how_to_hallagon1

Жыл бұрын

@@Fiden6666 he explained why in his live feed

@Peter-td3yk

Жыл бұрын

But for free is NOT acceptable..

Don't worry so much about "Book Time", the truck didn't come factory with the "Hydraulic Pump & Snow Plow" that had to be removed......."It Is What, It Is!"

Wes, jobs like that should be automatically - Time and Material. No quotes, so if your customer trusts you there should be no problem.

Wes, you are hands down the best youtube channel out there. Everything you do is so relatable. Some channels sugar coat procedures, but your emotions tell the story. Most things you do are unique as well without many repeat videos which makes great content. I eagerly look forward to your next video. Thanks for all you do.

@donm2556

Жыл бұрын

💯 percent agree. Your content is unique and one of the only chanel's on youtube I look forward to. You Never disguise the truth about the struggle and damn can you drive it. Gives me inspiration when my struggle bus comes around, I really think about how you never quit, but mine is self inflicted as I only work ony stuff. Please don't do 50 vids of brake jobs just for content. your wife adds good comedy when you need her help. love the dog in mouser mode . Hang in Wes.

@silent1967

Жыл бұрын

He's damn good, but I enjoy South Main Auto too.

@slagdemon

Жыл бұрын

@@silent1967 SMA is great. Also Mustie1. I just like watching Wes more.

@djosbun

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@silent1967

Жыл бұрын

@@slagdemon I don't know, Mrs. O is a good cook looks like to me.

Not only is it extremely entertaining to watch Wes put up with ridiculous engeneering on vehicles without cussing up a storm like a drunken sailor. It's awesome a Millinial like Wes loves CSNY songs recorded most likely before Wes's father was even born. I bought that album when it came out, yes, I'm that old. RIP, music icon David Crosby. Thanks Wes, now I'm gonna have that song stuck in my head for days :•)

@johnhpalmer6098

Жыл бұрын

I think Wes may be just before the millennial generation. I think he's in his first half of his 40's, so born in the Gen X, which goes from 1965-1980, yes, that's right, he is likely the same generation as me, born in 1965. We both like many songs from CSN&Y. Millennial generation is from 1980-1996, with some sources saying as late as early 2000's, but most do say, to 1996. Given that context, his parents may have known about the Kent State debacle in 1970, if not were teens, early 20's then. As a context, my parents are of a generation born in the late 20's to mid 30's, married in 1954, had their first child, my oldest sister in 1956, had 2 more by 1959, and me in 1965. Dad served for about a while in Vietnam in 1968, retiring in 1970-71 and died in 1998 at 70. Being the youngest, I'm 58, just turned 58 last month. The 2 remaining sisters are in their mid 60's, one died of brain cancer 2 years ago at 62. I have nieces and a nephew that all are in their late 20's to early 30's at their youngest and the oldest ones 40-45 years old now.

@jdmccorful

Жыл бұрын

@@johnhpalmer6098 you're stii a youngster!😉

@TheOtherBill

Жыл бұрын

@Freiherr Dinkelacker That and Wooden Ships. Both from the CS&N album, made before they (somewhat reluctantly I hear) let Young in.

@pinwizz69

Жыл бұрын

@@johnhpalmer6098. The term millinial wiuld desigate someone born before the millinium and after within a range of 8 to 10 years. Generations range from the age the majority of females getting pregnant till the next group kicks in around the same age as the last. Due to social changes in legalities it's beem streached out since my Mothers generation as it wasn't unusual for females to be married at 16 like my Mom was as a just post war bride. These days it's frowned on. I learned that from a college anthropology Professor. There's about 6 different sources that move it around as they please.

@milwaukeeroadjim9253

Жыл бұрын

Sailors don’t have to drink to cuss

I live in New England. No shortage of crusty busted plow trucks here! LMAO

It wasn't broken till I touched it. That sounds like the story of my life.

Wes, I’m a self employed carpenter and I’ve been following since this was a machinist channel :) I recently had to make a very similar decision and I TOTALLY feel the same way. It’s the hardest thing to do but you gotta do it. Best wishes.

@nasty509ss

Жыл бұрын

Im in the same boat,I will no longer get within 5 miles of a pocket door that I didn't install the frame of.

Wes, your sighs of exasperation are truly epic. Thank you for the great content.

for a humble man like yourself, take this, we love your effort, commitment, and the fact that you document this stuff. Many thumbs up for you!

