Hello / East London mechanic?

[platypus]

I woke up this morning and something had changed...I own my dream car: a Morris Minor (OK OK the real dream car is a Chevy Impala, but that's never going to happen is it?).

I am so happy and so excited. I have wheels again (no more worries about TFL's weekend closures for me!) and not just any wheels...white wheels with silver hubs with an "M" in the middle...four of them!

Anyway, just wanted to say Hi and that I'm definitely going to need help and advice soon (maybe even later today...).

Also, I'd really appreciate a message if anyone knows a good mechanic in East London (I live in Bow/Mile End area). We plan to do as much as we can ourselves, but a reliable person who's handy and knowledgeable will be a lifesaver...

Ta!
Georgia[frame][/frame]

[Matt]

I have never dealt with them - so no recommendation given but there is

Minor Mania Ltd
Mill Hill, Broadway, London. Ph. +44 181 9590818

Which isn't too far away! There are a few mini specialists in London too

[dalebrignall]

minor mania are very good i have used them a lot nice to see you have a car in the right colour have fun

[platypus]

Thanks guys!

I'm definitely going to need a specialist. ATS just quoted me £370 for set of new tyres and tracking - this sounds crazy to me. They said they weren't even sure if the tyres still exist.

Eek!

[aupickup]

try a small tyre place you may have better luck

[aupickup]

price should be around £240 balanced and fitted

[MrDodo]

Hi Georgia - good to see another younger London member and you're not a million miles from me in Islington. I took Dodo for her MOT to Minor Mania she needed new track rod ends fitting which required re-tracking and that cost £35. Nick is the Minor specialist, I think he works there part time so best to call before and check. If you do drive there don't turn into Hale Lane, the entrance to GDK Garages (the principal business name) is off Bunns Lane just after the roundabout (assuming you're coming from the A1).

James

[dalebrignall]

they do tyres as well

[les]

I'd have thought £40 per tyre to be enough unless things have dramatically changed!

[platypus]

Well. I hope I've done the right thing. After ringing round about a million garages in London, I found that no one would be able to do it until later next week because they'd have to order them in (well, except Minor Mania, but it's a bit of a trek for me to get to them). Most people wanted to go for the 155/14s as the 145/14 are very rare these days (so everyone tells me).

Then a local garage called me back and said they had 165/70/14 in stock and they could do it all with tracking and balancing that day. I (obviously) had no idea about tyres until doing all this research, but figured if I had a garage telling me they'd be OK, they'd be OK. So all in £230 for the same day, and they put a clip on my exhaust and fixed one of my numberplates without me askign them to for nowt extra. The car is driving SO much better now. I'm sure these are not the perfect tyres, and they're non-branded Japanese ones, but Monty feels a lot better to drive...

Still SO happy I've bought a Minor!

[irmscher]

Nowt extra I Reckon you were brought up in the North

[dalebrignall]

it depends on what you want to spend on tyres the ones from japan are fine for a moggy you wont be screaming round at 100 mph .