Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: MaxV6 on 13 February 2007, 11:49:25
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Hi all. Mods& Admin, please forgive me if this is not completely in line with the rules....
right.... my mini facelift meega elite estate has a number of outstanding issues that need rectifying.....
Keen as I am on the DIY ethos, and I'm even technically competent, sadly, and painfully, I have a spinal/neuro-muscular condition that pretty effectively rules out the idea of Me actually DOING the DIY these days (long term result of a Smash back in 89).... which is a shame... i used to enjoy rebuilding engines and preparing Rally cars and such like....
it also usually means it's expensive as I have to pay Vx dealers or local garage rates for pretty much everything....
However..... money is not currently grown on trees in our garden.....
Not having been a member for all that long, and not having personally met any of you guys ( that i know of ) i wouldn't expect anyone to jump up and down in a rush to do it all for me for nothing... altruism is fine and dandy as and when it occurs, but even if it did, i'd feel much better if i pay my way , as it were.
So... would any of the experienced chaps here feel like having a bash at the following, in return for folding paper real money... ??
1) Cam belt and Water pump change
2) Primary engine radiator cooling fan replacement ( i have a complete spare rad assembly, aux pump, fan and housing etc... )
3) Auto box Fluid and filter change.
4) it has a persistent coolant leak.... I've already had the HBV changed, and changed the lid of the Expansion tank, and i can;t see any obvious answers... bearing in mind that i can;t easily go crawling around underneath it...
5) HID levelling fault.... I have one spare sensor... but need to identify which one is faulty and replace , or whether it's the HID levelling control unit.. MOT due in March.... so it's kind of becoming urgent
6) Handbrake shoes need replacing i think....
there's a few other piddly jobs... which I'm confident i CAN manage.... , like changing the stuck snow mode switch on the autobox.... replacing the instrument cluster, possibly the external ambient temperature sensor...
Now then.... getting this lot sorted at a dealer's or our local garage could easily set me back something like a grand. just for the labour....
which bluntly put, i don't have spare right now.....
however, I'd be happy to negotiate something mutually acceptable , involving cash money, or alternative services rendered (anyone in need of audio engineering, instrument repair, acoustic engineering , Mac Support, Studio wiring and technologies consultancy etc.... I'm perfectly happy to barter my services... however, they are, fairly rarely required by most people.... with the possible exception of soundproofing techniques.. )
obviously I'd cover all the parts and consumables costs....
so any takers???
i am more or less in Oxford, but prepared to travel a bit...
ADMIN : Please feel free to move or delete this if deemed inappropriate.... no offence would be taken.
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not sure when your belt is due, but i can forsee a cambelt party once weather is a bit better....
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not sure when your belt is due, but i can forsee a cambelt party once weather is a bit better....
If this happens then I'll gladly come along & get in the way, err play with my phone.
Seriously, I'm not great with the spanners but will help in anyway I can even if it's just moral support or passing tools, running around (figuratively speaking) etc.......
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I'm only in Carterton(RAF Brize Norton), I've got the trusty old Haynes manual and a selection of tools so if a few of us can get together I'm willing to help with some of the probs you've got.
Do you have a garage so we can get out of the weather?
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For the cambelt, get the DVD (£3), and on v6, the timing/locking kit is essential.
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typical....
just popped to the post office, before heading down to Heathrow to pick up some bits... and clouds of steam erupt from the engine bay at the post office.
it would appear my coolant leak is no longer steady slow... but larger, and on the right had side of the engine, low down... as you look at the car from the front... and I'm not risking any further damage driving it till that's fixed...
So I will have to take my daughter's little 106 to Heathrow and back....
o happy happy joy joy NOT.
So MY Car booked in to TJ Hall & sons over the road from me in Sandfod to get that sorted/... on thursday...
As to garage
yes... sort of....
We have an enclosed driveway behind the garden, with a garage on one end of it... however the Garage has been part way converted to an office space... and the bit that hasn't is full of crap waiting completion of a new storage shed in the garden... so the Gardening stuff, and freezer etc can be relocated....
By the end of Next week or so, we ought to be able to at least get the front of the car in the garage to work on the engine... but there's no ramps or pit or any fancy malarky like that to make the gearbox accessible etc etc....
the drive way itself is enclosed either side by 6-8 ft fencing... BUT is a long way from being level..... sloping down away from the garage towards the road... dropping several feet over perhaps 15 metres in length or so...
