Specialist in Manchester Area...
Discussion
To spare Baz's modesty, I can highly recommend Hartech. It's a down to earth, no frills outfit, but highly competent - just look at the website! I took my 6 year old Boxster S there for a pre-purchase inspection a year ago. I seem to recall for £100 (the RAC wanted £300+) Hartech did a road test and an on-ramp inspection. Being specialists they knew what they were looking for and so it proved. All the critical items checked out ok. The usual items - brake discs, track control arms, coil packs etc all needed sorting. Bought the car and Hartech fixed it, serviced and it's now on their 'Lifetime Maintenance Plan'. So far, after 10 months (and I'm gripping the wooden table) no problems. Just looking towards the Summer! Give them a call, or just drop in early (when it's quieter) on a Saturday for a chat and a look around. You can smell the enthusiasm for all things Porsche.
Definitely better to get a Porsche specialist to inspect it. Here's a couple more you may want to try:
www.uniteleven.co.uk in Warrington (next to M6 J21)
www.sportsandclassic.com in Knutsford
However, do consider the option of getting OPC Wilmslow or OPC Bolton to do it if you want to buy the OPC warranty.
www.uniteleven.co.uk in Warrington (next to M6 J21)
www.sportsandclassic.com in Knutsford
However, do consider the option of getting OPC Wilmslow or OPC Bolton to do it if you want to buy the OPC warranty.
How old can a Porsche be, before you can't get an OPC warranty?
thegoose said:
Definitely better to get a Porsche specialist to inspect it. Here's a couple more you may want to try:
www.uniteleven.co.uk in Warrington (next to M6 J21)
www.sportsandclassic.com in Knutsford
However, do consider the option of getting OPC Wilmslow or OPC Bolton to do it if you want to buy the OPC warranty.
www.uniteleven.co.uk in Warrington (next to M6 J21)
www.sportsandclassic.com in Knutsford
However, do consider the option of getting OPC Wilmslow or OPC Bolton to do it if you want to buy the OPC warranty.
It would interest me to know what other readers think about silver993tt's comments as I am sensitive not to overstep the delicate dividing line between being helpful and being accused of exploitation.
Would it be more helpful to readers overall if I don't contribute anything at all?
Was my response a blatant advert?
Did the information assist the originator and answer his request?
Or was the response just a continuation of the dissagreement we had about early oil changes in which he clearly thought he knew much more than me about the subject?
Baz
Would it be more helpful to readers overall if I don't contribute anything at all?
Was my response a blatant advert?
Did the information assist the originator and answer his request?
Or was the response just a continuation of the dissagreement we had about early oil changes in which he clearly thought he knew much more than me about the subject?
Baz
IMOhartech said:
It would interest me to know what other readers think about silver993tt's comments as I am sensitive not to overstep the delicate dividing line between being helpful and being accused of exploitation.
Would it be more helpful to readers overall if I don't contribute anything at all?
Was my response a blatant advert?
Did the information assist the originator and answer his request?
Or was the response just a continuation of the dissagreement we had about early oil changes in which he clearly thought he knew much more than me about the subject?
Baz
If you were a paying advertiser then I am sure no one would mind. Do you advertise on this site?Would it be more helpful to readers overall if I don't contribute anything at all?
Was my response a blatant advert?
Did the information assist the originator and answer his request?
Or was the response just a continuation of the dissagreement we had about early oil changes in which he clearly thought he knew much more than me about the subject?
Baz
In the name of fairness I'd like to recommend Loe Bank Motors in Edenfield.
www.loebankmotors.co.uk
Chris Sanderson is a really good guy.
Bob.
www.loebankmotors.co.uk
Chris Sanderson is a really good guy.
Bob.
Yes Paracetamol - we have advertised on here and are in the process of doing the artwork for some future advertising - but we do relatively little advertising anyway (compared to our competitors of similar size and standards) relying more on repeat business (which the Lifetime Maintenance Plan contributes towards and anyway we have a very high customer retention rate) and there are relatively few pistonheads readers in the North West compared to the total readers and owners Nationally - so it doesn't warrant huge expense (apart from which we are sufficiently busy to not need any more advertising). "Over-trading" is not in the best interests of a business and we have never been short of work and do analyse contact responses and get relatively few through this forum.
