RU-vid comments laced with animosity seem impossible to avoid no matter what we do. I saw that video and wouldn't criticize you or the customer. Everything you said was reasonable and the customer had a right to be anxious based on his past experience with whomever poorly built his engine previously. I have a Pontiac 400 in my Trans Am and can attest that they are quite costly to properly rebuild. I rebuilt it myself after paying the machine shop for all kinds of work. The first start and cam break-in can be stressful no matter how careful one was during assembly. Pontiac built their last V8s in 1981 and replacements aren't easy or cheap to come by. Parts cost more than those for many other V8s. I enjoy your videos and learn a lot. Please keep them going.
Really enjoy your videos the way they are, don't change your approach. This is one of the most realistic and professional engine building channels. No advertisements, no bs, just straight up information from an experienced builder. Can't ask for more.
A.G. I'm also a self-employed small business owner for 45 years dealing with the public. Your customer was a bit cold and very serious but it was only because of his bad experience. You handled him as professionally as your builds and your presentations. He couldn't have asked for more, and I'm sure he's satisfied. Thanks for the channel, I'm always learning and a 389 GTO racer too.
Incompetent “mechanics” have been an issue forever. They definitely put a bad taste in the mouths of customers they screw over. Then the customer can have a chip on his shoulder when he tries to find a new mechanic to straighten out the mess he has been left holding. Plus his checkbook is taking a double hit which makes anyone mad. Hopefully the engine now exceeds his expectations and everybody lives happily ever after.
The customer had been burned before with this engine so I can understand his concern. He may not know anything about the rebuild process or how to read a vacuum gauge but he does know when things are not done right it costs him money.
I was one of those that was seeing the possibility of them cancelling payment. It's great to hear my impression was incorrect. My apologizes to the customer.
Good people attract good people, sometimes people take advantage of our good nature, the truth always win!!, good job Alan, you did the best you could!!
Hold your head up Alan! You're doing a great job. Anytime you take on the job of fixing somebody's mistake, there is always the potential for frustration and tension. The level of transparency and integrity you show is the reason for your success. Thanks for all the info, and keep those videos coming!
Yes, make sure to preface the "car-girls" for crying out loud, because we wouldn't want to hurt anyone else's feelings!! ffs smh What about the "car-trans" folks? lol oh brother.
Hey Alan, Tim here, ur Poncho nut.....i watched all those vids, i NEVER saw anything bad, or anger/frustration related at ALL!!!.....I watched it all, cuz again, i'm ur Poncho nut.....you did a PROFFESIONAL job.....PERIOD!!....you are a stand up individual, and are respected in my "click" of engine builders......yes sometimes we go off (you had to nicely calibrate me when i got into it with a commentor) but you conduct yourself with dignity, and RESPECT for your customers!!!....on TOP of the anal documentation of everything done.......NO WORRIES MATE!!!!...you are an honest, articulate man, THAT i personally dig, i didnt see any discrepency on the 400.......he may have pressed u a bit, but i ONLY saw PROFESSIONALISM on your part......had to say....PEACE to you sir!!!....
that what I hate about modern engines. the LS engine is incredibly ugly, it is so ugly they had to make engine covers for it. The SBC and Pontiac in this video look awesome. the ford coyote is an ugly engine too. at least the gen 3 hemi is still a decent looking engine.
@@johnz8210 don't get me wrong. the LS is awesome for making power and it s significantly more fuel efficient when compared to gen 1 small block. but it looks ugly under the hood of any car. and it is so over done these days. at car shows i just walk past anything with a LS or LT swap. but a second gen split bumper Camaro with a Big Block i could spend an entire day admiring one of those.
Mr. Gold, If for any reason you run in to any unanticipated issues up there in NC, drop me a line. I'm 2hrs from there , with many friends along the way...
Sorry dude, you really should not have titled the video that way! The customer did nothing wrong. When you spend that kind of money, you expect good results. If I was that customer I wouldn't have been too happy with a video that made him seem like an ahole. The people that chimed in negatively against him are just wrong as was your original depiction of the situation. This is my opinion, but a guy your age should really know better.
Its always easy to criticise from the distant safety of your lap top computer! Ignore the key board heros, as long as there is internet they will be around in abundance, most probably dont know a spanner from hacksaw let alone have any engine experience. Keep doing what you are doing, which is keeping it real, non scripted and no BS 👍
Engines don’t have feelings. They’re either built right or they’re not. Stick with the facts and keep up the awesome videos! My 87yr old Grandfather and I enjoy your content.
When I was a MAC Tools distributor I ran into many comments from people about one shop or another, one engine builder or another. Some had some merit and most did not. There are people who just will not be satisfied and all a shop can do is be upfront and honest with their customers and that is just that.
If this situation happens again consider doing a long version video where you show each and every step you took to assemble the customer's engine so you have a complete record of the work you did on it. Break it down as a series so you get the watch time from your subs, like 30 to 40 minute videos. You can also fill out a spec sheet of all the measurements you take for the build. The Wallace Racing sight has a spec sheet you can down load to fill out for every build. If it's written down you don't have to try to remember what the specs measured, you'll have a written record. Fill out 2 of them for each engine, one for the customer and one you can keep on file. Or not, just a suggestion.😎👍
Thanks for the suggestion. i create a report on Excel with every build. It has every dimension and clearance for pistons, rods, mains, deck height, cam timing, cc volume, thrust clearance etc. This is my standard practice. I send an electronic copy and provide a hard copy to the customer. I also have an electronic and hard copy on file in my office. I also send and keep multiple pictures and videos of every build. AG
I saw that video and am confused how anyone could throw shade at your customer. The guy was there to pick up his motor like anyone else. I have to assume it was because of the title of the video. Very poor choice to try and clickbait people with a juiced up title. You set people up to expect a negative interaction so they found one that wasn’t there. Thats what your apology should have focused on from my perspective. Hopefully lesson learned.
It's always frustrating to rebuild something somebody else has screwed up. I like to start with something bone stock that hasn't been touched. I never trust a " just rebuilt" engine by somebody else unless it's by someone with a good reputation like yourself.
@goldsgarage8236 YES sir!!!! I know I don't have your experience. But I am trying to have fun and have a project with my grandkids. I really enjoy your channel sir. The info is invaluable with the years of experience you guys have. Invaluable. Thank you sir.
I saw that video I didn't get that at all. I did read some of the comments some people did seem a bit hard on the customer. You know how the internet can be. I fell that your videos are realistic and acturite. No facake fluff. You'll be passing right through where I am on your way from Winston-Salem to Willington. Durham Co
Nice to find an all GM channel....I'm GM to the bone as were my paternal Grandfather and Father 😢 grampa loved his Olds Cutlass and Pontiac Grand Prix R.I.P you old ornery German 😂
After living for 65 years and witnessing the decline of everything humanity does, I belive being hard on people and putting some serious discipline back into things is very necessary.
