Unobtainable parts

[sdibbers]

To @colnerov question. You can print structural parts in metal using some technologies such as DED (directed energy deposition). That allows you to print from porous to solid metal parts. It’s already used in aviation and medical applications. The advantage is you can add lightness by having a mesh, or in the case of prosthetic hip joints for instance, you can print in a bio compatible metal that has a solid polished ball joint at one end and a porous spike at the other that bone from the femur can grow into at the other. I personally stick to non stressed components as there are specialists already making stressed engine parts out there.

 

[chrisw]

Enough of my rambling.... What's your thoughts?

Andries and I looked at doing something similar a few years ago. Geoff at Wins would like to retire.. JRW will carry on doing what they're doing, and everyone else is really too small or has no business plan. That's the UK market.

The Oz market has Scott's Old Auto Rubber - and Scott is a fantastic source for quality products.

We've then got Clive (Derby) and Colin (Oxford) who know the cars inside out, but they're two people, and one wants to retire.

I am actually concerned that all of the antics over the years with clubs and individuals have caused a lot of damage to the brand, at least in the UK.

 

[sdibbers]

Andries and I looked at doing something similar a few years ago. Geoff at Wins would like to retire.. JRW will carry on doing what they're doing, and everyone else is really too small or has no business plan. That's the UK market.

The Oz market has Scott's Old Auto Rubber - and Scott is a fantastic source for quality products.

We've then got Clive (Derby) and Colin (Oxford) who know the cars inside out, but they're two people, and one wants to retire.

I am actually concerned that all of the antics over the years with clubs and individuals have caused a lot of damage to the brand, at least in the UK.

I’ve seen some fairly aggressive posts on FB (I’m sure you know who I mean Chris) against some people who have spent a lot of time, money and effort investing in remanufacturing new parts. Some of these suppliers are by the very nature one/two man teams trying to run a small business. I think the first thing to do is support those willing to put in that investment, but be fair and honest on feedback directly to them.

The best way forward would be a collaboration between the various players. Not sure how you’d do it but the first thing would be to put aside previous arguments and talk.

 

[mrtask]

Crikey, if Wins packs it in I 'll have to deal with that other chap. Ho hum.

 

[chrisw]

I’ve seen some fairly aggressive posts on FB (I’m sure you know who I mean Chris) against some people who have spent a lot of time, money and effort investing in remanufacturing new parts. Some of these suppliers are by the very nature one/two man teams trying to run a small business. I think the first thing to do is support those willing to put in that investment, but be fair and honest on feedback directly to them.

The best way forward would be a collaboration between the various players. Not sure how you’d do it but the first thing would be to put aside previous arguments and talk.

Oh totally. However, I wouldn't back that person even if everyone else put their arguments aside, as that person decided that I was a valid target a few years ago, because I refused to lend them money to support their business.

I think that the P6 world (in the UK at least) is too small, and there are too many conflicts amongst those left to actually do anything productive.

 

[sdibbers]

I think that the P6 world (in the UK at least) is too small, and there are too many conflicts amongst those left to actually do anything productive

Maybe, I hope the next generation of enthusiasts make it better. At the end of the day we all want to keep them running. I have to admit to not being a fan of single marque clubs because I’ve seen the same behavior a few times. I rather enjoy the cars and coffee type events, less rivet counting and more general appreciation of all cars. At the end of it we all do this because we enjoy it.

I’ll continue to try and make Rover parts where I can afford to, the technology will continue to advance so that it becomes more affordable and wider spread too.

On another note, I really enjoy my work life these days supporting the old car world. Here’s a pic of one my client’s shop. See if you can name the cars!

 

[Ban306]

Why you good people speak in Riddles
Good luck in ordering anything from JR Wadhams I tried 3 times with them
The phone must be very busy as when you do get through I get a lady confused about any part I wish to buy and then get told, I will call you back famous last words and no call back 3 times I have tried buying 3 different parts not interested.