Furthermore - if we advertised as much as some of our competitors - it would add at least £20K or more to our annual budget - which is of course - paid for by the customer - and would put prices up.
Can I assure you all that I am not trying to be clever when asking the question about my contributions - I am genuinely interested in the feedback since it is inevitable that business contributors/responders lay themselves open to accusations of self interest and it is a very fine dividing line that I don't want to cross. I would not regard it as a problem to stop all together if it was not generally appreciated in its own right - as it is my intention to advise readers in situations when I read existing contributions that I know are misleading (or answers are just not forthcoming elsewhere) and I feel that the infomation/advice that I can offer is unlikely to be available generally. I do not get involved if I feel the responses have already provided a good answer.
I also know of businesses that use "friends" to post favourable comments - that I absolutely guarantee we have never done.
You will find my forum contributions have previously mentioned other businesses or people I respect(including Chris Sanderson, Sports and Classic and Autofarm), where I feel they may have something to offer the reader - but I don't see why I should feel guilty about giving advice nor that I should feel obliged to use my time to mention everyone else that can be of any possible use (and who are after all competitors) when they haven't bothered to spend time responding.
It is a difficult area and while I am not so sensitive as to be put off from contributing just because other interests (be they personal or business) don't like it - I would not continue if the majority didn't appreciate or benefitted from it or thought there was some Porsche World Domination Plan - involving free advertising - behind it.
Baz
Furthermore - if we advertised as much as some of our competitors - it would add at least £20K or more to our annual budget - which is of course - paid for by the customer - and would put prices up.
Can I assure you all that I am not trying to be clever when asking the question about my contributions - I am genuinely interested in the feedback since it is inevitable that business contributors/responders lay themselves open to accusations of self interest and it is a very fine dividing line that I don't want to cross. I would not regard it as a problem to stop all together if it was not generally appreciated in its own right - as it is my intention to advise readers in situations when I read existing contributions that I know are misleading (or answers are just not forthcoming elsewhere) and I feel that the infomation/advice that I can offer is unlikely to be available generally. I do not get involved if I feel the responses have already provided a good answer.
I also know of businesses that use "friends" to post favourable comments - that I absolutely guarantee we have never done.
You will find my forum contributions have previously mentioned other businesses or people I respect(including Chris Sanderson, Sports and Classic and Autofarm), where I feel they may have something to offer the reader - but I don't see why I should feel guilty about giving advice nor that I should feel obliged to use my time to mention everyone else that can be of any possible use (and who are after all competitors) when they haven't bothered to spend time responding.
It is a difficult area and while I am not so sensitive as to be put off from contributing just because other interests (be they personal or business) don't like it - I would not continue if the majority didn't appreciate or benefitted from it or thought there was some Porsche World Domination Plan - involving free advertising - behind it.
Baz
Baz
Many traders post on PH. I think they should have as much right as the rest of us to contribute. Its up to the reader to decide the merits and intention of each post.
I believe that most readers will know youre geniune and have good intentions. It would be a loss to this community if you stopped!
Anyway, more seriously, have you finished the 924 CGT yet?
Peter
Many traders post on PH. I think they should have as much right as the rest of us to contribute. Its up to the reader to decide the merits and intention of each post.
I believe that most readers will know youre geniune and have good intentions. It would be a loss to this community if you stopped!
Anyway, more seriously, have you finished the 924 CGT yet?
Peter
Thanks Peter,
No - the engineering problems with the Boxster and 996 engines have brought in a lot of work that has kept me off 3 of my own projects, a 944 we were converting to a 968 lookalike (started 15 years ago) only managed to recondition the engine and steering etc and part fit the kit. The 924CGT has already had an engine rebuild but awaits gearbox (dreaded 2nd gear) - started 14 years ago and the 944 3 litre turbo (started about 3 or 4 years ago) is slowly getting there and will be the first to finish (its running now). I was hoping to get on with them in my last few years working but it's just that my past experience of designing and manufacturing engines and gearboxes enables me to handle to problems of the newer post '97 generation lumps and as there are very few who could do it (or have the facilities in house) we decided to invest a lot in repairing them because as the cars age they become worth so much less that replacing a blown engine with a new one will become unecconomic. Yes we hope to be helping customers fix these problems for many years to come.
