aaronmorris
Head's a shed
Cheers
I have no idea, it was on the chassis when I bought it, Although I know the previous owners plan was to make a 200tdi fit. But still not something I recognize.
Will build it up and see if it gets in the way.
You have to turn this into more than a hobby matey!
Aye mate, it's a nice thought, but the reality is it'll probably never happen
My problem is the neighbours, because where do most people start business from?
In my experience the answer is home, or at least the people I know.
Like the guy who ran a garage from home, had a pit dug in the garage and away he went. Now he has rented a unit as he knows it works and can get the work.
For me I can't even do that, so I have to rent/buy somewhere to do it.
So yep your off to a bad start (I.e losing money) before you even start and see if it will even work.
At least start at home you have nothing to lose as such, try and build up a client base and take it as it comes, if you get enough work eventually rent/buy somewhere else.
As until you do it's just overheads you don't need.
Actually I don't know what the rules are regarding running businesses from home, well this kind anyway, one things for sure the neighbours would try and stop it!
I actually went and viewed a little lock up the other week that was going to auction, guide price 10-15k. (Yep I know most normal people would be looking to buy their first house, but no, not me
)It was a little small, in fact very small, but in comparison to what I work in now a massive improvement and would have been ok for my own stuff or one job at a time. Plus at least I'd have been able to walk around the thing unlike now.
Any way it went for 19k (and no I can't find my pound sign
) So too much for me as it'd have left nothing for what else was needed. i.e, floor leveling, electric meter installed by YEB and a new roller shutter door. So that was the end of that.
If I was going to get somewhere I'd rather buy to be fair as at least it isn't just dead money like renting, but everything of a reasonable size is way out of budget.
If you are serious then tell me what you want and I'll try and help.
I thought you'd repaired your bulkhead anyway
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aaronmorris
Head's a shed
So yesterday I did very little, hardly worth writing about to be honest but hay ho.
But the best part of the day was spent sourcing bits that are needed and paint, It's a bit cold at the mo really but we'll see how I get on as I'd rather do it in bits before it goes back together.
May have no choice though
So this is all I did yesterday, Stripped the pedal boxes, heater box etc off the bulkhead and painted them.
Should make the bulkhead a little lighter to move about now too.
Also stripped/cleaned and painted the towbar.
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But the best part of the day was spent sourcing bits that are needed and paint, It's a bit cold at the mo really but we'll see how I get on as I'd rather do it in bits before it goes back together.
May have no choice though
So this is all I did yesterday, Stripped the pedal boxes, heater box etc off the bulkhead and painted them.
Should make the bulkhead a little lighter to move about now too.
Also stripped/cleaned and painted the towbar.
Landyfox
Well-Known Member
Cheers
Although I know the previous owners plan was to make a 200tdi fit. But still not something I recognize.
Will build it up and see if it gets in the way.
Aye mate, it's a nice thought, but the reality is it'll probably never happen
My problem is the neighbours, because where do most people start business from?
In my experience the answer is home, or at least the people I know.
Like the guy who ran a garage from home, had a pit dug in the garage and away he went. Now he has rented a unit as he knows it works and can get the work.
For me I can't even do that, so I have to rent/buy somewhere to do it.
So yep your off to a bad start (I.e losing money) before you even start and see if it will even work.
At least start at home you have nothing to lose as such, try and build up a client base and take it as it comes, if you get enough work eventually rent/buy somewhere else.
As until you do it's just overheads you don't need.
Actually I don't know what the rules are regarding running businesses from home, well this kind anyway, one things for sure the neighbours would try and stop it!
I actually went and viewed a little lock up the other week that was going to auction, guide price 10-15k. (Yep I know most normal people would be looking to buy their first house, but no, not me
It was a little small, in fact very small, but in comparison to what I work in now a massive improvement and would have been ok for my own stuff or one job at a time. Plus at least I'd have been able to walk around the thing unlike now.
Any way it went for 19k (and no I can't find my pound sign
i.e, floor leveling, electric meter installed by YEB and a new roller shutter door. So that was the end of that.