I was a MC mech for 35 years with my own shop for most of it and one thing I got used to was that a smooth trouble free job was a bonus not a standard. Once I even had a crankcase combustion on a 4cyl bike engine; oil all over me, the whole shop and hours of wasted time and new oil. It was a bonus nay a miracle that the crankcase did NOT break (the oil filter lid blew off like a hand grenade) and the customer (who was present) did not kill me or die of a heart attack. I quickly adopted a saying that kept me surprisingly sane "Nothing is ever so bad that it cant get worse" I am now really enjoying retirement and never showering in warm motor oil ever again.

I could just hear myself talking to the parts(as I often do)while watching the video, “oh, you’re coming out of there all right, one way or another!!!”😅 Also, don’t turn away your good customer’s plow trucks, just tell them it’s by the hour, no more hard quoting, and let them be the one to decide.

@dfross87

Жыл бұрын

Don't forget to tell them upfront: plow trucks cost double your normal rate (whatever that is).

Wes, I aspire to one day be as knowledgeable, as patient, and as kind as you are. It may seem tough at times, but the reality is what you're doing every day is a dream of mine. You've taught me so much, I guess a lot of that comes from the way you go about showing things. I appreciate you Wes.

I was a shop owner and I made it perfectly clear when a rust bucket came in that I would not be responsible for rusted part removal that needed to be taken out to do repairs, Just like You I had a ton of Crap break and I would eat the cost, But that changed real fast because I started to factor in the unknown and if I did get it done without parts breaking they didn't get charged for it! Protect Your Self Wes and take care Bud!

@jonka1

Жыл бұрын

Wes take this man's advice. Along with the rust comes other work.

@torchit007

Жыл бұрын

Like too...test OK problem reported by problem corrected...hand writtened ...keep me out of bullshit...they sign...

@woopimagpie

Жыл бұрын

In Australia we have compulsory yearly safety inspections for cars, I sometimes curse them when our cars are due, but the other edge of that sword is that the cars driving around on our roads are all safe and sturdy, there are no really terrible rust-buckets. The exceptions are the farm and big property vehicles of course, but as most of rural Australia is hot and dry and we never put salt on the roads ever those vehicles are mostly fine as well. In fact it's well known that if you're after an older vehicle still in good condition the best place to find them is in the country because they won't have any rust ( no salted roads and hundreds of miles from the coast). When I see some of the vehicles Wes works on over there in America I nearly fall off my chair at how rusty and dodgy they are. Those vehicles would NEVER pass inspection in Australia, they'd be sent straight to the scrapyard. It's unbelievable to me the road authorities in the US allow those deathtraps on the roads. The other advantage of keeping vehicles safety inspected and roadworthy is that they are generally easier to work on because there's no really rusted on junk, most of the cars are at least in passable condition. There is still a little bit of dodgy stuff of course, and a few questionable mechanics, but generally it's nowhere near as bad.

@AlanBurnham

Жыл бұрын

@@woopimagpie in the northeast US, most states do require annual safety inspections. We also have to look towards warmer drier areas of the country where salt hasn't destroyed everything over 8 years old if we want an older vehicle that isn't rotted out or well on its way to being rotted out.

@prosen426

Жыл бұрын

@@woopimagpie Annual safety inspections are only required in NSW and under some circumstances in the ACT.

'Tis life and within the next 10 years a lot of music icons and legends will be leaving us. Best outro ever . . . "Keep your stick on the ice"

I grew up in the late 60s and early 70s when CSNY were in their prime. Wes, It’s nice to see that your generation still appreciate great music. Love your channel.

@Watchyn_Yarwood

Жыл бұрын

👍👍

Hey Wes..I'm not a mechanic, not even an armchair mechanic. I just really enjoy watching your videos. You have helped my plight in one way however. I also live in the country, and have, like you, many cheese eating friends. They had decided the leads to the coils in my car were quite tasty and ate through them. After seeing all your videos on problem solving, wiring in particular, I felt comfortable enough to take on the task of repairing the leads. All is good under the hood now! Thanks for helping out!

@woopimagpie

Жыл бұрын

Get yourself a pet python - your cheese eating friends will soon be lunch and your wiring will thank you. 🙂 I'm in Australia, we used to have a bit of a mouse problem but I joined the local WIRES branch (Wildlife Information & Rescue Service) and released a couple of native pythons into the rainforest at the back of our property and hey presto! No more mice. Funny thing is, we almost never see the pythons - maybe once a year we might see one sunning itself out the back but its rare, but we've had no mice for over a decade now.

