Any ideas on a job for a retiring mechanic ?

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azzab54, Aug 11, 8:49am
Im of retiring age next year and was wondering what else i could do that is a bit easier on the body. Ive been a mechanic for 48 years now. Time to back pedal a bit.
I know there will be some smart answers but i can handle them. Cheers guys.
the-lada-dude, Aug 11, 9:00am
Can you tell us what you REALLY enjoy about the industry your from. is this just money for jam, do you have to keep working to pay the bills. full time / part time, . lots of doors open dependant on your auxiliary skills
azzab54, Aug 11, 9:25am
Full time or part time. I love older cars. Pre mid nineties. Love dealing with people.
Would be happy with a workshop assistant type job or similar. I hope this thread doesn't get pulled . Cheers.
dublo, Aug 11, 9:39am
Find a workshop which is familiar with working on older cars - your local vintage car club would know of the likely businesses - and see if you can find a job, part time or whatever. Just doing Warrants of Fitness would be easy on the body. Or work from home: then you can pick what jobs to do. But leave plenty of time for all of the things you have "planned to do when you retired!"
extrayda, Aug 11, 9:40am
Good luck. I love cars when they had carbs & points :-)
I don't know how many garages there are still around that specialise in that sort of stuff. Hopefully someone comes up with something.
visak, Aug 11, 9:51am
Can't remember the company name. In Lorien Place East Tamaki. Specialize in old Lotus and Ferraris. Was looking for a mechanic. I think there work load varies a bit so part time may be suitable, as they have to wait for parts to arrive.
azzab54, Aug 11, 9:58am
Great replies. Thanks guys. Ive thought about going to wof,s only. I dont currently have my authority due to working on a cof only fleet for 6 yeats but im sure i could find something. I will check out your idea thanks visak.
intrade, Aug 11, 10:21am
Well if you did upgrade your skills you could be a diagnosis tech now looking at scandata and scope readings writing down what needs to be fixed.
panicky, Aug 11, 10:24am
K W Historics?
mojo49, Aug 11, 11:18am
I am 70 and still work fulltime running two of my own businesses, which I really enjoy. One takes less than a week a month. The other has a quiet period from May- August so I can have winter breaks. I have been self -employed for nearly 10 years now. So long as you are financially secure don't dismiss the idea of investing a small amount of capital into becoming self employed in a business doing what you really enjoy at your own pace. You can indulge your passion, make a few $, be your own boss and work at your own pace.
the-lada-dude, Aug 11, 11:46am
This is a very good idea, . I worked from home as well. . you don't need a lot o gear to get going, heaps of brake and oil / servicing, some small ads in local paper and word of mouth , takes a good 6 > 9 months to get work on a regular basis, but i'd start the adverts now !
azzab54, Aug 11, 1:29pm
Intrade. Thanks i do that now and then carry out the repairs.
I really only like the older cars. But that is another option i suppose.
kazbanz, Aug 11, 1:34pm
Azzab-have you considered moving into a management role at a vehicle compliance centre.? You would still be "on the tools" from time to time but mostly its organising staff.paperwork.ordering parts etc.
brouser3, Aug 11, 1:46pm
Trade Me trader, Tour Guide, Tutor for career based courses for the young and not so young, …………….
harm_less, Aug 11, 2:12pm
Health & safety supervisor/manager in a larger automotive based operation. You have the experience to know what the hazards are and if you have the right personality and attitude to the responsibilities that such a position entails it might be a good opportunity to stay in touch without the physical demands.
pfemstn, Aug 11, 2:29pm
retiring at 65? who could be so lucky! I think you will find you will be kept busy as soon as people find you are available, just pick the easy jobs, im well over retiring age work 4 days a week on vintage and classic , never been busier! love it!
elect70, Aug 11, 2:35pm
Bugger going back to work for a boss If youve got a decent sized garage restore an old classic in your own time . no boss to answer to &work when you want to . No H&s Acc Tax & all other daily crap . youve had to put up with for last 48 years .
mecanix, Aug 11, 4:26pm
A call centre for an insurance company. Or an assessor?
elect70, Aug 11, 4:37pm
^^^ ever see any over 60s in those jobs ?
mecanix, Aug 11, 4:42pm
Yep.

There was an old bloke. Who was a brilliant assessor. Getting around akl for a while.

But. Its been nearly 6 years since i had any real involvement in the scene so perhaps i am un qualified to comment.
tamarillo, Aug 11, 4:45pm
AA breakdown ?
azzab54, Aug 11, 5:13pm
pfemstn.
Im jealous,exactly what i would love.
I might give it a go doing my own thing. Wish i had more room at home.
Will look into a small premises close to home,see how we go.
Kaz. Good idea,i was a stion manager for vtnz for two years,it is good being away from the tools. But i can still tinker with my own cars.
Thanks again guys.
patiki1, Aug 11, 5:24pm
Those vtnz places,seem to have alot of old people
kdcentralni, Aug 12, 10:17am
My father in law did this ended up doing engine jobs balancing cranks and outsource work for all the garages in town. He did all the time consuming tasks and charged less so the garages picked up the work. Did v8 and 4.2 diesel motors etc, from a work bench in his garage.
bwg11, Aug 12, 10:47am
I have a friend which has gone the WOF shop way, after he had his fill of lying on his back struggling extracting with 4 x 4 transfer cases, eyes full of grit and cow shit.

Not much capital involved other than a hoist (and higher roof if required), light testing gear and possibly a cheap loaner. The occasional WOF audit appears no problem. He also does minor easy repairs, like pads, wheel bearings, wiper inserts, tyres etc. as well as regular services.