Looking for backyard Mechanic Invercargill

ladyjet1, Jan 18, 4:16am
Hi, I'm looking for someone who is suitably experienced to have a look at the brakes on my classic mini.I'm reasonably confident that they just perhaps need bleeding and adjusting as there is no pull, just too much travel in pedal and not enough stopping!My wee car is going in for panel repair shortly, and I need the brakes fixed before it goes.I don't have a lot of funds to spare, but need my wee car fixed as it's my pride and joy.Can someone out there help please!

im_andrew, Jan 18, 5:04am
Why would you specifically go looking for a backyard mechanic!

ladyjet1, Jan 18, 5:32am
Because I don't have a lot of money, I'm on my own, and workshops charge too much :(

im_andrew, Jan 18, 5:43am
Brakes are fairly important though. I know being a qualified mechanic doesnt mean much in NZ (because mechanic isnt a real trade, its just another word for 'scam artist') but I wouldnt leave fault finding brakes to anyone who wasnt qualified to do it.

bigjerry, Jan 18, 5:48am
its a tough one. there is bound to be people close to you who can do this for 'a batch of scones'. at least half of them could probably do them well, im a backyarder but i only ever screw with my own stuff or mates. Good luck.

bigjerry, Jan 18, 5:49am
a few posters on here are from invercargill. lets see if any put there hand up and the rest of us can tell you if they are a moron or not haha

ladyjet1, Jan 18, 5:54am
It's not nice you guys taking the piss out of me, I've restored that car fully myself right up to paint stage when I crashed it, including replacing suspension and putting another engine in it, and doing all the interior.It was a terrible time when I crashed it - almost 2 years ago now.I thought with the events that followed I would never be able to get my pride and joy on the road again.I'm not necessarily advertising for someone who is not qualified, there are a lot of mechanic's out there that do a bit of weekend work on the side.whilst I am a good cook and can do a mean batch of scones - I'm happy to pay a reasonable rate - just not $80 an hour, I just can't afford that :(

morrisman1, Jan 18, 5:55am
hotrodpete loves doing panel work on curvy british cars

ladyjet1, Jan 18, 5:59am
Besides, the work would have to be done in my garage - the car is not roadworthy at present, and you are right, brakes are important, otherwise I'd have a crack myself like I have done with the whole car, but in this case I'd rather have someone who has a bit more knowledge than me - I have a workshop manual which I followed faithfully while restoring it (bit like a recipe book I reckon!)but I'm just not confident enough on my own to have a go. :(

ducatiss, Jan 18, 5:59am
No way I would be touching the brakes on someone elses car as I could be held liable should something go wrong. Generally though if its just a bleed then fine, but the original Mini is getting really old now and lots of money can be involved in doing the job correctly (safely).

berg, Jan 18, 6:01am
Pity you are not near me. I'd do them for a batch of scones. Quite often do jobs for people here just for the fun of it.

ladyjet1, Jan 18, 6:06am
Lol, the panel and paint work has to be done byaccredited insurance providers - Pete you must know someone who would have a look at my brakes!

ladyjet1, Jan 18, 6:08am
what about someone who knows electric's on Aprilia! Suspect starter motor.

the mini was completely roadworthy reg n wof - the brakes just need adjusting I swear.

ladyjet1, Jan 18, 6:09am
Thanks :(

franc123, Jan 18, 6:31am
Got a Mini club in Southland!There will be someone (probably most of them) that will be more than conversant with checking, bleeding and adjusting Mini brakes, they'll be experts at it and would no doubt welcome another member on board.Failing that a local brake and clutch specialist would be the best bet.

hi-ling, Jan 18, 6:32am
I can look at them for you, spent a lot of years on minis and the like. so no probs there. Im in town tomorrow so will flick you a text

ladyjet1, Jan 18, 8:46am
cool thanks!

ladyjet1, Jan 3, 10:54pm
Thanks Pete, flick me a txt if you have time, hopefully another guy contacting me tomorrow, but just in case :)