Hey everyone! Just wanted to let yall know that I took a lot of advice from the comments that were left on this video, and I released an update tool tour on RUclips that you can watch with this link! Thank y’all for your help and support! ruclips.net/video/am14L8a5l-8/видео.htmlsi=-LfVZ-C-g0jAbL9h
Open beds mean loading and unloading tool boxes but I found a low effort way that's cheap and easy. You won't be young and bulletproof forever so this trick might keep you out of surgery and pain clinics. I hung a used Tommy Gate on my F150 years ago and love it because it's a major back saver. I don't lift anything heavy due to a bad back (which got that way lifting heavy objects, discs don't last forever). They're cheap used and when not lifting or lowering heavy items like floor jacks, engines, steel etc make a nice clean work surface. Since it's a half-ton I run Hellwig leaves and Timbren urethane springs because they don't conflict with anything and handle the extra weight easily. Used liftgates often outlive multiple trucks and all the parts are simple and available including the mount plates for different truck beds. i mechanized all my heavy lifting and horizontal moving (from machine tools to structural steel and shipping containers, not just vehicle-related) and only regret not doing that 30 years ago because it makes life easy.
I did some mobile mechanic repairs for a few years. Dropping in to show supoort. Good stuff man. Keep pushing forward I have the same Wilwood sticker. Great brand
RUclips had you as a top hit, I hope the business keeps going well for you man, love the setup, and thanks for the video! I'll check out your other vids as well!
@@ryanj2071it just depends on which one you get. The one in this video is their 5 drawer tool box/cart (I just took it off the rolling stand that it’s supposed to be mounted to) and it was really waterproof, I didn’t have any rain gathering or anything like that. I never used a covering and it worked great. But the new one I upgraded to does need a covering because of how the top of the box is made.
I just built one for my tacoma ( general contractor ). Two sheets of 3/4 ply . Some 1 inch roller ball bearings ( harbor freight ) works perfect and handles a ton of weight. @@InYourDrivewayAuto
@mikemorales2120 i second this. There a some really good vids on YT using roller bearings for a slide tray/box. I made 10" deep box years ago with a hinged lid, rhino lined. It served we well until I was able to finally spring for the Decked drawers
Youll expand as you go and that means you'll need more room, less bulk. I could suggest a dozen things but you'll just have to fugure it out as you go. I
That’s what I’ve noticed, I’m hoping to get the chance to do an updated tool tour soon because I’ve made a lot of changes that have made the job much easier
Since you got the compressor already, I would look at a cheap smoke machine. Lots of money in diags other techs can't do right, like with the refrigerant tank.
I have added a smoke machine since making this video! You’re right it’s a great investment and diag has become much easier since. Here’s a link to a short I made featuring the smoke machine in action Finding vacuum leaks, exhaust leaks, and EVAP leaks just got a whole lot easier 😎 ruclips.net/user/shortscJcJ4nhYMKg?feature=share
My suggestion to you is if you’re not going to be switching into a truck with a service body with the built in tool box I’d look at the Milwaukee packout kits or any of the other brands that have that setup. Normal tool boxes tend to fall apart the second you get any weight in them if your on bumpy or rough roads. The best part about those setups is that it’s super easy to remove them from your truck too.
@BruceLyeg thank you very much! My beautiful wife created it for me, and has created some for other local businesses as well. I will be sure and pass on this compliment!
I see what you’re saying. I most likely will get a bigger one soon, but I’ll probably still have 2 boxes. I really just need more space for tools, as soon as I get more space I get more tools to expand the variety of jobs I can take
My biggest advice is don’t take a job that you feel really uncomfortable doing. If it is too far advanced or nearly impossible to do with just one person (unless you have someone helping you) just be honest with the customer. Also protect yourself from bad customers who try to avoid paying. Do what is best for the customer, and protect yourself.
@ Thanks for the advice. I’ve turned down a few engine and transmission swap jobs. Not because I’m incapable of doing it, I’ve did quite a few alone which is probably bad on my part. You do what you gotta do though. Mainly though because I’m working out of my Wife’s car and I’m just not set up for that. I hate to lose the money but I can’t put myself in a scenario where I could get hurt or cause damage to the customers vehicle.
Could also add one of those 'drymate' garage floor mats in the bed of the truck too. can grab them in different sizes off amazon cheap. Lay it down before getting to work, in case you spill any oils or for dusty brake jobs and the like. Try and minimize you're messes for your customers. Good set up so far. I've thought about mobile mechanic work myself. We'll see.
Advice, drop the jumper cables in favor of a Noco GBX75 or Noco GB150. Jump star dead batteries, sometimes, lead to costly issues and not pleasant conversations.
