dkmcgowan Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 I'm in software development and always wanted to have a side project related to my jeep hobby. I was thinking about making a site to create a network of home mechanics and hobbyist who need help with a certain project or want to help others for fun or some side cash. So you could go there and post what you need help with one weekend and others in your area that know your car or how to fix what your issue was, or that have the right tools, could come and help, or you could go to them that weekend for help if they had the tools or better garage. Would anyone use this or does it already exist? I couldn't find it already existing for home mechanics or hobbyist. It does exist professionally, but not shade tree mechanics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeepman Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 Interesting concept except Id aim for a barter system as everyone has skills of some kind that another might not... Example might be: Need help fixing my Jeep, shop said it would be $1000.00 I am a "insert trade or skill offered" Joe Somebody says I need "that type of work done in my house/shop/cottage etc." I think that would be a sweet setup if not already out there where your just trading labour... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkmcgowan Posted August 4, 2015 Author Share Posted August 4, 2015 I was thinking of just making a .org free site that supported using PayPal if you wanted, but you could do it for free, trade, whatever... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strokermjcomanche Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 Like this : https://www.automd.com/answers/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkmcgowan Posted August 4, 2015 Author Share Posted August 4, 2015 Like this : https://www.automd.com/answers/ That is just questions and answers... What I was thinking is everyone would have a login and it would know where you were. So if someone posted an issue like "Brake issue on my 89 Comanche, soft pedal, need help replacing master cylinder, but I've never done it before". Then other home mechanics in the area would see they were only 10 minutes away from that person and say that they would help. They could go to the persons house to help them out one night or weekend, or tell the person to bring their truck over to their house and they would help. They could offer to help for free, parts, or have them send over $50 from PayPal... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strokermjcomanche Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 Like this : https://www.automd.com/answers/ That is just questions and answers... What I was thinking is everyone would have a login and it would know where you were. So if someone posted an issue like "Brake issue on my 89 Comanche, soft pedal, need help replacing master cylinder, but I've never done it before". Then other home mechanics in the area would see they were only 10 minutes away from that person and say that they would help. They could go to the persons house to help them out one night or weekend, or tell the person to bring their truck over to their house and they would help. They could offer to help for free, parts, or have them send over $50 from PayPal... I misread , my mistake . In that case never heard of such a site . Although I'd be worried about someone not qualified or some hack working on my vehicle . It's a good idea though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 Although I'd be worried about someone not qualified or some hack working on my vehicle . It's a good idea though Yep, that's what friends are for, and/or membership in a local clubs. I wouldn't let someone I don't know touch my MJ or even come to my house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkmcgowan Posted August 4, 2015 Author Share Posted August 4, 2015 Although I'd be worried about someone not qualified or some hack working on my vehicle . It's a good idea though Yep, that's what friends are for, and/or membership in a local clubs. I wouldn't let someone I don't know touch my MJ or even come to my house. Good points... Over time people would have reviews, so just like eBay you would know to trust someone over time. But someone would have to go first. Just looking to do something on the side related to my hobby and what I do professionally... The other idea I had was a free maintenance site, but that already exists.. https://www.carbot.org/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
91Pioneer Posted August 4, 2015 Share Posted August 4, 2015 Not really what you want but I always go to http://www.obd-codes.com/ when I have trouble codes on my newer vehicles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minuit Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Although I'd be worried about someone not qualified or some hack working on my vehicle . It's a good idea though Yep, that's what friends are for, and/or membership in a local clubs. I wouldn't let someone I don't know touch my MJ or even come to my house. THIS. I'm the only one who touches, drives, washes, or wrenches on my truck anymore. The last time someone other than me worked on it my engine block got a little bit lighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comanche County Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 I think you're idea is a very good one. Just off the top of my head I think something like Uber except for mechanics might work. There are a lot of single women and guys who don't know a ratchet from a hammer and need help keeping their transportation on the road. Just today I saw a 20 something year old guy watching a 60 something year old AutoZone guy install a battery for him. That was pathetic, but its indicative of the lack of mechanical capability there is in the general population. Most people just want to get in the car, turn the key and drive, most people cannot or will not work on their car. The problem you'd encounter is certifying the mechanics. I'm a very competent mechanic but I'm certified by shade tree only, I'll do anything to a Jeep, but I've learned not to mess with German stuff and some Japanese stuff. Its just not what I know. I know several guys who make their living off of mechanical side work. They're not getting rich but the need in the market is there, at least it is in my locale. I think as far as work for niche groups like Jeeps, VWs, Corvettes, Mustangs, etc will be taken up by local clubs and enthusiast groups and word of mouth. I've been working for free for several months lately on my club members Jeeps. I'm only mentioning that cause I think if the "Uber Mechanic" business model will work, it will probably be most successful if its only for general and basic maintenance needs. Another hurdle I think you might face is business/advertising backlash from local auto shops. After all, you'd be cutting into their margin. Even though, I think your idea may work and may help a few certain people save money, but how would it help the mechanics make money? How would you make money on it? How is it going to make money? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Step 1: Steal Underpants Step 2: ??? Step 3: Profit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now