Service Vehicle

[Farrell]

Thanks for all the wonderful and interesting responses to my dilemma of buying a service vehicle. I considered all, and focused on the tanks and the Toyota-type wagons. I just could not get passed the problem of exposed tools, etc. in the wagon (I know you can rig up some kind of cover, etc. - but then there is the hassle factor - and I have the need to factor in mega-stereo installation). So I went with the tank.

I looked at about a 100 Lincolns, Crown Victorias, etc. all over town, and wouldn't you know it, I ended up with the first car that I looked at which was located only a couple blocks from my home. I picked up a 1992 Lincoln Town Car, 77,000 miles, original owner (84 years old!), garaged, etc., absolutely perfect condition, for $4,800. I put my usual pile of tools into the trunk (with load-leveling air suspension! - kinda handy) that almost filled my Mercedes trunk (had to install helper springs on the Benz to handle the tool load), and I still have almost enough room to put a whole piano in there. If I built a rack, I could easily put all my tools, two grand actions, and maybe even my upright tilter in that trunk (and my stereo!) - it's huge!!! Cold, cold, cold AC - the other requirement.

Anyway, anyone that lives along the gulf coast going to the next Annual Convention in Dallas, drop me a note. THIS time NO excuses! I'm driving from Tampa and have room for up to six! I have one seat already saved for Brian Trout, but that leaves up to four empty! There is about three feet of leg room in the back!

Again, thanks for the responses, they all helped me process my thoughts on this.

Terry Farrell

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Clair Dunn" <cadunn@vt2000.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2002 6:16 AM
Subject: service vehicles

> Terry--
> Before I got into moving pianos and bought a used 3/4 ton truck which
> I modified for a rack to strap pianos to, I preferred a 4 door sedan--
> full size -- like a Corsica, Celebrity, Lumina, etc. A smaller car,
> like a Cavalier is good if it is two-door with a hatchback, where the
> rear seat folds down. When I had one of those I rigged a stand-off
> that hitched on to the top of passenger seat for carrying vertical
> actions--they stood up in the passenger well and lean back against
> the standoff. The grand actions went into the back.
> 
> With the big car, I put a thin sheet of plywood on the rear seat
> which made it easy to slide the actions across it.
> 
> Good luck.
> 
> Clair
  
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Clyde Hollinger" <cedel@supernet.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2002 6:25 AM
Subject: Re: Service Vehicle


> John,
> 
SNIP
> 
> But it's not what I would choose to own.  I drive a 1998 Buick Century,
> which is my type of car at this stage of life, and I really like it.
> Since my niche is primarily on-location tuning and repair, I can keep 99%
> of the tools and parts I need in the trunk all the time, and I can even
> maneuver a piano tilter into the car when I need it.
> 
> In choosing a service vehicle it was important to me to buy something that
> wasn't only practical but also one I would enjoy driving, since a good
> part of my day is spent doing just that.  In addition, my service vehicle
> is also my personal vehicle.  The set of wheels I chose was a good choice
> for me.
> 
> Regards, Clyde

> > |
> > | Farrell wrote:
> > |
> > | > I need to buy a service vehicle. I spend half my time making
> > service calls to homes, churches, etc. My service area seems to be a
> > circle about 20 miles in diameter. I am looking for recommendations.
> > What vehicle do you use, and why do you think it is a good vehicle for
> > piano servicing?
> > | >
> > | > I had been using a mid-sized sedan. I could put a grand action in
> > the trunk or on the back seat. That seems to be my basic criteria - I
> > need to carry my tools and also be able to place an action into the
> > vehicle.
> > | >
> > | > My new vehicle will likely be one made in the past ten years - I
> > am considering new or used.
> > | >
> > | > No Suburban Assault Vehicles (SUVs). I hate vans - YUK! Seems to
> > me I either go with a small/mid-sized wagon or get a tank (Lincoln
> > Town Car, Crown Victoria LTD, etc.). I definately want a car.
> > | >
> > | > Any thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
> > | >
> > | > If the roads were not so darn crowded, I would ride my bike - like
> > Antares!
> > | >
> > | > Terry Farrell
> > | >
> > | >
> > |
> > |
>