Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[JamesV6CDX]

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

[ghondie]

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

[JamesV6CDX]

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!

[Dazzler]

Excellent idea. Happy Christmas

[ghondie]

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

[JamesV6CDX]

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...

[VXL V6]

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

[JamesV6CDX]

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!

[theolodian]

Aren't they already charity events for newbies?  

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?

[Tab]

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.

[JamesV6CDX]

Aren't they already charity events for newbies?  

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

[justme]

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 ?
                          

[theolodian]

Aren't they already charity events for newbies?  

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

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).

[JamesV6CDX]

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.

[Tab]

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?