Pootle failed her MOT! Welder needed in Notts

[shoutforjoy]

A couple if minor things but she needs bit of welding on the rear subframe mount. I'm now looking for someone (a garage or an individual) to do the welding in the Notts area. Any suggestions? So far I've been told to avoid Nottingham Mini Centre but that's about it!

Paul

[asahartz]

What about Surf Blue at Giltbrook? The official garage of Notts About Minis, so I'm told - I drive within a couple of hundred yards of the place every day, but I've only been in the place once.

I'd help you out if I had time, but I have an MOT crisis of my own - Nemo's has just run out and I found he needs two new sills (not bad for originals on a 92 car); my VW camper's MOT runs out at the end of the month and I need it for Sonisphere, and the family bus (Previa) runs out 2 weeks later!

[shoutforjoy]

Thanks, I know what you mean about being busy. I was going to tackle the smaller things myself but am struggling to find some time too.

I will try Surf Blue today. I was hoping to get somewhere recommended and I guess a recommendation from the club is about as good as it gets.

[shoutforjoy]

Been to Surf Blue and not sure what to make of it really! They have carried out a full inspection and declared that the car is not worth spending any money on! Sell it on Ebay was his advice

The list of problems that they have found is much, much larger than just the MOT fails. He listed everything that they could find wrong with it and everything that it's likely to need in the next few years. To me it sounded like he wanted to turn a car that is (and awalys will be) a daily runabout into a show winner.

I am also a bit concerned about the prices he was quoting for spares - a good 70-100% higher than I would pay elsewhere - a nice markup if you can get it!

We knew the car needed some money spent and have budgeted a four figure sum for each of the next couple of years but we've been taken aback by this prognosis.

The guy that Mot'd it (back in Norfolk) doesn't think it's that bad. Think it might be best to get another opinion. Any advice

[(minisniper)]

Hiya Paul
Firstly sorry to hear you failed your MOT, I know the feeling!! I'm no expert in this field so I'm not going to try but in my opinion I would get a second option it can't hurt at the end of the day and I would have thought it was down to the individual whether it worth spending the money. I do hope you managed to sort something out and you manage to get the work without being charged too much. Keep us updated on how you get on

[clambod]

It sounds like they would like to make a lot of money out of you. Sounds like the sort of quote that Kwikfit do.

[patlink]

what is the full damage ?
have you got a failure sheet

[shoutforjoy]

Hi everyone, thanks for youe good advice.

After some very careful consideration and mathematical analysis we have arrived at our decision.

We have captitalised on the lower prices that minis are fetching at the moment and have bought another auto mini for much less than we would have paid to get Pootle put straight (bearing in mind that I cannot do welding myself and would struggle to find any time at the moment so repairs would have to be done at a garage). This mini is in much better condition, having a long MOT and needing very little attention in the sort term.

Pootle is now on Ebay. If she makes anything more than £300 then, by my reckoning, I will be quids in! It's already at £155 with more than 40 watchers. You can see the full MOT fail/advisory list and Surf Blue's inspection report on the Ebay listing.

cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160457024770

tbh I think that this is what the chaps at Surf Blue were getting at when they said it wasn't worth spending any money on.

Pictures of the new mini soon (it's got a horrible stripe across the bonnet, roof and back - that might have to go). Think I'll name this one myself ;D ;D

[asahartz]

Until I got to the roof corner I'd have agreed that's not bad. But the roof is impossible to repair properly without replacement, and having done that job, it's not viable unless the car is a special model (it was an Elf I did). I'd have broken that car at that point, and I don't take that decision lightly on a Mini.

[clambod]

Sounds like it needs quite a bit of welding and roof is not good news. That's before you cut panels out and find other corrosion behind them. I think you've made the right decision

[(minisniper)]

Sorry to hear you had to sell Pootle but good to hear you've bought another auto. have you picked it up yet? Can't wait to see some pics in the show us section