@fluidgroover

Жыл бұрын

@@woopimagpie Great suggestion! Over here on the west coast of Canada, pythons aren't as abundant as down under. I do have a pretty darn good mouser cat though! She is on point!

@CrimeVid

Жыл бұрын

@@fluidgroover polecats, martens,stoats and weasels like the taste of rats, mice and squirrels, if you can keep them around, I’d try keeping a couple of pet ferrets in cages in the garage, most rodents give them a very wide berth.

@skingk2632

Жыл бұрын

@@fluidgroover A little cat did it for mice in my cabin. I'd a "squeek!" then a "crunch!" in a couple days, no more mouse droppings or chewed clothes.

Great video, I love how you show the "warts and all" angle of what you do. As a small business owner, I hear you on the difficulty in saying "no" to work, but sounds like you've been doing this long enough to make the best call.

"Judy Blue Eyes"....my favorite. Nature of the business.....there are repairs that are just major headaches. And it's your prerogative to accept or decline. I do enjoy all those long, heavy "sighs"..... they just crack me up! 'Cause you know it's not going well.😂😂

You are right, not only about a business losing money, it's hard to see something you can fix but to know the time and money invested is not worth it... We're here with you in this, loving every minute of your video. Thanks!

Thanks for another excellent video. I empathise with your dilemma. Took me years to realise that being a doormat for all and sundry was not good in business of any walk of life. People do not respect you for tackling jobs that are stupid in your professional mind. All too often they just think you are a sucker. I learned only to do such work for real friends; the rest paid up or were told no. Retired now and looking back, saying no was the best decision ever, even in cash strapped times. Cannot get my head around the rusty junk that limps into your shop. Still USA is different to UK where such vehicles would be long crushed. Best wishes from UK.

I had my own business, the hardest thing to say was NO, took me years to be able to say that. But I learned that there were times that you need to say no. You do an excellent job of troubleshooting and repairing these electronically managed and moronically designed vehicles. I am old and these new vehicles definitely not my cup of tea. Keep up the good work.

Wes you’re one rare mechanic that will fix anything and be honest but that doesn’t pay bills as always you and your families be safe 🇺🇸🇺🇸

Wes, 55yrs as a mechanic taught me good work is worth the cost. My ankles, knees, lower back, Rt shoulder and now Left hand are making my fixes real hard but my backup guy got brain cancer & I won't trust the dealer. I'd pay if I could find competent help. A business has to make money. If you weren't clear over past Chicago I'd be there. You must charge what you need. Let the customers decide if they want the repair. GOOD WORK IS WORTH IT!

Wes, you are hands down one of the best mechanics i have ever seen. You do what you have to to keep your sanity!

Rusty and Farming are definitely the hardest 😫 😩. Appreciate your pain Wes, lighting and heating a shop isn't cheap. Great job and tribute 👏. Thanks for sharing.

I'm just like you, certain jobs you shout every cuss word in the book at it, you swear you will never do another one. Then the next one shows up and the customer talks you into fixing it just because you can't say no. You do awesome work Wes. Thank you for the great videos.

My Father always told me "if you ain't making mistakes you ain't trying hard enough...just don't make to many"... Your content rocks!!!!

Well Wes... except for a few turns of fate you could have easily been an Engineer designing electro-mechanical do dads. Sitting in a warm office, and not covered in grease and bruises. And probably making twice as much. But then you wouldn't have had us for an audience! 😁 Thanks for the videos! 👍👍

@WatchWesWork

Жыл бұрын

I was...

@danf4616

Жыл бұрын

@@WatchWesWork I wondered about that... Your understanding and electronic troubleshooting skills seem way beyond the average mechanic (Electrical Engineer myself) But still, we are glad you are You Tubing with us! 😎😎

@LeObsidianCraft

Жыл бұрын

@@WatchWesWork I've found in my limited time, that working in an environment you can have fun in and enjoy is better than getting paid twice as much. I have gotten lucky where I work now, EE/CE major and I get to work on dirty Diesel engines setting up test equipment 😁

@LisaMedeiros-tr2lz

Жыл бұрын

@@WatchWesWork Well now that you have said that, it all makes sense. I was amazed at your electrical proficiency (i.e., welder repairs) and thought to myself, Wes must have had some really awesome technical training instructors for him to be so proficient in electrical circuit and component theory and operation. I thought that knowledge level to be extraordinary for most in the automotive technical fields (and others). I too am an EE who enjoys working on mechanical assemblies (my own, not for a living) and why I like watching you turn wrenches. It is funny that you often remark how the electrical problems you encounter, especially when following others who really butchered, are the worst. I too hate working on the electrical issues. I know I have heard the click of torque wrenches more than most MEs I work with. Like I said, it all makes sense now.

