Ultima Workshop?
Discussion
Given the recent flurry of posts from prospective owners enquiring about servicing/running etc. out of curiosity, if there was a dedicated Ultima workshop that could offer servicing/repairs/building/modification/pre-sale inspects - how many of you would be likely to use it?
Obviously part of the fun of owning an Ultima is doing alot of this yourself, but some owners don't have the time/skills/resources or inclination to do so. I wonder what the proportion is?
Obviously part of the fun of owning an Ultima is doing alot of this yourself, but some owners don't have the time/skills/resources or inclination to do so. I wonder what the proportion is?
If it could do MOT's while I wait, without the need for them to drive it to the MOT station (i.e. not letting the car out of my sight!) like the last garage I was at when picking the car up, then I'd be all for it and I'd drive a good hour to get there and back for the privilege. (at legal speeds of course ;-))
The trouble is that we're all so spread out... so we'd need several garages to make it worth our while, but if we could compile a suitable list...
some of us would be close enough to the factory if they could do it, or their local garage at least...
some, like myself could live with something a little to the north of London, say around Milton Keynes, which is near the M1 at least...
others...
For my own requirements, I'd probably only need the MOT facility, as if I have any engine issues it'll be heading back to the engine builder, but other things I can pretty much do myself...
>> Edited by peterpsg on Wednesday 10th May 10:09
The trouble is that we're all so spread out... so we'd need several garages to make it worth our while, but if we could compile a suitable list...
some of us would be close enough to the factory if they could do it, or their local garage at least...
some, like myself could live with something a little to the north of London, say around Milton Keynes, which is near the M1 at least...
others...
For my own requirements, I'd probably only need the MOT facility, as if I have any engine issues it'll be heading back to the engine builder, but other things I can pretty much do myself...
>> Edited by peterpsg on Wednesday 10th May 10:09
Is CJ is proposing setting up said garage then the issue of leaving the car in their hands is no different to leaving it at the factory. You would know that the people driving it were experienced in the vehicle and how to handle it.
If they then needed to take it to (and stay with it at) their 'tame' MOT station there would be no problems.
Steve
If they then needed to take it to (and stay with it at) their 'tame' MOT station there would be no problems.
Steve
steve_d said:
Is CJ is proposing setting up said garage then the issue of leaving the car in their hands is no different to leaving it at the factory. You would know that the people driving it were experienced in the vehicle and how to handle it.
If they then needed to take it to (and stay with it at) their 'tame' MOT station there would be no problems.
Steve
That's very flattering of you Steve - cheers mate
It does help having built a couple of cars (I can say that now ) It's just a thought at the moment, although I do have a suitable workshop (with almost every conceivable bit of setup kit too so laser alignment/flat floor/corner weighting etc. could also be offered), but there's also another one locally that's up to let that has MOT facilities.
Running an MOT facility is not a great idea in this scenario. MOTs are a pain since the testing rules changed. Now you have to log the time on the vehicle (it's computerised so that you can only have one vehicle logged in at a time). So you'd really have to have dedicated testers (fine as you can obviously MOT other vehicles too). Having a friendly local MOT station (which I have) makes like easier as the technicians can deliver the car, then get on with other work.
To be viable, obviously other cars would be welcomed, but they would be specialist in nature; track day cars, race cars, kits etc.
As I said, it's just a thought at the moment, but it wouldn't take much to put into action....
I'd have no problem leaving the car with a specialist garage or the factory at all.
It's just that I've known a few car mechanic/garage types in the past, and I know exactly what goes thru their mind when they get something a bit flash in the workshop, let alone a car like ours...
Also, if I get to watch what they check, I also get to learn what to watch for myself.
Back home we drive the car to the MOT station ourselves, and it goes thru the process in under 30 minutes, so you just wait on site for it to come thru.
Though, unless we have several garages located at suitable spots around the country, it will only suit a few of us.
>> Edited by peterpsg on Wednesday 10th May 12:00
It's just that I've known a few car mechanic/garage types in the past, and I know exactly what goes thru their mind when they get something a bit flash in the workshop, let alone a car like ours...
Also, if I get to watch what they check, I also get to learn what to watch for myself.
Back home we drive the car to the MOT station ourselves, and it goes thru the process in under 30 minutes, so you just wait on site for it to come thru.
Though, unless we have several garages located at suitable spots around the country, it will only suit a few of us.
>> Edited by peterpsg on Wednesday 10th May 12:00
As some one who in a few years would like to build or buy a completed Ultima, this would be ideal for either pre purchase or help with any bits I couldnt do.
For me as mechanically inept it would also be great to have someone else service/check it over every now and again.
Good luck if you choose to go this path.
For me as mechanically inept it would also be great to have someone else service/check it over every now and again.
Good luck if you choose to go this path.
Ultima Factory said:
The Ultima is road legal and as such can be taken to any MOT station by the owner.
No tame MOT stations are required.
It took me three attempts to find an MOT station. At the first one the car wouldn't go over their rollers (and they couldn't find the covers for the rollers!) and at the second one the front splitter was too low for their ramps.
In answer to the original question on this thread, potentially yes. I have done some stuff myself but have also had things done, either through lack of time or the need for specialised kit. As with the MOT station experience it took a couple of attempts to find someone with the right experience who I trust with the car.
>> Edited by tjb on Thursday 11th May 13:10
gtr-gaz said:
Nice idea Stig, but in practical terms, I don't think it would be worthwhile.
I would guess 10-20 Ultimas a year would use such a service?
That equates to one or two a month. Hardly worth the effort on your part, to be honest.
Fait comment Gaz, but whilst it would specialise in Ultima, it would obviously cater for many other specialist marques too.
Personally I am filled with trepidation at the thought of some YTS lout taking my baby over garage ramps or 'road test'. Once it's finished I will need someone to tune the engine, but more importantly I like the idea of having someone available who's a professional, Ultima aware/loving mechanic should I run into an issue I can't handle. And when it comes to MOT time, somebody who I could leave it with without feeling as nervous as I did when the missus gave birth.
I think its a good idea and if advertised and supported by the factory I recon it could fly as its not only enthusiastic Mechanics that own or are considering these cars nowadays.
Having this kind of backup may even help sell some more cars as 'dealer' support is definatelly a mainstream requirement for people being tempted away from their Porsches, Ferrari and TVR's.
How many people here would take their car to a local garage and feel safe leaving them the keys and picking it up a few days later? I guess about the same amount as ferrari owners that would consider taking their car to anywere other than the ferrari dealer!
I personnelly had a 3000rpm limiter chip especially for these occasions!
Having this kind of backup may even help sell some more cars as 'dealer' support is definatelly a mainstream requirement for people being tempted away from their Porsches, Ferrari and TVR's.
How many people here would take their car to a local garage and feel safe leaving them the keys and picking it up a few days later? I guess about the same amount as ferrari owners that would consider taking their car to anywere other than the ferrari dealer!
I personnelly had a 3000rpm limiter chip especially for these occasions!
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