The wife's 4 runner holds a small jumper, and my big diesel never leaves the driveway without the big CenTec unit from Amazon. SOO easy and convenient. Ill never use cables again (god willing)
You're literally inspiring me. im thinking about becoming a mobile mechanic and been talking about it for quite some time now and starting to take action, what is some advice you can give for someone whos thinking about starting off on theor own business? Keep in mind ive been only woking at a reputable shop for a year now and contemplating if i should dtay and gain more experience or branch out on my own thank you in advance, all the best
I’d probably try to get another year of experience at least, then look at the quality of your work. Do you have any comebacks? Do you feel confident making complex repairs or diagnostics? Are your diagnostics generally accurate? If so, then go ahead! You can always cherry pick your work at first if you need to. Other than that, I know everyone says it, but the biggest piece of advice I can give is show up when you say you’re going to show up, and do what you say you’re going to do. If you say I’m going to get there at 9am to fix your car, and you actually show up at 9am and the customers car gets fixed, you’re already outperforming most of your competition.
I've had a lot of tools stolen over the years. I would not assume the area is good. I'm not going to leave them outside to just get them all snatched and be left with an empty truck bed.
It has its ups and downs, but I prefer it. It’s a good bit more pressure and a LOT to learn outside of doing the actual labor. Year 1 was pretty rough at times, but God has really blessed us in year 2 and now I’m full time along with 2 part time guys. So once you work out all the kinks it’s pretty sweet
If I can give you some advice don't clean your sockets let them stay dirty that way they don't get rusted, now yes if it were indoors then I can see wipe them down after use...
We use Identifix to find labor times and build estimates. We apply our hourly rate to the labor time, and that’s how we price out labor costs. Parts cost involve a 15% markup, just to cover the time it take to buy all of them, pick them up, and potentially warranty if needed.
One piece if advice, (albeit unsolicited), most of us had a hard time charging appropriately for services when first starting out. I'm not a mobile mechanic, but provide a service just the same. When I first started Iwas very afraid to charge much because I thought I might lose the customer. 8 years later, now I realize what MY time is worth and charge accordingly. Do I lose a potential customer from time to time? Yes, but very rarely. I went from a 1-man show in 2016 to having 4 full time subcontract technicians, and my clients include some of the biggest players in the game! Not trying to preach or brag brother, just wanna see you be successful!!
That’s facts. One thing that really helped me in this regard was to think of it as how much value I’m providing to the customer. If I’m providing a service that would cost $300 anywhere else, then the value I provide is worth $300. Has nothing to do with me or my “worth” and has all to do with the amount of value my good/service provides to the customer. That really helped me charge enough and not feel guilty over high dollar tickets.
I do keep the boxes locked so that helps, but I live in a pretty good apartment complex that’s in a good area, I haven’t had any issues. Eventually I will probably get a van or camper shell that I can lock up at night
I gotta say man you been doin that for 9 months. I'm so won't to work then compared to you. Like okay I make like a few thousand a year, still, this is like you know what's up. What kind of jobs are you doing and what jobs do you want more of???
Thanks man! My time cut off is 10 hours, if a job calls for more than 10 hours I turn it down. Brakes are my most common, easiest, and predictable jobs, they’re probably my favorite
Hey everyone! Just wanted to let yall know that I took a lot of advice from the comments that were left on this video, and I released an update tool tour on RUclips that you can watch with this link! Thank y’all for your help and support!
ruclips.net/video/am14L8a5l-8/видео.htmlsi=-LfVZ-C-g0jAbL9h
Open beds mean loading and unloading tool boxes but I found a low effort way that's cheap and easy. You won't be young and bulletproof forever so this trick might keep you out of surgery and pain clinics. I hung a used Tommy Gate on my F150 years ago and love it because it's a major back saver. I don't lift anything heavy due to a bad back (which got that way lifting heavy objects, discs don't last forever). They're cheap used and when not lifting or lowering heavy items like floor jacks, engines, steel etc make a nice clean work surface. Since it's a half-ton I run Hellwig leaves and Timbren urethane springs because they don't conflict with anything and handle the extra weight easily. Used liftgates often outlive multiple trucks and all the parts are simple and available including the mount plates for different truck beds.
i mechanized all my heavy lifting and horizontal moving (from machine tools to structural steel and shipping containers, not just vehicle-related) and only regret not doing that 30 years ago because it makes life easy.
That’s great advice thank you
I did some mobile mechanic repairs for a few years. Dropping in to show supoort. Good stuff man. Keep pushing forward
I have the same Wilwood sticker. Great brand
Thanks for the support man!
RUclips had you as a top hit, I hope the business keeps going well for you man, love the setup, and thanks for the video! I'll check out your other vids as well!
Thanks man I appreciate it!
Nice set up, I am a mobile diesel mechanic, and I just started using a top box from harbor freight in the bed now instead of the back seat.
