Pulling the plug
I am quite sure I am not the only one to notice how wet things have been this winter so far, unfortunately this has raise an issue of...
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Workshop short appointments are something that we try to offer customers who are cost driven and time deficient allowing some important or urgent issues to be highlighted so that a plan can be discussed and options presented.
This is a purely limited service which you can request by calling Sarah at the office first.
Winter projects
In all the time I have been involved in the modified/camper and classic vehicle industry;I have never understood why more people don't make the vehicles they love visit the trades during the down time, the 'off season'. I would urge those seeking to store the beloved wheeled children to have those niggles sorted while they are not being used in the dead of winter rather than risk losing any time having 'housekeeping' done when you wish to use them. Whether its the interior visiting the trimmers or the engine being repaired/rebuilt or the upgrades, do it in the dark season not during the sun seeking days and enjoy those soon passing summer days.
Increasing demands have brought new challenges and new opportunities , I have up until recently been responsible for all aspects of the daily tasks and the wider aspects of the business. However AED needs to change so we can encompass the constantly changing economy, this is going to mean a new process; affording me the chance to better serve my current and new customer base while offering greater numbers of services during the same operational hours. We now have a business manager who will take over the general running of the non technical departments. Bookings, ordering invoicing and credit control etc, this is and will continue to be a small family business but with extra attention on customer focussed service going forward.
Tough months ahead
It is obvious to anyone who works in my industry that the semi-conductor/ chip issue isn't going away anytime soon. With more systems onboard to manage every aspect of motoring enjoyment, more and more I am seeing vehicles coming to an early demise due to lack of supply. While there isno silver bullet solution to save us from these increasingly prevalent problems keeping car interiors dry and external drain holes clear can only help. Just like with a bad gutter or bad roof : water will find a way inside so keep those drain holes draining and the jet washes off your vehicles.
Recent times have provided new experience explorations for old style holidays, reinventing camping and caravans ; to lifestyle vans and RV's. I have been increasing my services due to demands of exiting customers to include remapping, installing speed limits to fleet vehicles, horsebox cameras and modern lighting. As habits change in the populations ,as an industry we must change and provide services for our customers as they require. At AED we like to exceed customer expectations while managing costs, many levels of equipment exist to match budgets and employment so a van may get ugly but industrial strength lights while a Recreational vehicle may get the aesthetic equivalent.
We have also expanded services this month to include the equestrian markets demands of repairs and service of horseboxes 7.5+ and the newer 3.5 ton versions which often have issues related to the base vehicle limitations including corrosion, many of these vehicles are now showing rustissues and attachment points failure. Led light faults and internal flooring issues too.
As well as the self propelled body types we also service and repair the trailer versions of horsebox and all the ancillaries that go with trailed versions including floor, side and ramp replacements.
Changing times
Not only has the global pandemic meant working with an increased level of care but it has meant working within new outlooks and changing priorities.Many recent jobs have come about due to a lack of use during lockdown and some issues are only occurring due to an absence of a daily commute. Battery drains and no start issues due to a prolonged stasis of inactivity which have exposed the intermittent and made them a constant. The solutions I am afraid often is expensive and inconvenient to the vehicles keeper, an expense to far in these times. So this blog is really a cautionary tale warning against weeks of silence from your previously daily companion and mobile office/music room and breakfast table, go out there every couple of days and take a little drive, 20 minutes minimum and help prevent a intermittent becoming the nail in the coffin for your transportation needs
1929 Desoto Model K
This week was a special opportunity to work on a Art Deco car from the last century. Launched in the sunny summer of 1928 this six cylinder engined car with its super moder four wheel hydraulic braked car was produced in reaction to Walter.P.Chrysler's failed acquisition of Dodge.
It has an electric wiper,dash mounted fuel gauge and Lovejoy shocks. It was named after Hernando De Soto a 16th century explorer , more than two million Desoto vehicles were made between 1928 to 1961. This has positive earth and has an alternator conversion wired still with a positive earth system.
Classic magic
Classic magic
One of the things that really makes my week is finding these little Gems. This little straight six Triumph based on the Spitfire ,built between 1966 and 1973 this little rocket with a cheeky not to the American mustang has sex appeal, performance and huge smile inducing characteristics not often found in such a small package back in the 60's
No matter what the machine, classic car, performance car, historic or commercial/plant machine they all have a place in time and all deserve respect.
News about new facilities
After much deliberation and many circumstances where I would like to have added value to the service I provide, it has been possible to secure a fixed workshop. This means I can now work more hours and offer solutions which occasionally being mobile would otherwise not have been possible.
Water damaged vehicles, full or partial strip downs and extensive wiring solutions plus installations to campers, work vehicles and looms can now be more easily executed.
Strange times ahead
Here is the Uril I worked on recently, it has a nuclear proof and chemical proof body with all the equipment shielded from EMP damage, a suitable machine for some people considering the press reporting at this time.
Here at AED things go on as promised helping businesses and individuals achieve their goals with precautions to prevent viral spread. I am wondering if I should get a Uril to reassure some of the public that I am doing all I can.
The workshop has been slowed down due to the lack of public movement atm. It is still in the pipeline as the bookings stack up!
New Week
This week is going to be a super bizarre and surreal one for me, working on a 25 ton picker excavator hopefully saving a 120k plus machine from the wreckers, a 1060's cold war Russian Uril and a selection of 12 and 24v vehicles including a Stratos. Corvid 19 has no place in my timetable so normal personal care and consideration is being continued with a smattering of extra vigilance towards the immuno susceptible
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