@tekvax01

Жыл бұрын

@@WatchWesWork I love it when Wes says, "Time to pull out the oscilloscope!" Those are always the best content! Keep on being you, Wes!

Nice tribute to Dave Crosby, Wes. Damn fine group in its day.

Don't feel bad about turning people away. I got into fixing cars in 1987 because none of the service stations would work on my first one, an inherited 77 VW Rabbit. It's been a great hobby, it taught me a lot of patience and it saves me money. I'm thankful 🙏

Had a 95 e350 work van and the water pump went . Broke a whole bunch of bolts trying to get them out . After I got it fixed I got rid of that thing . Rusted old junk sucks working on . I remember standing in the engine bay, obviously with the radiator and fan and shroud out busting up my knuckles . Your videos give the little guy hope in life . Thank you

That outro was particularly apt and heartfelt...I appreciated it. Hard to believe this, but now that I know your musical taste I like the channel even more. RIP DC.

I’m sure David Crosby would have taken better care of his body if he knew he was gonna live this long. He was perty hard on himself most of his life. I’m 70 years old and I still listen to csny music every chance I get.

Was fixing my DIL’s car a couple days back. She asked if there was anything she could do to help. I told her to be a mechanic required professional level cursing and I assured her she was not qualified! I feel your pain!

this is why some shops don't work on older stuff. I find my clients with 80's-90's vehicles are just happy to find someone to fix them.

I must say I really admire your honesty in admitting you broke something and making it right, I know it's frustrating but you're a good guy and your payout will come eventually.

Thank you Wes for yet another great episode! You spoke of a great song that you could not share due to copyright infringement. I thought of another song that I cannot share due to copyright infringement, but it has a lot to do with your choice of working on old, rusty, crusty plow trucks. It goes something like "You got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away, know when to run". I know that whatever you choose to do it will be in your best interest for your future.

Nothing can break Wes. He can do 11 overhauls on 10 blocks with 9 kits on 8 engine stands, all in a single afternoon.

Before you go thinking that you are going to lose money, keep in mind what the owner gets to plow. They don't do it for nothing Wes. Hang In There Buddy!

Wes just remember “ experience is what you get when you thought you were getting something else! “ I’ve said it for years. You do good work!

Max looks like he needs a friend

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep doing plow trucks!!! They are the best. I mean for us in the non road salt areas it is amazing to see what salt can do!

That dog has the best pissed off look lol 😁😁👍👍

Crosby Stills and Nash was my first concert-outdoor venue and I was standing with hands on the stage: “Summer Breeze” was my favorite song they played and perhaps this was due to the amazing summer breeze that was about that evening. What a great moment and memory. These old, rusty trucks are a maintenance nightmare and it’s probably time to let a younger, hungrier mechanic take that business-solid reasoning Wes. It looks to me like Max is not a true fan of winter either, but old Phil, whose 40% accurate, says we’re in for six more weeks-bah! ❤️🔧

Folks are lucky to have someone like you to tackle those wrecks. Around here after about 20 years a garage won't tackle them. Smart decision to pick your battles. People will let you lose money on work all day long.

Quit beating yourself up! The vehicle came in with no power steering nor brakes and left with both working? Seems like a win for you and your customer sir. Keep up the great videos, truly enjoy each and everyone of them. Thank you

I was legit cracking up at the sighing! Anyone who has worked on cars long enough knows that sound. 😂

Bless your heart Wes. There's not a channel out there more enjoyable to watch while actually learning something. I'm sure you know that your talents are appreciated, but regardless of outcomes, they are. Very best to you and your family.

Despite it being one of those days you still brought us a great video. Keep up the good work Wes.

Yes! Sad to say goodbye to our musical icons. My man was a bandmate of his! At least we have the benefit of their musical legacy to enjoy.

I have a good friend who has a motorcycle shop. During the pandemic, the first couple years, apparently people had more money than time. My friend has a hard time saying "no" also. He eventually got his fill of "fixing" old junk bikes that had sat for years. Every one became a rabbit hole, especially given the simultaneous difficulty getting parts that occurred at the same time. Most of these bikes had sat for years, some even showed up with boxes of "parts" and the assurance by the customer that, "everything should be there". He has since developed the necessary ability to not only say, "no", but, "f...k no".

