Training
Naturally, he's gone through the rigorous 14-week MVS Moderator training program.
Lee and Bill watch boost gauges in the background as John endures the 125MPH Forum Spam Simulator™ at the MVS Moderator International Training Center in Geneva.
Background
Straight from John:
Been working with Volvos since 1984. Didn't have money when I was young so learning to fix things was mandatory. Had my first 1 bay repair shop in my teens fixing and modifying mopeds. (rented a garage bay from Dad) Trained by an odd mix of aerospace engineers and hot rodders. This was great training because you learn how to re design and improve all components to perform at their thermal and design limits without failing.
I still remember some of the famous phrases of the engineers like - "Get it right the first time" ,"There are no tow trucks in space” and " If you don't fully comprehend how every system works and fails you are not qualified to touch the vehicle."
The hot rodders gave me passion for power and performance. I learned "A 1200 hp engine is lots of fun until you realize you forgot to improve the brakes,suspension etc" and "Winning starts with getting it past the finish line."
I graduated to working on motorcycles, then cars ,boats, trucks and RV's. European models are my favorites. I am addicted. I smile every time a turbo spools up.
I completed my apprenticeship and became a licensed vehicle damage appraiser in 1995. I spent years learning vehicle crash dynamics and forensic mechanics including all vehicle systems and diagnosis.
I've been repairing and making performance modifications to cars and motorcycles for 27 years.
Right now - I am privileged to be able to post here at Matthews. I learn from the site every day. I enjoy posting with all different types of people at different levels of automotive service expertise. Most of all it’s just nice to be talking with other people who are interested in Volvo's. My goal is to help where I can. I learned never to diagnose a vehicle without being able to inspect it but folks here do a great job of reporting what is going on. I wish I could help in person - the suspense of waiting to see if the repair worked or not is the hardest part.
MVS Moderators
Like all moderators here, John does it for the love of helping people and the satisfaction of helping owners to get their cars to run well. MVS moderators are unpaid, so if you have a minute, please thank a mod.
