Anyone know a sympathetic mechanic - Coventry area?

Post by **UOGMoggie** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 1:14 am

OK, i'll admit it. I've accepted a free Traveller with a view to getting it back on the road, and now i've got it, i haven't a clue what to do. It's had a new engine, 10,000 miles ago, lots of new bits but has been SORN for five years. It's now sat at the back of my house and i'm determined not to be one of those people that just let it rust! My friend who gave it to me had the car for over 22 years!

My neighbour has replaced the Solenoid but we are not too sure about the wiring so started it witha screwdriver and got it going round the block and I loved it.

Now i would like to hand it over to a mechanic who would do the necessary work and give me an honest appraisal as to what needs doing for an MOT. I'm not that bothered about cosmetics at this stage - although the back doors need bolting on correctly. I'd just like to use it to and from work 3 miles away.

The back seats are down and it is FULL of spares (mostly plates for the underside).

SO - after all that (I feel better already) - does anyone know a mechanic in the Coventry area that would have a look and do the necessary work for a reasonable price over a period of time. (I can't afford to give it to a specialist for a proper restoration)

Any help would be appreciated!

Matt

Post by **NZJLY** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 3:31 am

I would start with a manual, the joy of Moggies, is that most of it we can fix ourselves. So if you are able too, try it yourself, and before you know it, you will be one of the posters on this forum offering your valuable advice.
That’s how I started, and now I’m hooked.
John

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:47 am

yes the first thing get a manual, a lot of the servicing and mechanical repairs are quite easy to do yourself.

not sure in the coventry area but JLH comes highly recommended.
good luck

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 12:03 pm

UOGMoggie,
Where abouts in Coventry area are you? I might be able to give a bit of advice after seeing the car.

Without seeing it, my best advice would be to join the owners club and have a good read of the magazines. There are lots of specialists in there, and you need to shop around a bit to get someone who will do a good job based on whatever your budget is.

Post by **jonathon** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 2:48 pm

You are more than welcome to come and see us at the workshop, so we can assess the work you require on your car. Please pm me or look in the minor mags for my email address or phone number.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 6:34 pm

The main problem will be rust - everything else is fairly easily fixable. But DO get the rust assessed properly - and firmly costed - before you start spending money - in case it is just not economical to repair. Next up on the Traveller is the wood - this is structural and must be good and solid to pass the MOT. If it's gone 'soft' and/or has bits missing - then it will need replacing. Very expensive if you have to pay soemone to do it - not so bad if you can DIY. Travellers (and convertibles) really need to be kept under cover if they are to last any time. Standing out - especially in winter - is not good.

Post by **UOGMoggie** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 3:49 pm

Thanks all for the advice. I will get myself a manual and will have a crack at fixing things - i just need to identify what is broken!

Ray of Leamington, i will PM you with my location, if you are passing anytime i would be most grateful if you could pop in and take a look - the kettle is always warm!

Matt

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 4:36 pm

Hi Matt
I didn't get a PM! They sometimes get lost in the ether.
Ray.

Post by **UOGMoggie** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 4:53 pm

Have sent again - an abbreviated version this time!

Matt

Post by **rayofleamington** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 5:01 pm

Got the second one - Thanks!