ZoboHerald@aol.com wrote:
>
> In a message dated 1/16/2003 7:34:54 AM Eastern Standard Time, Paul Burr
><tigerpb@ids.net> writes:
>
> >Is it just me, or are shops that do this type of work evaporating off
> >the face of the earth?
> >There used to be dozens of radiator shops, alt/gen/starter rebuilders,
> >automotive machine shops, etc. in my area.
> >Every year, a few more close up. The end result of the use it and toss
> >modern car?
>
> I think so, Paul, along with those mechanics who could actually diagnose a
>problem and fix it rather than continue to swap in new parts until the problem
>seemed to diminish sufficiently. Sadly, more and more shops seem to be "parts
>counter sales enhancement areas" rather than "service departments"!
>
> --Andy Mace
Further, on the situation with radiators, most of toady's units cannot
be repaired. They are made from molded plastic tanks and alunimun
tubes/fins. THis reduces weight but makes them throw-away. Thus all a
radiator shop would do is install a new one.
With electrical components like starters and generators/alternators,
there are such good deals from auto parts stores on rebuilt units that
small shops cannot compete. These rebuilt units come from very large
companies that supply their units to a variety of resellers. It is sort
of like the big warehouse stores edging out all the mom and pop
businesses. Sad, but true.
Joe
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