Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: JamesV6CDX on 04 May 2019, 21:42:52

Title: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 04 May 2019, 21:42:52
To sort out the rear arches, on my Elite Saloon, "NXR".

The car has been on the forum for years and is a super example, which sadly has been sat for a few months needing tyres, MOT, and something more important always crops up.

99% of what it needs won't be a problem, but, bodywork is not my thing. Both of the wheels arches are visibly quite rusty (although nowhere near going through) and I know it'll only get worse, and that most home "repairs" just prolong the inevitable.

To cut to the chase, while mechanics I love, bodywork I do not, and body/spraying/welding is not my thing.

Is there a recommended person / place that could do whatever is needed to my rear arches?

I'm not overly bothered about the cost as long as it's not astronomical :y
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: andyc on 05 May 2019, 09:52:33
Sent you a PM
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Lazydocker on 10 May 2019, 07:54:30
A bit of a trek for you but if andyc is able to help I would recommend him. I’ve only seen pictures of his work but the standard appears very high :y
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: STEMO on 10 May 2019, 12:37:10
A bit of a trek for you but if andyc is able to help I would recommend him. I’ve only seen pictures of his work but the standard appears very high :y
Yes, but.............Norfolk?  :o
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 May 2019, 13:11:29
A bit of a trek for you but if andyc is able to help I would recommend him. I’ve only seen pictures of his work but the standard appears very high :y
Yes, but.............Norfolk?  :o
Says the Scouser living in...



... Barnsley  :o
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: STEMO on 10 May 2019, 14:48:57
A bit of a trek for you but if andyc is able to help I would recommend him. I’ve only seen pictures of his work but the standard appears very high :y
Yes, but.............Norfolk?  :o
Says the Scouser living in...



... Barnsley  :o
I believe Pulborough is lovely, if you like that kind of retirement village.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 May 2019, 16:12:42
I will let you know...

... If I get to your ripe old age :P
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: andyc on 10 May 2019, 21:29:58
A bit of a trek for you but if andyc is able to help I would recommend him. I’ve only seen pictures of his work but the standard appears very high :y
Yes, but.............Norfolk?  :o

Oi! Nothing wrong with Norfolk, Nelsons County and Thetford is home to the Burrell Engines and IS Walmington on Sea
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: STEMO on 10 May 2019, 21:33:21
A bit of a trek for you but if andyc is able to help I would recommend him. I’ve only seen pictures of his work but the standard appears very high :y
Yes, but.............Norfolk?  :o

Oi! Nothing wrong with Norfolk, Nelsons County and Thetford is home to the Burrell Engines and IS Walmington on Sea
I suppose the extra thumb comes in handy on fiddly jobs. ;D
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: andyc on 10 May 2019, 21:42:25
Senator Engine

(https://i.imgur.com/E6FmFIMm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/my4C4D8m.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NBoE8amm.jpg)

Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: andyc on 10 May 2019, 21:43:58
A bit of a trek for you but if andyc is able to help I would recommend him. I’ve only seen pictures of his work but the standard appears very high :y

Not that far away.I've a Manta in from Scotland and the Senator & Monza have come from Germany and will going to the US when finished
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: STEMO on 10 May 2019, 21:44:14
Senator Engine

(https://i.imgur.com/E6FmFIMm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/my4C4D8m.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/NBoE8amm.jpg)
Bootiful.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: andyc on 10 May 2019, 21:45:46
A bit of a trek for you but if andyc is able to help I would recommend him. I’ve only seen pictures of his work but the standard appears very high :y
Yes, but.............Norfolk?  :o

Oi! Nothing wrong with Norfolk, Nelsons County and Thetford is home to the Burrell Engines and IS Walmington on Sea

Nah that's out the Fens
I suppose the extra thumb comes in handy on fiddly jobs. ;D
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: STEMO on 10 May 2019, 21:48:23
Those engines really are a work of art, Andy.  :-*
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Raeturbo on 10 May 2019, 23:49:06
Hope you get someone to sort it for you James as you do so much for everybody else. Wish I could do it mate.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Bigron on 11 May 2019, 01:48:23
+1  :y :y :y

Ron.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: relluf on 11 May 2019, 09:33:58
I too would love to help you out James,but again it is way beyond my skillsets, I would however be willing to chuck my elite in to be done as well if if made it more worth while for somebody?
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: biggriffin on 11 May 2019, 11:26:57
There must be a body shop near to you that does restoration work,  Your modern style car body shop might struggle, as there are more of a panel on, then paint, rather than a cut and remove and repairs.

Quick Google
 http://www.cotswoldclassiccarrestorations.co.uk
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Nick W on 11 May 2019, 14:10:07
There must be a body shop near to you that does restoration work,  Your modern style car body shop might struggle, as there are more of a panel on, then paint, rather than a cut and remove and repairs.



That.


