Shop Owners: Ethics?

I am sure I am going to get some flack on this thread, but I wanted to know how other Hot Rod shop owners felt about some of the things that potential customers want to do to their cars, for example: I will not install any kind of mounts or an engine that entails a Chevy engine in a Ford car or truck or vice versa. I will not install any kind of Camaro, Chevelle, Nova clip on anything, I believe that there are better options available. I know that I am turning away potential customers, but that is how I feel. I have nothing against Chevys, and I own a few myself.

 

Sounds more like "religious zealotry" on your part. I don't think ethics have anything to do with it.

 

I'm with rgaller: what the hell does putting a Chevy motor in a Ford have to do with ethics?? Ethics would be refusing to bondo a frame to look nice so that a customer could bilk someone on eBay. Or refusing to build a car with a powerful motor and mechanical brakes.

 

The front clip part is understandable IF the car in question is not suited to such a swap, say a 40 Ford or something. A 53 Chevy BelAir would be a different story.

The engine swap thing is kind of silly unless you absolutely refuse to install any non-original maker engine into ANY car.

Ethics covers a range of topics but in automotive work the most important thing would be do only what is right in safety and don't cheat a customer. If you do these two things the rest will take care of itself and you will be a success.

 

Maybe ethics was the wrong word, hence the question mark.

 

Sure, take an active role in helping people decide what to do with their cars. Maybe you can prevent more addtions to the "ugly customs" thread.

 

That's one of the many reasons I never hire someone else to work on my Hot Rods. But I don't see it as an ethical issue.

 

I suppose if you want to build a reputation for being a traditional-style "purist" then it makes some sense, but I think lots of motors found a new home in a different bloodline "back in the day"

Bigger question is, in this economy can you afford to be that picky? Consider too that the guy you did the Chevy into Ford swap may be so happy that he tells lots of other persective clients about your work.

Build your notariety to the point of being so busy that you can then pick and choose what jobs you take on.

 

I don't see it as ethics. I see it as shop standards.

If the job comes out nice then the owner will take all the credit.

Any other way, for any reason including the customers desires, you take the heat.

Once it has been in your shop for any reason your name is on it forever.

I know several pro builders and they will not clip a car or truck. The results are simply not up to today's standards. And, charging regular shop rates for labor, they are actually no more expensive when all of the details, including sheet metal fitment, are figured in.