Hi guys its nearly time, as some of you know i was talking about starting a owners club inspired buisness on the south coast to cater for those who would like to rent ramp space and get hands on exsperiance aided or un aided/trained male or female in all aspects with there projects the services will be almost endless, i will be doing my own thing as well inc a lot of out of the box type of thing,one offs,fabrication,track day/fast raod prep etc, i have now found a partner and we are hopefully looking at getting set up by the new year we are veiwing property at the minute.
im hopeing this turns into the owners club/frendly feel adventure we want, even though it will still be a buisness. feel free to comment weather this diy sevice would appeal to you or the masses. regards Bazza.

Hi Baz,

I've always thought that this sort of thing could be a successful business, a few of us have chatted about its before. Be good to talk over at the next curry!

I'd certainly be interested in using the service on occasion.

Look forward to hearing more soon.

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

I think this is a great idea, I've seen it before but never around this area. People who are competent in doing stuff to their cars will definatly use this service as is cheaper than a garage.
I would use this service if available and also to work/help people out with repairs.

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1998 ford st24, 186hp 2.5 v6- sold
1997 bmw e36 318ti, mint hellrot red- sold
1992 celica gt4 st185- td04 340hp/330lbs
1998 mercedes E280- sold
1998 pug 1.9 td- mile muncher!
1993 rx7 542hp savage monster!!
2007 BMW 335i- in the shop gettin built!!

I think it's a great idea in principle, although running it as a business and making profit will be a challenge IMO.

As you know, I let my locals use the facilitities and give help / advice when needed. It allows people to set about tasks they would never dare try without knowing they have the backup.

From my experience, you will find that jobs will take a lot longer for the person to do themselves than it would take an experienced mechanic, therefore if you a charging for the space at the rate it costs you + profit margin it will probably come to more than paying a garage to do the job in the first place.
If people want to learn and are happy to pay then it should work out. Obviously as they gain experience they will get quicker.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Nibs i know what your saying fair point but this is in conjuction with my own buisnes activities and it is a service for owners club members to use, not based on making shed loads of money from oh yeah there might be a clause for slow coaches LOL

If it's a case of helping to pay for factory space you want anyway then, yes it's definately worthwhile.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Its a great idea and over the years a number of us have considered trying to find a cheap place to do just this

The one thing I would say...
Two ramps minimum required IMO. As sure a birds crapping on a freshly washed car something will go up on the ramp for a quick job and stay up there for weeks on end when it all inevitably goes mammory verticale
Its just the nature of the beast. Old cars + maintenance = good chance of the unexpected

One other thought - insurance. There is potential for lawsuits if people injure themselves or there is an accident as a result of poor workmanship.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

And tools, will your service include tool/machinery hire, and if so whats the deal with qualifications/competence if a customer uses them and possibly injures themselves as I'm sure there be the 1st to say 'i wasn't shown/qualified to use it', resulting in injury lawers for you getting involved.

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1998 ford st24, 186hp 2.5 v6- sold
1997 bmw e36 318ti, mint hellrot red- sold
1992 celica gt4 st185- td04 340hp/330lbs
1998 mercedes E280- sold
1998 pug 1.9 td- mile muncher!
1993 rx7 542hp savage monster!!
2007 BMW 335i- in the shop gettin built!!

at your own risk policy and tools well a quick list full aray of snap-on hand tools,24v impact guns,drills jacks ,stands,lathes pillar drills,shot balsting booth,spray booth,full aray of air tools tyre machine,AC/DC hi freq tig welder,arc/gas welder,acet torches,mig welders you get the drift fully loaded we are also talking about even a 4x4 rolling road in the future but thats way off yet, its all about a bespoke service.and whilst most of us petrol heads no how to turn a spanner this is where the personal service will come in which will benifit those who want to learn and have a go themselves.

Hi Baz,

On the topic of risk and injuries etc.

I work as a health and safety consultant, I'd be happy to chat through some sensible advice for you free of charge - perhaps at a future curry meet?

Cheers,

Mike

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Thanks mike i would appreciate that, 10% discount on ramp time for you lol any ways lots and lots of propertys to look at over the next couple of weeks seen some right dumps and some nice/modern ones already but they have there own issues too. hope to get to another curry night soon been all over the place lately with the crash and last week i had a promotion to production supervisor @ work so i need this to happen sooner than later i miss my 4

Make sure you look at all the on-costs for each property to make a final decision. Usually rates (less than £5K rateable value currently gets 100% small business rate relief) , water & sewerage, building insurance, site maintenance. Some landlords include some or all the above in the rent, some don't.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Excellent idea Baz.
Can't add much to what's been said above but it is worth checking/clarifying what is and isnt possible on the premises.
Also check about things like disposing of old fluids.

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Vice Chairman
1990 White UK Celica ST185 - Project DTM
1997 Cream BMW R1200C (as seen in James Bond "Tomorrow Never Dies")
2005 Jaguar X-type 3.0 Sovereign AWD Automatic
Blood Bikes - https://www.freewheelers.org.uk/

top idea and near the south coast makes it all the more likable since moving here have had to put things on hold due to not enough room to work and high garage bills

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sketch