This is the sort of job that is bread and butter for any backstreet bodyshop.
But it's time consuming, and therefore expensive. You'll easily exceed any sensible value of the car.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Bigron on 11 May 2019, 14:34:45
James, what goes around, comes around and you are now reaping the reward for your helping so many of us in the past, including me.
I would glady help you without payment if I had the appropriate skills so to do.
Good luck in getting sorted.  :y :y :y

Ron.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 11 May 2019, 19:01:06
Thanks, all, for the kind words, but I think after so many years of omega ownership, the time is rapidly approaching for me to throw in the towel with them, as many others seem to be doing. As much as I adore the car it has 200+k miles and realistically is probably as nick said beyond economical repair

Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: dave the builder on 11 May 2019, 19:16:12
There are low mileage Omegas popping up for sale recently
obviously they need looking at to check they are not rotten underneath  ::)
may be you will find one,and the money you would have spent on arch repair, plus the £190 ish you'd get for scrapping the rusty one would put you in a lower mile ,less rusty Omega

Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: dave the builder on 11 May 2019, 19:26:18
something like this  :-\
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-2003-2-6-V6-1-OWNER-Low-Mileage-FSH/293084707254?hash=item443d35b9b6:g:MUMAAOSwIQtctgkK (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-2003-2-6-V6-1-OWNER-Low-Mileage-FSH/293084707254?hash=item443d35b9b6:g:MUMAAOSwIQtctgkK)

or Nigel at omegas52 has a 2.2 for less than £500
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-OMEGA-2003-2-2-16V-CD-AUTO-SALOON-ONLY-95K-EXTENSIVE-SERVICE-HISTORY/233221141384?hash=item364d103388:g:~iMAAOSwWtpc0uW9 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-OMEGA-2003-2-2-16V-CD-AUTO-SALOON-ONLY-95K-EXTENSIVE-SERVICE-HISTORY/233221141384?hash=item364d103388:g:~iMAAOSwWtpc0uW9)
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Nick W on 11 May 2019, 19:48:15
something like this  :-\
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-2003-2-6-V6-1-OWNER-Low-Mileage-FSH/293084707254?hash=item443d35b9b6:g:MUMAAOSwIQtctgkK (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall-Omega-2003-2-6-V6-1-OWNER-Low-Mileage-FSH/293084707254?hash=item443d35b9b6:g:MUMAAOSwIQtctgkK)

or Nigel at omegas52 has a 2.2 for less than £500
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-OMEGA-2003-2-2-16V-CD-AUTO-SALOON-ONLY-95K-EXTENSIVE-SERVICE-HISTORY/233221141384?hash=item364d103388:g:~iMAAOSwWtpc0uW9 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VAUXHALL-OMEGA-2003-2-2-16V-CD-AUTO-SALOON-ONLY-95K-EXTENSIVE-SERVICE-HISTORY/233221141384?hash=item364d103388:g:~iMAAOSwWtpc0uW9)


The problem is that even low mileage cars are also old, so they still need the same sort of mechanical expenditure. I wouldn't buy an Omega without planning a full suspension rebuild and with even with careful budgeting that's £150 of parts per corner, not including tyres. Bringing the engine belts/gaskets/service/HBV etc up to scratch is going to soak up a day and £300. And they have bodywork issues that aren't cheap -in time or money-  to do yourself on your own car.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: dave the builder on 11 May 2019, 20:04:03

The problem is that even low mileage cars are also old, so they still need the same sort of mechanical expenditure. I wouldn't buy an Omega without planning a full suspension rebuild and with even with careful budgeting that's £150 of parts per corner, not including tyres. Bringing the engine belts/gaskets/service/HBV etc up to scratch is going to soak up a day and £300. And they have bodywork issues that aren't cheap -in time or money-  to do yourself on your own car.
most of which James's current 200k car probably needs , plus the arches repaired
and he has a donor car for anything needed until he scraps it

there are still some nice (and cared for) Omegas about , and some rusty P.O.S dogs too  ::)

there's not much about to tempt someone moving away from omega without spending £5k
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 11 May 2019, 20:21:41
That applies to everything worthy of consideration once you're past 10 years old... Replacing an Omega with A ten year old barge will see the same issues beginning to appear and several others besides...

Looked at a 23 year old car last week... For example just opening the bonnet revealed missing covers, an oil leak that demands a HG change as the official cure and some future welding behind the headlights. A couple of minutes inside the car revealed an non working heater blower and mirror switch. Bare minimum in parts is £300 plus a couple of days work and another £60- £100 in tools. And that's before addressing the overdue service or any aircon issues that the lack of fan masks...

Even a tidy Omega can swallow a grand in bits and bobs just to get it mechanically straight.

The only reason to do bodywork on a 200k mile car is for sentimental reasons alone. That said, buy a tidy one and look after it and there's no reason why it won't do 300k.

