17/03/2026
Workshop Update: Lead Times & New Terms
Hello again,
Between massive lead-time delays on parts and recent logistical hurdles, turnaround times have been pushed back further than I’d like. This has created an ongoing snowball effect that is frustrating for everyone involved.
To get the queue moving properly and ensure jobs aren't being held up, I am implementing the following changes to how the workflow is managed:
Current Progress & Queue Management
• Ramp Delays: I’ve had one primary ramp occupied for 3 months straight due to back-ordered components. This has had a massive impact on workshop capacity and has delayed scheduling for every other customer in the queue.
• Communication & Workflow: I’ve had several jobs reach the top of the queue where work begins, and then all contact from the customer stops—or I am told the work can no longer be afforded. This completely stalls the workshop and unfairly impacts all my other customers who are waiting.
• The Reality of the Platform: Unfortunately, these cars aren't cheap to run or modify. With their age and the rust-related issues we are seeing now, many jobs are turning into partial restorations. These are enthusiast cars, and often the cost of the work exceeds the market value of the vehicle. Please ensure you are financially prepared for the work you are requesting; at the moment, the workshop is being used as long-term storage, which isn't sustainable.
• Queue Reorganisation: To keep things productive, the schedule is being rearranged. If a job is stalled due to parts, non-payment, or a lack of communication, it will be moved out of the active queue immediately to make room for those ready to progress.
- New Billing Structure (Effective Immediately) -
To keep the workshop running smoothly and to help spread the cost of larger repairs, the following terms now apply:
• Parts: All parts must be paid for in full before they are ordered. I don't have the luxury of being able to lay out for parts, so these must be cleared upfront to secure your components and get started with the work.
• Progress Payments: Due to the extent of these jobs, they take considerable time. It is very difficult for a business to wait months for a single final payment, so we are moving to a weekly billing cycle for labour and additional work.
• Live Updates: Invoices will be updated daily as hours are logged and sent across to you weekly. Payments will need to be made upon receipt to keep the work flowing.
• The Benefit: This helps manage workshop overheads and, more importantly, prevents a daunting "big final bill" for you at the end of the job.
Moving Forward
It’s been a very difficult 3 years with many ups and downs that honestly should have closed the doors. However, I really enjoy working on this platform and have met some great customers along the way. I like to think I know enough about these cars now to provide a top-quality service and keep them on the road for a bit longer.
I appreciate the patience of everyone who has stuck with me through these delays. All customers who currently have a vehicle with me will be contacted individually to be updated on their specific position in the reorganised queue.
Cheers,
Alex
