Hi Folks,
Nearly managed the update during the weekend so I must be getting better!
Not a great deal I can give any update on at the moment. We are busy and trying to catch up with where I wanted to be before my surgery but every one step forward seems to force two backwards!
Still trying to sort the castings for the screen feet. The patterns are good but it just seems as if everyone is cutting back and things that have always been in stock now aren't and quality also seems to have suffered.
Anyway, we did the Coventry festival run a week last Sunday and the Gorilla went down very well on the car. After the run the families with children hunted out the Register stand just to find the car with the Gorilla. Just have to see what else we can come up with next year!
Final show of the year for us is the Kettering Steam show at the end of September, then it really will start to feel like the year is over. Not going to make any comments about 2011, as when I do things never go according to the plan.
See you in a fortnight.
Geoff
Monday, 13 September 2010
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Update for August .... Just!
Hi Folks
I can't believe that I haven't done an update during August! Both computers are now synchronised and remind me when it's due, all I have to do is 'Do it' but somehow I manage to kill the reminders and then forget to do it.
Anyway what can I say? I have just collected the first items from BG Penny in Coventry. They are blasters and powder coaters. I have to say, and I have told them the same, they are great! Good friendly service, good work and good price. What more could you ask for. Their suspension parts after blasting and coating look first class and you can be sure that I will be using them a lot in the future.
If you want anything coating then give them a call. The can be reached via www.bgpenny.co.uk or by telephoning 02476367636
I'll post a photo later to show you why I am going on about it. For those that have never tried it. The process is quick and I think very reasonably priced. So if you have some bits that need a bit of clean and a recoat then put away the wire brush and paint and get them off to BG Penny's in Coventry!!!!
We are getting two cars ready for the Coventry run next weekend and also hoping to take a new friend 'a giant gorilla' with us seated on the luggage rack. If we manage to get him securely seated will try to get some photos of him during the run and post them after the event.
Enjoy the remainder of the summer. Get out an enjoy your cars. See you soon.
Geoff
I can't believe that I haven't done an update during August! Both computers are now synchronised and remind me when it's due, all I have to do is 'Do it' but somehow I manage to kill the reminders and then forget to do it.
Anyway what can I say? I have just collected the first items from BG Penny in Coventry. They are blasters and powder coaters. I have to say, and I have told them the same, they are great! Good friendly service, good work and good price. What more could you ask for. Their suspension parts after blasting and coating look first class and you can be sure that I will be using them a lot in the future.
If you want anything coating then give them a call. The can be reached via www.bgpenny.co.uk or by telephoning 02476367636
I'll post a photo later to show you why I am going on about it. For those that have never tried it. The process is quick and I think very reasonably priced. So if you have some bits that need a bit of clean and a recoat then put away the wire brush and paint and get them off to BG Penny's in Coventry!!!!
We are getting two cars ready for the Coventry run next weekend and also hoping to take a new friend 'a giant gorilla' with us seated on the luggage rack. If we manage to get him securely seated will try to get some photos of him during the run and post them after the event.
Enjoy the remainder of the summer. Get out an enjoy your cars. See you soon.
Geoff
Friday, 30 July 2010
Update 30th July 2010
Hi Folks
Got my act together? Well for tonight maybe, but don't get used to it 'cause it can't last long!!
We continue to produce various parts for customers with kits clearly being at the top of the list.
We are now full with orders until the end of the year and so any new orders taken now are for work that will start at the end of January 2011!
We were supposed to be heading off to France in the very near future but that has been stopped by the NHS who now want both of us in for surgery during September. So those plans have been shelved for another few months. This is the second time that we have tried to get to France in the cars and the second time that we have failed. You know what they say about third time lucky.
The next show we are at is Shugborough. Never been there before so hopefully it will be a good day. We are also booked into the Triumph Sports Six show at Stafford in August, the Coventry run in September and then finally Kettering steam fair to end the year.
I am hoping to do all the ground work before Stafford so whilst the car is on the stand I can do a quick video of the car and the business and get it onto UTube. Anyone wanting to lend a hand with any ideas pleas give me a call, all offers of help are welcome!!!
See you soon,
Geoff
Got my act together? Well for tonight maybe, but don't get used to it 'cause it can't last long!!
We continue to produce various parts for customers with kits clearly being at the top of the list.
We are now full with orders until the end of the year and so any new orders taken now are for work that will start at the end of January 2011!
We were supposed to be heading off to France in the very near future but that has been stopped by the NHS who now want both of us in for surgery during September. So those plans have been shelved for another few months. This is the second time that we have tried to get to France in the cars and the second time that we have failed. You know what they say about third time lucky.