The trouble is these types of car are 10-20 years too new to be genuine investments... So the choice you make is either preserve one for the future and run a daily driver to take the abuse (nice car or shed doesn't matter, but it isn't your weekend investment), or run a car you like as your personal investment, look after it and enjoy it but be content with the fact that you will never retire on its future value.

A nice well kept car is a nice well kept car regardless of make/model, age or mileage  :y
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: dave the builder on 11 May 2019, 20:29:51
That applies to everything worthy of consideration once you're past 10 years old... Replacing an Omega with A ten year old barge will see the same issues beginning to appear and several others besides...

Looked at a 23 year old car last week... For example just opening the bonnet revealed missing covers, an oil leak that demands a HG change as the official cure and some future welding behind the headlights. A couple of minutes inside the car revealed an non working heater blower and mirror switch. Bare minimum in parts is £300 plus a couple of days work and another £60- £100 in tools. And that's before addressing the overdue service or any aircon issues that the lack of fan masks...

Even a tidy Omega can swallow a grand in bits and bobs just to get it mechanically straight.

The only reason to do bodywork on a 200k mile car is for sentimental reasons alone. That said, buy a tidy one and look after it and there's no reason why it won't do 300k.

The trouble is these types of car are 10-20 years too new to be genuine investments... So the choice you make is either preserve one for the future and run a daily driver to take the abuse (nice car or shed doesn't matter, but it isn't your weekend investment), or run a car you like as your personal investment, look after it and enjoy it but be content with the fact that you will never retire on its future value.

A nice well kept car is a nice well kept car regardless of make/model, age or mileage  :y
all of which I agree with  :o

I'm off to find Lizzie for a proper argument  ::)  ;D
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Nick W on 11 May 2019, 21:04:45
The trouble is these types of car are 10-20 years too new to be genuine investments... So the choice you make is either preserve one for the future and run a daily driver to take the abuse (nice car or shed doesn't matter, but it isn't your weekend investment), or run a car you like as your personal investment, look after it and enjoy it but be content with the fact that you will never retire on its future value.

A nice well kept car is a nice well kept car regardless of make/model, age or mileage  :y


No the problem with these cars is that they cost the same as a 5 series/E-class/Volvo/A6 to buy and own when new. Those costs increase as the cars age and decrease in value. Big Vauxhalls(and Fords) have no image to keep the wallet open so the various jobs that can be put off, are. This makes the value drop even quicker, and the cars soon become worthless(how else could you describe a 15 year old executive class car that costs a grand?) which is where many of us came in - me included. I sold my mechanically sorted car last year because I wasn't prepared to start on the endless round of welding that it needed. If I needed to replace it now(I won't buy a big car that isn't an estate) the only replacement is a V70 that's going to be at least 10 years old. And upwards of £2k

Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: biggriffin on 12 May 2019, 09:31:22
The trouble is these types of car are 10-20 years too new to be genuine investments... So the choice you make is either preserve one for the future and run a daily driver to take the abuse (nice car or shed doesn't matter, but it isn't your weekend investment), or run a car you like as your personal investment, look after it and enjoy it but be content with the fact that you will never retire on its future value.

A nice well kept car is a nice well kept car regardless of make/model, age or mileage  :y


No the problem with these cars is that they cost the same as a 5 series/E-class/Volvo/A6 to buy and own when new. Those costs increase as the cars age and decrease in value. Big Vauxhalls(and Fords) have no image to keep the wallet open so the various jobs that can be put off, are. This makes the value drop even quicker, and the cars soon become worthless(how else could you describe a 15 year old executive class car that costs a grand?) which is where many of us came in - me included. I sold my mechanically sorted car last year because I wasn't prepared to start on the endless round of welding that it needed. If I needed to replace it now(I won't buy a big car that isn't an estate) the only replacement is a V70 that's going to be at least 10 years old. And upwards of £2k



I looked at Volvo's, but the prices that they want for them is horrendous, and trying to find a sub 100k example for a sensible price. Hence the posh Vectra, which was right price,right time. Lucky find. :y
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: terry paget on 13 May 2019, 22:11:53
Thanks, all, for the kind words, but I think after so many years of omega ownership, the time is rapidly approaching for me to throw in the towel with them, as many others seem to be doing. As much as I adore the car it has 200+k miles and realistically is probably as nick said beyond economical repair
It's a painful conclusion to come to, but I fear you are right. I used to argue that Omegas gave me and my family cheap luxury motoring, but not so any more. Once the rust sets in, it's not cheap any more.