If I was going to get somewhere I'd rather buy to be fair as at least it isn't just dead money like renting, but everything of a reasonable size is way out of budget.
Aaron I would definitely go down the leasing option for the first 12 months, I appreciate renting is dead money....but......I think it is important to take stock, look at what your outlay is and identify worst case scenario. I think it's wise to test the water with minimum risk, learn to walk before you run so to speak. I was paying £350 inc Vat a month for a 725sft foot workshop with all amenities, not massive but big enough for a start up. Water rates were included in the price, but I had to pay for electricity via meter which I could monitor .On top of this I was required to pay insurance, this worked out at £18 a month. Upfront fees included one full months rent which was returned when ending the lease, a fire extinguisher and signage. I was able to end the lease on a three months notice, this is important as if things turnout adversely you don't want to be tied in to a long term agreement.
I used my mobile instead of having a dedicated telephone line installed. These are all extra which can be added as you continue to develope.
Consider this, if you were to rent what would be the total potential loss; for example, you folk out for all of the above for 12 months and take zero in return. You've potentially lost £4.5-5k. If you folk out for all of the above and do one rebuild and two or three smaller jobs you've almost covered if not surpassed your 12 months outlay. Effectively, if you were to sell this current project when finished, there's you 12 months fees taken care off, everything else is a bonus.
I've seen your workmanship up close, it's spot on and I certainly would recommend you. As you're a friend, if you give it a go I'll do you a website for free mate.
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IamRobbie
Well-Known Member
On another note I've just read the post by landyzone and what an awesome bit of advice and a free website wow what a nice offer!!
Let's face it you'll soon become very highly recommended from all over the country just with a few pics off here. Goodluck whatever you do buddy!!
Let's face it you'll soon become very highly recommended from all over the country just with a few pics off here. Goodluck whatever you do buddy!!
Radioactive Man
Active Member
What Landyfox said is spot on. Look around for a small unit and lease.
You would be surprised how many businesses lease premises!
You would be surprised how many businesses lease premises!
aaronmorris
Head's a shed
Don't fancy stripping and painting my receiver hitch do you Aaron? Only thing is, it's powder coating that's patchy as hell. CBA to do it myself but would gladly pay for it to be done
Thanks for the thought but I have no way of removing the old powder coating.
It's a nightmare to strip and believe me I have tried before.
Last time I tried with a flap disc on the grinder it just clogged it up and kind of smeared the powder coating about. So gave up.
I heard people say chuck it on a fire and it gets it off but I've never been one to try it and sounds a bit iffy to me.
Aaron I would definitely go down the leasing option for the first 12 months, I appreciate renting is dead money....but......I think it is important to take stock, look at what your outlay is and identify worst case scenario. I think it's wise to test the water with minimum risk, learn to walk before you run so to speak. I was paying £350 inc Vat a month for a 725sft foot workshop with all amenities, not massive but big enough for a start up. Water rates were included in the price, but I had to pay for electricity via meter which I could monitor .On top of this I was required to pay insurance, this worked out at £18 a month. Upfront fees included one full months rent which was returned when ending the lease, a fire extinguisher and signage. I was able to end the lease on a three months notice, this is important as if things turnout adversely you don't want to be tied in to a long term agreement.
I can see where you're coming from with the leasing side of things.
The only reason I thought more about buying is because the one that went to auction was within what I have available.
Meaning anything earned in the week/month/year is mine (other than bills)
The other reason being I want somewhere for my own stuff too. So being bought means if it doesn't earn anything it doesn't really matter.
If I'm paying for somewhere it needs to at least cover the rent.
I used my mobile instead of having a dedicated telephone line installed. These are all extra which can be added as you continue to develope.
Consider this, if you were to rent what would be the total potential loss; for example, you folk out for all of the above for 12 months and take zero in return. You've potentially lost £4.5-5k. If you folk out for all of the above and do one rebuild and two or three smaller jobs you've almost covered if not surpassed your 12 months outlay. Effectively, if you were to sell this current project when finished, there's you 12 months fees taken care off, everything else is a bonus.
That's the thing, I don't even know if theirs a market for this.
Well their is, but is it what I do? I'm not so sure.
