RPM

[theLeopard]

so Randy is basically the coolest mechanic around.

Randy appreciation thread! 

[Bozo]

so Randy is basically the coolest mechanic around.

Randy appreciation thread! 

totally agree, always has the time to help and a fantastic guy, cheers

[aviationfred]

Randy and RPM is the reason my FJ runs as well as it does. Before Randy got his hands on the head, it smoked like a mosquito truck on start up.

Fred

[FJmonkey]

Randy @ RPM rocks... Nuff said...

[Pat Conlon]

We are very fortunate to have Randy as a FJ enthuast and a contributing member of our forum.

Let's do all we can to support his business...and by doing so, supports all FJ enthuasts

He does take good care of us.

[TexasDave]

 

We are very fortunate to have Randy as a FJ enthuast and a contributing member of our forum.

Let's do all we can to support his business...and by doing so, supports all FJ enthuasts

He does take good care of us.

Yes but we have to thank Randy''s dad for teaching him everything he knows about mechanics.   Dave   

[racerrad8]

Yes but we have to thank Randy''s dad for teaching him everything he knows about mechanics.   Dave   

Dave, funny you should mention that. He was here at the shop on Saturday as my youngest son was working an a pick-up for a friend of his replacing the intake manifold gaskets that failed and filled the engine with coolant.

As I watch my son work, I allow him to stretch his mind and learn how to do things. He knows not to ask for help until he has exhausted all of his options. Both of my kids know this as I have taught them to think things through and work it out before asking for help.

So, the distributor goes back in the truck and it is ready to start, I crank it while my son is watching the engine and my dad is sitting in the chair overseeing. The engine cranks over and hit a spark cycle out of time. I tell my son he missed the distributor installation or the proper wiring sequence of the new cap & rotors. Without hesitating he looks at me and asks, "what do I do know?"

My reply; "figure it out" as I walk away.

I keep an eye on him as he starts to work though the issue. He asked he to help him crank it to locate TDC. I walk away and I can see my dad just chomping at the bit to go help him as I tell him to stay in the chair so he figure it out.

Well, about 15 minutes later, I here the engine crank over and start. I asked what he found, he told me he had the distributor off a tooth or two.

Now if my dad or I would have jumped in to help, he might not have learned how to fix it himself when he really needed to.

After it is all done, my dad tells my son, "congratulations, I don't think I ever had that much patience with your dad and I would have gotten frustrated seeing him struggle and fixed it for him".

I looked at my dad in somewhat of disbelief...you see my dad was an Automotive Mechanics instructor at the high school and junior college level beginning the same year I was born. The problem with me learning from my dad was, I learned most of that stuff while still in grade school and junior high. My dad tells a story that he recalls to people regularly. When I was still in 6th grade school I didn't have a school day so I got to go to high school with my dad. My dad would assign tasks to students for the day, like rebuild a master cylinder or carburetor, drilling and tapping a bolt hole, things like that. My dad tells it that I used to walk around and help everyone showing them how to do the job properly as they were learning and usually not doing it right. He says I even told some students, "I cant believe you don't know how to do that".

Hell, with my dads assistance I rebuild my first Briggs & Stratton 3hp engine when I was 7-8 because if I wanted to ride it, I had to be able to fix it.

I learned most everything I know from my father and just been emulsed into the automotive world from the day I was born, I did not ride too many trikes as a young child, I was rolling around the high school shop floor on a creeper soaking it all in.

Randy - RPM

[1tinindian]

I just can't get over Randys strong customer service, I mean, he calls me up out of the blue to just check up on my project bike. What a guy! I feel guilty for not working on it harder than I do.
Thanks Randy for caring about us, even when your own circumstances are trying at times.
You will always have my full support!

Leon

[racerrad8]

so Randy is basically the coolest mechanic around.

Randy appreciation thread! 

Thank you Brian, I appreciate the post and glad to be of assistance.
Randy - RPM

[Mike Ramos]

Hello everyone,

This is a timely thread on RPM...

Seeking a replacement for the pre-formed fuel line from the under tank fuel filter to the fuel pump, I contacted Randy from RPM.  As is usually the case, the question was not "I will order it for you" but a return email stating "it is in stock, shall I ship it or would you prefer will call?"  "Will call please, see you in a week or so" was my response.

having planned to wander around the roads on the western side of the Sierra Mountains, looking for the famed Monitor Pass which Mr. Conlon has mention would be on the itinerary for the next WCR, I was confident I would find my way into the quaint town of Oakdale.  There sure is some good riding throughout that region of the Sierra's which eventually lead me unannounced at the new & expanded RPM facility.   

Arriving at the RPM shop, I saw several projects underway: the usual FJ or two in final stages of assembly; not to mention other items which emphasize the Performance aspect of the RPM name.  Foremost was the "it cannot be done" Electronic Fuel Injection project for the FJ's and the latest refinements, including the all important logic mapping of the engine.  Although no time table has yet been established for release & it still may be some time in the future, substantial progress has been made. 

Non FJ projects included final tuning of a race car for an owner new to the sport...  If a street legal Miata with almost 400 hp isn't enough to satisfy, how about a LS to suite your fancy!