The next show we are at is Shugborough. Never been there before so hopefully it will be a good day. We are also booked into the Triumph Sports Six show at Stafford in August, the Coventry run in September and then finally Kettering steam fair to end the year.
I am hoping to do all the ground work before Stafford so whilst the car is on the stand I can do a quick video of the car and the business and get it onto UTube. Anyone wanting to lend a hand with any ideas pleas give me a call, all offers of help are welcome!!!
See you soon,
Geoff
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Update for the 3rd July
Hi Folks
Since last speaking we have attended Newark and are planning on visiting Hollowell steam fair tomorrow.
Work is continuing with our current orders which is keeping me very busy and with each kit I build I can incorporate some fine 'tweaks' so soon I will be happy that I'm where I want to be.
We were looking forward to our break in France but it would appear that the national health service has put paid to that idea! They have decided in their wisdom that September would be a good time for me to have some more surgery and if they can't manage to get me in then they will have Ellen in instead to sort her arm. so one way or anther it looks like September is a non starter for a break and so we are back to the drawing board to work out what to do next.
I received an email from Elwyn in Sweden and a photo of him and is Gentry with the 'Best in Show' trophy. I was going to put the photo here but I think I'll put it onto the website instead.
Can anyone help with my next invention please? I want a mechanical finger, probably on an arm, attached to the top of my computer. Then when I switch it on, if there is anything I haven't yet done, the finger pokes me in the left shoulder area to remind me that there is an outstanding issue.
Anyway, enough from me. The plasterer is here dealing with the garden walls. Soon I will have a nice relaxing place to chill after a long hard days work so I'm off to supervise for a change!
See you in a fortnight.
Geoff
Since last speaking we have attended Newark and are planning on visiting Hollowell steam fair tomorrow.
Work is continuing with our current orders which is keeping me very busy and with each kit I build I can incorporate some fine 'tweaks' so soon I will be happy that I'm where I want to be.
We were looking forward to our break in France but it would appear that the national health service has put paid to that idea! They have decided in their wisdom that September would be a good time for me to have some more surgery and if they can't manage to get me in then they will have Ellen in instead to sort her arm. so one way or anther it looks like September is a non starter for a break and so we are back to the drawing board to work out what to do next.
I received an email from Elwyn in Sweden and a photo of him and is Gentry with the 'Best in Show' trophy. I was going to put the photo here but I think I'll put it onto the website instead.
Can anyone help with my next invention please? I want a mechanical finger, probably on an arm, attached to the top of my computer. Then when I switch it on, if there is anything I haven't yet done, the finger pokes me in the left shoulder area to remind me that there is an outstanding issue.
Anyway, enough from me. The plasterer is here dealing with the garden walls. Soon I will have a nice relaxing place to chill after a long hard days work so I'm off to supervise for a change!
See you in a fortnight.
Geoff
Saturday, 19 June 2010
Newark update
Hi Folks
Work on re-building and re-arranging the workshop space has now finished and so it is heads down and get some work done!
Very happy with the way it has worked out as I can now leave the jig tables up all the time and we have finally managed to get the best use out of the space available. At long last the days of taking down the tables and moving them out into the trailer have gone!!!!
We are off for a leisurely drive to Newark show today. For the first time since we started we haven't got a stand inside the show and will be attending as Gentry Register members and parking our car on the club stand like all other members. This was partly because we didn't think we would be able to attend the show and so booking a stand would have been a waste and partly because I have my own views on the value of shows from our point of view.
It will be interesting to time to have a walk round and and check things out without worrying about people on the stand.
Anyway North East Secretary, Peter, has planned a BBQ for this evening and so hopefully the weather will hold out so we can eat in the dry!
Not much I can say about any future development at this stage as we are too busy with orders to consider and new directions. I have floated the idea of a TD version of the car with 'open' wings etc and would dearly love to develop a 3 wheeler Gentry but Ellen gives me some very stern looks whenever I mention it!!!!
See you all soon, get out and enjoy your cars while the weather lasts.
Geoff
Work on re-building and re-arranging the workshop space has now finished and so it is heads down and get some work done!
Very happy with the way it has worked out as I can now leave the jig tables up all the time and we have finally managed to get the best use out of the space available. At long last the days of taking down the tables and moving them out into the trailer have gone!!!!
We are off for a leisurely drive to Newark show today. For the first time since we started we haven't got a stand inside the show and will be attending as Gentry Register members and parking our car on the club stand like all other members. This was partly because we didn't think we would be able to attend the show and so booking a stand would have been a waste and partly because I have my own views on the value of shows from our point of view.
It will be interesting to time to have a walk round and and check things out without worrying about people on the stand.
Anyway North East Secretary, Peter, has planned a BBQ for this evening and so hopefully the weather will hold out so we can eat in the dry!