Other companies do similar, I think
This is why I want to do 1 at least if not 2 at home (yes not ideal) to give me an idea about if it's even worth getting into and before I start spending money renting a unit.
Because when I do it at home it's out of enjoyment and not money, as soon as I rent somewhere it is.
The only reason it's a serious thought is because I enjoy it and being a bit of a dumbass I probably wont get a job else where, so where else do you go.
I've seen your workmanship up close, it's spot on and I certainly would recommend you. As you're a friend, if you give it a go I'll do you a website for free mate.
Cheers
If it's repaired I'd leave it be until it goes again, although for me I'd just buy something a little newer live a late td5 one, or you'll just be chasing you tail so to speak.
Cheers
I think I'll need it whatever I do, do to be honest. Yeah, I can imagine a lot do.
It's just investing the initial money I'm concerned about, money I can't really afford to lose if it goes wrong.
mick the builder
Well-Known Member
Its all down to BALLS. Do you believe in yourself and have you a big pair of balls? Seriously, you are young, have no commitments and a skill. Take a year out of your young life and go with it. You have the rest of your life to replace the money if it dosent work out ( which im sure it will). I had 2 kids and an expensive wife ( got rid of her) when i took the plunge and bought a small builders contacts when he retired, best thing i ever did. Make your own decisions and answer to no one but yourself. How about pairing up with a partner, short term, to share costs. Im sure Alan Sugar knew feck all about computers before he started Amstrad but with balls he made it work. You already have a potential order book and loads of clients waiting for you.
Good luck anyway.
Good luck anyway.
Splashman237
Member
Wikapedia says:
'Methylene chloride and acetone are generally effective at removing powder coating, however most other organic solvents (thinners, etc.) are completely ineffective. Most recently the suspected human carcinogen methylene chloride is being replaced by benzyl alcohol with great success. Powder coating can also be removed with abrasive blasting. 98% sulfuric acid commercial grade also removes powder coating film.[citation needed] Certain low grade powder coats can be removed with steel wool, though this might be a more labor-intensive process than desired. Powder coating can also be removed by a burning off process, in which parts are put into a large high-temperature oven with temperatures typically reaching an air temp of 1100 to 1500 degrees with a burner temperature of 900. The process takes about four hours and requires the parts to be cleaned completely and repowdered. Parts made with a thinner-gauge material need to be burned off at a lower temperature to prevent the material from warping'
Ive tried Aircraft spripper and that works on some powder coatings. Think the one's with methanol in them are better.
There is a stripper called B17 made by Columbia coatings thats powerful enough to get through powdercoating but dont' know if you can get it in the UK , its dangerous stuff wear full chemical gear and long sleeve gloves ...
'Methylene chloride and acetone are generally effective at removing powder coating, however most other organic solvents (thinners, etc.) are completely ineffective. Most recently the suspected human carcinogen methylene chloride is being replaced by benzyl alcohol with great success. Powder coating can also be removed with abrasive blasting. 98% sulfuric acid commercial grade also removes powder coating film.[citation needed] Certain low grade powder coats can be removed with steel wool, though this might be a more labor-intensive process than desired. Powder coating can also be removed by a burning off process, in which parts are put into a large high-temperature oven with temperatures typically reaching an air temp of 1100 to 1500 degrees with a burner temperature of 900. The process takes about four hours and requires the parts to be cleaned completely and repowdered. Parts made with a thinner-gauge material need to be burned off at a lower temperature to prevent the material from warping'
Ive tried Aircraft spripper and that works on some powder coatings. Think the one's with methanol in them are better.
There is a stripper called B17 made by Columbia coatings thats powerful enough to get through powdercoating but dont' know if you can get it in the UK , its dangerous stuff wear full chemical gear and long sleeve gloves ...
aaronmorris
Head's a shed
I have every belief in what I do, as for big balls, I'm not so sure.
It's more the fact I don't even know if it can make money!
Don't get me wrong I've never took a loss on a vehicle, but they didn't pay wages, no where near.
I like the thought of working for myself with only myself to keep happy instead of dealing with ####wits day in day out.
