Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 25 December 2007, 07:41:38
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Morning guys, and Merry Christmas.
I had a thought last night that I would like to do something for Charity, so I am thinking about doing some reduced cost cambelt changes in the new year, with all proceeds going to a good cause.
It would work on the basis that you will bring your own belt kits etc, and have them fitted in return for a small cheque made out directly to the Charity.
I am considering doing the event over a weekend. What would be even better, would be if we could get a small "team" of us uptogether, who are confident in such things. We could then tackle several in a day.
I'm happy to do any necessary organising for the event, and I'm obviously prepared to dive in under the bonnets and get my hands dirty.
The charity I have in mind is http://www.winstonswish.org.uk/ - namely because they have provided invaluable support for some close friends of mine and I know how great they are.
In terms of support, I could do with somewhere to host the event (I don't really have the space for something that substantial), and some volunteers to change a couple of belts each, to make the day worthwhile.
At the moment it's only a potential, but I'd very much like it to become a reality - so please reply with your opinions :y
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i very much like the idea, however i only realy support the RNLI myself, could we not pool all monies into one pot and split between maybe 4 of 5 charities?
however it sounds like an excelent idea, i for one would be happy to dive in and help. obviously depending on the location of said event.
only thing i could see as a problem would be things like liability incase something went wrong, i would imagine you would need to either state that any problems caused are not our fault or take up some form of liability insurance (likely to be at least £200)
this realy is the worst bit about organising an event like this.
regards
nathan
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only thing i could see as a problem would be things like liability incase something went wrong, i would imagine you would need to either state that any problems caused are not our fault or take up some form of liability insurance (likely to be at least £200)
regards
nathan
Hi Nathan,
Good point about the liability. It's something that worries me slightly when changing cambelts etc.
The way I work it is as follows. Lets say you are a punter - I form a clear understanding with you, that you are paying for my expsnses and time only, and that there Is no contractual agreement as to what I am or am not doing. I am merely "helping" you change your cambelt, as a friend helping a friend. When the new belt is fitted, You will be invited to verify that all timing and tension marks are correct, and you will be invited to check all torque settings with a calibrated torque wrench, before the engine is started. Before the key is turned, you will give me written acceptance that you have checked the fitment and are fully satisfied with it - therefore should any problems arise you will not hold me liable ;)
If people want dealership type comeback, they should be paying dealer prices ;)
Having said that, if you get the owner to check and confirm everything, there's not a lot that can go wrong, and I expect we would do a better job than most garages!
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Excellent idea. Happy Christmas ;)
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yes sounds like that would work fine, however a signed contract before work commences and then a sign off at the end of work being done.
would this event be for general public as well as members? if so how would you go about advertising the event? ie car magazines and radio cover.
would it be a case of book it in before hand so as not to have a rush?
obviously we would need to have a good assortment of tools, greases and cleaning gear,
would it be limited to the v6's only or also the 4pot's i have never done one on a 4pot so would be no help with that.
lots of questions but mainly because im genuinely interested in this idea.
regards
nathan
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yes sounds like that would work fine, however a signed contract before work commences and then a sign off at the end of work being done.
would this event be for general public as well as members? if so how would you go about advertising the event? ie car magazines and radio cover.
would it be a case of book it in before hand so as not to have a rush?
obviously we would need to have a good assortment of tools, greases and cleaning gear,
would it be limited to the v6's only or also the 4pot's i have never done one on a 4pot so would be no help with that.
lots of questions but mainly because im genuinely interested in this idea.
regards
nathan
I personally think it should just be an informal, OOF event, I think we could drum up enough interest amongs members...
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Hi James
Probably not a lot of help but I'm confident to strip the cars down to the point of just the Cambelt being left on (ie remove plenum - if droop snoot, bagpipes, auxilary belt + associated, cam cover and clean the breathers), that would leave you to just concentrate on the Cambelt. As I say probably not a lot of help because I'm sure everyone can do that anyway.
Andy
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Hi James
Probably not a lot of help but I'm confident to strip the cars down to the point of just the Cambelt being left on (ie remove plenum - if droop snoot, bagpipes, auxilary belt + associated, cam cover and clean the breathers), that would leave you to just concentrate on the Cambelt. As I say probably not a lot of help because I'm sure everyone can do that anyway.
Andy
Could be a lot of help actually - it's a time consuming process!
