Good Garages in near Manchester

Hi There,

I've got a 1988 90 that needs a bit of welding and the A frame ball joint replacing. Can anyone recommend a garage in Manchester (ideally), or near, that will do a good job? I've used Land ranger services in Stockport before but they don't seem that interested in working on "older vehicles". I've also used a few local garages who are ok but don't have any landy experience. As you can imagine the bolts are rusted and it won't be straightforward. I'd have a go myself but I don't have a workshop press or welding gear.

Cheers
Andy

Ask your local MOT places where they send their welding. A good friend of mine gets sent welding jobs from garages all around where we live including Vauxhall main dealer, as hardly any garages nowadays are set up for it. Unfortunatley I live on the Notts/Derby border. As for a frame ball joint, forget the press and buy a new complete bracket with joint already in, new bolts and nuts, soak it for at least a week with good penetrating oil at regular intervals.

Have you tried Land Ranger Services in Atherton m46 9rb they still do older motors

I do all my own so dont know may places local. I have a cracking garage at the end of the street but they specialise in trucks these days.

Thanks everyone I'll probably replace the whole A frame

Try your local bus depot. Quite often they are happy to help out.
Don't ring up and ask them, turn up and ask to have a chat with the foreman!

AndrewAvanessian said:

Hi There,

I've got a 1988 90 that needs a bit of welding and the A frame ball joint replacing. Can anyone recommend a garage in Manchester (ideally), or near, that will do a good job? I've used Land ranger services in Stockport before but they don't seem that interested in working on "older vehicles". I've also used a few local garages who are ok but don't have any landy experience. As you can imagine the bolts are rusted and it won't be straightforward. I'd have a go myself but I don't have a workshop press or welding gear.

Cheers
Andy

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Like he says, sometimes places that work on heavier vehicles will be more helpful than a car garage. Agricultural engineers, and HGV workshops will also make short work of pressing out bushes etc.

Oldseadog said:

Try your local bus depot. Quite often they are happy to help out.
Don't ring up and ask them, turn up and ask to have a chat with the foreman!

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Or just ask for @Bobsticle in person!

Turboman said:

Like he says, sometimes places that work on heavier vehicles will be more helpful than a car garage. Agricultural engineers, and HGV workshops will also make short work of pressing out bushes etc.



Or just ask for @Bobsticle in person!

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Funny you should say that. A few years ago a driver was sacked coz one of the new gaffers spotted his trattor on the car park. Most of it was made out of bus parts.

AndrewAvanessian said:

Thanks everyone I'll probably replace the whole A frame

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Probably not really necessary - and a significantly bigger job than just the fulcrum and ball joint. I'm surprised at land ranger services - i used to buy parts off them pre the internet..

What about that place behind the nissan main stealer - or is that land ranger now ?

Disco1BFG said:

Probably not really necessary - and a significantly bigger job than just the fulcrum and ball joint. I'm surprised at land ranger services - i used to buy parts off them pre the internet..

What about that place behind the nissan main stealer - or is that land ranger now ?

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Thanks, i think the place behind Nissan is ranger but I'll check. I'll also look into replacing the fulcrum and ball joint as one as well. Not sure yet. I've not had it long and there is a big list of jobs that need doing

the guy that owned my 90 before me lived around Manchester - I have a stack of receipts from the garage he used, I will have a look later and see where it was if that's any help. It might have been a guy called Steve Parker?

Depending where you live in Madchester here in the North side I use Turners on Oldham Rd. Steve Parker is in Whitworth off Whitworth road from Rochdale..Also A1 Bury. A few garages have weight limits on the lift ramps or height restriction that causes them to refuse. Another not far from is Failsworth Garage or ANC Repairs. But I would recommend Turners.

AndrewAvanessian said:

there is a big list of jobs that need doing

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Its a Land Rover - there always will be

If you are new to all this, post the list up - we can help you prioritise ( or hinder for a laugh)

Thanks guys I appreciate all the advice and help.

Yeah I'm new to all this but looking forward to getting stuck in and restoring her.

saxavordian said:

Depending where you live in Madchester here in the North side I use Turners on Oldham Rd. Steve Parker is in Whitworth off Whitworth road from Rochdale..Also A1 Bury. A few garages have weight limits on the lift ramps or height restriction that causes them to refuse. Another not far from is Failsworth Garage or ANC Repairs. But I would recommend Turners.

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Turners sounds good as I'm in north Manchester

AndrewAvanessian said:

Turners sounds good as I'm in north Manchester

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Glad to hear it. Yep if you call in they are always willing to help and offer advise. There is another place in Droylsden that is Land Rover specialist repairs dedicated. I am in New Moston so great they named after Moston but newer. Forgot to correct ANA Tyre and Exhaust on Duke Street in Failsworth. Also never been but along Oldham road if going past reliance street near pound stretchers are two car repairs before Turners

North Manchester is from Ancoats to Ramsbottom. Quite a large area. Moston is East or North East at best.

Haha I'm in prestwich to be exact

When did Prestwich become part of Manchester?
It used to be in Cheshire when I were a lad!!

Oldseadog said:

When did Prestwich become part of Manchester?
It used to be in Cheshire when I were a lad!!

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I was born in Salford. But that part of Salford became Prestwich. Parts of Broughton are in Prestwich, Salford and Manchester. Whitefield is in Bury and Manchester And Radcliffe is just in the s##te.
All are in Lancashire.

AndrewAvanessian said:

Haha I'm in prestwich to be exact

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Looking at your avatar.............. that doesnt surprise me........