I guess it might be practicable to come up with some arrangement of tarpaulins etc along with the end section of the Garage to provide us with working space.
With that in mind... if it could be so arranged.... I would be happy to host a Cam belt BBQ party if it was useful to others..... although there is only room for one car to be in there and being worked on at a time...
right I'm off to las-jacarandas for some bits...
in a bloody peugeot 106 independence....
ARRGGHHHHH\]
ta chaps.....
Max
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I would be happy to help if I can fit it into my current hectic schedule.....
Cambelt, water pump and rad fan....about 2 hours if it goes ok....
Auto box fluid change.....1 hour tops....
Handbrake etc.....1-2hours.....
So its a good days work!
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I would be happy to help if I can fit it into my current hectic schedule.....
Cambelt, water pump and rad fan....about 2 hours if it goes ok....
Auto box fluid change.....1 hour tops....
Handbrake etc.....1-2hours.....
So its a good days work!
By the Gods - this man works fast :o
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MaxV6 can you confirm were you are,
I've got ramps, jacks axle stands etc..... Even if I come along just to learn
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Hiya Taz..
I'm in Sandford on Thames.... (near ish to Sainsbury's on the Southern Ring road) ... I'd be more than happy to make your acquaintance.
Mark.... I dunno what to say.... PM will be along shortly...... as I'm not sure how best to sort all this out, but I'm sure I could make it worth finding an 8th day in the week somehow or other.... :y
TB, the last Change was at 82000 , and it's now on about 116000, ( BUT looking in the records, I have a horrid feeling it was not the full kit, as the price is a bit on the low side (£37 for the cam belt )
AFAIK the water pump has never been changed....
Last full service was about 4000-5000 miles ago....
it's hopeful that the coolant leak issue will be sorted this week by the Garage over the road (with luck... hopefully not too expensively since it should be easy to find now.... )
I suspect a visit to TB to check all the Tech2 stuff afterwards, might be in order....
we have a large Gas BBQ..... and i know how to use it....
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At that price, it sounds like a simple belt change to me. To be honest, I would not drive it until you get this sorted. As you mention, it would be as well to do the water pump as well.
I would be happy to assist - I live near Heathrow and Oxford is not that far - plus it would give the megga a bit of a run! I am nowhere near as clued up as the likes of Marks DTM or The Boy etc. but I do all the work on my Transit Vans and a bit on my cars.
If you require any additional help, give me a shout.
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I'm happy to help at the next cambelt party, and I need to do the same thing with my HID's. If you need something more urgently PM me, others may be better but only Tunnie outdoes me as a slacker so I can usually make time ;) ;D
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It might start looking like we could have a Meega party and master class on our hands.....
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1171040971/34#34
it would be nice if we could get one sorted in the not very distant future... ideally i'd really like others to benefit from it as well... and I'm up for hosting something of an event... as long as we can work out the practicalities sufficiently.
With relation to the Water issues... damn right I'm not driving it till fixed....it's booked in to the local garage for tomorrow morning
the Cambelt and other issues are less urgently critical perhaps, but ultimately more problematic and potentially catastrophic... .
it's a sad reality that I generally need to use the Omega 5 days a week.... between work and school runs
or i'd leave it till perfect....
as it is, the Sintra is also laid up awaiting new front brakes, and springs + Shocks all round...(yes the dreaded self levelling ones.... ) the end of 2006 was financial nightmare for us.... We moved house in October, and everything spiralled out of control in terms of costs and investment of time and money.,..
Now the cars both (not including the Pug 106 of my daughter's.,... it's too small to count ;) ) need work... and I'm still labouring under a debt mountain from the move....
So prioritising is a necessity.... I need the Omega first... then I'll sort the Sintra out as and when practicable... ..... our new house is just under 2 miles from the Wife's work place... so cycling/bus/taxi/walk is all available to her and so the Sintra is able to have the time out......
we'll have to wait and see who's available when, and how many can practically benefit from some sort of event in the near future....
Max
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I would be willing to help. I have an array of torx tools, torque wrench, axle stands, haynes manual etc ,etc.
I am slowly learning the meega and this would be a good learning experience for me. Have done a fair bit on other cars, 405, veccy, 214
I am down the road in Tidworth. I am hoping to acquire a cam belt locking kit on loan as I have to do my own, if I do that'll help. I also have some access to a pit in Tidworth for the gearbox.
BBQ sounds like a good idea :D
Give us a shout if you're interested.
Gaffers
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Hi Gaffers
Tidworth "down the road"??