Wes you are a mechanical hero. Thanks for keeping this crazy variety of machinery running, the snow off the roads and those of us who can't hold a candle to you skills thoroughly fascinated and entertained.

8:00 those power ratchets are a godsend - when most of the time you only have enough swing to do 0, 1 or maybe 2 ratchet teeth at a time! Wes the unbreakable!

Watching you work down in those tight quarters makes me glad I'm not a mechanic any more. Regarding the pump- don't turn the work away, just quote for all new parts for anything connected to the pump, and tell the customer labor on vehicles like this is just straight time because stuff falls apart.

When you face a disgustingly rusty, ignored plow truck, just tell the owner that your time is valuable to YOU and it should be to him, but you aren't surviving losing money on an adventure finding $hit more wrong than what you want done. So, if you want me to fix it - I'M GONNA FI XT - I"M GONNA FIX ALL I FIND AND YOU'RE GONNA GET TO PAY FOR IT. That will draw a line in the sand - hopefully. Wes, you are a good mechanic. Probably one of the few on here that I can easily say in the top 5. Another is Eric on South Main Auto. Mike is good too. You guys have skills that are intense - particularly in today's world of electronic junk. I'm very old school and I like it that way. I stopped when I started putting HEI's on my 70 through 80 GM Trucks, and installed Ford Starting Solenoids on all my Chevrolets and shorted the bendixes to the windings pole on starters. Got tired of wiring burning up because GM couldn't stop it through engineering, which they did in the late 80's. Dummies ran ignition, starter, and alternator to the starter - what stupidity. I have friends who want me to work on their stuff and the first question I ask is, do you have a schematic. Waiting for one right now, and will likely spend half a day troubleshooting a short in his wiring - all dash lights come on and don't go off when he starts it. Have a theory that a relay is not latching. I say charge 'em for the real hours you put into something old and rickety - and tell 'em up front to expect that. If they don't want to pay it, fine. I would think you have enough credibility and word of mouth out there, that your business will survive. Keep your head up Brother. And, keep the video's coming! They are fascinating, entertaining, thoroughly enjoyable, witty and of course, there's Max.

I appreciate the video, Wes. I don’t like that the job lost and was a pain. We have crusty old plow trucks in Michigan too, no fun. I’m glad I’m not the only one that calls himself names when he forgets something. Thanks a Bunch. RIP David Crosby.

@garys9694

Жыл бұрын

I call myself ass hole, not dingbat

Wooden Ships. Seen CSN in concert back in the day and seen Neil Young in Vegas maybe 25, 30 years ago. Great music, so glad I was alive to hear these great bands live.

OMG, Yes, Teach Your Children is the top of my list for CSNY. Also, along those lines, you need an "assistant" that you can yell, "behind the belt, you ding bat," ... Keep those fingers cozy while some kid learns the ropes under the watchful eye of Sensei Wes.

Wes, don't take it so hard, keep on them. By next winter, you will have brought nearly every past-death plow truck in the county back to a near-death condition. In a few years these same trucks will only be mostly-dead.

Love your crusty plow truck adventures. :)

Wes… what a hero… been self employed for a couple of years and am learning how to cope with the (inevitable) downs that go with the job from the best

Sitting on the couch isn't near as much fun as fixing something. Sometimes you have to pay to have fun. That's why I play in the shop at the California State Railroad Museum shop. Retired 9 years now and never a dull day on the railroad.

Long Time Gone: Crosby, Stills and Nash is probably my favorite song.. RIP David Crosby

It's tough having ethics when working on projects like this one. You genuinely want to do the job right, and you always do. They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, i think the road to burn out is too.

I love how you transmit your frustrations yet still tackle the job. Your made all the right choices in this repair and yes... done with the plow stuff.

Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Without question the quintessential CSN composition. The one and only acoustic guitar a capella vocals band. They broke the mold. RIP David Crosby. You had a full life to say the least.

*3 Weeks from now* "So today we are working on a 3v Triton f-150 plow truck, all 8 spark plugs are broken off, and it hasn't been washed since 2008."

Yes we lost David Crosby and it was a sad day for me too. I was at my cardiac rehab at the hospital when I heard the news. My heart is healing well but was broken that day. May his music live on forever.

No, Wes, you are entirely correct to turn away jobs like this. I have had to do it as well, and anybody who truly understands what it takes to do the work well will also understand. You made the best of it by taking us all along and teaching us, and for that I am grateful, Thank You!

