[miguelramirez]

Hello everybody. I am wanting to get into servicing and eventually maintenance and mod of exotic cars.

I was wondering if Ferrari owners would trust someone with a highly mechanical background to service their cars?

I am a FAA licensed aircraft mechanic. I have experience working on F-16s, AH-64s(Apache helicopters) and other aircraft.

I would buy the manuals, correct parts and tools to do the job right.

I have a passion for these cars and I want to work on them but at the same time work for myself so I could eventually own one.

What do you think?

Thanks

[wetpet]

I think you should try working for a dealer or independent first. Are you planning on opening a shop or doing it on the side? To answer your question, i don't know anyone that would feel comfortable handing their ferrari over to someone who is inexperienced with these cars. But, i'm sure they are out there...

[Granucci]

Shoot, I have problems with some of the qualified ones.

echo wet's comments: Get with a dealer, and you may have to work your way up [pay dues yet again] with a lower end dealer. Porsche is a nice start...lots of them out there, and many similarities...

sorry, but no short cuts unless you know someone in the biz directly...hate to say it, but you had some of the best instruction and the drill on the outside [if you will] is much worse.

[Killer58]

I've been working on cars since I was eleven years old, and professionally restoring them for twenty years now. I still don't trust myself to work on my own Ferrari.

[miguelramirez]

My ultimate goal is to own a shop but In the beginning I want to do the simple stuff like oil changes, fluid flushes, changing brakes etc.

I was thinking a mobile service where I go to peoples houses to work on the cars.

I am a very good mechanic and I always double and triple check my work. In my line of work if we forget to do something, tighten down a bolt or improperly rig a component people could die.

Knowing the responsibility that I've had placed in my hands would that help gain your trust?

Not to mention the aircraft I have worked on cost $25-$45 million some used and some new.

I wouldn't do any of the work no matter how small without a manual and the right tools.

Just to give you idea of my experience in aviation:
Removed, Replaced and tested:
Engines,Transmissions, Rotor Heads, Blades, Hydraulic Pumps, Hydraulic Actuators, Hydraulic Reservoirs, Brakes, Flight Controls, Fuel Cells, Fuel Probes, Fuel Pumps etc.

Would you trust me to do an oil change or minor work with a manual?

[Killer58]

Originally Posted by miguelramirez

Would you trust me to do an oil change or minor work with a manual?

On my 2002 Cadillac? Absolutely

On my Ferrari? Not without experience and solid recommendations.

[miguelramirez]

BTW I also owned a 2004 Jaguar which I bought the manual for and replaced:

Both front Air shocks
Thermostat Housing
A/C Blower Motor Control Module
Throttle Body
Brakes

and all kinds of other stuff on my crappy little Honda.

[cribbj]

Miguel, no one is questioning your mechanical skills, it's just your CV isn't there (yet) for working on exotic cars, regardless how many turbine engines from helicopters you've overhauled.

As others have said, get some experience with a dealer, or a race team, or even an independent exotic shop, and once you've built up your CV, and your reputation the business will come.....

I see very qualified vets trying to break into oilfield work all the time, and they all seem to have this notion that their 6 years of military experience gives them the same level of qualifications as a guy who has been doing the oilfield job for 6 years. Not true at all.

[miguelramirez]

Thanks guys I appreciate all the comments and advice!

I talked to the Ferrari dealership a while back and I was told that the dealerships in my area are owned by Rodger Penske and he also owns a automotive technical school and that's where they get their mechanics. I don't think school is something I want to do since I have the technical part down already, I just need the experience. So I will have to look for an independent shop.

I would work on these car for free just to be around them and learn them inside and out.

[cribbj]

Since you're posting in the Southwest subforum, I assume you're probably in that area?

Mind posting a little more info about yourself and which major cities are near you?

[miguelramirez]

Sure, I'm in the Phoenix AZ area. I am originally from NYC, joined the Air Force in 2002 and was stationed here. I worked at MD Helicopters for a couple years, now I work for Boeing repairing the Army's Apaches.

I love exotic cars, aviation and music but I know that in order to have the type of success I want I have to work for my self.

[Granucci]

Just a quick story: I know an Italian born, Ferrari Factory trained mechanic, here in the bay area who for years worked at Ferrari of San Francisco. We had some good times and his deam was to be a pit mech for a race team, which, he finally became after years. I know a race team selects their mechs not only on skill but personality to get along with the team dynamics, but he had many of those qualities, for the right team.

It takes time. and as said CV even for the better trained. THIS IS NOT a discouragement, just some possibly facts to consider.

PHX AZ has a few if not many places to get some of that. I wouldn't be surprised if you did some door knocking there and found some opportunities. My step son is also a helo mech for the Marines, and I know the kind of schooling and training they got. You CAN translate that into the private market: but you'll need to knock on many doors.

keep posting, reading here, and there, and you will, I expect, get there....

time is relative and shouldn't be the issue.

OF course the other route is buy a really less expensive Ferrari and work on it.

[Keysmasher]

I would trust you but if I had any problems afterwards I would demand a refund and a reimbursement for having to go through the whole process again.