Do you ask for the old parts back

Depends, if the replaced part is servicable/reconditionable I request to take it with me. With some other replaced parts I do like to look at it in order to understand why it failed. In some instances it is not only possible to recondition parts, but also to improve the design without taking a controller approach. This sometimes then lets you have an improved part on the shelve that you can use, when the original replacement part fails once again.

 

Ferrari of Washington always walks me through their work and shows me the used parts, because we find it interesting, not because I ask or they have to. I just drop in and hang out with the mechanic when he's working on my car.

 

Why would you want to see the parts?

If you could have it rebuilt then I'd ask to have them back.

Otherwise the only reason I could think is that you don't trust your mechanic. If I didn't trust my mechanic, I wouldn't bring my car to him for a $10,000 repair/service! The reason why I trust my mechanic is he works throught he process as above and shows me when the part is bad. With belts I don't care to look at the old because I don't care... it's a wear item and I trust him.

If you're this anxious about owning a Ferrari and having things break (they will).. you really should consider if the "experience" is for you. If you're always terrified of the car breaking, are you going to have fun?

 

Imagine that, applying logic to everyday life???

I can't believe the number of stories I read here of people taking a car to the mechanic, hiring a contractor....whatever and not trusting them?

WTF gives with that?

 

You're correct but the request needs to be made in advance of repairs. I always save parts until the car is gone but only 1 in 20 or so have any interest in seeing any of it.

I'd be ecstatic if everyone wanted to keep all that crap. I could get a smaller dumpster.

 

I don't think it's crazy to ask to see the old parts when you're beginning a new relationship.

I just went through a 3 year later repair cleanup from a garage I was not familiar with at the time but came recommended. I wish I had done this at that time. The car was never really right despite repeated bring backs to them . I wasted a lot of time, some money and now it's great again.

But try not to an obnoxious ass about it during your first service from them and don't do it every time. It's not fun but I have to tell you caveat emptor is not just casual advice.

Also, mechanics have been know to skip steps to get the job out the door and the shop is unaware. Both are very bad signs though.

 

Never been screwed? Congratulations.

 

With an established mechanic, it is not a question of trust. I don't know what the hell I am looking at half the time anyway.

It is an opportunity for me to learn what exactly went wrong this time and what can go wrong again in the future.


Nothing more.

 

I don't think anyone would care if you wanted to see them every time. Law or not it just makes sense to keep the stuff until the car is gone and I can't imagine anyone honest minding a few minutes to show you all the old garbage. My time is really limited and I never mind. Like I said, I'd be just as happy if you wanted it all. Bring bottles and I'll give you the oil too.

 

I'm careful who I hire.

If there is reason to lack trust hire someone else.

 

I've only asked for my parts back twice.

Once was for the original Rosso Corsa panel that was in place on the rear car, when I had it replaced with the black challenge grille. That's kinda obvious.
The second time was when I had my spider top cylinder replaced with a refurb part. Since I know the cylinder assembly can be refurb'd, I kept my "original" one to send to the refurb company, so that I have a spare part. Apparently, these spider top cylinders in "OEM Condition" are pretty difficult to source. They're also very expensive - about 4x the cost of a refurb part - maybe more.

For the other parts (belts, filters, etc). my mechanic is very good about taking photos and emailing them to me. He'll send me pics of the old parts, and will provide them if I want them. But, outside of these two instances, I have never wanted my old parts back - just to see them is good enough, accompanied by an explanation of the procedure.

One time, I had my mechanic replace my cracked Ferrari (yellow) wheel center caps with new ones (OEM). He did the replacement, and gave me the old parts in a plastic bag. He even gave me my old (deteriorated) intake manifold gaskets back in a plastic bag.

 

I haven't had to do any repair work on mine yet, but I couldn't imagine not wanting to see the parts. It's not a trust thing...it's an engineering thing. I like to see how things are made. Any opportunity to see how someone else designed something is informative and educational.