Am I being daft or isn't that like about 60 miles ??? it's easy 80Km as the crow flies....
But hell , the more the merrier...
I'll defo get the BBQ sorted out for this event....
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Hi Gaffers
Tidworth "down the road"??
Am I being daft or isn't that like about 60 miles ??? it's easy 80Km as the crow flies....
But hell , the more the merrier...
I'll defo get the BBQ sorted out for this event....
Wouldn't Gaffers offer to use his site be more of a benefit unless I'm heading up the wrong path but I usually associate pits with garages and surely the space would be more of a benefit if more than one car is attending could be wrong though.
As reading the other thread on this space to work on cars is lacking at the moment
Just an Idea :-/
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I'm sure I speak for many when I say 60 miles in a meega feels like it is 'just down the road' :D
I am free this saturday, then the next 3 weekends after that. Should only take an hour from mine.
Gaffers
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Unfortunately the pit I have access is on a military base. I can use it out of hours as long as someone else is with me for H&S. Getting a visitor on base isnt a problem but hosting a cambelt party would be pushing it. Also MaxV6 would prob have to tow his meega with a 106 for 60 miles........
I'll check though and see if its an option.
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Unfortunately the pit I have access is on a military base. I can use it out of hours as long as someone else is with me for H&S. Getting a visitor on base isnt a problem but hosting a cambelt party would be pushing it. Also MaxV6 would prob have to tow his meega with a 106 for 60 miles........
I'll check though and see if its an option.
;D It was just an Idea, would definately be good if possible.
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Apparently using the pit on a weekend isnt a prob as long as we comply with H&S. There is also a large open air vehicle park to the side which would be great as a working area, I cannot guarrantee working space undercover as that will depend on what my unit is doing at the time but there is some hangar space we can use.
I have to check with the Garrison Sargent Major about getting civies on base and clear it through him. Let me know dates and numbers guys as that will be required. Eventually I will need full names and addresses and anyone who comes on base will need photo ID. As long as I sponsor you all on base I cannot see a prob but we may not be allowed to have a bbq in the vehicle park (H&S) there is a good chippie in Tidworth town though..... :D
Should have a response tomorrow,
Gaffers
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Yeah... Gaffer's access to the Pit would potentially be very useful for Gearbox work..... :D
As to towing the meega 60 miles behind a 106, well I've done dafter things, but i'm older, wiser, and the bruising hurts more these days.
If you read back from the beginning, and other posts.... you'll see I'm somewhat less than incredibly handy with the physical side of things these days....
So I was trying to offset my feebleness by offering what ever was available at mine on the basis of being somewhat more useful by being able to actively host and cater for an event....
however , I would be happy to go elsewhere.... but with the best will in the world, there's no way on god's green earth that our Gas BBQ will fit in the Omega.... even though it's an estate.....
it only JUST goes in the Sintra with the most of the second row, and all of the 3rd row of seats removed.....
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If I can get a feel for how many people want to come it may be better it we start a new thread with an invite. If some of the more exerienced meega fans could come it would definitely make the day very whorthwhile..
feedback peeps.....?
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As much as a trip to Salisbury Plain would be interesting....I think the 300 mile round trip might put me off a bit!
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Yeah... Gaffer's access to the Pit would potentially be very useful for Gearbox work..... :D
As to towing the meega 60 miles behind a 106, well I've done dafter things, but i'm older, wiser, and the bruising hurts more these days.
If you read back from the beginning, and other posts.... you'll see I'm somewhat less than incredibly handy with the physical side of things these days....
So I was trying to offset my feebleness by offering what ever was available at mine on the basis of being somewhat more useful by being able to actively host and cater for an event....
however , I would be happy to go elsewhere.... but with the best will in the world, there's no way on god's green earth that our Gas BBQ will fit in the Omega.... even though it's an estate.....
it only JUST goes in the Sintra with the most of the second row, and all of the 3rd row of seats removed.....
Howabout I come with my Transit Van - the Barby would fit in there with acres of room to spare and I could tow you at the same time!
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okay... gentlepeeps..... I think it best to consider it as 2 events......
1 here subject to Mark's diary and other stuff not published, ...... on a smaller scale than we've started to envisage...
and 1 at Gaffer's base.... perhaps on a massive scale :y especially for those with gearbox Fluid and Filter changes to do.......
depending on timing and Camp rules and regs and H&S legalities.... BBQ might be practicable carried in X25's tranny van.... (although that leaves his meega un-done..) OR if I can get the brakes and stuff sorted in time... I could bring it in the Sintra , and volunteers could do the Cambelt in that (same V6 engine as the Omega... transversely mounted)
or there's always the hot dog van someone has :D
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Yes, I agree this is getting slightly out of hand.
