JD Motors Engineers. Insch
Discussion
We all like a moan when we receive bad service.
However, isn't it such a nice feeling when you drive away from a garage with the knowledge that your motor is in tip top order, and the experts who've fixed it (rather than the usual monkeys) have bent over backwards to accomodate you and have refrained from pillaging the wallet in the process?
Now I'm a pedantic bugger - the sort who loses sleep over the slighest niggles and wont rest until my car is 110%
so with that in mind and after previous mention on here of the sterling work Dave and John (the two proprietors) do, I thought I'd take my new motor along for an inspection 1. I dropped it off one evening and hopped on the train back to ABZ. For those of you who dont know, the train station is quite literally a stones throw from the premises, so getting back home is a doddle.
The next evening I picked the car up, and paid less than half of what BMW quoted me to attempt the same job. Dave is ex BMW and knows these cars like the back of his hand (he owns one too), so I was confident my Bimmer would be in safe hands. I was not disapointed. Dave went over the car with a fine tooth comb and even noted that the tiny bulb for the headlight switch had blown...
I returned the car a week later to have a propshaft seal replaced (Dave had also noticed that it had started to weep ever so slightly, but I doubt even the main dealer would have picked this up) and last night, I picked the car up again after work and chatted to both Dave and John about the car and they complimented me again on what a beauty it is.
I had such a good feeling about it and the quality of service as I drove home that I vowed to post my appreciation. It is so satisfying to know that in times when even main dealers cant be trusted, there is a small garage just a few miles north of Aberdeen, where two highly skilled engineers will fix your car (i.e. as opposed to charging hours of labour for making cups of tea) in the time they say it will take and for an extremely reasonable price.
Moreover, both Dave and John are motorsport ethusiasts and have competed in and built their own cars for various events across Scotland.
In short. these guys know their stuff.
Cannot reccomend them enough
JD Motor Engineers
South Rd
Insch, Aberdeenshire, AB52 6XF
01464 821151
click here for a map
However, isn't it such a nice feeling when you drive away from a garage with the knowledge that your motor is in tip top order, and the experts who've fixed it (rather than the usual monkeys) have bent over backwards to accomodate you and have refrained from pillaging the wallet in the process?
Now I'm a pedantic bugger - the sort who loses sleep over the slighest niggles and wont rest until my car is 110%
so with that in mind and after previous mention on here of the sterling work Dave and John (the two proprietors) do, I thought I'd take my new motor along for an inspection 1. I dropped it off one evening and hopped on the train back to ABZ. For those of you who dont know, the train station is quite literally a stones throw from the premises, so getting back home is a doddle.
The next evening I picked the car up, and paid less than half of what BMW quoted me to attempt the same job. Dave is ex BMW and knows these cars like the back of his hand (he owns one too), so I was confident my Bimmer would be in safe hands. I was not disapointed. Dave went over the car with a fine tooth comb and even noted that the tiny bulb for the headlight switch had blown...
I returned the car a week later to have a propshaft seal replaced (Dave had also noticed that it had started to weep ever so slightly, but I doubt even the main dealer would have picked this up) and last night, I picked the car up again after work and chatted to both Dave and John about the car and they complimented me again on what a beauty it is.
I had such a good feeling about it and the quality of service as I drove home that I vowed to post my appreciation. It is so satisfying to know that in times when even main dealers cant be trusted, there is a small garage just a few miles north of Aberdeen, where two highly skilled engineers will fix your car (i.e. as opposed to charging hours of labour for making cups of tea) in the time they say it will take and for an extremely reasonable price.
Moreover, both Dave and John are motorsport ethusiasts and have competed in and built their own cars for various events across Scotland.
In short. these guys know their stuff.
Cannot reccomend them enough
JD Motor Engineers
South Rd
Insch, Aberdeenshire, AB52 6XF
01464 821151
click here for a map
Edited by Schnell on Wednesday 15th August 15:14
I'll second that. My MGB was left with them a few weeks ago to work on as suited them as there was no opportunity to enjoy it with the current weather we've been having. I picked it up last night and they have transformed the car. It has spax adjustables and now handles better than it has ever done. It is also running better than ever and I know where my XJS and BMW 740 will be going to for service from now on.