Thanks man! I also just upgraded to a harbor freight top box as well, I’m going to make an updated tool tour video within the next week I hope
How are the HF boxes with rain/water? Waterproof/resistant? Or do they turn into buckets??
@@ryanj2071it just depends on which one you get. The one in this video is their 5 drawer tool box/cart (I just took it off the rolling stand that it’s supposed to be mounted to) and it was really waterproof, I didn’t have any rain gathering or anything like that. I never used a covering and it worked great. But the new one I upgraded to does need a covering because of how the top of the box is made.
@InYourDrivewayAuto thanks for the info 👍
Nice set up. Best of luck sir.
Thanks man!
Camper shell will help keep that equipment protected from the elements of the weather. And secured.
Lookin at getting a camper shell and a truck bed slide
I just built one for my tacoma ( general contractor ). Two sheets of 3/4 ply . Some 1 inch roller ball bearings ( harbor freight ) works perfect and handles a ton of weight. @@InYourDrivewayAuto
@mikemorales2120 Oh cool I’ll look into that! What did you use for the slide rails?
@@InYourDrivewayAuto i actually used 1 inch roller bearings from harbor freight , screwed like 30 into the the sheet and it rolls like butter
@mikemorales2120 i second this. There a some really good vids on YT using roller bearings for a slide tray/box. I made 10" deep box years ago with a hinged lid, rhino lined. It served we well until I was able to finally spring for the Decked drawers
Youll expand as you go and that means you'll need more room, less bulk.
I could suggest a dozen things but you'll just have to fugure it out as you go.
I
That’s what I’ve noticed, I’m hoping to get the chance to do an updated tool tour soon because I’ve made a lot of changes that have made the job much easier
Since you got the compressor already, I would look at a cheap smoke machine. Lots of money in diags other techs can't do right, like with the refrigerant tank.
I have added a smoke machine since making this video! You’re right it’s a great investment and diag has become much easier since. Here’s a link to a short I made featuring the smoke machine in action
Finding vacuum leaks, exhaust leaks, and EVAP leaks just got a whole lot easier 😎
ruclips.net/user/shortscJcJ4nhYMKg?feature=share
My suggestion to you is if you’re not going to be switching into a truck with a service body with the built in tool box I’d look at the Milwaukee packout kits or any of the other brands that have that setup. Normal tool boxes tend to fall apart the second you get any weight in them if your on bumpy or rough roads. The best part about those setups is that it’s super easy to remove them from your truck too.
I’ll look into these, I do have some drawer tracks that are now completely shot so I’m going to look at the pack outs next
@@InYourDrivewayAutoI’d also look into a montezuma box they are pricey but worth it
I been thinking about getting you to do some work on my 07 tahoe ..I live in Sylacauga. I usually do my own work but not this time.
You can fill out the form on my website inyourdrivewayauto.com and I’d be happy to help you out!
@@InYourDrivewayAuto Your website is very well done. Simple yet stylish and informative, nice
@BruceLyeg thank you very much! My beautiful wife created it for me, and has created some for other local businesses as well. I will be sure and pass on this compliment!
I
A rolling cart is general and take wheels off so u can put it in ur truck bed
Yes that’s exactly what I did lol
No like the bigger ones that way u don’t need two boxes
I see what you’re saying. I most likely will get a bigger one soon, but I’ll probably still have 2 boxes. I really just need more space for tools, as soon as I get more space I get more tools to expand the variety of jobs I can take
It’s a never ending cycle lol
Update I got a bigger one, you can see the update here! ruclips.net/video/am14L8a5l-8/видео.htmlsi=RiPSmXzNuQFhT604
Great setup
Thanks!
Love the videos man. I’m new to the mobile mechanics business any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
My biggest advice is don’t take a job that you feel really uncomfortable doing. If it is too far advanced or nearly impossible to do with just one person (unless you have someone helping you) just be honest with the customer. Also protect yourself from bad customers who try to avoid paying. Do what is best for the customer, and protect yourself.
@ Thanks for the advice. I’ve turned down a few engine and transmission swap jobs. Not because I’m incapable of doing it, I’ve did quite a few alone which is probably bad on my part. You do what you gotta do though. Mainly though because I’m working out of my Wife’s car and I’m just not set up for that. I hate to lose the money but I can’t put myself in a scenario where I could get hurt or cause damage to the customers vehicle.
Could also add one of those 'drymate' garage floor mats in the bed of the truck too. can grab them in different sizes off amazon cheap. Lay it down before getting to work, in case you spill any oils or for dusty brake jobs and the like. Try and minimize you're messes for your customers. Good set up so far. I've thought about mobile mechanic work myself. We'll see.
That’s actually a really good suggestion, I’ll grab some tomorrow!
Great suggestion, hypertough has a good one I just looked up after reading your comment I’m about to get
Advice, drop the jumper cables in favor of a Noco GBX75 or Noco GB150. Jump star dead batteries, sometimes, lead to costly issues and not pleasant conversations.