 

I have always kept ALL parts taken off for three business days, unless a core had been required, to show the customer if requested and also should the customer call back and say "my neighbour didn't think the xxxx part was replaced", I still have it. I can show/confirm and then fire said customer.

 

I always ask for the parts! I explain that I spent a previous life as an engineer and just have an interest. I like to see how the world makes parts. I like to show them to my son to hopefully spark his curiosity in all things mechanical too. I supply a box and ask the mechanic to deposit take off parts in it for me to mess around with. In the case of the Ferrari I am keeping them for an eventual wall display. Those Darn belts look brand new!!!!

 

Broken/replaced Ferrari parts make nice garage art .

 

I generally like to keep the old parts unless they're items like brake pads, spark plugs, etc.

 

Trust but verify.

 

I usually ask for the parts, or at least to see and inspect them. I do it more out of curiosity and just to have a "car guy" type of chat. I usually walk away more educated. I feel it helps to build relationships, etc., which is half the enjoyment for me anymore. I don't do it because I don't trust the shop, etc. It's all part of a well-rounded experience.

 

Generally no. I trust that my mechanic is doing what he says he's doing, and on an older Ferrari, where most of the work I've had done over the years occurred, the car wasn't going to run without the new part being installed. However, having said that, I can't recall an occasion where my Agar mechanic didn't show me the parts he'd replaced.

That being said, there were some parts that had value that I asked for and received back including the old distributor and alternator, which I resold and recouped some costs on. I wish I'd asked for the old pistons, they might have made good desk paperweights.

I have to agree with rifledriver on this one. Why hire someone you can't trust, especially when they're working on big dollar stuff. You trust the shop with your $100K+ investment, why not trust them to actually replace the parts?

If what's being replaced has value and you want to hang on to it or resell it, then sure, go for it, otherwise, I let them dispose of it and move along.

D

 

When I lived on the east coast I asked to see the belts/bearings when I had the timing belt service- I totally trusted the guys but was so curious - in fact I asked if they would call me at various stages when it was apart so I could hover and see. They were great about it- in fact I could tell the tech was happy to see me happy and curious about it.

Interesting thing was that after 10 years (only 6k miles) you were hard pressed to the see the difference in the bearings and the belts look pretty fresh to me (previously posted).

When I moved to the west coast, Master Crall did some work and invited me in to see the massively clogged fuel filters that he sectioned, and the kilogram or so of disintergrated rubber. I thought it was fantastic.

We are all passionate about these cars- so why not share the before and after "just because" ?

 

At least with F-cars the probability is low that the shown old part is just a "stocked" worn part kept by the shop for showing to the customers again and again ... Allegedly not uncommon with workshops for large volume car models ....

Here in Berlin it is not a question of trust or no trust. There is one single authorized Ferrari workshop and the next one is about 300 km away. No real alternative if you still need to manage your time somewhat. I do not really "trust" the guys here to be able (or willing) to attend to all necessary repairs. Even when I gave them an explicite hint, they managed to miss attendance thereto.

A workshop officer, who states that he keeps parts for showing to a customer, does so upon request, and then fires this customer (see above), would seem to be somewhat arrogant to me. And to lack even the most essential customer service attitudes. Not acceptable (to me).

 

mine shows me parts as a matter of course, and sends pictures of larger services. Places things like cracked plug extenders on a tray when I pick up the car. I've never asked to keep an old part.

 

Disagree totally. He was accused of being dishonest, that is far more than just a simple desire to see old parts. If I am accused of dishonesty our business and personal relationship is done. People are free to think of me as they please....somewhere else. I have a waiting list of people who want to avail themselves of my services, I sure have no need for a client that walks through the door believing me to be a thief. I have no fear of showing someone the door and have exercised the privilege a few times.

Brian Stewart and I have hard earned reputations for honesty and is why we have the client load we have. No need to put up with that bull **** from anyone.