We got 11 Omegas at Brackley last Monday. We got 23 at High Wycombe a couple of years ago. I hope there will be another Omega meeting, but it should be soon.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 13 May 2019, 22:57:12
Thanks, all, for the kind words, but I think after so many years of omega ownership, the time is rapidly approaching for me to throw in the towel with them, as many others seem to be doing. As much as I adore the car it has 200+k miles and realistically is probably as nick said beyond economical repair
It's a painful conclusion to come to, but I fear you are right. I used to argue that Omegas gave me and my family cheap luxury motoring, but not so any more. Once the rust sets in, it's not cheap any more.

We got 11 Omegas at Brackley last Monday. We got 23 at High Wycombe a couple of years ago. I hope there will be another Omega meeting, but it should be soon.

I currently have 4..... and I'm very attached to NXR, more than I have been any other Omega (Apart from BN51 RUV) which took me all around spain and back without a hitch. When I MOT'd the car, it passed without a mention of anything, so I thought happy days.

A year later, it was scrapped...... on, you guessed it - terminal rust.

Not sure how it can go from no advisories, to terminal rust, in a year, but hey ho. I guess they really are getting that bad now.

I bought it off VXL V6 for a snip, because it needed a clutch. I put one in, and it literally was the most flawless, nice car you could ever ask for  :-[ and was only ever sold because I inherited something much newer
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 13 May 2019, 23:40:26
In a similar situation with mine... Rust.. It is sad to see, They where good cars and there are still some well looked after ones out there and i really enjoyed them. But it looks like i'll be getting a replacement as well sooner rather than later sadly... It will be interesting to see in the years to come how many oof members still have a Omega with a MOT.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: terry paget on 14 May 2019, 11:05:57
My children are quite pleased with their Astras, especially the higher spec ones. I fancy something bigger for myself. Have members any views on Vectras or Insignias? I do like manual g/b cars, and enjoy cruise control (rare on Astras).
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: TheBoy on 14 May 2019, 17:59:25
We got 11 Omegas at Brackley last Monday. We got 23 at High Wycombe a couple of years ago. I hope there will be another Omega meeting, but it should be soon.
I might even bring mine, rather than litter the carpark with the XJ :y
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: TheBoy on 14 May 2019, 18:02:57
My children are quite pleased with their Astras, especially the higher spec ones. I fancy something bigger for myself. Have members any views on Vectras or Insignias? I do like manual g/b cars, and enjoy cruise control (rare on Astras).
But about £40 for the bits, and then a quick Tech2 chat on an Astra-H.  Some even have the clutch pedal, so £10 plus Tech2 ;)

I find Vectras too hard, but I do have a couple of serious issues with my back.  And anything more than 100bhp overwhelms the chassis.

Insignificant is an much nicer car to drive, though smaller inside.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: VXL V6 on 14 May 2019, 18:05:23
My children are quite pleased with their Astras, especially the higher spec ones. I fancy something bigger for myself. Have members any views on Vectras or Insignias? I do like manual g/b cars, and enjoy cruise control (rare on Astras).

Easy enough to add though, just need the stalk and a Tech II or equivalent to program. Clutch switch seems to be fitted to most models as standard.

Ooops, posted the same reply LOL
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: ronnyd on 14 May 2019, 19:39:20
My children are quite pleased with their Astras, especially the higher spec ones. I fancy something bigger for myself. Have members any views on Vectras or Insignias? I do like manual g/b cars, and enjoy cruise control (rare on Astras)."
I,ve replaced my dead Desmond  :'( with a 08 SRI 1.8 Vectra Terry. It,s a well screwed together car and seems more solid than the 07 Mundano that i borrowed from my son in law whilst i was looking. It has one too many pedals and the ride is far more solid than the Desmond was. It,s just passed the Mot with a couple of advisories. The emissions light comes on now and again but still runs and drives very well albeit a bit "clonky". It,s done 86k so not horrendous mileage. BUT, an Omega it ain,t. ;D
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 14 May 2019, 20:42:52
Droplinks cheap and easy to change :y
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: ronnyd on 14 May 2019, 22:06:59
Droplinks cheap and easy to change :y
Yes DG :y, the guy from whom i bought it is doing them next week.
Title: Re: I want to pay someone.......
Post by: 456lbft on 19 May 2019, 22:27:22
Thanks, all, for the kind words, but I think after so many years of omega ownership, the time is rapidly approaching for me to throw in the towel with them, as many others seem to be doing. As much as I adore the car it has 200+k miles and realistically is probably as nick said beyond economical repair
It's a painful conclusion to come to, but I fear you are right. I used to argue that Omegas gave me and my family cheap luxury motoring, but not so any more. Once the rust sets in, it's not cheap any more.

We got 11 Omegas at Brackley last Monday. We got 23 at High Wycombe a couple of years ago. I hope there will be another Omega meeting, but it should be soon.
If you have another meeting soon and I can make it add +1 to the numbers. Brackley is 20 minutes away, but I was at a family gathering in Hampshire that day. the Omega got an outing, but in the wrong direction! So I'm hoping for another meet very soon this summer please.