Priority is to get MaxV6's belt sorted, perhaps other little niggles. The weather is far from ideal currently to turn this into a big event. Maybe something bigger in the summer, possibly enough 'experts' and see if we can break M_DTM's record. BUT, the current priority is MaxV6's Omega.
Please bear in mind that M_DTM lives in Nottingham, so Oxford is already a significant journey. If it makes it easier for you M_DTM, I will more than happily host this at my place in Brackley - little over an hour, maybe 1hr15 for you. MaxV6, you can still be on BBQ duties, I only have a gas one, but is reasonable enough size to put a few lumps of meat on...
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Yes, I agree this is getting slightly out of hand.
Priority is to get MaxV6's belt sorted, perhaps other little niggles. The weather is far from ideal currently to turn this into a big event. Maybe something bigger in the summer, possibly enough 'experts' and see if we can break M_DTM's record. BUT, the current priority is MaxV6's Omega.
Please bear in mind that M_DTM lives in Nottingham, so Oxford is already a significant journey. If it makes it easier for you M_DTM, I will more than happily host this at my place in Brackley - little over an hour, maybe 1hr15 for you. MaxV6, you can still be on BBQ duties, I only have a gas one, but is reasonable enough size to put a few lumps of meat on...
Yeah, I wouldn't call tranny fluid changes a critical item. Also, doubt they will let me on the base! ::)
Lets do the urgent stuff now and start planning another larger party for later. :y
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Mucho grassy arse for the offer senior TB
that's not the worst plan i've ever heard :y by a long LONG way... and although I do not wish to presume or impose on anyone's generosity I am Humbly in everyone's debt for ever and a day and 12 hours five minutes... and so on....
So I should bring a sick car, lots of bits of car, (unless someone wants to get them with a TC and I'll transfer or paypal them the funds up front) 1 cow, 2 pigs and a sheep, + 1 barn of chickens ??? (or is that Chicken Factory around Brackley way still too "fresh" to mention??), a selection of knives and bread type things, Beer , wine, and a meat cleaver.?
and a bottle of Gas?
I'm still very much up for hosting or helping organise, cater for, or simply attend a major meeting of the meegas, quite aside from ensuring my beautiful workhorse's survival..... in for a penny, in for a pound..... community spirit and all that.......
so we should perhaps start another thread with Gaffers's suggestion-offer in mind and organise something.... just coz the sun ain't out to play doesn't necessarily mean we can't party.....
MAYBE we SHOULD actually make it a gearbox & Diff party.... what with the pit facility.......
with a few experienced hands on board it might be practicable to do a fair few in a day....
I would still be happy to sort something out here if so desired by anyone.... I might not be much use "hands on" these days , but I can damn well move mountains to offer some hospitality and whatever resources are at my disposal.
After all, there's always something needs doing.... and we still have our Sintra to sort out... although that's of much less critical urgency... thank god...
Best , rather effusively grateful regards.
Max
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Mucho grassy arse for the offer senior TB
that's not the worst plan i've ever heard :y by a long LONG way... and although I do not wish to presume or impose on anyone's generosity I am Humbly in everyone's debt for ever and a day and 12 hours five minutes... and so on....
So I should bring a sick car, lots of bits of car, (unless someone wants to get them with a TC and I'll transfer or paypal them the funds up front) 1 cow, 2 pigs and a sheep, + 1 barn of chickens ??? (or is that Chicken Factory around Brackley way still too "fresh" to mention??), a selection of knives and bread type things, Beer , wine, and a meat cleaver.?
and a bottle of Gas?
I'm still very much up for hosting or helping organise, cater for, or simply attend a major meeting of the meegas, quite aside from ensuring my beautiful workhorse's survival..... in for a penny, in for a pound..... community spirit and all that.......
so we should perhaps start another thread with Gaffers's suggestion-offer in mind and organise something.... just coz the sun ain't out to play doesn't necessarily mean we can't party.....
MAYBE we SHOULD actually make it a gearbox & Diff party.... what with the pit facility.......
with a few experienced hands on board it might be practicable to do a fair few in a day....
I would still be happy to sort something out here if so desired by anyone.... I might not be much use "hands on" these days , but I can damn well move mountains to offer some hospitality and whatever resources are at my disposal.
