Rust? or Bust?

[imported_turbomangt]

Recently I detailed a late model S500. When I was working on the passenger side lower panels, I noticed a rust spot just above the trim molding. This got me thinking of the time when a guy brought me his 12 year old 560SL, and was so excited that he "bought it right" and was proud of his find. As I was detailing it, I discovered all kinds of problems he overlooked prior to his purchase. I remember how disenchanted he was as I pointed out several problems. I feel an obligation to inform by customers of defects/problems if I run into them. But I also don't want to spoil their day either. as it turned out, the S500 owner was trading it in soon, so that one worked out. Just wondered what you guys do when you see a flaw in a car? Gary

 

[Accumulator]

Let me give you a CUSTOMER'S perspective answer, if I may. I would WANT to know about whatever you find. I can understand why your SL customer was dismayed by the news, but hey, it's better to KNOW than to remain ignorant- you always find out eventually anyhow.



There IS however, a difference between pointing out something that is manageable (and letting them know about it before it gets serious, like the spot on the S500) and giving someone a laundry list of stuff that's wrong with his car (might've been like that with the SL). If a vehicle as a BUNCH of stuff wrong, I'd just tell them that it seems like it might need some work at some time, and not elaborate unless you're asked to.



I don't do this stuff professionally anymore, but whenever I did cars (and when I do them now for friends, etc.), if I found a small, minor spot of surface rust, I'd hit it with a CAREFULLY applied bit of rust converter. It sure won't hurt anything (IF you do it carefully) and it will at least retard the process until they can get it fixed properly. That way when you tell them about it, you can also let them know that you're looking out for them. Anything that's beyond that treatment I'd leave alone, but I'd still tell them about it. You wouldn't want them to someday say " what, you knew about that and you didn't fill me in?!?"

 

[Don]

If I was the customer, *I'd* want to know about small rust spots, or other problems etc that if allowed to continue would become major issues later, but as for other 'defects' that are detracting from the car, but otherwise harmless , that would be a judgement call.



If you do decide to inform customers about the *worstening* type of defects (rust) I'd suggest looking into/becoming familiar with the *How-To's* of repairing those issues (or at least knowing where to refer the customer for repairs).