@baileyhatfield4273

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Had a truck come in...was it to rotate 4 tires? Change out one of the tires for some other horrible tire. Some late mid 90s dodge dakota. Thing was ROTTEN, barely ran enough to drive in. Sketchy to put even 3 feet up on the lift. Just rotate, ok sure. customer was in the shop (not fond, against policy), uh whats that dripping? I go and look...a brake line was rotten off... and this was dripping that was leaking, a whole trail of leaks. I got all the tires off, then they just said fk it, put the tires back on...me already having 4 off. Slammed it back together and he went on his merry way, lives...very close. Basically told, its not worth anything, it won't be.

Perhaps a nice late-model brake job Wes. You need a break. I said this on another channel but it's nice to see the guys who do this professionally have the same problems we shade tree guys have. Parts not being in, ridiculously seized bolts, and jobs ending after ordering a ton more parts than anticipated. I appreciate you being so human. I hope the video revenue makes up for the lost income on the repair.

"Just A Song Before I Go" is one of my fav CSN songs.

I totally agree, it is hard to be a one man, small town business, you get to know all these folks and it is hard to say no. I do enjoy watching you work!

Great video Wes, I was a mechanic over 35 years, and Wes you will always get some jobs to bite you in the rear, hang in there young man, thank you from New York city

You just have to transfer those extra costs to the customer. Just keep them ready for it up front. Say: "Look, your truck is old, I can do it for xxxx price, but some things might break along the way and make it a little more expensive, with it being so old, plastic and wires are brittle and it may need a new parts kit or sensor that I'm not thinking of yet. But I'll try my best to keep it to the minimum."---- It's all about expectations. If you keep your price high, and then get lucky and don't break any of the problem areas-- and can give them a little discount, they will be super happy customers. You just have to break the habit of low bidding everything and hoping for the best; that always bites you later, and then when you tell the customer they aren't happy becuase you gave them the wrong expectation. I built custom houses and metal buildings for over a decade and I had to learn to do this also; but it works.... Like you said, you don't want to do those jobs anymore anyway: So next time, just give them a high bid, so that it's worth your time. You can always cut them a deal at the end if it goes well. But it's hard to add on more cost once it goes badly-- so just do it up front. It's one of the best lessons I learned with keeping the customer happy. It's all about expectations. You may lose a few jobs that way, but you didn't want to do those jobs anymore anyway- right.

Wes, you are nearing the point I reached. I started turning away the crap that should be scrapped. I look at the jobs and if it looks like a nightmare with me inventing new words I just say no.

Its the brutal honesty that i subscribed for. It always pays off in the end. Thanks for staying off the couch and showing the painful reality of your business.

Also a self employed small restoration shop owner….. cant say how many times I’ve said to myself,,,”should have stayed in bed today, would have been cheaper” your comment there made me laugh. Sometimes ya cant win for losing.

Best csn song Helolessly Hoping. I know every generation says this but we will never see the likes of Crosby or others we have lost in the last few years. The world we live in today is too different life experience is too different to see another generation of iconic entertainers like them. RIP brother. Oh and condolences on the plow truck too Wes

I was lucky enough to see CSN in 2004 in Portland, Maine. It was only them, no opening act. It was also sponsored by Miller Lite, which concerned me at first. But, it allowed them to keep ticket prices way down. I think the tickets were like, $35 or so. They came out and played their asses off for nearly 3 hours!

yeah Sunday morning Wes. Wes I really look forward to your videos. thanks

You will continue to fix the Junk, as you always do. Another truck saved. Way to go Wes. If you can not fix, it should not be on the road.

Honesty always pays off in the end and is a good code to live by. I wish we had more like you. Teach your children well.

Spring is coming and with that we go for another lap around the sun. You're still a young man Wes. That saying that time flies is so true. Cherish every day Wes...even the bad ones because before you know you'll be an old man. I really enjoy your videos and the laid back style you have. Chin up.....Carry on.

@munroboice1542

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yes, time flies like the wind, but fruit flies like bananas!

@stevetaylor9770

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@@munroboice1542 Gooder

Wes, when I worked outside in the weather I used to wear a neck gaiter. It really helped me to stay warm. They are only $12 to $14.

I fully agree with the position of 'Time and Materials' including trips to get parts etc. You are NOT a charity. Keep up the Great Work - I know I couldn't or wouldn't do it myself.

I detest plow trucks, but they are still better than a garbage truck! 😄

@WatchWesWork

Жыл бұрын

That is true!

Wes, maybe you should get an infrared heater to keep you warm while working.. Also, I was listening to CSN&Y in the 60's and 70's. Buffalo Springfield too.