I finally went and did it: Dropped my truck off at the shop to have my Valair clutch installed. Normally I don't pay anyone to do work I'm capable of performing on my own, but I just don't have the garage space or jacks required to do it safely and properly by myself. Problem now is that I'm worried about the job they're going to do, and I find that I really, really don't like it when someone else works on my truck...

Thought I'd share my anxiety for those who feel the same but aren't able (or willing) to share.

Maybe I'm just a little too attached to my truck...

Okay; probably not, but at least I've got a great support group!

 

Don't blame you....The only time I take my vehicles to a shop is for wheel alignments..

 

I was lucky. The only time mine has been in was for part of a day and I was able to look through the garage door to see what was happening. They wouldnt let me stay in the truck drinking beer like I wanted.

 

When my truck is in the body shop I am there visiting it every day like having a patient in a hospital.

I stay out of their way so I do not annoy anyone, he is also cool with me taking pictures while it is in the shop.

Try and keep yourself busy, it will help to keep your mind off your truck and time will go by faster.

Jim

 

Here buddy, I found a link so you can keep on eye on your truck while she's being worked on

 

I'm fortunate here in San Diego to have a local shop that prides itself on doing the job right. One tech in particular is a perfectionist. Mine's in there right now awaiting some shocks that Thuren's revalving for me.

www.ntgracing.com. I highly recommend them.

My clutch is next. ouch!

 

you just aint right

 

Man you ain't right, Eric!!!


I'm the same way... it's my baby.

 

That's just mean! When my 97 was in the shop for paint, I was out of my mind, but they let me in for visitation a few times. Tire shops worry me the most.

 

Know what you mean about anxiety of having someone else fix it. You will always wonder if they did it right.

 

I feel like that when I have to let the wife use the truck, and I stand outside watching my truck drive away. When she's finally out of sight, I go back in the house and worry! I pretty much need to be sedated whenever I have to leave the truck with others, for work that I can't do myself!

 

Got her back about two hours ago...No leaks, drips, or oil runs; interior clean; floor mat shield used; seat returned to my position; radio NOT turned to crappy radio station and left on ear-bleed level. 45 minute shakedown run and everything seems good to go...

When I got there their diesel tech was in the lobby and I talked with him for awhile. He's a Ford guy, but understands diesels and I feel pretty good about his experience and attention to detail, so that's a relief. Plus; if he can keep a 6.0 running well, he's got to have some skill somewhere

I'm not feeling completely safe yet, but so far so good.

Now it's time to turn the Smarty down and properly break-in my clutch...

 

Thanks Cincy; I don't know what I'd do without friends like you...

The video does remind me why I won't put a lift in my garage and will just do a pit instead.

 

I don't let anybody work on mine anymore either...too many problems every time I got it back.

 

Adam,

This will make your anxiety go away completely. I was going to replace my clutch myself, but ended up letting a dodge dealer do the work. Well, I got the truck back and everything seemed fine. They replaced my rear main seal also. Well, after 50k it's leaking again. I got 199K out of my first one. So I removed the transmission myself and removed the seal. The crankshaft journal had a groove in it and they just stuck another seal on there. Why don't technicians work on vehicles like they own it? That crank should have had a wear sleeve installed to prevent this. 700.00 in labor right down the drain. Never again! Do you still feel bad?