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Aren't they already charity events for newbies? :P
I like the sentiment James, but not sure how to make it work. A lot of complex elements. Maybe just a straight-up volunteering day somewhere?
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i'd be up for that, i'd happily pay a bit towards charity aswell as getting my hands dirty and gaining some valuable experience at the same time.
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Aren't they already charity events for newbies? :P
I like the sentiment James, but not sure how to make it work. A lot of complex elements. Maybe just a straight-up volunteering day somewhere?
Not complex at all..... just have your belt changed, and part with a wad for charity ;D
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only thing i could see as a problem would be things like liability incase something went wrong, i would imagine you would need to either state that any problems caused are not our fault or take up some form of liability insurance (likely to be at least £200)
regards
nathan
Hi Nathan,
Good point about the liability. It's something that worries me slightly when changing cambelts etc.
The way I work it is as follows. Lets say you are a punter - I form a clear understanding with you, that you are paying for my expsnses and time only, and that there Is no contractual agreement as to what I am or am not doing. I am merely "helping" you change your cambelt, as a friend helping a friend. When the new belt is fitted, You will be invited to verify that all timing and tension marks are correct, and you will be invited to check all torque settings with a calibrated torque wrench, before the engine is started. Before the key is turned, you will give me written acceptance that you have checked the fitment and are fully satisfied with it - therefore should any problems arise you will not hold me liable ;)
If people want dealership type comeback, they should be paying dealer prices ;)
Having said that, if you get the owner to check and confirm everything, there's not a lot that can go wrong, and I expect we would do a better job than most garages!
"It's something that worries me slightly"
It ought to, a contract exists no matter how you word it, or how you do it. Exchange of money for time = contract. Agree to pay expences a contract exists.
Which should be of great concern to you, all you need is a bent one.
Brief scenario : Members are not the only ones to read forums : "First concern published evidence
available to all" Liability
How many cars do you see for sale on the side of the road
How many bent car dealers have you heard of.
It is not beyond the realms of reality for you to be set up.
Honest opinion you are hanging yourself out to dry.
There is a huge diffrence between a bunch of like minded people having a get together to help each other out with thier cars. No exchange other than experiance. Compared to a prior agreement
of an exchange of whatever for time. A Contract.
Biggest question of all could you afford it ?
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Aren't they already charity events for newbies? :P
I like the sentiment James, but not sure how to make it work. A lot of complex elements. Maybe just a straight-up volunteering day somewhere?
Not complex at all..... just have your belt changed, and part with a wad for charity ;D
Yeah, but who needs it done? Not most people on here. So they need to be found elsewhere. Then they have to be in the right place at the right time, wait around for hours, not hold us liable, bring the right parts, not have other problems, and so on and so forth. A lot more complicated than going and volunteering somewhere (except if it involves children, that's bloody impossible).
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Given the mostly negative views and / or concerns that have been raised about this event, I have decided that I don't want to go ahead with it, and I will not be looking to persue it any further.
I'll organise an egg and spoon race instead. Let's just hope someone doesn't fall over and bruise their knee - I might end up being sued.
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Given the mostly negative views and / or concerns that have been raised about this event, I have decided that I don't want to go ahead with it, and I will not be looking to persue it any further.
I'll organise an egg and spoon race instead. Let's just hope someone doesn't fall over and bruise their knee - I might end up being sued.
that's a shame :( i think it's a bloody good idea.
will there be any normal cambelt parties in the future?
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Given the mostly negative views and / or concerns that have been raised about this event, I have decided that I don't want to go ahead with it, and I will not be looking to persue it any further.
I'll organise an egg and spoon race instead. Let's just hope someone doesn't fall over and bruise their knee - I might end up being sued.
:( Now that is a shame as it sounds like a very good idea and would have given it my support :(
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will there be any normal cambelt parties in the future?
If there are, you can rest assured I will not be changing any belts - for reasons stated by others above.
I'm fed up with the "where there's a blame there's a claim" society we live in - especially when you're acting in good faith and trying to help others.
It just goes to show that there are people out there that will be pedantic about nitty gritty details should anything go wrong.
Therefore, the only cambelts I will change for are family, good friends, and my own !
Sorry, but the above comments have set me thinking, adn I doubt I will be touching any more cars.
Whilst all I do is try and be helpful, it's only a matter of time until something goes wrong, (even if not my fault) - and someone will try and sue me for it. And for the sake of a couple of beers, or a small donation to a charity - it's just not worth the hassle.
