I lease my shop, and one of my biggest fears has been getting kicked out of here. Should I be looking at obtaining a location instead? I am always nervous about taking on the massive cost of a bigger building, especially when I struggle so often to hire good people. I talked to a friend that went from a small shop like I have to a larger facility and he said it was a lot more headaches with very little increase in income. I want less headaches, less stress.

Maybe it is my small shop that makes it hard to hire? Is this the right time to try to get a new location? How do I even start finding financing, I do not have a ton of cash saved up right now. Should I get the alignment machine now, and continue to save up for a new location? How much do I need down for a new spot? Should I keep my eye open for other shops that might fail in the coming year and hold off on the alignment machine and continue to stack cash? I am kind of tired of loosing an employee for 30 minutes to an hour to run an alignment across town that may or may not get done to the same quality standards I hold my employees to.

If anyone knows qualified, reasonable vendors, I would appreciate that.

there is NO rush.

Thank you

Scan tools are being released at a dizzying pace, and the features required aren't what they were 5 years ago!

In this episode of the ASOG Podcast, David and I talk with Brandon Dills of Jarhead Diagnostics about just that! 

Brandon shares his scan tool choices and what tool, if he could choose only one, that he would purchase!

We also talk some techncian perspective and there's even some dealer perspective in there! 

Make sure you listen to the whole things, as there's some killer information mixed in 😉

You can listen on your favorite listening app here:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1182755/7851337-asog-podcast-ep-21-is-your-shop-under-equipped-with-brandon-dills-of-jarhead-diagnostics

There's also a live premiere on YouTube currently! Go and share your opinion with other listeners!

Please considering liking, subscribing, sharing, reviewing or commenting on your favorite platform! It really helps us know how to better serve this community!

https://youtu.be/J7Wu29AA_FM

Key Considerations:

• Speed and functionality
• Durability
• Camera must have a flash
• Low cost is a plus, but less important

Thanks in advance!

Inexpensive and easy fix. http://lcdpanels.com/cmc-gg1790dfcw-n-e-v1/

$129 minus 15% off and free shipping.

I see it on Amazon being sold by autel

From he autel site: https://www.auteltech.com/autelcms/Automotive Diagnostic& Analysi/590.jhtml

MaxiSys ADAS Calibration Tool

Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is becoming standard equipment on today’s new vehicles. These systems are designed to assist drivers to prevent collisions by displaying alerts, providing camera images or by taking instantaneous control of the vehicle. The Autel MaxiSys ADAS provides the original complete diagnostic functionality, comprehensive and precise ADAS calibration. With MaxiSys calibration tools and accurate software, Autel MaxiSys ADAS is an ideal calibration tool for collision repair, glass replacement and repair shops.

Overview:

Precise: crossbar's minor adjustment knob and laser positioning provide millimeter-level accuracy.

Flexible: lift can be adjusted by power; pattern cloth and pattern board are portable and easy for storage.

Integrated: modular frame assembled with accessory tools for calibration; pattern board holder, pattern cloth and pattern board are easy to move.

Smart: calibration procedure; compatible use with leveling lift adjustment

Accurate: regular updates of latest OE-level diagnostic and calibration software; correct calibration

Intuitive: tutorial graphics and step-by-step instructions; Pre-Scan & Post-Scan Reports (ADAD module identification, Calibration)

Complete: Wide vehicle coverage; Seven Calibration Functions; Fixed & Mobile Calibrations

Potential usage:

Glass Replacement, Specialty Repair, Collision Repair, Wheel Alignment

Adjustable Calibration Frame and Tools

The large automatic screw mechanism provides compatible use with vehicle leveling lifts by offering a taller than average extended adjustable height.

Easily Interchangeable and flexible calibration components

Precise fine-tuning hand knob and laser positioning for millimeter ruler accuracy

Calibration Tooling Kit

Easily Interchangeable Calibration Components

Exceptional Vehicle Coverage

Made of durable stain resistant material and easily cleaned.

Easy to store and transport

Calibration Software:

Step-by-step instructions display exact OE-calibration specifications and videos

Pre-SCAN and Post-SCAN diagnostic report directly presents the existing problems, diagnostic results and repair suggestions

J2534 Maxiflash Elite for OE Level programming

Faster 1.3GHz + 1.7GHz hexa-core processor, double the speed with our revolutionary multitask-capable Android Operating System

AutoVIN / AutoSCAN all modules in all systems

The best possible OE-level diagnostic coverage to offer complete ADAS and diagnostic solutions for smarter repair and calibration.

We're in the market for a new scanner and figured I'd ask fellow shop owners their ideas and experiences. I did search the board archives and didn't see much within the past year or so. 

We are a general repair shop servicing most anything, according to customer attitude. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance 🙂

Thank you so much and have a great day! 

Hope this helps!

Matthew Lee
"The Car Count Fixer"
Join me on YouTube to Tips, Weird Hacks and Dirty Little Secrets You Can Use RIGHT NOW To Grow Your Car Count, Income and Profits!

Thanks!

What do you have that you like and can easily get sports cars on (a problem for my asymmetrical mohawk without blocks of wood to drive on)

https://ravamerica.com/automotive-alignment-equipment/vistar-td3000hp-tower-free-3d-alignment-system/

http://www.hofmann-usa.com/wa-geoliner-770.asp

Up for discussion is the choice of wheel alignment lifts.

The local distribution here in Hong Kong, has two brands on offer:

Hunter, who are well known and reputable, and Ravaglioli, who are well-represented, but

relatively unknown to me.

Does anyone here have any information to share on the pro's and cons of these two?

I've had mixed results with Italian equipment in the past, some good, some tragic.

Hoping to avoid any unnecessary shedding of tears, blood and cash.

