How Would YOU Handle This?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 933
From: Indiana
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
My counsel, be polite in your response. Those same people "could" be the ones that watch out for anyone looking to steal your Vette, unless they are mad at you.
Ol Blue
Ol Blue
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 400
Likes: 1
From: California
Originally Posted by Pauld
Politeness costs nothing. 
im sooo mean. i hate when people come around asking and taking from me, but what happens when i ask them for something? i get 'oohhh, well i have something i have to do, ill call ya back, thanks for letting me borrow your tools though, i appreciate it' im way too nice to people and i get sick of people who ask and take but dont give, and i agree with those who dont lend tools to people they barely even know because those are the ones who never return or give you the common decentcy *sp* of a 'reach around'. i dont mean to sound cold but i have had a bad run in with people. althought i do them give a nice response, i never let them touch my stuff.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,135
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by markdtn
You might consider fixing a few. I do a healthy word-of-mouth side business fixing mostly small things. People are glad to pay $50 to have a set of brake pads put on.
If I put a used engine in I can charge $400+ and keep the old one. Amazing what people will buy from Ebay.
I never loan tools. You have to be firm, but polite.
If I put a used engine in I can charge $400+ and keep the old one. Amazing what people will buy from Ebay.
I never loan tools. You have to be firm, but polite.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
From: Grants Pass Oregon
Honesty
Originally Posted by EVIL_GRIM
Yes, it does cost something. My Energy. And Time. LOL im sooo mean. i hate when people come around asking and taking from me, but what happens when i ask them for something? i get 'oohhh, well i have something i have to do, ill call ya back, thanks for letting me borrow your tools though, i appreciate it' im way too nice to people and i get sick of people who ask and take but dont give, and i agree with those who dont lend tools to people they barely even know because those are the ones who never return or give you the common decentcy *sp* of a 'reach around'. i dont mean to sound cold but i have had a bad run in with people. althought i do them give a nice response, i never let them touch my stuff.
im sooo mean. i hate when people come around asking and taking from me, but what happens when i ask them for something? i get 'oohhh, well i have something i have to do, ill call ya back, thanks for letting me borrow your tools though, i appreciate it' im way too nice to people and i get sick of people who ask and take but dont give, and i agree with those who dont lend tools to people they barely even know because those are the ones who never return or give you the common decentcy *sp* of a 'reach around'. i dont mean to sound cold but i have had a bad run in with people. althought i do them give a nice response, i never let them touch my stuff.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Summerville SC
When people find out I can custom paint. I have people always asking me if I can paint their cars or trucks. I always say yes, after I paint my Vette I'll be free to paint anyone else's car. When they ask "How Much?" I tell them price's starts at $1,500 on up! They always say "you don't understand I just want a reg. same color paint job. I say "Oh, how about $600 and I'll take it to Maaco! 
Last edited by INTIMIDATOR ZO6; Mar 24, 2005 at 12:51 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 1
From: Ft. Walton Beach, Fl USA
I guess the consensus is to be polite. I probably gave the impression that I'm always rude but I'm not. I do usually tell them I don't work on other's cars and suggest a rental place up the street to get tools. But every now and then when I'm having a problem fitting a part, getting a bolt loose, trying to figure out a problem, it's hot and humid, the flies are biting, the skeeters are swarming, I'm just not in the mood to listen to it.
There are people that just pull in to the driveway to say hi and talk about the cars, their projects, etc. I always take a break to talk to them but the "others" get me goin' sometimes.
There are people that just pull in to the driveway to say hi and talk about the cars, their projects, etc. I always take a break to talk to them but the "others" get me goin' sometimes.
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Verdad Gallardo
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Newington CT
Tell them you'll do it if you can have their wife/daughter for a night! I bet that will wipe the smirk off their face!!
Just kidding...I say punch them in the head.
Kidding again. I get the same thing sometimes. I do computer stuff for a living. I'll gladly help people I know, and make up some stupid sh*t to get rid of people I don't.
-Corky
Just kidding...I say punch them in the head.
Kidding again. I get the same thing sometimes. I do computer stuff for a living. I'll gladly help people I know, and make up some stupid sh*t to get rid of people I don't.
-Corky
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
Politely let them know you are not comfortable diagnosing other people's car problems and that Autozone rents tools. I won't lend a tool to someone I don't know. On the other hand, I'll help anyone I know and trust.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,193
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
I only lend tools to people I know, and to be honest, I don't even feel completely comfortable with that. Some people have no problem breaking a borrowed tool and then apologizing for it, with no monitary conpensation. It's quite rude.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,366
Likes: 7
From: Las Vegas NV
Nope...tell 'em to go to Hell. You need to post a bunch of those "Beware of Owner" signs (you know, the one's with the picture of a gun) around your yard. Oh yeah, a few pitbulls would help, too. Seriously, I wouldn't waste my time with these people. I would blow them off and tell them that you're busy and can't talk.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
I've got a 69 vette & a 87 Jimmy 1500 lifted 33X12.5's soft top etc daily driver. I never cared for the Jimmy name on the side fender, so I took them off and replaced them with 69 stingray emblems. People ask if it is an special edition.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,446
Likes: 2
From: Not Correctly Restored Stingray Fla.
Originally Posted by flood
Well I dunno about being rude or anything, but I see no reason why you should help them.
Simply tell them that you only work on your own cars and that you don't loan out your tools. Just be nice
You dont want to be known as the ******* with the yellow vette do you?
Simply tell them that you only work on your own cars and that you don't loan out your tools. Just be nice
You dont want to be known as the ******* with the yellow vette do you?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,036
Likes: 2
From: Westfield Indiana
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
I would tell them that I only work on my own cars and cars of family and VERY close friends. I have the same rule for loaning tools.