Since retiring from his engineering job, the 64 year old Frank had slipped into a life of utter boredom. One day, while day dreaming about his 1953 Ford truck he got an idea. He'd always loved old cars, enjoyed working on them, and would love to do it more often. Why not do it full time? The catch was he didn't want the overhead of a shop space or the responsibility of working hours. Basically, he just wanted to work when he could and drink beer when he would rather not... A few months later at a swap meet, he found a 1950's era utility bed that would fit his truck nicely. He bought it, installed it on the truck, and painted, "Frank's Automotive" on the side. He then filled it full of tools and parts and told his pals to spread the word - he was open for business. Old cars only. House calls only. And the word is, it has worked beautifully... He charges $40 an hour to come over to your shop or house and help you out with anything from paint and body to engine work to problem solving. Most of his work is just that - working right a long side the owner as an extra set of hands and a really experienced brain. But he does get calls where he does all of the work as well. Anyway, I don't know Frank. I just heard his story in Baltimore. And I think it's a brilliant idea. How cool would it be to have someone like that local? I'd use him for wiring all the time! Or maybe you just need help moving a body on to a frame or... you get the idea... We need more small businesses and more ingenuity like that... Just awesome.
Wiring. Indeed. I'd use him for wiring for sure. And maybe just to come over and tell me I'm stupid sometimes. Awesome idea. Done well, you'd make a little money and a lot of friends.
There's a friend of mine in my neighborhood and he does this for a living. He goes to your work place or job and fixes your ride. He's fairly successful. Works his own hours, etc.
I can't stop thinking about it... I guess he lives in the Baltimore area. I heard about him as he is helping Lee with his '58 that is currently stranded in the area due to a blown head gasket. I think he needs a blog... He could write stories about each of his encounters, the cars, the people... Just really gorgeous stuff.
I've seen ads posted on Kijiji up here offering the same type of thing. Sounds like a great venture. If only I knew what I was doing when it comes to cars.
We have a few here in Oregon. My neighbor just sold a 1999 Ford Van to a younger guy ( 30ish ) who is doing doing well with his mobile service and needed a van for the rainy months.
I have a wife and a neighbor who each handle this part quite well! Agreed. Wish we had a few of those guys around here.
Cool, Ryan. I've been considering doing this very thing. A way to make some $ using what I know. My question though, has been how to get around the normal mechanic's licence requirements and such. I guess if I kept it on a cash-only basis. I'd like to hear thoughts.
The idea of a blog by a guy like Frank sounds awesome. Definitely something I'd look forward to reading everyday.
Focusing on old cars only would make it harder to be profitable obviously, but its so much more romantic. And on top of that, you'd be dealing with people mostly of like mind... And I think you could get away with a cash only business doing that. Keep it simple and pure. You aren't going to be fat in the pockets doing it, but you would be rich in experience. I'm confident a guy in the Austin area could do really well doing this. He'd have to be well regarded and hooked up, but I know so many guys that would love to have some really great old guy to lean on.
"Since retiring from his engineering job" That says A LOT right there. He's a guy who is probably set financially, and does this to keep busy, meet new people, and get away from his wife for a few hours each day!! I could see this being a real popular idea in many larger cities. My Dad would love to do a gig like that when he retires.
great idea--for a retired person he may be doing it to keep occupied more so than making alot of money. I do this sometimes to help guys out but don't charge them anything--wiring,etc--gives me something to do. Not good at all aspects so I would be unable to do all this guy does.
My father is into non-HAMB-friendly British cars, getting old enough to not really want to get too dirty anymore. He has a mechanic that makes house calls who shows up in an old Jag sedan full of tools.
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