Ok, Have an Idea That I Want to Expand Upon

[Captain Manly]

Hey y'all,

 

Well being "in between assignments" has gotten me banished to the garage, and while I am awaiting final clearance of wiring issues before I can get Lola inspected and legal I have an idea I want to explore.

 

In my time in restoring Lola I have acquired  "a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career" as well as tools & knowledge, in short in the spirit of making lemonade out of lemons I would like to open a refurbishment operations to those who need parts cleaned, reconditioned, upgraded and in certain cases repaired, but don't have the tools, times, experience, or confidence (or all the above) to do so themselves; not judging here.

 

The concept is simple, you find something that needs work on from your '02 that needs help, you pull it, ship it, I make it better and send it back to you to bolt-back on. Of course we would discuss what's needed to be done first and set an agreed price

 

I have parts-washer, media blaster, welder, grinder, air tools, etc. and my experience in doing and what NOT to do when I did the same thing for Lola.  Most of my background in this was engine / drive train parts, suspension pieces, and various bolt on parts that get dirty, greasy, cracked.  I have also updated trailing arms and control arms, and sub frames modifications.

 

Furthermore I know source suppliers for various internal bits such as bushing that I can procure and add to your parts if you so wish so that when you receive your parts back they will be ready to bolt back on ASAP.

 

Anyway I would like to get your thoughts, make this idea "bullet proof" and viable for the fellow FAQ-ers.  Let's be constructive so all can benefit,

 

Justin 

[zinz]

No pictures of the Lola????? That's just wrong 

 

Sounds like a good idea, Justin. I'm certain there are plenty of folks who'll take you up on it. 

 

Ed

['76mintgrün'02]

I agree.  Good idea.  Another thought would be to buy/refurbish parts and then offer them up for sale.

 

I am not trying to hijack your thread, but I have thought of doing that with distributors and stock air cleaners, modified to fit the Weber(s).

 

I lucked into a couple air cleaners and a distributor at the last swap-meetup.

 

Shipping can get expensive though, especially when parts have to go both ways.
For that reason, small parts might be better... much cheaper to ship distributors than air cleaners, for example.

 

Have you thought of a name for your business? 

[Joesprocket]

I’d look into this service for my tii exhaust manifold. It’s pretty crunchy. But I’d have to pay for shipping both ways plus your service fee. In the end probably easier to find a local shop. It’s a great idea but logistics and pricing for customers could get a little out of hand vs the alternative. I bet you’d do a much better job and of course by servicing a tight knit community like this forum would have a high level of service and quality to maintain. 

[Captain Manly]

Very good concern Joe regarding $ and logistics I would do the following.

 

Discuss the severity of the restoration, modification, or repair first and determining what they exactly want.  Looking at pictures and find a price that is agreeable then ship, I promise I would fair for the pricing - this is not a full time occupation, especially since I will be focusing on helping my fellow '02ers.  

 

As for logistics, the cheaper the better, I usually use USPS or UPS ground, takes a bit longer but much cheaper for everyone involved.

 

Now for the name of the shop. Something manly of course.

 

Justin 

[jrhone]

I’d be all over this for a lot of things.  Where are u located?

[1dollar93]

I'm over here with (another) brand new baby and thankful that I have zero time for this old car. Also wondering where you are located before I attempt to dive into my suspension.

[Captain Manly]

I am based just north of Dallas.