We have built a dedicated engine building room, manufactured different liners, modified the intermediate shaft bearing, found out why the gearboxes gradually slip out of second etc. Then as well as special tools we have gradually created our own in house manuals (with colour photos, methods, special tools, torque settings etc) to take our team through rebuilds (without reference to me) a dedicated stores area (with - for example - currently 60 size graded pistons, con rods etc, etc, cylinder blocks already fitted with replacement liners and/or with bores re-rounded and supported etc). Currently having the crankshaft material analysed to establish if we can avoid the huge cost of a new crankshaft. We are presently building several exchange reconditioned bottom ends (to enable other garages to strip and replace top ends and therefore recoup something if a customer of theirs has a problem) and fully reconditioned engines and gearboxes as well - although at current workload levels, finishing these pre-built lumps is being held up by the sheer number of customer rebuilds coming through each month anyway. Our reconditioned wishbones and suspension parts (for numerous models) are also increasing in turnover as their reputation grows.
Our in house drag expert is being coerced into turning his attention from his Renaults to a turbocharged Boxster for the future and we have an even bigger project in mind for the longer term -but more of that later. It all takes a lot of time - but hopefully I will get back on with my projects by the Autumn (although if anyone wanted to take them over I think it would be considered -except the CGT - thats too rare by far and my retirement hobby horse).
My own opinion on the subject of traders is that I too think it should be perfectly OK for them to submit information in response to questions (as the postings are monitored to remove anything out of order) as long as they are adding to knowledge and identify themselves as traders - the public should be able to read into any slant on their postings to protect themselves. I also think it is reasonable for them to mention what they do (their prices, services or parts etc) if it is in context. Surely this doesn't force anyone to go to them and what else is a forum for if it is not to share and expand information and answer specific questions - even better if they can have a bit of light hearted fun with one another into the bargain (something I must try harder to improve on).
However there are always those - vociferous in their condemnation of anything and anyone - except their own business interests or personal egos - that stir things up (by shouting "foul") to try and exclude any competition.
Baz
No - the engineering problems with the Boxster and 996 engines have brought in a lot of work that has kept me off 3 of my own projects, a 944 we were converting to a 968 lookalike (started 15 years ago) only managed to recondition the engine and steering etc and part fit the kit. The 924CGT has already had an engine rebuild but awaits gearbox (dreaded 2nd gear) - started 14 years ago and the 944 3 litre turbo (started about 3 or 4 years ago) is slowly getting there and will be the first to finish (its running now). I was hoping to get on with them in my last few years working but it's just that my past experience of designing and manufacturing engines and gearboxes enables me to handle to problems of the newer post '97 generation lumps and as there are very few who could do it (or have the facilities in house) we decided to invest a lot in repairing them because as the cars age they become worth so much less that replacing a blown engine with a new one will become unecconomic. Yes we hope to be helping customers fix these problems for many years to come.
We have built a dedicated engine building room, manufactured different liners, modified the intermediate shaft bearing, found out why the gearboxes gradually slip out of second etc. Then as well as special tools we have gradually created our own in house manuals (with colour photos, methods, special tools, torque settings etc) to take our team through rebuilds (without reference to me) a dedicated stores area (with - for example - currently 60 size graded pistons, con rods etc, etc, cylinder blocks already fitted with replacement liners and/or with bores re-rounded and supported etc). Currently having the crankshaft material analysed to establish if we can avoid the huge cost of a new crankshaft. We are presently building several exchange reconditioned bottom ends (to enable other garages to strip and replace top ends and therefore recoup something if a customer of theirs has a problem) and fully reconditioned engines and gearboxes as well - although at current workload levels, finishing these pre-built lumps is being held up by the sheer number of customer rebuilds coming through each month anyway. Our reconditioned wishbones and suspension parts (for numerous models) are also increasing in turnover as their reputation grows.