Not much I can say about any future development at this stage as we are too busy with orders to consider and new directions. I have floated the idea of a TD version of the car with 'open' wings etc and would dearly love to develop a 3 wheeler Gentry but Ellen gives me some very stern looks whenever I mention it!!!!
See you all soon, get out and enjoy your cars while the weather lasts.
Geoff
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Update Thursday 27th May
Sorry, much too late I know but I have been too busy to sit down at the computer!
Work has started on the alterations to the workshop and so for a few days it was total chaos.
Photo shows how small the alterations are but doesn't show how major the effect is on everything else that is happening.
With the 'extra' space it really does have a significant effect on work and space available. Once it is sorted and running normally pop in a have a look. We always look forward to visitors popping in, it gives us a chance to rest and grab a quick cuppa!
Not much more to report at present. Still working flat out trying to keep ahead of the game!
See you soon
Geoff
Sunday, 9 May 2010
At last an Update!!!!!!
Yes I know I have been very remiss and missed most of April and in no time at all the weeks have flown by and no updates to read.
The simple fact is that firstly I was very busy and secondly I dropped the laptop and managed to smash the hard drive thus losing all the info etc etc. After the repair it was Stoneleigh kit car show time and I still couldn't find enough time to write even a few lines on the blog.
Anyway, the show has come and gone, the computer is repaired and work continues at a fast pace.
We have a roof on the house, the windows are now stained and protected, the walls have been rendered and painted and the scaffolding was removed on Bank holiday Monday whilst we were at the show so everything is slowly getting back to normal. Very soon I will have the wall removed from the workshop and can settle everything back down to normality.
Anyway back to Gentry news, the show was again very busy with lots of interest and enquiries we are booked up till October November time and with luck I could manage to do some more to the Police car over the winter. Trouble is that as we get closer someone else places an order and work on my car gets postponed! What a terrible position to be in!
For those that don't know I had another minor op and managed to burst open my stitches within a week or two of the op and so it has taken a while longer than expected to heal. it appears that I may need yet another procedure in an attempt to solve the issues. Great, just what you need when you are self employed and work is stacking up.
I'll try to be back in a couple of weeks, but you never know!!!!
Geoff
The simple fact is that firstly I was very busy and secondly I dropped the laptop and managed to smash the hard drive thus losing all the info etc etc. After the repair it was Stoneleigh kit car show time and I still couldn't find enough time to write even a few lines on the blog.
Anyway, the show has come and gone, the computer is repaired and work continues at a fast pace.
We have a roof on the house, the windows are now stained and protected, the walls have been rendered and painted and the scaffolding was removed on Bank holiday Monday whilst we were at the show so everything is slowly getting back to normal. Very soon I will have the wall removed from the workshop and can settle everything back down to normality.
Anyway back to Gentry news, the show was again very busy with lots of interest and enquiries we are booked up till October November time and with luck I could manage to do some more to the Police car over the winter. Trouble is that as we get closer someone else places an order and work on my car gets postponed! What a terrible position to be in!
For those that don't know I had another minor op and managed to burst open my stitches within a week or two of the op and so it has taken a while longer than expected to heal. it appears that I may need yet another procedure in an attempt to solve the issues. Great, just what you need when you are self employed and work is stacking up.
I'll try to be back in a couple of weeks, but you never know!!!!
Geoff
Friday, 2 April 2010
Seat photo update
A couple of photos of the 'new' seats. We think they are very comfortable which is always good but also suit the car well for looks.
These are covered in leather to match the rest of the cars interior but could easily be covered in vinyl.
Geoff
Delayed update!!!
Well there's a surprise I hear you all say!!
We were away last week on the Southern Area rally. All was going great, meeting some of the Southern area members we had never met before and then the drive shaft broke! It can be very annoying at times. There are people that took their old ones out of their donor and dropped them into the Gentry. They have never had any issues from them at all!
We buy a reconditioned pair that are uprated with thicker shafts for racing purposes so that they are more than man enough for the job. 350 miles later and then fall apart!!!
Recovery courtesy of the AA and a quick strip out and examination and we find that ours has a faulty casting. The good news is that they are being replaced as clearly they are faulty, the bad news is the car has to be off the road whilst the new one arrives and then I have to find a few hours to refit and bleed the brakes.
Above right is a photo of the shaft for you to see what it looks like when the casting is faulty and it gives up on you.
Anyway onto better things. I have just collected the red Gentry from the trimmers and so we can get a first glimpse of the 'new' seats in situ. The ones in the photo's (photos will follow in the next update straight after this one) are not yet bolted into place but you get a very good idea of what they are going to look like.