In short, highly recommended !.
In short, highly recommended !.
Gramrugby said:
I'll second that. My MGB was left with them a few weeks ago to work on as suited them as there was no opportunity to enjoy it with the current weather we've been having. I picked it up last night and they have transformed the car. It has spax adjustables and now handles better than it has ever done. It is also running better than ever and I know where my XJS and BMW 740 will be going to for service from now on.
In short, highly recommended !.
Ah yes, I noticed your car there. Looks superb In short, highly recommended !.
Thanks for that. I'm afraid I can't take the credit though. It was originally an American spec model and the previous owner had it imported back to the UK. The following is from the email that the seller sent me -
MGB roadster from California, imported for restoration in 2004 all import documents come with the car, registered in UK after restoration in october 2005. Features on the car that are USA spec are - rear red side lights, square number plate, 3 windscreen wipers, twin electric fans, unleaded engine and NO RUST. Was left hand drive now converted to right hand drive including English dashboard and dials, all USA spec engine emmision controls removed and twin su carbs fitted. New parts fitted:- steering rack, spax 28 point adjustable telescopic dampers front and rear, galvanized fuel tank, everything rubber is new including all suspension bushes, halogen headlamps, wipers bades, windscreen, hood, badges, carpets, sun visors, inertia seat belts, seats recovered, gear stick gaitor, wiring loom, battery, brake lines and hoses, braided front brake hoses, brake pads, handbrake cable, reconditioned rear axle, rear lights and front indicators, door cards, oil and filter, accelarator cable, fan belt, full stainless steel exhaust and brackets, under bonnet and in car sound proofing, gasket on engine and gearbox, door and boot locks, bump stops, rebound straps, bonnet stops, fuel line, air filters, oil cooler and pipes, spark plug leads, front valance, washer bag, number plates, mud flaps, wing mirrors, wheel nuts, aerial, radio blanking plate, hazard warning switch, radiator hoses, clutch, hood pegs, carb heat shield, plus more. body was stripped to bare metal, primed with zinc primer then etch primer and painted in two pac old english white, compounded and polished to a high standard. the car had 18000 miles on the clock i have no documents to prove this is correct however the car has sat for a long time in the baking california sun that ruined everything rubber and the paint work, engine was partly stripped and was very obviously not worn we replaced gaskets and seals including head gasket refitted unleaded cylinder head and set up tappets, fitted english twin su carbs. USA car had a 4 speed gearbox we have replaced this with a english overdrive box which was partly stripped and new oil and gaskets fitted overdrive works 100% and box is has easy selection and quiet. tyres have 8mm of tread wheels are rostyle and were shot blasted and painted and laquered. Underbody and interior metal was stripped and hammerited then underbody black chip resistant painted, whole car has been waxoiled. overall a lot of time and effort has gone onto the rebuild of this MGB and the result is a car that will last a very long time and is in my opinion one of the best around.
I have a full photographic record of the rebuild and the only alterations I have done to date is replace the vinyl hood with a mohair one and fit a Moto Lita steering Wheel. I intend to fit leather seats at some point.