Although I missed seeing Randy's father, I did see his son working on the pick up.  There were parts all over the place, laid out neatly along the work bench along side the myriad of tools needed for the job.  And yep, when I innocently asked "how will you ever get that back together again?", I heard in unison "I'm surprised you don't know that!"  Like father, like son and like son...!   

I also noticed orders were being packaged for Monday delivery to various points around the globe.  RPM even ships to England & Europe – lucky for those FJ aficionados across the pond to have an alternate source for parts & and just as importantly, free and knowledgeable advice.   

Interestingly, there was an informal fundraising barbeque happening with hot dogs, hamburger & soda.  Entertainment was provided which was light hearted and humorous.  As always there was no charge for the lunch, however I did make a modest donation.  It is accurate to state that the gentleman from RPM, others in attendance and I share the same views on the many things in life away from the FJ.

Because of other commitments my visit was a short but enjoyable nonetheless.  After hamburgers & soda I was on my way, heading west into the Bay Area before traveling home to the far northern reaches of the state.

So, thanks Randy and to you father as well...!

Ride safe,

Mike Ramos.

[giantkiller]

As far as I'm concerned Randy. Is super. No superhuman. I've always got 8or10 irons in the fire. But they are my own.  He has all his. A job ,a business, everybody else's irons. And yet the best customer service/support. I have ever encountered. It takes me 3 times as long as Randy. To respond just to say thanks.
Thank you Randy
Dan McCoy

[Brook]

..... I would like to add to this conversation, if I can!!
I have never met the man, but I have talk to Randy many times [on the phone]

He did take his time to listen to my questions/issues, that I have had with my FJ..... And he even offered to let me try/use a new part that he was working on, from his shop.

And to be honest, If I could do this over again, I would.
About two years ago, I sent my motor to Virginia. [I am in Fl.] To a big name motorcycle motor builder and drag racer.

[And I regret, not sending it to Randy.]............ I have been wanting to say that, for a long time!!!

                                                                   Jeff

[andyoutandabout]

Yep, when Randy was working on my bike, I thought I was getting special attention. All his other projects were momentarily shelved and my bike became the center of the workshop universe. Consequently it's run like a top and handled like a dream ever since.
So then - wait a minute - how can the vast majority of Fj owners also get that same feeling every time they talk to the man?
Took me a while to understand, but the answers obvious: while developing an Fj fuel injection system, exhaust, suspension units, fixing every ones bike, holding down a day job, keeping house, paying bills, he has been dabbling in quantum mechanics and replicated himself many times over.

Simple you see - he's a clone - in fact several clones.

Will the real Randy Rad, please stand up.

Andy

[paulfj03]

We are very fortunate to have Randy as a FJ enthuast and a contributing member of our forum.

Let's do all we can to support his business...and by doing so, supports all FJ enthuasts

He does take good care of us.

+1. I agree!

Yes but we have to thank Randy''s dad for teaching him everything he knows about mechanics.   Dave   

Dave, funny you should mention that. He was here at the shop on Saturday as my youngest son was working an a pick-up for a friend of his replacing the intake manifold gaskets that failed and filled the engine with coolant.

As I watch my son work, I allow him to stretch his mind and learn how to do things. He knows not to ask for help until he has exhausted all of his options. Both of my kids know this as I have taught them to think things through and work it out before asking for help.

So, the distributor goes back in the truck and it is ready to start, I crank it while my son is watching the engine and my dad is sitting in the chair overseeing. The engine cranks over and hit a spark cycle out of time. I tell my son he missed the distributor installation or the proper wiring sequence of the new cap & rotors. Without hesitating he looks at me and asks, "what do I do know?"

My reply; "figure it out" as I walk away.

I keep an eye on him as he starts to work though the issue. He asked he to help him crank it to locate TDC. I walk away and I can see my dad just chomping at the bit to go help him as I tell him to stay in the chair so he figure it out.

Well, about 15 minutes later, I here the engine crank over and start. I asked what he found, he told me he had the distributor off a tooth or two.

Now if my dad or I would have jumped in to help, he might not have learned how to fix it himself when he really needed to.

After it is all done, my dad tells my son, "congratulations, I don't think I ever had that much patience with your dad and I would have gotten frustrated seeing him struggle and fixed it for him".

I looked at my dad in somewhat of disbelief...you see my dad was an Automotive Mechanics instructor at the high school and junior college level beginning the same year I was born. The problem with me learning from my dad was, I learned most of that stuff while still in grade school and junior high. My dad tells a story that he recalls to people regularly. When I was still in 6th grade school I didn't have a school day so I got to go to high school with my dad. My dad would assign tasks to students for the day, like rebuild a master cylinder or carburetor, drilling and tapping a bolt hole, things like that. My dad tells it that I used to walk around and help everyone showing them how to do the job properly as they were learning and usually not doing it right. He says I even told some students, "I cant believe you don't know how to do that".

Hell, with my dads assistance I rebuild my first Briggs & Stratton 3hp engine when I was 7-8 because if I wanted to ride it, I had to be able to fix it.

I learned most everything I know from my father and just been emulsed into the automotive world from the day I was born, I did not ride too many trikes as a young child, I was rolling around the high school shop floor on a creeper soaking it all in.

Randy - RPM

Very cool.... thanks for sharing, Randy.