They are designed to look similar to the bench seat arrangement but are actually 2 individual seats one runners so that each one will move on its own giving you the freedom to move the seat position to suit more than one driver.
We love them and if I can find the time will be changing the demonstrator seat, which is a fixed bench seat, for a pair of these.
See you all next week
Geoff
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Update Sunday 14th March
If there are any spelling mistakes at the end of this I blame the fact that I am trying to type with a broken left index finger!! Yes I know, should take more care when using the pillar drill but we have all done it. Just a small hole no need to engage brain then suddenly it's too late and you've got to make a splint out of a paint stirring stick and electrical insulation tape!
It is a straight forward break and should bring about any complications so it is just making things a little difficult but not impossible.
I have re styled the bonnet and scuttle and the new panels are in the glass fibre factory having molds made as I type (well probably not as it is 10.45pm!) They look great, are an improvement over the last ones and I can't wait to build another car and use them!
Out trip to France in September this year is gathering momentum and there are now 3 cars and 5 of us going, if anyone else wants to join in then they would be most welcome. As I've previously said it is not going to be anything strenuous as I'm looking for a break of a different kind. It will be a gentle meander around, hopefully meeting up with some of the Gentry owners that are lucky enough to reside in France all year round!
Had no takers to make a film for U Tube so I can only assume that we have no budding film makers reading the blog. Something else I'll have to get round to eventually.
I have had to hand my car over to our senior engineer Cliff to get it ready fore the Dartmoor trip as I am too busy to sort it myself!!
Anyway must go, have got to finish the bottle of red (pain killer for the finger is my excuse)
See you all in a fortnight.
Geoff
It is a straight forward break and should bring about any complications so it is just making things a little difficult but not impossible.
I have re styled the bonnet and scuttle and the new panels are in the glass fibre factory having molds made as I type (well probably not as it is 10.45pm!) They look great, are an improvement over the last ones and I can't wait to build another car and use them!
Out trip to France in September this year is gathering momentum and there are now 3 cars and 5 of us going, if anyone else wants to join in then they would be most welcome. As I've previously said it is not going to be anything strenuous as I'm looking for a break of a different kind. It will be a gentle meander around, hopefully meeting up with some of the Gentry owners that are lucky enough to reside in France all year round!
Had no takers to make a film for U Tube so I can only assume that we have no budding film makers reading the blog. Something else I'll have to get round to eventually.
I have had to hand my car over to our senior engineer Cliff to get it ready fore the Dartmoor trip as I am too busy to sort it myself!!
Anyway must go, have got to finish the bottle of red (pain killer for the finger is my excuse)
See you all in a fortnight.
Geoff
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Update Sunday 28th February
Hi Folks
Keeping busy as usual and looking forward to the coming season. I t is about that time of year when the car gets a service and you start looking forward to the sun coming out! then you get an email from Elwyn in Sweden showing me what they had over the weekend.
So whilst Canada were worrying about having enough for the Olympics it all arrived in Sweden!
Good job it didn't arrive here, it would have closed the country until about May or June.
Elwyn did send me some more photos during last summer of his car at a British car meet and if I can ever find the time I will get them put onto a gallery page on our website, if only to prove that it is not only snow in Sweden.
For some unknown reason there a a large number of Gentry's being bought and moved to France. I accept that their weather probably lends itself to driving a Gentry more than the weather in the UK but it's not ex-pats that are taking them. In the main it appears to be French residents who can appreciate the class and style of the car. Well we can all agree with that.
I also managed to speak with Roger Blockley the other day. Hopefully he will be able to get to one of our monthly meetings at the Hinckley Island and I can report back once I've caught up with him. I know I have a lot of questions I would like to ask.
Got to sign off now, Canada are playing the USA in the final of the ice hockey and I don't want to miss anything!
See you next time.
Geoff
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Update... Late as usual
Hi Folks,
Yes I know back to my old ways!! Only just into the New Year and have already slipped into forgetting to do the update. I don't know what happened over the last few weeks, apart from lots of work, but somehow I completely forgot that an update was due. I had set the reminder on the calendar on the laptop so it should be almost impossible to forget. Then the wireless card broke and so I've been mainly using the desk top. Of course I hadn't set the reminder on the desk top and the two computers do not talk to each other!!!
Work remains exceptionally busy, which is good, we have made some very nice changes to the latest car and kit which we believe makes for a much better build and final look. If I could find the time I would build another demonstrator so that we could show them off. Only problem remains time to do it!
I will be back on the correct date with the full update.
Geoff
Yes I know back to my old ways!! Only just into the New Year and have already slipped into forgetting to do the update. I don't know what happened over the last few weeks, apart from lots of work, but somehow I completely forgot that an update was due. I had set the reminder on the calendar on the laptop so it should be almost impossible to forget. Then the wireless card broke and so I've been mainly using the desk top. Of course I hadn't set the reminder on the desk top and the two computers do not talk to each other!!!
