Car Odd Jobs - Sydney

[andyk_79]

Hi all

 

Well it is getting to the point where I just don't have the time/skills to do the bits of fiddling to get my Z roadworthy and am looking to outsource some of the work.  Selling the car is not an option for me mentally/emotionally after wanting a zed for so long and for the reasons I bought it when I did, but leaving it sitting in the garage with only little bits of fiddling going on is not an option either!!  I work at home a fair few evenings and weekends are family time for me and the car takes a low priority to that (and to the normal chores and housework along the way!)

 

 

Anyway enough of the bleeding heart and getting to the point - anyone know in Sydney in the enthusiast/semi-retired mechanic style vein who I could approach?  I'm thinking I guess in a similar vein to what the Rev does in VIC.  I would like someone who could hopefully teach me as we go along.  Would prefer not to just send it off to a mechanic as I don't learn anything out of that (and it'll cost me top dollar I'm sure).

 

It's mostly a thought bubble at the moment and comes out of the frustration of knowing that we're moving house and I will need to hire a tow truck just to move my car as I haven't been able to get my a** into gear, when I originally thought I would have a roadworthy, registered Z 12 months ago!!

 

Any thoughts etc appreciated.

[andyk_79]

I should add in case it is not clear - I would be looking to pay someone for this.  

[gav240z]

I think there is 3 options.

 

1. Take it to Stewart Wilkins (but you won't learn anything yourself)

 

or

 

2. Look at enrolling in a technical college (tafe) based on the things you want to get done. This is a slow way of doing it though (trust me haha).

 

Perhaps we should have weekend workshops for Auszcar where we all help each other out?

 

I was looking at https://www.theloop.com.au/and you can find shared workspaces you rent with other people in warehouses etc.. 

 

3. In the US they have DIY workshops you can go to and hire a lift / tools by the hour.

Example: http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/pit-row-santa-clara-2

 

But not sure if anything like this exists in Sydney yet? I tried 1 out in Dublin but they went bankrupt before I got to use them regularly.

[andyk_79]

I am wanting to do the TAFE course - pure inertia / laziness there in terms of why I haven't done it yet.  It's not even the bodywork I'm so worried about at the moment - it's the fiddly jobs to get it back together and working (bodywork I am waiting a few years until I have the money to get a pro to do the full nut/bolt panels off job)

[gav240z]

It wasn't bodywork I was referring to, there is other classes you can take on a whole range of car repairs. But I'm not sure they are all based around casual learning like the bodywork is.

[reverendzed]

Hi Andy - Might be good to make a 'jobs list' to give some specifics in what you are looking to complete - might spur someone on!  

Cheers,

Rev

[gav240z]

RE #3 above.

 

2 places in Victoria offer this.

 

http://www.umaster.com.au/(Preston)

http://www.youdoitauto.com.au/(Williamstown)

 

If anyone knows of places in Sydney please feel free to let us know!

 

Found this on Gumtree. (looks proper dodgy haha).

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/smithfield/mechanics-garages/mechanic-workshop-for-rent-work-bay-/1091949022

[andyk_79]

Good Point re a list:

 

• Strip sound deadening off (one side done) and some patch work in the floor pans
• Getting Heater Box, fan etc back in, connected up and working (I was doing well with this job until recently....)
• New seat Seat foams covers fitted and seats back together (have the parts)
• Carpets/underlay stuff fitted (have a kit but came with zilch instructions)
• Speedo cable is sitting in the cabin - pretty sure it is the gearbox end that is not connected (Haynes manual does not show where on the auto box the cable attaches, or what path it takes to get out of the cabin for that matter)
• Headlights and indicators not working (although ALL other lights are).  Wiring diagrams etc do my head in and my attempts to trace the problem have been pretty fruitless
• Fit new headers and exhaust - have got all the parts including new gasket and replacements studs and nits etc but again I got a bit overwhelmed looking at the Haynes manual and all the various things the carbies connect to.  I think I could do this job if I had some time and space
• Replace points with Pertronix kit (again I have the parts and think I could do it but time/patience/fear of stuffing it)
• Get the locks all working - doors open and close but won't lock

There's other bits and pieces I would like to sort out as well, but these are the primary ones so that I can actually drive it somewhere !!  I know for most people on here this is not a particularly terrifying list - but for me I get a bit flustered any time I hit a problem and can't work out how to solve it.  I love trying to solve problems in my line of work (around data mapping etc) but the car is a magnet for my fear !!

[gav240z]

Andy the door locks don't lock from the outside without the key. So you cannot lock the doors before shutting them in an S30z, you have to close the door and use the key to lock the doors. I usually lock the passenger side first, then hop out, close driver door and lock it with the key.

[andyk_79]

The doors won't lock with the key or from the inside with the knob either.  Think I saw someone else on here had similar issues where the locking part of the mechanism has seized over time

[gav240z]

The doors won't lock with the key or from the inside with the knob either.  Think I saw someone else on here had similar issues where the locking part of the mechanism has seized over time

 

You would need to remove the door trims to have a look, but be careful when removing the trims because you can easily damage them, just gently pry the cards off once you remove the window crank, arm rests etc..The lock is activated with a lever and there are plastic nubs that slip over the metal levers in the door. If the plastic has broken off it won't active the lock. Of course the locks could be stubborn from years of use and neglect also.

 

The good thing is it's all pretty simple once you have access to it, and you can buy these parts relatively easily if needed.

[peter t]

Andy, that's all the fun jobs you do when owning a Z. If you were if Brissie I would be more than willing to help out as these are only minor things to do. WD 40 works wonders on the locking parts and I even have to give mine a squirt now and then to keep them free. All the other things I have had to do along the way and do not require any great skills except common sense. Give it a go mate.

[Hokin]

I often find that looking at the Haynes too long will make you overthink it and psyche you out of doing it. In past experience the beer system works well. Have a beer and then start working, using the Haynes manual to help you out as you go. On some forums members refer to it being a '4 beer job' for time frames.

The exhaust and headers if its a bolt together setup will be easy. If you are a little uneasy trying on your own, invite a mate over to give you a hand. A ittle moral support goes a long way and you have to allocate to the time frame.

Edited November 2, 2015 by Hokin

[CroS13]

Perhaps you could organize a Bbq or get together at your place, have a few guys over for some beers, shoot the shit and get some work done on the Zed as a group? If i recall were you in Seven Hills? Maybe create an event date in the NSW section for a Saturday or sunday?

 

Id be up for coming and giving you a hand sometime, majority of those issues shouldn't be hard to sort out. How far until you move? and what area are you moving to?

Rudi.
 

[PB260Z]

If this rain doesn't stop the drive day may get changed to a workshop day ?

[Impatient1]

Alternatively if anyone is doing similar jobs on their car perhaps you could observe or help them out - or even document. The bbq or workshop day is a great idea though, seeing a few of us aren't to far away.

[andyk_79]

New place is at Kings Langley and the BBQ is an awesome idea.  Might look at that once we're settled