Uk members / advice

[rdssdi]

I am looking for information on a company in the UK. Steering Components ,47 Danford Lane , Solihull B91 1QD.

I understand they do excellent rebuilding of steering components. It appears this is a one man operation run from his home. I plan on sending him a power steering box for rebuild. As I am in the U.S. and the shipping and the rebuild is expensive I would like to confirm his reputation. He was highly recommended by a contact in the UK.

Bob

[patrics]

Hi Bob,

Are you sure this is a trading company? its just a house not even an internet page that I can find. I live in Solihull and never heard of them - obviously that doesn't mean he or they are good or bad

I get my steering stuff at Kiley Clinton in Birmingham UK - very good and also very close

http://www.steering-racks.co.uk/

On the Elan side I walked in to Kiley Clinton, they tock the rack off me, checked it and rebuilt whilst I watched - New rack, bushes, tie rods, set the pinion and tie rods - payed ?120 and walked away with basically a new rack - very good

They also remanufacture complete new racks for some cars like Sunbeam Tigers

I will ring the Steering Components company up if you like or pay a visit.

Regards
Steve

[rdssdi]

I share your concerns as google maps shows the address as a home.

It is not unusual for a specialist to work part time or full time from home. There is a variety of internet listings for the company but as you indicated no web site.

The dilemma is finding someone who can properly rebuild a PAS Adwest Engineering Marles steering box. He came very highly recommended but as stated previously the venue and low profile are a concern.

You could call and drop by if not a bother to you and if visits are encouraged. I was planning on calling one day to speak with them in an attempt to gauge the quality of work performed as well as getting recommendations on shipping companies and preferred packaging methods.

Let me know what you turn up.

By the way the PAS box is from a Jaguar 420. "Marles Varamatic." I believe there is a large hydraulic / power steering manufacturing company in Solihull. Isn't that were Rover was manufactured? I had a 3500S in the early '70's.

Thanks

Bob

[andyhodg]

Hi Bob,

I also live in Solihull and Danford Lane is parallel with the street I live in. I can confirm that there are no industrial units or other place that appear was anything else than a residential home.

I would be happy to go and knock the door and makes some polite enquiries if you wish.

All the best Andy

[rdssdi]

I would appreciate that. Although in fairness I am concerned that I may have inadvertently exposed this residence as a potential business. Hopefully it will not cause repercussions with the local authorities. With the company name and address readily available on the internet I doubt it will cause a stir.

It may be that he uses this address to receive goods only or only for correspondence.

If you are comfortable with stoping by, have a chat and report. Thank you.


Bob

[elansprint]

I think a lot of small specialist companies do work from home there is not enough business for a one man band in a specialised market to warrant a unit with associated costs are we not being encouraged to be green and work from home. As a previous post a lot of these suppliers take a real pride in their work and are not just interested in relieving you of your hard earned cash IMO
Ian

[rdssdi]

I would certainly be a supporter of a small one man craftsman operation. After all it is the knowledge and skill that is paramount. I suppose many new cars rely upon disposable components. As I progress through the 1963 Jaguar restoration I am pleased with the quality of design and construction. I assume that this old "overbuilt" philosophy is outmoded today but I do appreciate it.

I also admire Lotus for offering very light well handling cars whilst relying upon many off the shelf parts.

My concern as I voiced in the earlier post is due to the fact that here in the U.S. in many residential areas a business is not permitted. It must comply with the local zoning provisions which usually restrict such use.

I look forward to receiving a positive report and shipping the parts to be rebuilt. Then the next hurdle is sparring with the shipping companies.

Bob

[patrics]

Bob, PM sent.

Regards
Steve