Hi Folks!

A friend posted this up and it got my attention. What a great idea!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I definitely support local shops, whether it be automotive related, or bicycle related, etc. And definitely electronics related- I dare not attempt to disassemble/assemble electronic components.

However, there is also the side of me that takes great pride in fixing the things I own by myself. I don’t know, it’s just self-rewarding knowing that I not only completely took apart something and put it back together just so I can give myself a high-five.  But really, are we all that capable to fix complex items? I mean, I can understand changing batteries in a remote control (or can I?) or fixing a squeaking door hinge. But sometimes self repairs can go,,,,,

DUN DUN DUNNNNNNN!!!!!! All this disassembly junk to remove/replace the crummy stock fuel line.  And yes, I enjoyed doing this. But at times it left me half-guessing and questioning my work.  In the end, I gave myself two high-fives for this job! This left me to tackle other challenges normally labeled as “advanced” tasks. Whatever. I’m still no “pro” but I’m sure I saved myself a nice wad of cash.

However, there are a few things that I’d rather leave alone and have it professionally fixed, whatever that means. These days, it seems that everyone is a pro (mechanic, photographer, model, you name it) so do your research in finding a well established shop. Seriously, though, I’m not one to take apart my computer and I most likely never will. So I’ll have the Nerd Herd or Geek Dudes, whatever they’re called, fix my stuff.

Sometimes at work we get consumers looking for rebuild kits for their dampers, and my reply is normally, “That sir/ma’am is a good-looking question.” Really, that sounds like it can be fun! Then again, after being able to see what is involved with a damper rebuild, and getting to work on a few myself, I start shying away from such an idea of providing a rebuild kit. Honestly, with the way I drive,,, sometimes,  leaving that kind of liability into my own hands scares me. I’d have no one to blame but myself if a part I attempted to fix broke while driving. I know this just sounds like a ploy to put some cash in TEIN’s pocket, but I’d rather the customer put their mind at ease knowing that an experienced engineer is going to fix their suspension.  So, take this post for what you think it’s worth. I’m not here to bash the shadetree mechanic. Otherwise, I’d be bashing myself.

BTW- we’re not against offering technical support or repair walk-through at TEIN. So for small repairs and advice, feel free to give us a call!

Again, I’m no different than many of you out there. We’ve all put some hard eared cash into everything we own. I’m all about saving money. If I can fix something myself, then why bother paying someone else to do it?  And, being such an enterprising guy myself (SHAHHHH RIIIGHTT!!!!), I will end up taking on the repairs personally. But hey, I know my limits. I’d rather have something fixed by a reputable shop and then learn how to do it myself than stand knee deep in parts that I don’t remember disassembling.

Anyway, if you are looking for some self motivation, check out http://www.ifixit.com/Manifesto

I’ma go work on my VW Bug now.

Take care now, bye bye then!