Our in house drag expert is being coerced into turning his attention from his Renaults to a turbocharged Boxster for the future and we have an even bigger project in mind for the longer term -but more of that later. It all takes a lot of time - but hopefully I will get back on with my projects by the Autumn (although if anyone wanted to take them over I think it would be considered -except the CGT - thats too rare by far and my retirement hobby horse).
My own opinion on the subject of traders is that I too think it should be perfectly OK for them to submit information in response to questions (as the postings are monitored to remove anything out of order) as long as they are adding to knowledge and identify themselves as traders - the public should be able to read into any slant on their postings to protect themselves. I also think it is reasonable for them to mention what they do (their prices, services or parts etc) if it is in context. Surely this doesn't force anyone to go to them and what else is a forum for if it is not to share and expand information and answer specific questions - even better if they can have a bit of light hearted fun with one another into the bargain (something I must try harder to improve on).
However there are always those - vociferous in their condemnation of anything and anyone - except their own business interests or personal egos - that stir things up (by shouting "foul") to try and exclude any competition.
Baz
Personally, while I fully understand there are 'self promotion/advertising' rules on PH, I'd be disappointed if the guys on the porsche forum (it's the only one I read tbh) didn't respond. And specifically IF someone asks the question, "does anyone know an Indie in the region of X" - you'd be mad not to respond. I don't think anyone would complain about that.
The contributions yourself, porscheuro, sportsandclassic, etc all make are incredibly detailed, interesting and I am sure useful to the original posters.
I think the rules are there to stop (and regular forum users would complain about) scenarios where someone asked, "What colour Boxster should I buy?" and then you respond with "Come to hartech for all your servicing and repairs" -things like that don't seem to happen on this forum. So can't see why anyone would complain.
The contributions yourself, porscheuro, sportsandclassic, etc all make are incredibly detailed, interesting and I am sure useful to the original posters.
I think the rules are there to stop (and regular forum users would complain about) scenarios where someone asked, "What colour Boxster should I buy?" and then you respond with "Come to hartech for all your servicing and repairs" -things like that don't seem to happen on this forum. So can't see why anyone would complain.
tomw2000 said:
Personally, while I fully understand there are 'self promotion/advertising' rules on PH, I'd be disappointed if the guys on the porsche forum (it's the only one I read tbh) didn't respond. And specifically IF someone asks the question, "does anyone know an Indie in the region of X" - you'd be mad not to respond. I don't think anyone would complain about that.
The contributions yourself, porscheuro, sportsandclassic, etc all make are incredibly detailed, interesting and I am sure useful to the original posters.
I think the rules are there to stop (and regular forum users would complain about) scenarios where someone asked, "What colour Boxster should I buy?" and then you respond with "Come to hartech for all your servicing and repairs" -things like that don't seem to happen on this forum. So can't see why anyone would complain.
Neatly summed-up and I agree 100%!The contributions yourself, porscheuro, sportsandclassic, etc all make are incredibly detailed, interesting and I am sure useful to the original posters.
I think the rules are there to stop (and regular forum users would complain about) scenarios where someone asked, "What colour Boxster should I buy?" and then you respond with "Come to hartech for all your servicing and repairs" -things like that don't seem to happen on this forum. So can't see why anyone would complain.
hartech said:
It would interest me to know what other readers think about silver993tt's comments as I am sensitive not to overstep the delicate dividing line between being helpful and being accused of exploitation.
Would it be more helpful to readers overall if I don't contribute anything at all?
Was my response a blatant advert?
Did the information assist the originator and answer his request?
Or was the response just a continuation of the dissagreement we had about early oil changes in which he clearly thought he knew much more than me about the subject?
Baz
Don't take it to heart Baz, I think Silver993tt was saying it in jest, or at least that's the way I took it. I don't think anyone would take offence at your reply.Would it be more helpful to readers overall if I don't contribute anything at all?
Was my response a blatant advert?
Did the information assist the originator and answer his request?
Or was the response just a continuation of the dissagreement we had about early oil changes in which he clearly thought he knew much more than me about the subject?
Baz
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