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fair comment, i'd better get that dvd then :)
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its a bit late now but i can vouch for James work. He did the cambelt on my 2.2 some time ago, fantastic job, totally changed the feel of the car, as my old belt was on its last legs. First rate work. :y
If you are worried about warrentys and if something goes wrong, then go to a dealer. THATS what they are for, even if something does go wrong it will still be hard to prove it was the dealer. But if you want that piece of paper with a warrenty then go to the dealer.
If you want the job done right, for a fraction of the cost, see James. My cambelt change cost £120 ish with the belt AND waterpump, dealers charge £400 odd without the pump....
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forgot to add James and his mate Markie, spent 2 WHOLE days doing my dads 2.2 head gasket!!
One day to strip down, i got it skimmed, they came back and fitted it.... people like James are very hard to come by these days, decent honest person.
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Thanks for the kind words mate. I'm pleased you're satisfied with everything we did.
I'll have a chat with Maria in a bit, and drop you a text if we can be free on Monday ;)
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Thanks for the kind words mate. I'm pleased you're satisfied with everything we did.
I'll have a chat with Maria in a bit, and drop you a text if we can be free on Monday ;)
Cool :y
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Another idea. Cam belt parties remain free but we have a collection for a charity should those present wish to donate some of the money they've saved.
Kevin
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TOP IDEA JAMES :y
My kids have used Winstons Wish for a couple of years. I have meade LOADS of trips to Cheltenham.
I also collect for them regularly. Not to put too much details in, but my step kids' father comitted suicide 8 years ago...Winstons Wish are worth their weight in gold.
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will there be any normal cambelt parties in the future?
If there are, you can rest assured I will not be changing any belts - for reasons stated by others above.
I'm fed up with the "where there's a blame there's a claim" society we live in - especially when you're acting in good faith and trying to help others.
It just goes to show that there are people out there that will be pedantic about nitty gritty details should anything go wrong.
Therefore, the only cambelts I will change for are family, good friends, and my own !
Sorry, but the above comments have set me thinking, adn I doubt I will be touching any more cars.
Whilst all I do is try and be helpful, it's only a matter of time until something goes wrong, (even if not my fault) - and someone will try and sue me for it. And for the sake of a couple of beers, or a small donation to a charity - it's just not worth the hassle.
I'm so sorry to hear that James, it's such a shame, as you obviously have a lot of expertise with cars.
If we buckle to these blame culture vultures it may ring the death nell for forums like this where advice is given freely by like minded people, without disclaimers being issued and accepted with every post for help and advise
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Only just seen this thread, and after reading first few posts, I thought a solution to the problem could be found, and Kevin Wood beat me to it - a normal cambelt party, no monies changing hand, and a voluntary, unrelated, whip round for charity afterwards...
Trouble is, I am very fussy which charities I give to, as most of them are too incompitent. Also, Mrs TheBoy has to donate some of her wages to some pointless charity - no choice, and done at payroll >:(
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Also, Mrs TheBoy has to donate some of her wages to some pointless charity - no choice, and done at payroll >:(
A union per chance.....
I will continue to carry out cambelt changes and will refund any money paid to me directly if anything happens.....
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Surely all you need is public liability insurance......i have it, just in case someone tries to sue me....i think i have about £1million cover and costs me about £30/year.
It has been known before for passengers to claim whip lash injures if you hit a speed bump too hard for example.
I have had it when a pedestrian has run into the side of my car before on a pedestrian crossing.....i did have a green light......but its easy for them to claim the light was red for me.......luckily for me it was right next to an entrance of a shopping mall.....and the security guard saw the whole accident and vouched for me that I had the green light......strange i didnt hear anymore about it ::)
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Only just seen this thread, and after reading first few posts, I thought a solution to the problem could be found, and Kevin Wood beat me to it - a normal cambelt party, no monies changing hand, and a voluntary, unrelated, whip round for charity afterwards...
Trouble is, I am very fussy which charities I give to, as most of them are too incompitent. Also, Mrs TheBoy has to donate some of her wages to some pointless charity - no choice, and done at payroll >:(
I used to give to cancer charities - before merger but I object to paid fund raisers and expensive buildings.
Now it is RNLI
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Oh and transport preservation - mainly railway
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Also, Mrs TheBoy has to donate some of her wages to some pointless charity - no choice, and done at payroll >:(
A union per chance.....