Thanks!
The wife's 4 runner holds a small jumper, and my big diesel never leaves the driveway without the big CenTec unit from Amazon. SOO easy and convenient. Ill never use cables again (god willing)
A great setup.
Thank you sir!
You're literally inspiring me. im thinking about becoming a mobile mechanic and been talking about it for quite some time now and starting to take action, what is some advice you can give for someone whos thinking about starting off on theor own business? Keep in mind ive been only woking at a reputable shop for a year now and contemplating if i should dtay and gain more experience or branch out on my own thank you in advance, all the best
I’d probably try to get another year of experience at least, then look at the quality of your work. Do you have any comebacks? Do you feel confident making complex repairs or diagnostics? Are your diagnostics generally accurate? If so, then go ahead! You can always cherry pick your work at first if you need to. Other than that, I know everyone says it, but the biggest piece of advice I can give is show up when you say you’re going to show up, and do what you say you’re going to do. If you say I’m going to get there at 9am to fix your car, and you actually show up at 9am and the customers car gets fixed, you’re already outperforming most of your competition.
I've had a lot of tools stolen over the years. I would not assume the area is good. I'm not going to leave them outside to just get them all snatched and be left with an empty truck bed.
They’re locked down
I love this set-up but please organise this tools
I’ll give it some thought 😂
Did it! Here’s the new video more organized ruclips.net/video/am14L8a5l-8/видео.htmlsi=RiPSmXzNuQFhT604
How's doing it on your own? Thinking about doing it full time but idk I feel insecure I've been doing side work but wanna branch off
It has its ups and downs, but I prefer it. It’s a good bit more pressure and a LOT to learn outside of doing the actual labor. Year 1 was pretty rough at times, but God has really blessed us in year 2 and now I’m full time along with 2 part time guys. So once you work out all the kinks it’s pretty sweet
If I can give you some advice don't clean your sockets let them stay dirty that way they don't get rusted, now yes if it were indoors then I can see wipe them down after use...
How do you charge for your services?
We use Identifix to find labor times and build estimates. We apply our hourly rate to the labor time, and that’s how we price out labor costs. Parts cost involve a 15% markup, just to cover the time it take to buy all of them, pick them up, and potentially warranty if needed.
Before Henry Ford built his flathead V8, he built an X8 engine:
ruclips.net/video/ueM01J-oFnQ/видео.html
!
👍🏼
How do you handle invoicing?
I use the square app. I just list out the parts, part numbers, and the cost of each part, then add the labor
@@InYourDrivewayAuto Thank you. I have found invoicing to be my hardest hurdle.
@hunterlewis8303 no problem! If there’s anything I can do to help further, you can email me at connor.inyourdriveway@gmail.com
One piece if advice, (albeit unsolicited), most of us had a hard time charging appropriately for services when first starting out. I'm not a mobile mechanic, but provide a service just the same. When I first started Iwas very afraid to charge much because I thought I might lose the customer.
8 years later, now I realize what MY time is worth and charge accordingly. Do I lose a potential customer from time to time? Yes, but very rarely. I went from a 1-man show in 2016 to having 4 full time subcontract technicians, and my clients include some of the biggest players in the game!
Not trying to preach or brag brother, just wanna see you be successful!!
That’s facts. One thing that really helped me in this regard was to think of it as how much value I’m providing to the customer. If I’m providing a service that would cost $300 anywhere else, then the value I provide is worth $300. Has nothing to do with me or my “worth” and has all to do with the amount of value my good/service provides to the customer. That really helped me charge enough and not feel guilty over high dollar tickets.
Do you worry about having your tools stolen?
I do keep the boxes locked so that helps, but I live in a pretty good apartment complex that’s in a good area, I haven’t had any issues. Eventually I will probably get a van or camper shell that I can lock up at night
A service body will suffice. Tons around cheap and in good conditions.
I gotta say man you been doin that for 9 months. I'm so won't to work then compared to you. Like okay I make like a few thousand a year, still, this is like you know what's up.
What kind of jobs are you doing and what jobs do you want more of???
Thanks man! My time cut off is 10 hours, if a job calls for more than 10 hours I turn it down.
Brakes are my most common, easiest, and predictable jobs, they’re probably my favorite
I would have to assume by now those tools have been stolen.
Not a single tool has been. The are locked down to the truck bed, and the boxes are locked closed
Those boxes aren't waterproof
I was skeptical at first as well, but I haven’t had any water in my drawers or any rust issues yet
Damn youre lucky non of youre tools havent got stolen
They’re locked down
Smoke crack instead of having coffee much better for efficiency on the road.
Word
u need more tools. you want your gas mileage to go down with how many tools you have.
Agreed