I'm in the process of opening an actual shop, i've been a mobile mechanic for 10 years. I specialize in hybrid and electric vehicles. I've been searching prices on fluid exchanger machines, lifts and other pricey equipment. I've been looking at some really cheap Chinese equipment on ebay, i'm just wondering if anyone here has successfully used any of this equipment. It's tempting but I know the old "you get what you pay for" mantra. They got lifts for $1,600 and ATF fluid exchangers for $335. Might be worth trying the fluid exchanger on some of my own vehicles for that price. I appreciate any input, thank you!

The Question: What are others doing with wiTECH ? The yearly cost after equipment seems way too high IDS, MDI ll have much better program cost. Are you using wiTech? Seems essential for solid diagnostic and programming on Chrysler vehicles. Does anyone have a  source recommendation for wiTECH / Micropod ll  offering a more reasonable cost? 

I did look for discussions on diagnostic equipment, please point me in that direction if I've missed the topic.

Thanks,      

I have a smaller shop with 2 techs and 3 bays, We have 2 lifts and 1 small "flat" bay. We are Japanese specialty shop that is growing and we were planning to add a new lift to the flat bay. The bay is not deep enough for a true 4 post alignment lift, so I was planning to purchase a new 2 post lift and add stands with an alignment machine in the near future. In searching for the right lift to be used with stands, I was just offered a used 2 post Hunter alignment rack that would fit in the bay for the same price as the 2 post with stands... and that really got me thinking...

We do an average of 25 cars a week on 2 makes and we are adding 3 more early this year (thus the need for another lift). We just started doing tires this past year and only sublet alignments when they are absolutely necessary. Our situation is pushing us towards needing an alignment machine in house, but we could use another lift for "over flow" just a much.

Knowing that we will be doing alignments out of necessity in the near future, I am leaning towards having a dedicated alignment lift. My questions are:

1. Does anyone regret purchasing their stands over an actual alignment lift?

2. Does anyone do "other" work on their alignment lift?

3. And how many alignments should I really expect?

If space were a major issue, what would you do?

(Drive-on alignment lift -OR- 2 post lift with alignment stands?)

We all have seen mechanics who can fix and think their way around an obstacle. I've got a shop full of parts hangers. Perhaps the Lincoln is better suited for a drive line shop or dealer but I figure we can figure it out and get it done like we've usually done. I've had Techs make their own tools and solutions and lately the younger guys just give up if they don't have YouTube instructions and specialty tools. 

Thoughts? 

What is the best places you've found for shop equipment?

For me, I've found.

1.bestbuyautoequipment.com

2.gregsmithequipment.com

Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

The following are links to a workbench by the company 'Shure'. I'd love to have this since it has sliding cabinet doors on the bottom and a nice stainless steel top that should be easy to wipe clean. They even have some nice matching overhead cabinets. However, it comes a hefty price of $1,118... Does anybody have any suggestions for a cheaper alternative? Or ideas for where to look?

http://www.shureusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/780040.jpg

http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=SHU780040

Just wanted some general feedback for what you guys use to reset the oil change reminder lights on most vehicles including European since vw seems to be a pain.

i have heard of a few scanners though would like others opinion.

Thanks in advance.

Nick

https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB40-UltraSafe-Lithium-Starter/dp/B015TKUPIC/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1473255573&sr=1-5&keywords=booster+pack

Looking at purchasing the Ford IDS. I'm already familiar with the Tech2win that GM uses. I'm just not real sure about the IDS. Do you just buy the hardware and have a year long subscription you log into to use the program? Or do you buy the software also and pay for updates? Just want to make sure what I'm getting into before I make that leap.

Do any of the tire dealers here, particularly the higher volume shops, have any experience with Bosch equipment?

We deal with passenger and light truck tires up to 30" in diameter and currently have one Hunter and three Coats tire changers. Our oldest Coats changer is due for replacement and as I am highly disappointed with the Coats 70X EH3 I purchased last year I will probably purchase another Hunter this time, but I would love to hear some opinions on Bosch equipment before I make my purchase.

We install an average of 42 tires per day so speed is important, but the changers ability to protect the tire and wheel assembly from any sort of damage when working with the more difficult run-flat tires, reversed wheels, etc is the number one priority.

Thank you in advance for anyone that has any feedback to offer.

My question is, as I really start to attract more of these vehicles, does anyone have a suggestion for a scan tool? We have the factory Toyota/Lexus scan tool right now and a generic matco scanner. Does anyone have any insight on factory honda or nissan scanners? Or maybe a generic scanner that focuses more on these makes/models?

IDS License: $750.00

http://www.oescantools.com/FordVCM2.html

The Ford VCM II the authentic Ford OEM diagnostics scan tool that works with the Ford IDS diagnostics application running on a PC to diagnose Ford, Lincoln and mercury vehicles.

The VCM II offers:

• Authentic OEM diagnostics for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Vehicles.
• Customer Flight Recorder (CFR) functionality with an optional pendant cable.
• Industry standardized J1962 Data Link Connector (DLC) and USB cables.
• Four LED indicators and signaling device providing technician with continuous visual as well as audible operating status.
• Enhanced 802.11 wireless that minimizes dependencies on service department wireless capability infrastructure.
• Improved durability.
• SmartPower Management system to protect the VCM II in extreme environments. Integration with IDS:
• New wireless software integrated with IDS installation package.
• Wireless functionality preferred for all IDS functions including module reprogramming. USB wired connections are only required to update the VCM II loaded code and to set up the VCM II to function as a Customer Flight Recorder.
• CFR option added to provide legacy and future vehicle coverage.

MAC Rep. is trying to get him to purchase a new ETX431TAB10. Standard pitch, sale on through Wednesday.

Anyone have opinions?

He runs a small shop and wants something good that is updatable, but does not want to waste money on expensive options that are not really needed.