No real need for a partner, I have money in savings, but obviously that's meant to do some good (I.E house deposit when I got a secure job, but like that's ever going to happen)
The point is I don't want to waste it, I'll be lucky if I've worked 6 months of this year and not earned a lot, but made sure I haven't touched savings and wasted it, instead I've sold off most of the surplus lr bits I had and got by that way.
So yeah, in short, I want to do it, I have some confidence in myself that I can do it, but don't know if it'll make me any wages over the year
I guess the only way it to try though
Wonder if I'd get away with doing one more at home :scratching_chin:
Yeah, erm... I think I'll pass thanks
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aaronmorris
Head's a shed
So not updated for a couple of days, what have I done? Naff all, or not a lot.
Fitted rad/intercooler pack, rear prop, finished prepping bulkhead for paint and a couple of other odd bits and that's it.
Hate doing stuff in a non orderly way and I'm kind of in a dilemma hence why I've done f*ck all
I had ordered the paint for it, but it's gone a little cold over the last few days.
I even emptied the shed ready
So for me the next job would be to put the bulkhead on, but I want to paint it before I put it on really, so that's holding me up. I haven't even got room for a heater where I'll be painting it either.
Ideally if I can paint the bulkhead and rear tub I'll be happy.
That means I can bolt them both on, then bolt everything else on panel wise (unpainted) so I can set the bulkhead shimming up and get it bolted up solid along with the tub.
Meaning I can then fit the seatbox, floor pans, tunnel, connect all the electrics and get it running and driving again.
Everything else is easily removable and can be done as and when the weather suits. Obviously I don't want to be having the tub or bulkhead off again
So not sure what to do now, think I'll try painting the bulkhead and see what it comes out like.
Worst case is I have to do it again when it's warmer, but hay-ho.
Made an order late Monday evening when I realized lr direct had 8% off, not a massive saving, but £20 or so on the order, which on a full rebuild is better than nothing.
Their where a few bits I needed anyway that had been forgot, or I'd ordered wrong (steering damper) bought the right one this time.
But also bought a couple of seat re-trim kits, his are f*cked and for £110ish they'll be much better and not have half the foam missing.
Also bought a cubby box to match too
Anyway that lot came today and now theirs lr parts all over the house
Fitted rad/intercooler pack, rear prop, finished prepping bulkhead for paint and a couple of other odd bits and that's it.
Hate doing stuff in a non orderly way and I'm kind of in a dilemma hence why I've done f*ck all
I had ordered the paint for it, but it's gone a little cold over the last few days.
I even emptied the shed ready
So for me the next job would be to put the bulkhead on, but I want to paint it before I put it on really, so that's holding me up. I haven't even got room for a heater where I'll be painting it either.
Ideally if I can paint the bulkhead and rear tub I'll be happy.
That means I can bolt them both on, then bolt everything else on panel wise (unpainted) so I can set the bulkhead shimming up and get it bolted up solid along with the tub.
Meaning I can then fit the seatbox, floor pans, tunnel, connect all the electrics and get it running and driving again.
Everything else is easily removable and can be done as and when the weather suits. Obviously I don't want to be having the tub or bulkhead off again
So not sure what to do now, think I'll try painting the bulkhead and see what it comes out like.
Worst case is I have to do it again when it's warmer, but hay-ho.
Made an order late Monday evening when I realized lr direct had 8% off, not a massive saving, but £20 or so on the order, which on a full rebuild is better than nothing.
Their where a few bits I needed anyway that had been forgot, or I'd ordered wrong
(steering damper) bought the right one this time. But also bought a couple of seat re-trim kits, his are f*cked and for £110ish they'll be much better and not have half the foam missing.
Also bought a cubby box to match too
Anyway that lot came today and now theirs lr parts all over the house
Yes, I had a few more bits from LR Direct today for my forthcoming axle project. They're getting very nifty with their deliveries. The boxes of the Timken bearings say 'Do not remove bearing until ready for assembly'. How did they know what I'm like? Needless to say I ignored it and got everything out to play with anyway.
