Phew, that misses my important booking by over a week so I'm clear to attend if it's taking place then. If it moves back a week I'm a no show

Thanks David +++

Jim - If you need someone to 'road test' the repairs, I'll volunteer selflessly (and I'll check the 4WD system whilst the wheels are off the ground)..

Also happy to assist with suggestions for next years meet (and possibly pre-test the flight potential of the roads)

If I need a 'flight test' Richard, you'll be the first to know! :tuttut:

As to the meet, we're having the first get together at Brian's on Wednesday, but the main issue will be 'where in Scotland' and we plan to hold a poll for that once the summer meets are over. All ideas welcome of course!

Well, expecting the worst, I returned the voicemail message to Andy at A4 Audi today. You may recall my '8 was in for a few jobs whilst I'm laid up after a knee op. The biggest job was to remove no:5 spark plug, which they'd tried in vain before. Andy was afraid that they'd either snap the plug or find a stripped thread, which would require the head off and sending to a machine shop to fix. :(

So, I'd been saving my pennies (after increasing the taxes on the serfs) and was prepared for an almighty bill (as I'd have the belt done at the same time, even though it's not due).

Andy was very apologetic and said that unfortunately.....


.....he was unable to charge me anything for this work! They'd spent a couple of days with loads of penetrating fluid and a long bar on the socket and managed to shift the plug with no damage! +++

So, just a replacement fan belt and, probably, a couple of new front calipers to pay for. :D

Now that's an honest garage prepared to go the extra mile! :)

Great news your Lairdship, we all love a happy ending! ;)

I have the same trust in my garage as you do, they may not be experts but they go out of their way to do as I ask. For example, when I changed the front brakes for Brembo's and changed the suspension arms and hubs as required, they changed upper and lower arms, track rod ends, bearings etc as well as sorting out the wiring and charged me a grand total of £105 for labour, a quarter of the price of the new parts they fitted (obviously the suspension arms, callipers and discs were provided by me)

They know how much I like the car and care for it and they go out of their way to do a good job without emptying my pockets..........it's a good relationship to have. +++

I'm feeling all the Garage love out there, well done both, great results! :love:

great news your Lairdship+++

Excellent news... I'm sure SWMBO will find a use for those extra taxes from the serfs.

Already spoken for - my new garage roof. Photos to be posted soon

Garage love, not to be confused with barn love, as participated in by those in the more remote areas of the British Isles.

Just wanted to make that clear ;)