After all, there's always something needs doing.... and we still have our Sintra to sort out... although that's of much less critical urgency... thank god...
Best , rather effusively grateful regards.
Max
I have a TC card, and can get the bits if that makes it cheaper for you. I can get prices beforehand (have the book/pricelist here) if you want to compare with motor factors etc... ...TC stuff is genuine Vx from dealer.
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Yes, perhaps take up the offer for a bigger party a bit later in year when weather nicer.... ....may be able to get some cambelts with MaxV6s one, depending on number of 'experts' who can assist....
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TB , having, had some practical experience over the years, and having read many posts on the subject, I'd generally be happiest with Vx original or OEM sourced parts. It's generally always been my policy for anything critical to continued lifespan of the motor and gear train....
There are times when specialist and alternative parts suppliers are better bets.... but for the majority of the time.... like it or Not, Vx bits usually do represent the most durable easily available option.... even if the dealers rob us blind for them...
if you'd let me know the price, and it's not too much trouble, I'd happily send you the funds up front... either by Delivering Cash in person prior to the event, , or Transfer of funds, via online banking or PayPal.... whatever suits you best.
even if i have to drive to Brackley in a flippin 106.....
8-)
Max
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BTW it's not that i particularly despise the 106.....
they're lovely little things if you're 17 and learning to drive.
I on the other hand, find it a little cramped and "basic"
./... think of the comical image of Mr Incredible shoe horned into their little run of the mill family compact car at the beginning of the movie....
take away the super powers and godlike physique...
add a bald patch , beard, and grumpy bastard looking demeanour.
Now adjust for the lack of A/C. decent stereo, Legroom, headroom, Comfy seats, any power or torque worth mentioning, central locking or power windows... etc... , and think dark hair not blond.
Paint the car green and bingo....
Me in daughter's 106
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Max, count me in for coming down and assisting. :)
Oh and the hanbrake problem is probably the cable in need of replacement.
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OK, let me know what you need...
Cambelt kit is £90 + VAT, but need engine number?
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If we do use my place, remember space is tight. Can comfortably fit 2 Omegas on drive, may fit 3 at a squeeze (single drive, fairly long)...
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If we do use my place, remember space is tight. Can comfortably fit 2 Omegas on drive, may fit 3 at a squeeze (single drive, fairly long)...
I'd be happy to come down and help. All I really want to play with is my HID and the g/b reflash, so no need for me to take up the drive.
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I have no probs setting up a gearbox diff day if the experts are available. However I am due to go for a 'holiday in the sand' (big beach no sea :-/) end of may. I will be back in July but then I move to Germany for a couple of years
I have a few weeks off the begining of april which would be best. The next few weeks I am going to be busy but most weekends are free bar one or two. So if people are desparate to use a pit and not concerned about the cold give me a shout. Priority to MaxV6 of course, whenever you need the pit let me know and I will do the necessary :y
Gaffers
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That's uncommonly decent of you gaffers.....
The weather in early April isn't always that bad..... it might be a good opportunity for a serious meet n greet, along with Pit jobs and Cam belt party ....
I'd be happy to pitch in with whatever I can
I'd have thought the weekend of the 14/15 of April might be best if it fits your roster.... the week before is Easter Sunday.... and i suspect most of our respective SWMBO's and offspring might well get the hump if we all bugger off on Easter Sunday......
Not that I'm unwilling to.... I just thought i'd pretend to be house broken for a minute and flag up the pit fall BEFORE we all fell face first into it...
;)
If the weather was sensible....... ish....... and we needed extra cover... I have one of those 9metre x 3 metre flimsy plastic party Gazebo tent thingies.... that could provide light weight protection from light rain and drizzle... but it's sh1t useless in anything more than a light breeze wind wise....
But it could easily get 2 Omega front ends under it with ease as both ends, (and indeed the sides) can be rolled up for access.
(it kind of goes along with the BBQ.... when we do party .... we tend not to do it by halves.... ;) )
Knowing as i do, (from elsewhere.... long story) what it's like to organise events of anything more than a couple of people , online and by remote, , i'd suggest we start planning and organising it now.... or you'll have 300 pages of arguing over the date, the colour of the napkins and who's providing the sausages before anyone even thinks about what their vehicle might actually benefit from, or indeed, what they can usefully contribute.... and when THAT's all been sorted... your best bet Window of opportunity will have been long gone.....
Max