smorris_12 wrote: ↑Mon May 29, 2023 9:41 pm
Yet another cottage industry dead. I do wonder where it'll end up.
There are still a few vehicle a/c people around, but they will concentrate on the more complicated problems, generally electrical, I would guess.
I moved on to more 'lucrative' parts of the industry when dealers (and I used to work for many bodyshops too) started to get the 'machines' and could save money by doing it in house.
I worked for both BMW dealerships in my area in the early '90s. I used to like going to them as the a/c equipment was always laid out well in the engine bay, easy access to gauge ports and important components. And in those days, only the top end cars had a/c so drove a lot of nice cars (as I always insisted on doing a road test even though it was not strictly necessary most of the time).
The worst were Rovers (800 series) and Renaults (25 and 21). Always the same faults due to a lack of thought when fitting from the factory. Rover 800s would always spring leaks from the corners of the condenser, as they weren't fitted well so would flex under acceleration and bumps.
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
