I am looking for an opinion on a business venture, I was a Ford tech for many years and have about 25 years total as an automotive tech. I always liked doing electrical and AC work. About 5years ago I retrained in IT. In 2003 I was laid off from my IT job and am as yet unemployed. I have filled the gaps by doing electrical and AC work on collector cars, including complete rewires and some custom work on streetrods, along with Vintage Air installations. I guess what I'm asking is, Is there a market for electrical and A\C work on classic\collector cars. I know there is always someone in this area that wants work done, but they want it for $20 per job. When I quote $25/HR they tend to choke. A few of the "money men" in this area will go for it. I rehabbed a complete AC system in a 69 Coronet RT for $500 and parts ($365 customer supplied). The guy felt he was ripped off because all I had to do was replace some parts and charge the system. I have found that electrical work is better, but I can only squeeze out about $18\hr for uncobbling a harness on "Say" a
71 Roadrunner". I know the average car owner cant' do this work, and I don't want to rape him. Any Ideas? Tom Adkins (Automotive Specialty Systems) South Amherst, Ohio 44001************************************************************************************************************************ Expert Evaluators: Thomas Adkins, has professionally repaired automobiles and trucks for more than
23 years. For the past 5 years, Adkins shifted to Information Technology specializing as a hardware and network technician. The 1983 Valedictorian from Ohio Diesel Technical Institute, Adkins is certified as a Master Technician with Ford Motor Company. Currently, Adkins owns and operates Automotive Specialty Systems, focussing on mobile climate control systems and custom electrical work for both classic and modern vehicles. Mr. Adkins is deeply involved with automotive collecting and restoration. In 2001, Adkins earned an Associates Degree in Computers and Networking from Remington College. Additionally, Adkins and his son founded Data Techs, a computer firm that designs and builds customized personal computer systems and networks for homes and small offices. Data Techs also provides website design, hosting, and systems training. Mr. Adkins can be emailed at snipped-for-privacy@comcast.net.************************************************************************************************************************* Seems to be a problem here. Graduated in 1983, then 23 years in the field. That would mean you left the dealership to work in the IT field in 2006, in which you worked for about 5 years? In your "Opinions on business venture" post you say you have 25 years experience, that means you left the dealership world in 2008. How do you travel to the future and back? Is this part of your business "Data Techs"? The math does not work, there is a problem with your BIO.