Work remains exceptionally busy, which is good, we have made some very nice changes to the latest car and kit which we believe makes for a much better build and final look. If I could find the time I would build another demonstrator so that we could show them off. Only problem remains time to do it!
I will be back on the correct date with the full update.
Geoff
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Update Sunday 24th 'January
Hi All
I've recovered from my rantings on the last 'official' update and then dropping in the French video update nearly upset everything as I came close to forgetting to update this weekend!
Many thanks to all those who emailed me regarding the issues raised in the rant. it appears as thought I am not alone in either issue.
The house build is now making good progress, work is busy and the slight alterations we are making to the kit are coming on well. Then you are brought back to reality when an old colleague phones to inform you that another ex-colleague and friend has just died. At 55 yrs and after only 1 years retirement it makes it very clear to you were the priorities should lie. My thoughts go to Sandra and family at this difficult time. Bob was a friend from way back and will be missed by all those who knew him.
Did you enjoy the French video? I did, even though my French is very poor. Elwyn, to answer your question, I believe that most of the photographs used in the video clip were taken at Stoneleigh, probably at the kit car show. At the time, we were using Digby as our car and would have put it on the club stand.
See you in a fortnight.
Geoff
I've recovered from my rantings on the last 'official' update and then dropping in the French video update nearly upset everything as I came close to forgetting to update this weekend!
Many thanks to all those who emailed me regarding the issues raised in the rant. it appears as thought I am not alone in either issue.
The house build is now making good progress, work is busy and the slight alterations we are making to the kit are coming on well. Then you are brought back to reality when an old colleague phones to inform you that another ex-colleague and friend has just died. At 55 yrs and after only 1 years retirement it makes it very clear to you were the priorities should lie. My thoughts go to Sandra and family at this difficult time. Bob was a friend from way back and will be missed by all those who knew him.
Did you enjoy the French video? I did, even though my French is very poor. Elwyn, to answer your question, I believe that most of the photographs used in the video clip were taken at Stoneleigh, probably at the kit car show. At the time, we were using Digby as our car and would have put it on the club stand.
See you in a fortnight.
Geoff
Thursday, 21 January 2010
French Video on U Tube
Hi Folks
Just a quick note for a video on U Tube in French!!!!
Follow the below link to see for yourselves.
http://triumph.cambien.net/Home/resturation/gentry
How come there's one in French but no-one has ever added one in English?
Do we have any amateur film makers that would wish to try? If so, give us a call and we'll see if it can be arranged.
Geoff
Just a quick note for a video on U Tube in French!!!!
Follow the below link to see for yourselves.
http://triumph.cambien.net/Home/resturation/gentry
How come there's one in French but no-one has ever added one in English?
Do we have any amateur film makers that would wish to try? If so, give us a call and we'll see if it can be arranged.
Geoff
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Update Saturday 16th January
Hi All
Didn't want to get you too excited by doing the update exactly when I said I would!!! Thought I'd break you in to a more structured and reliable me by being just a day late. At least that way I'm making the transition at a more maintainable rate.
Anyway, thanks to all those of who who have emailed, phoned or just sent locks etc through the post. We are looking through many options now and should be able to come up with a solution from the vast array of ideas put forwards.
We have also received a huge envelope of Gentry photos from Frank, who was once the club secretary. We will be scanning them all and then using the new information to update our database on all those cars known to have been completed. It is a long slow process and some numbers, especially the more valuable dateless ones have probably been sold off over the years but at least is is a starting point. We then intend going through all the old Journals and again extracting all the reg numbers from the photographs to add more details to the list.
We are currently looking at the design for a new seat that looks like a bench seat so offers the maximum amount of seating room, but is actually two individual seats and so each one can slide forwards or backwards independently of the other making them more useful if more than one person drives the car. To be fair the seat design itself is quite straight forward, the skill is in the upholstery side of things and the trimmer getting to them to look like I imagine them to look!
On a personal note the council have now accepted that once our build had started and we discovered a few 'issues' we had no option but to deviate from the approved plans and have now granted us the official approval we required to finish the build. That means that the work can get be finished off giving us the bathroom etc upstairs thus freeing up just enough space in the workshop to allow the jig tables to be fixed in place permanently and still leave me some space to work on a car etc alongside any new builds. I know that this will be the last thing to happen in the grand scheme of things but at least now it is a reality and I know it will happen!!
Got to go, need to spend all available 'free' time on the house project so I can get it finished asap.
See you in a fortnight. Just think the evenings will start getting brighter soon and it will be time for the car to come out again!!!!
