Corvette Certified Mechanics?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 682
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From: Miami Florida
Corvette Certified Mechanics?
Are mechanics who work on Corvettes at Chevrolet dealers specially certified? Does GM require dealers to limit Corvette work to specially trained mechanics or will they use any mechanic they want?
I want to have a GM Accessory windscreen installed in my convertible and from what I've read here it's a little tricky. It involves an electrical connection and cutting the carpet. I don't want to pay someone to learn how to do it on my car and watch them mess it up, I want someone who's going to do it right.
I have two dealers near me. One is clean and modern and never has more than one Corvette in stock, so I'm afraid their mechanics might be inexperienced. The other is really pretty dumpy but always has a dozen or more Corvettes on display, so I'm guessing they do a lot of Corvette maintenance. I know that whichever one I ask will tell me that they have great mechanics.
I want to have a GM Accessory windscreen installed in my convertible and from what I've read here it's a little tricky. It involves an electrical connection and cutting the carpet. I don't want to pay someone to learn how to do it on my car and watch them mess it up, I want someone who's going to do it right.
I have two dealers near me. One is clean and modern and never has more than one Corvette in stock, so I'm afraid their mechanics might be inexperienced. The other is really pretty dumpy but always has a dozen or more Corvettes on display, so I'm guessing they do a lot of Corvette maintenance. I know that whichever one I ask will tell me that they have great mechanics.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 2
From: Hope, Arkansas - '07 LMB Coupe
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
That sounds like a book that shouldn't be judged by it's cover. The constant flow of Corvettes at the dumpy dealer may be the better choice. It only takes money to buy a new building, experience has to be practiced.
The certified mechanics may depend on the work being done. If you're getting a valve job or a crank replaced, I would hope the certified techs would only be allowed to do the job, but if you're getting the oil changed or tail light bulb replaced, then maybe not.
The certified mechanics may depend on the work being done. If you're getting a valve job or a crank replaced, I would hope the certified techs would only be allowed to do the job, but if you're getting the oil changed or tail light bulb replaced, then maybe not.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
Certified Vette mechanic
I'm new to the Vette game (1 month) but here's my free advice...
Speak with the lead service guy at both dealerships and share your concerns about using only certified Vette mechanics and your desire to watch them do the work. See what they say.
More importantly, hook up with your local Vette club and ask several members for their advice. My guess is that if they're a vette club member, they have horror stories and success stories and will provide you with their 'lessons learned' experiences and steer you in the right direction. My guess is that most vette owners will give you the same advice that they would want to have if in your place. Other than that, good luck.
Remember, when getting advice, take if from a consultant like me - you get what you pay for. (smile)
type to you later....
Speak with the lead service guy at both dealerships and share your concerns about using only certified Vette mechanics and your desire to watch them do the work. See what they say.
More importantly, hook up with your local Vette club and ask several members for their advice. My guess is that if they're a vette club member, they have horror stories and success stories and will provide you with their 'lessons learned' experiences and steer you in the right direction. My guess is that most vette owners will give you the same advice that they would want to have if in your place. Other than that, good luck.
Remember, when getting advice, take if from a consultant like me - you get what you pay for. (smile)
type to you later....
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 193
From: By The Hook NJ
IMHO I don't think a dealer is going to put one of his better mechanics to work installing a wind screen. It's probably going to be one of the "new" guys.
Personally, I would read the instructions and DIY. Not knowing what your wrench skills are, I can't make this call.
Someone else had good advice. Get in touch with a local Corvette club. You'll get some great help & advice.
Personally, I would read the instructions and DIY. Not knowing what your wrench skills are, I can't make this call.
Someone else had good advice. Get in touch with a local Corvette club. You'll get some great help & advice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
I envy folks who have the ability to do these types of things themselves. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them.
My recommendation is to establish a rapport with the lead service rep while bringing your car in for something simple like an oil change (no flames please). Let them ooohh and aaahhh over your beautiful Vette...like all guys do and just ask him if he has a particular tech that is his Vette specialist. If he says yes ask to meet him and establish a rapport with him. Then request him every time you come in. If he does good...tip him for his good work (no flames please). Yeah he's gonna be shocked when you walk back to his service bay and slip him a 10 or 20, but he's gonna remember you and more importantly your car. And the best part about this relationship is that if he can't do something...he's gonna tell you rather than mess it up trying.
Good Luck
My recommendation is to establish a rapport with the lead service rep while bringing your car in for something simple like an oil change (no flames please). Let them ooohh and aaahhh over your beautiful Vette...like all guys do and just ask him if he has a particular tech that is his Vette specialist. If he says yes ask to meet him and establish a rapport with him. Then request him every time you come in. If he does good...tip him for his good work (no flames please). Yeah he's gonna be shocked when you walk back to his service bay and slip him a 10 or 20, but he's gonna remember you and more importantly your car. And the best part about this relationship is that if he can't do something...he's gonna tell you rather than mess it up trying.
Good Luck
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Pensacola Beach Florida
When I called the local dealer here and ask if they had a vette tech they started to laugh...consequently I do all my own work if at all possible. To me, with an emphasis on "ME" working on the car is part of the satisfaction of owning it, I consider it therapeutic.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,405
Likes: 17
From: Danville IL
From what my son in law tells me, every dealer that sells Corvettes must have at least one Vet Certified tech on the staff. But the service mgr. assigns the work. Also, body shops must have a certified tech also.....and if they don't, the work is sent to a shop that has one.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,516
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From: Virginia Bch VA
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
GM Certifies their Mechanics but not for a specific car. They train for several weeks to obtain certification and attend classes several times a year to maintain certification. Each Mech has a level eg Level A or B etc. Service Depts usually direct most Vette work to a particular wrench who has Vette experience. 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,717
From: Springfield MO
The dealer might have one or more techs who normally work on Corvettes but if they're busy on another job, might be a SUV, truck or Cobalt, they will have the next available tech work on the Vette. He might be seasoned or maybe just went to work there last week. Most dealers could care less about you and your car. They are going to do whatever makes them the most money. Up front, the service advisor may pander to you, but when your car goes back in the shop, it's just another car to them.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 682
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
I think I'm going the Ozone route. Thanks Ozone.
This morning I went to the dealer that sells a lot of Corvettes and I left without any confidence in their shop. Language barrier, as usual in Miami, and just a generally wierd attitude. I'm going to go to the other one and ask the same question. When I asked the service writer about the windscreen and if his guys had experience installing them, he told me they did and then told me the car had to be raised so they could drill from underneath to install it! Ain't no way amigo.
It's a DIY type job, but several people have said it was confusing and that the first step in the instructions says to consult a shop manual for more installation details. It's probably not impossible to do, but since it includes an electrical switch (which I think keeps the roof from going up when the windscreen is in place), and because it's warranted if it's installed at a dealer, I'll go to a dealer.
This morning I went to the dealer that sells a lot of Corvettes and I left without any confidence in their shop. Language barrier, as usual in Miami, and just a generally wierd attitude. I'm going to go to the other one and ask the same question. When I asked the service writer about the windscreen and if his guys had experience installing them, he told me they did and then told me the car had to be raised so they could drill from underneath to install it! Ain't no way amigo.
It's a DIY type job, but several people have said it was confusing and that the first step in the instructions says to consult a shop manual for more installation details. It's probably not impossible to do, but since it includes an electrical switch (which I think keeps the roof from going up when the windscreen is in place), and because it's warranted if it's installed at a dealer, I'll go to a dealer.
