Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Sutton
This is so accurate it's not even funny. Well ... it's a little funny. 
When we did Greg's 65 Mustang Track Car "Make over" ... Greg (the customer) made it easy on us (the builders). I had a very comprehensive plan & cost estimates. Greg said, "Do it right, the way you think it needs to be done ... and here's the money." So we were able to basically rebuild everything in the entire powertain, suspension, wheels & brakes in 8 weeks. (The body, interior & cage stayed the same) |
I should have said FOUR "experiences"! I didn't think about the Mustang as a normal project -- but frankly -- it was no different than any other project except that it didn't entail body and paint work.
This was another -- "just happened" project. I asked Ron to take a long look at the car and to assess what improvements it could use. That lead to a complete re-do, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. And yes -- there were additional work items - but once again - who would expect to NOT have additional work once you get in there and see what's what?!?!?! Only somebody that's a complete dumbass would think he's only going to do exactly what was discussed and it was going to cost exactly what was talked about. Complete BS! These are cars... they have issues. We don't know what the issues are until people rip into them.
Now - in fairness to Ron... The discussion was also along the lines of WHAT IS OF VALUE based on the cars use -- and my expectations. HE gave me reasons and options all based on what I described to him as my expectations. There was no budget discussion until we first had the expectations/use conversation. Then he came up with a plan and quoted a cost. From there we moved forward. Was it done on the cheap? NO! Was it done right, and fair, and exceeds expectations? YES!
A QUALITY shop won't do "on the cheap" builds... they'll simply come up with an excuse to NOT work on your car. I remember asking Roy Brizio if he'd build me a chassis for my '37 Ford... and he said "sure we can! But you won't want to pay me what it's going to cost. There are too many businesses that will build you a chassis for 10 grand -- and I'm going to have to charge you time and material and that's going to cost you way more than it's worth... but if you want me to I will?" That's the kind of shop I want to do business with.
If Ron wanted me to put rockets on the car - I would have done that.... but he knew what the intended purpose was - and the goal... and then only did the amount of stuff that was required to get it to that point. He could have doubled the amount of work and parts -- but his business sense says - no - that would be "cool" but wouldn't be worth the cost. That's a person that gets my recommendation and repeat business.