Wins International Well lets not go there.

Best supplier I have found is Mark Gray and if he has the part you want he is an absolute delight to deal with

 

[cobraboy]

Maybe, I hope the next generation of enthusiasts make it better. At the end of the day we all want to keep them running. I have to admit to not being a fan of single marque clubs because I’ve seen the same behavior a few times. I rather enjoy the cars and coffee type events, less rivet counting and more general appreciation of all cars. At the end of it we all do this because we enjoy it.

I’ll continue to try and make Rover parts where I can afford to, the technology will continue to advance so that it becomes more affordable and wider spread too.

On another note, I really enjoy my work life these days supporting the old car world. Here’s a pic of one my client’s shop. See if you can name the cars!



View attachment 14245

Cunningham C3

 

[sdibbers]

Cunningham C3

Good eye! Yep, 2 C3’s and a replica C4RK

 

[chrisw]

Why you good people speak in Riddles
Good luck in ordering anything from JR Wadhams I tried 3 times with them
The phone must be very busy as when you do get through I get a lady confused about any part I wish to buy and then get told, I will call you back famous last words and no call back 3 times I have tried buying 3 different parts not interested.

Wins International Well lets not go there.

Best supplier I have found is Mark Gray and if he has the part you want he is an absolute delight to deal with

Wins is the only one I'll go to. I've had some issues with him, but far less than people have had with the other two.

 

[PeterZRH]

Maybe, I hope the next generation of enthusiasts make it better.

Sadly I don't think there will be a next generation of enthusiast for this type of car. Younger people are less interested in cars in general and the coming decline of fossil fuels. But the main reason simply being no connection, no childhood memories etc.

This is it I'm afraid.

 

[Ban306]

Very true words Peter, lots of people don’t even open there bonnets not like years ago I remember a family member welding up his car in the street, I can remember there was only two cars back then in the whole street, can you imagine doing stuff like that now

 

[The Rovering Member]

My father normally owned the two cars in our street & was the one welding/spraying them up.
My friend said he always thought my dad was just a pair of swearing legs sticking out from the bottom of a car.

 

[Demetris]

I think that people tend to avoid the manual work, so the newer generations have lost the links that would make them appreciate the surrounding world. Everything is given, there's no effort, so where's the fun?

 

[cobraboy]

Its not all doom and gloom, there are chinks of light that show up, we have a chink in the family. No1 daughters boyfriend/ partner 25 years old, 3 years ago never lifted a bonnet, can now change oil, filters, brake discs, pads, road springs, abs sensors etc etc. He's building a tool kit of quality make items. Of course they blame me ! I know his master plan, he's not doing it so he can keep his own car going, he wants to know how to fix my cars...................................

 

[Phil Robson]

It’s a shame. I love being in the garage with an engine in bits or restoring seats or whatever.

There’s always a challenge which always gets solved one way or another (often with help from you guys!). There’s a sense of achievement in that & understanding how things work. Even doing household diy is the same.

Perhaps the younger generation will change their minds when there’s the inevitable economic crash & cash/credit isn’t so easy to get, with more repairing required . Maybe the public mood will swing from ‘throw it away’ & the fixable cars & machines & shower units etc... will be in demand.

I’ve never been convinced by anyone that cars ever needed electric windows; airbags & seatbelts great, but why the other stuff?

 

[sdibbers]

Sadly I don't think there will be a next generation of enthusiast for this type of car. Younger people are less interested in cars in general and the coming decline of fossil fuels. But the main reason simply being no connection, no childhood memories etc.

This is it I'm afraid.

I disagree Peter. I know two guys here in here in the New England area that own P6's, both in their early 20's. If you go to the cars and coffee type meetups you'll be surprised how young a group there is. Some want youngtimer classics (to be expected) but there are some that want cars of our vintage. The P6 has an advantage in that its a usable daily driver, values are lower than Jags etc so its an affordable intro to the hobby.