I will continue to carry out cambelt changes and will refund any money paid to me directly if anything happens.....
No, its a random charity picked by the parent company of the company she works for >:(
I think there is a way to opt out, but they make it too difficult to do, so nobody bothers.
I too will continue to assist other members, be it paid (ie Tech2 work, which is not for profit anyway) or unpaid. In fact I am very keen on another cambelt day to help those that need one. After all, its nearly Feb, and for some daft reason, we always do in Feb! Alas, I think my neighbours have put up with enough in the last 12 months for me to be able to offer to host anything :-[
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I'm no legal expert, but surely it's legally possible to have a disclaimer entered into freely and openly, in advance, by anyone participating, which does not constitute an 'onerous covenant'. If anyone objects to this, they don't paticipate.
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Also, Mrs TheBoy has to donate some of her wages to some pointless charity - no choice, and done at payroll >:(
A union per chance.....
I will continue to carry out cambelt changes and will refund any money paid to me directly if anything happens.....
No, its a random charity picked by the parent company of the company she works for >:(
I think there is a way to opt out, but they make it too difficult to do, so nobody bothers.
I too will continue to assist other members, be it paid (ie Tech2 work, which is not for profit anyway) or unpaid. In fact I am very keen on another cambelt day to help those that need one. After all, its nearly Feb, and for some daft reason, we always do in Feb! Alas, I think my neighbours have put up with enough in the last 12 months for me to be able to offer to host anything :-[
I have available off street parking for about fifteen cars on a private car park but alas no undercover parking so my venue would be better suited to a meet when (in theory) the weather improves
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Also, Mrs TheBoy has to donate some of her wages to some pointless charity - no choice, and done at payroll >:(
A union per chance.....
I will continue to carry out cambelt changes and will refund any money paid to me directly if anything happens.....
No, its a random charity picked by the parent company of the company she works for >:(
I think there is a way to opt out, but they make it too difficult to do, so nobody bothers.
I too will continue to assist other members, be it paid (ie Tech2 work, which is not for profit anyway) or unpaid. In fact I am very keen on another cambelt day to help those that need one. After all, its nearly Feb, and for some daft reason, we always do in Feb! Alas, I think my neighbours have put up with enough in the last 12 months for me to be able to offer to host anything :-[
I have available off street parking for about fifteen cars on a private car park but alas no undercover parking so my venue would be better suited to a meet when (in theory) the weather improves
Unless some gazeebo type things where used
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Also, Mrs TheBoy has to donate some of her wages to some pointless charity - no choice, and done at payroll >:(
A union per chance.....
I will continue to carry out cambelt changes and will refund any money paid to me directly if anything happens.....
No, its a random charity picked by the parent company of the company she works for >:(
I think there is a way to opt out, but they make it too difficult to do, so nobody bothers.
I too will continue to assist other members, be it paid (ie Tech2 work, which is not for profit anyway) or unpaid. In fact I am very keen on another cambelt day to help those that need one. After all, its nearly Feb, and for some daft reason, we always do in Feb! Alas, I think my neighbours have put up with enough in the last 12 months for me to be able to offer to host anything :-[
I should be able to host again got a double garage and driveway for 3 cars, 4 at a push. We had it like a open garage last time members turned up, we had 2 meggas in the garage with the bonnets up, while tech2 / leccy stuff was done outside.
I have some nice big work lights (Thanks martin) that create lots of light in the garage now, I know Jamie has some too, so we can work well into darkness and still have enough light.
I will have to check again with father & mother tunnie, but we have had so much from the forum (advice, headgaskets done, items bought and sold) we would be happy to host again :y
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I could ask Timbuk if he would mind us using his place that way everyone could get under cover :)
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I could ask Timbuk if he would mind us using his place that way everyone could get under cover :)
now i like that idea as i'm only a few miles away from timbuk ;D
i take it he's got a big garage then?
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I could ask Timbuk if he would mind us using his place that way everyone could get under cover :)
now i like that idea as i'm only a few miles away from timbuk ;D
i take it he's got a big garage then?
Hes just got it and is busy getting it kitted out, I bet you could get 25 cars in there :o
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ah that must be the unit he was on about getting when i brought my car off him.
i think he said it was in tweedale and they're mainly factory units, so yeah it should massive.