Independent Specialist in N E

[Jayg0]

Anybody know of a good independent specilist for servicing in the North East?

I live between Durham and Darlington and the nearest Main Dealer is in Newcastle and probably v. expensive (C Service due soon!)

[paulwakinshaw]

Hi my friend

F1 Lotus in Newcastle has just put up the cost of a "C" service as the labour rate has just increased from £42.50/Hr to £60.00/Hr - Eeeeek!

I think you will be looking at the best part of £700 for the full "C" Service from F1. On the other hand though Chris (workshop manager) knows his stuff and you will be assured of an excellent service.

But to answer your question I found out last week that help might be at hand. There is a guy located in Newcastle (sandyford) who does specialist Lotus servicing. His name is Malcolm Dickenson - 0191 232 5964

I aint spoken to this guy yet, the only reason I have his number is because Chris Neil's, Lotus dealer in Cheshire, said they often had dealings with a specialist in the Newcastle area so I got his name and number.

Give him a bell and see what he says - could save you a few quid. Let me know how you get on.

Regards

Wako

[marcfair]

I hope those labour rates are wrong at F1 ! I've heard of this guy as well, lotus trained back in the 1970's i believe, apparantly he is very good but not sure if he likes working on elises




>> Edited by marcfair on Thursday 10th June 11:29

[paulwakinshaw]

I have first had experience - I bought my S1 in Feb, got some work done at the old rate of £42.50/Hr and then recently got more work done at £60.00/Hr.

Remember this excludes VAT !

This is the first time i have heard of this guy - can anyone tell us if he does Elise work or does he prefer the older Lotus'?

[rfoster]

Does ANYONE prefer working on older Lotus's? My old Esprit was an absolute PIG to work on - cost a fortune to maintain!

[Jayg0]

Thanks guys,

Bought my car from Bedlington Motor Co. and they said that they use a local guy who is Lotus and TVR trained who apparently used to work for Christopher Neil - sounds like the same guy

[bilton_d]

Bedlington tend to use Noel Flannery (i think) for their service work etc.

[marcfair]

don't think Malcom Dickenson worked for chris neils
could be wrong tho :0P

let us know how u get on

[paulwakinshaw]

well come on people - who should we contact for our service work?

does anyone have first hand experience of the guy in Newcastle - Malcolm Dickenson or the guy Bedlington Motor Company use?

my arse is getting twitchy cos my "C" service is due in November - I will probably bite the bit and get it done by F1 - just so the first 6 years of its life has a full F1 history then get an independant specilaist to do the rest.

Wako

[marcfair]

sorry i don't know anyone as yet who've had work done
i'd give Mr Dickenson a call first
just had a thought, i think F1 may give a discount for SELOC members as they advertised in one of the issues of SELOC magasine

>> Edited by marcfair on Thursday 10th June 13:57

[Jayg0]

I'm thinking it may be wise to have the 'big C' done at F1 too - like you say at least i it has had the belt change done by a Main dealer the important stuff is covered by main dealer warranties etc.

At what point does it become less important to value to do without the L in FLSH?

[paulwakinshaw]

Hi Jayg0

you seem to be in the same position as me as you have a 98 S1 too.

I don't know about you but when I bought my car I got all of the service history stamps in the book - F1 Lotus as well as all of the service history invoices which makes the history more complete than any stamp.

Like I said above, I will get the "C" service done by the main dealer for two reasons

1: when I come to sell it people always want to know about the "C" serice and when it was done/needs to be done. If it was done by a Lotus dealer it makes people more accepting that the car has been looked after.

2: If anything goes wrong after the service I have some come back with them - even if the dealer won't help you can always speak to Lotus customer service and try to get the problem sorted.

After this service I will use a specialist - as yet I don't know who but hopefully these posts will help us all. The other alternative is to use Bruce - AKA www.ragtoproadsters.co.uk He is based over in the west but the prices are more than resonable and he has had some rave reviews recently.

Wako