Like everybody else on here I think you could go into business doing this. There's got to be some sort of shed or workshop in the locality that you can fit a Land Rover in and won't break the bank.
Like everybody else on here I think you could go into business doing this. There's got to be some sort of shed or workshop in the locality that you can fit a Land Rover in and won't break the bank.
aaronmorris
Head's a shed
Yes, they're the only people I use now, and I too always get everything out
Although kinda scary when you look back at the order history and see what you've spent in just under a year
Small units locally are hard to come by to be honest, cheapest I found was about £4,000 ish. Other than that it's all the big ####ers.
aaronmorris
Head's a shed
Well I had an hour today inbetween tasks of helping brothers mate fit coilovers.
Fitted them once, wasn't low enough.
Took them back out and removed a rubber cup (after watching an instructional video)
Still not low enough, so he said can we cut the springs.
I said "Yeah, but it's a bit **** when you've paid £500 for them! I'd be sending 'em back"
So ok, we'll cut the springs, so out again a cut a coil off, back in, down the road to settle it a bit.
Yep you've guessed it, Not low enough!
So back out, cut another 3/4 of a coil off, back on and it now sits how he wants it.
Did the other side, took it down the road and it now rubs
But hay whatever floats yer boat, guess it's only like me with lr's.
So inbetween that crap I changed the injector loom and rocker cover gasket.
It's needed doing for a while but it's just never happened.
Fitted new steering damper (after I ordered the wrong one last time)
And fitted the tow bar with some shiny 12.9 cap heads :crazy:
Only problem is now is, I haven't got an allen key big enough to tighten them up properly :doh:
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And it was bloody cold this morning, first time we've had frost on the ground in a while.
So I guess winter is finally here and I wont be doing any painting, f*ck, f*ck, f*ckity f*ck :mad2:
Fitted them once, wasn't low enough.
Took them back out and removed a rubber cup (after watching an instructional video)
Still not low enough, so he said can we cut the springs.
I said "Yeah, but it's a bit **** when you've paid £500 for them! I'd be sending 'em back"
So ok, we'll cut the springs, so out again a cut a coil off, back in, down the road to settle it a bit.
Yep you've guessed it, Not low enough!
So back out, cut another 3/4 of a coil off, back on and it now sits how he wants it.
Did the other side, took it down the road and it now rubs
But hay whatever floats yer boat, guess it's only like me with lr's.
So inbetween that crap I changed the injector loom and rocker cover gasket.
It's needed doing for a while but it's just never happened.
Fitted new steering damper (after I ordered the wrong one last time
)And fitted the tow bar with some shiny 12.9 cap heads :crazy:
Only problem is now is, I haven't got an allen key big enough to tighten them up properly :doh:
And it was bloody cold this morning, first time we've had frost on the ground in a while.
So I guess winter is finally here and I wont be doing any painting, f*ck, f*ck, f*ckity f*ck :mad2:
Discokids
Well-Known Member
When they finally put some colour over the primer on that hippy-mobile you want to be out there kicking off! Telling them that painting a van in ya drive isn't normal and see how they like it. As for the coilovers, it's not like you, cutting springs is a bit amateur. You seem to do things properly.
aaronmorris
Head's a shed
Exactly, and that was only the back, fair to say I'm not doing the front.
Yep
Decided why should I let them stop me, albeit it still ****es me off. But hay just because someone doesn't like what I'm doing it doesn't make it illegal.
Oh and camper van probably hasn't moved for 18 months minimum.
Basically, he and she split up, he moved out, she still lives their.
He bought the van I believe, but she wont let him have it unless she can have the kids last name changed to hers.
So just being a bitch like she is with me then.
They have already done the other side, and when they (next door but one) complained about me painting originally, I pointed out that he'd been painting only a couple of months back.
Apparently that's different as he no longer lives their!
Still happened though didn't it and you never complained then, daft bint.
Oh and yes, I wouldn't cut my own springs, I told him it's a bodge.
But nope, I want my wheels in the arches more and this is the only way to do it
I even had to cut them for him (I told him I wasn't doing them at first) because a spark hit him on the hand :brick:
So £500 and it doesn't even do what he wanted.