As a final comment,, the Stilton cheese run is planned for Sunday 25th April. Last year is was good fun and very popular. This year is apparently filling up quickly so if you want to do it, and help to raise some cash for the air ambo at the same time, then you need to act quickly. For details see the club events page ( I can't find them at present and so have to log off and find them!!!) We have already entered car number 053 and I know they are looking to restrict the number of entries so that the start and finish venues can cope.
Geoff
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Wednesday 6th January 2010!!!!!
Hi All
first of all an apology, then a rant and finally the update.
As you are all probably aware we are having major building work done at home. Somehow, someone managed to remove our Internet link/telephone wire!! As it was heading towards Christmas no-one wanted to be bothered to solve the problem and so we had to wait until after the holidays to get it sorted. Well now it is sorted and we are back able to speak with the world, so I hope you all had a very good Christmas and that 2010 brings you all that you would wish.
We are currently working away under quarantine. Ellen in on the Tamiflu having been diagnosed with swine flu. I have broken out in itchy spots and may have succumbed to a bout of measles!! Now what a good start to the year that is.
Now for the rant. I know that this is not a political blog nor will it ever be one however, there are times when you just have to speak out. I'm all for free speech etc and that is what makes our Country as good as it is. However, if this government or the local police allow a demonstration to take place in Wootton Bassett protesting against our solders in various war arenas around the world then I hope the remainder of the sane world turn up in their thousands to show that we the British people will not allow such an occasion to take place. No matter how busy I am at the time, if they decide they are going to demonstrate, then I for one will be attending to fill the centre of Wootton Bassett with normal sensible everyday people. If we fill the town then they can have their demonstration about 10 miles away where they cannot be heard or seen.
Second more minor rant, is my memory failing that badly that or have I become confused? When I was a lad and it snowed we walked to school, throwing snowballs and sliding around, perhaps even, heaven forbid, falling over! If it was still too bad to go outside at break then we were kept inside. At 4pm we charged out of the school hoping that the snow hadn't melted so that the same fun could be had on the way home. Now apparantly at the first sign of a snow flake we must close the schools. According to one deputy head on the news today this was to 'look after the welfare of the students and teachers' What a load of bunkum. This country has lost the plot over health and safety and what we can and can't do. Don't go out unless absolutely necessary. For most of us who have to earn a living surely going to work is absolutely necessary. For those of us that drive a 4 x 4, most of the year we are treated like lepers, now suddenly the emergency services can't cope and would like us all to rally round and help reach difficult cut off areas as without our vehicles people will freeze or starve. Well make your minds up, Do you like 4 x 4's or not?
Okay, all the ranting is now over and I'm feeling calm again, apart form the itchey little spots that are driving me mad!!!!!!!
My New Years resolution is to try to provide an update every 2 weeks. I know you've heard it all before and I do try my best. 2010 will show that I a making a very special effort to acheive that one simple goal. Updates will revert back to the normal Friday evening, so the next one will now be on Friday 15th January and then every fornight thereafter!!!!!!!!
See you all soon Sorry of there any mistakes the spell checker has stopped working, must be the snow!!!!
Geoff
first of all an apology, then a rant and finally the update.
As you are all probably aware we are having major building work done at home. Somehow, someone managed to remove our Internet link/telephone wire!! As it was heading towards Christmas no-one wanted to be bothered to solve the problem and so we had to wait until after the holidays to get it sorted. Well now it is sorted and we are back able to speak with the world, so I hope you all had a very good Christmas and that 2010 brings you all that you would wish.
We are currently working away under quarantine. Ellen in on the Tamiflu having been diagnosed with swine flu. I have broken out in itchy spots and may have succumbed to a bout of measles!! Now what a good start to the year that is.
Now for the rant. I know that this is not a political blog nor will it ever be one however, there are times when you just have to speak out. I'm all for free speech etc and that is what makes our Country as good as it is. However, if this government or the local police allow a demonstration to take place in Wootton Bassett protesting against our solders in various war arenas around the world then I hope the remainder of the sane world turn up in their thousands to show that we the British people will not allow such an occasion to take place. No matter how busy I am at the time, if they decide they are going to demonstrate, then I for one will be attending to fill the centre of Wootton Bassett with normal sensible everyday people. If we fill the town then they can have their demonstration about 10 miles away where they cannot be heard or seen.