MGB roadster from California, imported for restoration in 2004 all import documents come with the car, registered in UK after restoration in october 2005. Features on the car that are USA spec are - rear red side lights, square number plate, 3 windscreen wipers, twin electric fans, unleaded engine and NO RUST. Was left hand drive now converted to right hand drive including English dashboard and dials, all USA spec engine emmision controls removed and twin su carbs fitted. New parts fitted:- steering rack, spax 28 point adjustable telescopic dampers front and rear, galvanized fuel tank, everything rubber is new including all suspension bushes, halogen headlamps, wipers bades, windscreen, hood, badges, carpets, sun visors, inertia seat belts, seats recovered, gear stick gaitor, wiring loom, battery, brake lines and hoses, braided front brake hoses, brake pads, handbrake cable, reconditioned rear axle, rear lights and front indicators, door cards, oil and filter, accelarator cable, fan belt, full stainless steel exhaust and brackets, under bonnet and in car sound proofing, gasket on engine and gearbox, door and boot locks, bump stops, rebound straps, bonnet stops, fuel line, air filters, oil cooler and pipes, spark plug leads, front valance, washer bag, number plates, mud flaps, wing mirrors, wheel nuts, aerial, radio blanking plate, hazard warning switch, radiator hoses, clutch, hood pegs, carb heat shield, plus more. body was stripped to bare metal, primed with zinc primer then etch primer and painted in two pac old english white, compounded and polished to a high standard. the car had 18000 miles on the clock i have no documents to prove this is correct however the car has sat for a long time in the baking california sun that ruined everything rubber and the paint work, engine was partly stripped and was very obviously not worn we replaced gaskets and seals including head gasket refitted unleaded cylinder head and set up tappets, fitted english twin su carbs. USA car had a 4 speed gearbox we have replaced this with a english overdrive box which was partly stripped and new oil and gaskets fitted overdrive works 100% and box is has easy selection and quiet. tyres have 8mm of tread wheels are rostyle and were shot blasted and painted and laquered. Underbody and interior metal was stripped and hammerited then underbody black chip resistant painted, whole car has been waxoiled. overall a lot of time and effort has gone onto the rebuild of this MGB and the result is a car that will last a very long time and is in my opinion one of the best around.
I have a full photographic record of the rebuild and the only alterations I have done to date is replace the vinyl hood with a mohair one and fit a Moto Lita steering Wheel. I intend to fit leather seats at some point.
now walk the dog past here for a gander at the motors hidden inside!
Also saw the MG as well, and yesterday a mint lotus cortina, keep my petrol head satisfied!
However car expenditure down for me as the A6 blew the turbo last week.. ARGH! Retrospectively i woudl have like to have put it there but already commited to another garage who in fairness are good with old VW/Audis.
Also saw the MG as well, and yesterday a mint lotus cortina, keep my petrol head satisfied!
However car expenditure down for me as the A6 blew the turbo last week.. ARGH! Retrospectively i woudl have like to have put it there but already commited to another garage who in fairness are good with old VW/Audis.
istoo said:
now walk the dog past here for a gander at the motors hidden inside!
Also saw the MG as well, and yesterday a mint lotus cortina, keep my petrol head satisfied!
However car expenditure down for me as the A6 blew the turbo last week.. ARGH! Retrospectively i woudl have like to have put it there but already commited to another garage who in fairness are good with old VW/Audis.
Not Bavaria Auto I hope?Also saw the MG as well, and yesterday a mint lotus cortina, keep my petrol head satisfied!
However car expenditure down for me as the A6 blew the turbo last week.. ARGH! Retrospectively i woudl have like to have put it there but already commited to another garage who in fairness are good with old VW/Audis.
I hear d AW Autowereks were good also, but their labour charge (whilst not extortionate) and the stroppy receptionist woman lost them my business.
I've just got the car back from JD, the've done the work I asked for at a reasonable price and the guys are enthusiastic (and there's no stroppy receptionist). Can't really fault them!
I think it'll be going there in the futre.
Edited to say; I too am a pedantic bugger, it has to be right, I'm willing to travel and pay more to get decent work done. I've sold cars in the past due to rattles or slight faults.
I think it'll be going there in the futre.
Edited to say; I too am a pedantic bugger, it has to be right, I'm willing to travel and pay more to get decent work done. I've sold cars in the past due to rattles or slight faults.
Edited by Speed addicted on Saturday 18th August 10:43
bavaria definately not. I have never put a car there. They have a bad reputation from everyone i have asked so i never even bothered. I did try the Volk Centre at Kingswells but got burned there also, in fairness the head boy, name i forget DOES know his stuff where as the problem is he doesnt often do the work and you get YTS boy working on your car.
