| Jerry Cohen |
05-29-2009 08:26 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by ah-kay
(Post 2208275)
I just came back from a 1200 miles trip to North California on Memorial W/E and I do not expect so much toxic stuffs on this respectable forum.
I was driving one of my luxury 300SDL for the trip. Before the trip, I top up the p/s with 99 cents p/s fluid. Change the oil and filter with 99 cents engine oil. Running on converted R134a A/C along the way. I did 1200 miles on WVO without a hitch and at $0. My engine, p/s and A/C were fine and I returned home in good shape and relaxed. I stayed in Marriot Hotel and ate out every meal with the money I saved. I have done 20K hassle-free WVO miles on this 300SDL since I had it 1 1/2 year ago, with converted A/C running of course.
I do not sweat at small things now. You can deride me on using cheap stuffs or not knowing anything about A/C. The fact of the matter is that I have converted at least 4 cars to R134a successfully for less than $50 and they are cold. I used R12 before when I changed out the compressor on a Lexus LS400 and the evap on a Chrysler minivan. I use R134a nowadays as they are readily available. I use Harbor Freight vacuum gauge to do my measurements and it serves me well. I would not spend my hard earned $$ on frivolous stuffs, definitely not on auto stuffs. The profit margin on auto accessories are at least 300% if not more on most accessories. I know for a fact that price does not equate to quality in most consumables.
Last by not least, may be I do not understand the members around this forum. They always ask questions like 'My AC is blowing hot air, what can I do?', 'How much oil should be put in the compressor?', 'Can I adjust the pressure switch?' etc. The way I read it is that they want to fix it themself and fix it at minimal costs. If they can afford to take it to the professional then why would anyone post such questions in this forum. I do not know everything but I offered some of my experience and they were my GOOD experience.
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300% or more profit margin on most auto parts? That's a laugh. Perhaps you are confused with a adult bookstore or head shop, as California has no shortage of those.
I used to own an independent import autoparts store(anyone remember Lazorlite or Bap/Geon :D), and I can tell you that the profit margin was closer to 40% on average for retail. Wholsale was less due to more favorable pricing and discount for payin accounts in full every month, not to mention the costs of delivery. Anyways....
The guys that drive the Matco/Snap On/Mac tooltruck will also laugh at your comment, if you meant tools instead of parts. Since you spoke of tools and consumable shop supplies in the same post, it's hard to know exactly what you meant.
Do whatever you want to your own cars, but please stop dipensing advice here as if you are some kind of guru. Some people might get hurt or spend way more than they should because they took your "green engineer" qualifications to be legitimate.
Some of us have forgotten more about the nuances of the auto repair industry than you will ever learn from the internet or interdicknamics. |