Second more minor rant, is my memory failing that badly that or have I become confused? When I was a lad and it snowed we walked to school, throwing snowballs and sliding around, perhaps even, heaven forbid, falling over! If it was still too bad to go outside at break then we were kept inside. At 4pm we charged out of the school hoping that the snow hadn't melted so that the same fun could be had on the way home. Now apparantly at the first sign of a snow flake we must close the schools. According to one deputy head on the news today this was to 'look after the welfare of the students and teachers' What a load of bunkum. This country has lost the plot over health and safety and what we can and can't do. Don't go out unless absolutely necessary. For most of us who have to earn a living surely going to work is absolutely necessary. For those of us that drive a 4 x 4, most of the year we are treated like lepers, now suddenly the emergency services can't cope and would like us all to rally round and help reach difficult cut off areas as without our vehicles people will freeze or starve. Well make your minds up, Do you like 4 x 4's or not?
Okay, all the ranting is now over and I'm feeling calm again, apart form the itchey little spots that are driving me mad!!!!!!!
The most recent Gentry built went through the new IVA test before Christmas and passed with flying colours so that is good news for us and our customers that are busily building their cars. the normal little querky bits are still there but at least f you know about them you know how to deal with them.
A big thank you to everyone that has emailed or phoned with a solution to the lock problem. There are now several lines being followed and hopefully we will identify a long term solution that meets the requirements and also looks good.My New Years resolution is to try to provide an update every 2 weeks. I know you've heard it all before and I do try my best. 2010 will show that I a making a very special effort to acheive that one simple goal. Updates will revert back to the normal Friday evening, so the next one will now be on Friday 15th January and then every fornight thereafter!!!!!!!!
See you all soon Sorry of there any mistakes the spell checker has stopped working, must be the snow!!!!
Geoff
Friday, 13 November 2009
Friday 13th November
Hi Folks
Things are really busy here at the moment. We are starting the body tub for the next kit and trying to work around the builders as they systematically destroy our house before building it back up again!
Thanks to everyone that emailed me about Ellen' injury. She is still in pain with her arm up in a sling most of the time. It couldn't have happened at a more difficult time. Unless we make the effort to do some tidying up at the end of each day then it really does feel like we are in the middle of a building site.
We are still working on the door locks for the audible alarms required by IVA and so if anyone has any ideas by all means drop me an email as all suggestions are welcome.
We have found a local firm that can powder coat small parts at a very reasonable price and a firm in Coventry that can powder coat our chassis as well. We have also had some steering columns made to the correct length for the Gentry to save the need to add extra bits.
Need to get some sleep now so I'll sign off for a couple of weeks when hopefully we wil have a roof back on!!
Geoff
Things are really busy here at the moment. We are starting the body tub for the next kit and trying to work around the builders as they systematically destroy our house before building it back up again!
Thanks to everyone that emailed me about Ellen' injury. She is still in pain with her arm up in a sling most of the time. It couldn't have happened at a more difficult time. Unless we make the effort to do some tidying up at the end of each day then it really does feel like we are in the middle of a building site.
We are still working on the door locks for the audible alarms required by IVA and so if anyone has any ideas by all means drop me an email as all suggestions are welcome.
We have found a local firm that can powder coat small parts at a very reasonable price and a firm in Coventry that can powder coat our chassis as well. We have also had some steering columns made to the correct length for the Gentry to save the need to add extra bits.
Need to get some sleep now so I'll sign off for a couple of weeks when hopefully we wil have a roof back on!!
Geoff
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
3rd November 2009
Things often don't go according to plan!!
The immobiliser stopped the IVA from being completed and Ellen slipped and fell whilst loading the car for the final part of the test and so we missed the appointment!!!!
Car is ready and will be tested asap and the report will appear in due course.
We have received a copy of the Swedish Triumph magazine from Elwyn with a great article about 'Digby' with 3 full pages of write up and 23 photos!!! Well done Elwyn you get this years award for the most magazine coverage.
I will be loading the pages onto the computer so that I can put an extract onto the website.
I was asked by Steve form TotalKitCar magazine if I could sort out the 'imaginary' garage for him. He gave me an imaginary £10 million and a few rules on what class of vehicle I would buy. I didn't realise how difficult it could be to spend money! Ellen would claim that I have never had any problems spending it, but when it actually came to making decisions about so many classic cars out there it gave me a real headache trying to reduce the numbers of those I have said I would own if I had the money to the ones that I would actually go out and buy.
My choice will be int he next TKC magazine. If you don't get to see it once it is out I will put the choice on the Blog page in a few weeks.
Back to work, lots to do. See you all in a fortnight.
Geoff
The immobiliser stopped the IVA from being completed and Ellen slipped and fell whilst loading the car for the final part of the test and so we missed the appointment!!!!
Car is ready and will be tested asap and the report will appear in due course.
We have received a copy of the Swedish Triumph magazine from Elwyn with a great article about 'Digby' with 3 full pages of write up and 23 photos!!! Well done Elwyn you get this years award for the most magazine coverage.