Been using Firstdrive near Stonehaven, the mechanics are compelete Audi/VW entusiasts. Some weird and wonderful exotica around the carpark. Country garages with enthusiasts running them, nothing better than mechanics who ENJOY their work, i would always pay for that. Much like JD by the sounds of things, got a modified throttle body and a few wee tweaks i have thought about for my car might get them to do it rather than risk me bodging it.
Been using Firstdrive near Stonehaven, the mechanics are compelete Audi/VW entusiasts. Some weird and wonderful exotica around the carpark. Country garages with enthusiasts running them, nothing better than mechanics who ENJOY their work, i would always pay for that. Much like JD by the sounds of things, got a modified throttle body and a few wee tweaks i have thought about for my car might get them to do it rather than risk me bodging it.
tommfuller said:
My Tuscan is in there now, sounds like its in good hands. Just as well as it sounds like it needs intensive care!
Cheers,
Tom
I presume you mean your TVR is at Firstdrive? I have never heard off them before, where are they based? Do they have experience with TVR's as I am looking to get some work done on the Griffith, as I am based in brechin it would be easier access for me.Cheers,
Tom
Do you have any contact info etc.
Cheers
ian
Schnell said:
tommfuller said:
My Tuscan is in there now, sounds like its in good hands. Just as well as it sounds like it needs intensive care!
Cheers,
Tom
Cheers,
Tom
Nothing too serious I hope?
Nasty droning from somewhere in the driveline, looks like being the gearbox which is being removed this week. Also lots of slack in the driveline which I thought was another symptom of the same problem, but looks like it's the driveshafts (half shafts). CV joints are also bad. And it looks like the clutch slave cylinder is on its way out too, so that will have to get done while the gearbox is out.... that's it for now....!
Cheers,
Tom
I presume you mean your TVR is at Firstdrive? I have never heard off them before, where are they based? Do they have experience with TVR's as I am looking to get some work done on the Griffith, as I am based in brechin it would be easier access for me.
Do you have any contact info etc.
Cheers
ian
[/quote]
Sorry, no, it's at JD Motors Engineers.
Cheers,
Tom.
Do you have any contact info etc.
Cheers
ian
[/quote]
Sorry, no, it's at JD Motors Engineers.
Cheers,
Tom.
I presume you mean your TVR is at Firstdrive? I have never heard off them before, where are they based? Do they have experience with TVR's as I am looking to get some work done on the Griffith, as I am based in brechin it would be easier access for me.
Do you have any contact info etc.
Cheers
ian
[/quote]
Sorry, no, it's at JD Motors Engineers.
Cheers,
Tom.
Do you have any contact info etc.
Cheers
ian
[/quote]
Sorry, no, it's at JD Motors Engineers.
Cheers,
Tom.
Just thought Id add a note on the topic as i've used JD motors a few times for both my vans and various cars. I use my vans for motorsport and driving long distances home on a sunday night needs something reliable. All the garages i've used in the past have let me down by repairing what I ask for but ignoring/missing other things that have caused problems later on. Nothing like being stranded on the M6 in the middle of the night to appreciate a thorough mechanic. John and Dave understand what I mean when I want it spot on. Ten out of ten for quality of work, genuinely wouldn't use anyone else now.
Griff Boy said:
I presume you mean your TVR is at Firstdrive? I have never heard off them before, where are they based? Do they have experience with TVR's as I am looking to get some work done on the Griffith, as I am based in brechin it would be easier access for me.
Do you have any contact info etc.
Cheers
ian
IanDo you have any contact info etc.
Cheers
ian
FirstdDrive is at Fetteresso nr Stonehaven
01569 766766 www.firstdrivecars.co.uk
I have used them several times and always found them helpful and efficient, but never with anything exotic, but I know they recently had a Noble in there for some work, you could give Paul Mackie a call and ask what experience they have on TVRs, I know he is a Porsche enthusiast, don't know if he has any experience with TVRs though.
Murray
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