I will be loading the pages onto the computer so that I can put an extract onto the website.
I was asked by Steve form TotalKitCar magazine if I could sort out the 'imaginary' garage for him. He gave me an imaginary £10 million and a few rules on what class of vehicle I would buy. I didn't realise how difficult it could be to spend money! Ellen would claim that I have never had any problems spending it, but when it actually came to making decisions about so many classic cars out there it gave me a real headache trying to reduce the numbers of those I have said I would own if I had the money to the ones that I would actually go out and buy.
My choice will be int he next TKC magazine. If you don't get to see it once it is out I will put the choice on the Blog page in a few weeks.
Back to work, lots to do. See you all in a fortnight.
Geoff
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Saturday 17th October 2009
Hi Folks
Two updates nearly on time! Things are getting better.
We have a car ready for the IVA test next week so if all goes according to plan by the next update I will be able to report on the latest rules etc and how the Gentry has done.
I have looked at the holiday issue for next year and the build of the police car (I was hoping to use the police car for the holiday) and decided that the holiday is on but having the car ready to use isn't. Simply not enough hours in the day to build kits for customers and also build me a car. Not to worry, we can always use the demonstrator instead.
The holiday will be a bit of a bus mans holiday as we take a tour round France in the car. We are planning on going the first two weeks of September and will hopefully be meeting up with some of the growing number of French Gentry owners. At present it looks like there will be two other Gentry's coming with us, so if you are interested in coming along then drop me an email. the plans are very fluid and likely to remain so throughout the whole trip. It is going to be a leisurely enjoyable saunter through France with enough time to enjoy the sites, food, wine and company.
I thought about adding a 'Fact or Fiction' part to our website as we hear so many rumours, myths etc I will see how many more I receive before adding a few of them to either entertain or advise you. You may be surprised by a few.
Must rush, work to do. See you all in a fortnight.
Geoff
Two updates nearly on time! Things are getting better.
We have a car ready for the IVA test next week so if all goes according to plan by the next update I will be able to report on the latest rules etc and how the Gentry has done.
I have looked at the holiday issue for next year and the build of the police car (I was hoping to use the police car for the holiday) and decided that the holiday is on but having the car ready to use isn't. Simply not enough hours in the day to build kits for customers and also build me a car. Not to worry, we can always use the demonstrator instead.
The holiday will be a bit of a bus mans holiday as we take a tour round France in the car. We are planning on going the first two weeks of September and will hopefully be meeting up with some of the growing number of French Gentry owners. At present it looks like there will be two other Gentry's coming with us, so if you are interested in coming along then drop me an email. the plans are very fluid and likely to remain so throughout the whole trip. It is going to be a leisurely enjoyable saunter through France with enough time to enjoy the sites, food, wine and company.
I thought about adding a 'Fact or Fiction' part to our website as we hear so many rumours, myths etc I will see how many more I receive before adding a few of them to either entertain or advise you. You may be surprised by a few.
Must rush, work to do. See you all in a fortnight.
Geoff
Saturday, 3 October 2009
3rd October 2009
Hi Folks
Nearly made an update on time! It'll never catch on!
Well at long last it feels like we are making some progress. The new heated screen glass has arrived and the first new frame is due back from the chrome platers any day now. To add to that we now have received the latest version of the grill and it looks superb.
I will be adding some photos of both to the main web site soon.
Thanks to all those who came along to the show at Stafford, it is always nice to meet other Gentry folk in person.
Our order books are now full until the end of August next year and so any new orders coming in will be for work commencing September. I'm told that this year (I think that's next year) I have to plan on taking a holiday and need to schedule that into the build dates.
The police car is sitting in my sisters garage as once again we have run out of time. It has a chassis, engine and gearbox. Very shortly I may get round to putting the front and rear suspensions. Then it will feel like I am making progress.
See you all in a fortnight, must leave as I have some work to do!
Nearly made an update on time! It'll never catch on!
Well at long last it feels like we are making some progress. The new heated screen glass has arrived and the first new frame is due back from the chrome platers any day now. To add to that we now have received the latest version of the grill and it looks superb.
I will be adding some photos of both to the main web site soon.
Thanks to all those who came along to the show at Stafford, it is always nice to meet other Gentry folk in person.
Our order books are now full until the end of August next year and so any new orders coming in will be for work commencing September. I'm told that this year (I think that's next year) I have to plan on taking a holiday and need to schedule that into the build dates.
The police car is sitting in my sisters garage as once again we have run out of time. It has a chassis, engine and gearbox. Very shortly I may get round to putting the front and rear suspensions. Then it will feel like I am making progress.
See you all in a fortnight, must leave as I have some work to do!
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