The grumpy thread

[eddyramrod]

Don't try to do good deeds for people, even relatives; it'll always turn and bite you on the bum.  Trust me, I know.  You'd think I'd be able to follow my own advice though, wouldn't you?  Hah.

[danthecapriman]

Don't try to do good deeds for people, even relatives; it'll always turn and bite you on the bum.  Trust me, I know.  You'd think I'd be able to follow my own advice though, wouldn't you?  Hah.

This, sadly.

A few years ago I offered to help my sister out by lending her £2k to help kick start a career venture.

 

It didn't help, she's since gone a totally different career route and I'm still waiting for any of the cash back. Bloody families!

[andy18s]

You know what, that was exactly what I was thinking after walking away, everyone's paid in cash including themselves, staff and suppliers of fish and potatoes.

 

Nail on head there TS.

So much has to go through the books,even if it's just to cover their bottom line

But yep,bang on

[twosmoke300]

To be fair a chip shop has to be a bit careful how much cash they trouser as quantities of fish / potatos etc have to match up with sales.

Barbers - now there is a prettt much untraceable mainly cash occupation . I was thinking about this whilst paying a nasty vat and tax bill in the same month.

There can't be any way , short of long term surveillance, of knowing how many heads a hairdresser cuts so they must pocket a huge percentage.

[andy18s]

Try sunbeds

As long as the electric bill is paid then that's it

[twosmoke300]

But it's easy to work out the amount of units each sunbed uses per hour and how many paid for hours go through the books so the tax man could catch a few out there .

[Pillock]

 

 

Try sunbeds

As long as the electric meter is rigged then that's it

Ftfy.

[Hendry]

Kin Ell! Get a set of spanners and have a go, nothing on that list is hard to do and would save you a fortune.

I wouldn't trust myself to do anything mechanical apart from simple stuff like a service, changing a battery, bulbs, plus I hate mechanicals, I much prefer the other aspects like cleaning, cosmetics, trim, interior, exterior, I'll tackle any of those myself.

 

Plus it's the price of parts more than anything, new spring was about 50quid, new caliper was 80 cos it was a genuine VW recon part, rear discs and pads about 80quid cos they were decent ones, engine undertray was 65quid plus vat as dealer only part, full genuine VW service kit and 5 litres of fully synthetic low ash DPF friendly oil, rear lower arms were 115quid a side again genuine VW cos pattern ones weren't much cheaper and although the bushes were available separately the arms were rotten, common VW rust issues, plus all the bolts and stuff for them, and the old ones had to be cut off as they were welded on practically.

 

So I was 375quid for the front coil spring, rear caliper, rear discs and pads including labour by a VW qualified master tech and an independent specialist. 210quid for a full service using genuine VAG stuff (oil filter, sump plug and washer, pollen filter, air filter and fuel filter) and Rock oil. Then another 450quid for the rear lower arms plus labour and near 80 inc VAT for the undertray.

 

Then another 12quid for new engine cover rubber buffers from TPS and probably another 100quid on a proper 4 wheel alignment set up on a hunter hawk eye machine tomorrow because my steering wheel is off centre, vibration through steering wheel, constantly having to correct the steering, wandering handling, and too much toe out on all 4 wheels, which couldn't be done until the rear lower arms were sorted because no rear adjustments could be done because the arms were that fucked they wouldn't adjust.

 

Was wanting a steering wheel with controls from a Golf GTi, GTi gearknob, headlights and front grilles, even 2nd hand the prices are a rip off!!

[twosmoke300]

Vibrations through steering wheel has nothing to do with alignment - it's wheel balance .

 

So many people seem to get them muddled up

[Tamworthbay]

I wouldn't trust myself to do anything mechanical apart from simple stuff like a service, changing a battery, bulbs, plus I hate mechanicals, I much prefer the other aspects like cleaning, cosmetics, trim, interior, exterior, I'll tackle any of those myself.

Plus it's the price of parts more than anything, new spring was about 50quid, new caliper was 80 cos it was a genuine VW recon part, rear discs and pads about 80quid cos they were decent ones, engine undertray was 65quid plus vat as dealer only part, full genuine VW service kit and 5 litres of fully synthetic low ash DPF friendly oil, rear lower arms were 115quid a side again genuine VW cos pattern ones weren't much cheaper and although the bushes were available separately the arms were rotten, common VW rust issues, plus all the bolts and stuff for them, and the old ones had to be cut off as they were welded on practically.

So I was 375quid for the front coil spring, rear caliper, rear discs and pads including labour by a VW qualified master tech and an independent specialist. 210quid for a full service using genuine VAG stuff (oil filter, sump plug and washer, pollen filter, air filter and fuel filter) and Rock oil. Then another 450quid for the rear lower arms plus labour and near 80 inc VAT for the undertray.

Then another 12quid for new engine cover rubber buffers from TPS and probably another 100quid on a proper 4 wheel alignment set up on a hunter hawk eye machine tomorrow because my steering wheel is off centre, vibration through steering wheel, constantly having to correct the steering, wandering handling, and too much toe out on all 4 wheels, which couldn't be done until the rear lower arms were sorted because no rear adjustments could be done because the arms were that fucked they wouldn't adjust.

Was wanting a steering wheel with controls from a Golf GTi, GTi gearknob, headlights and front grilles, even 2nd hand the prices are a rip off!!

I wish you were closer, I hate cleaning with a passion and would happily trade hours for spanner work. But I do know what you mean about the scene tax on stuff, it can get more than a bit stupid.

[Louise2cv]

Kin Ell! Get a set of spanners and have a go, nothing on that list is hard to do and would save you a fortune.

I'm outing myself here, I am too scared to do brakes stuff.

 

The Alto (2011 so not a candidate for here) has had advisories at the last 2 MOTs about the brake discs, one is scored and possibly, although I could be making this up they are odd(??).

 

I think I ought to be able to do it? I serviced/reconditioned the calipers (new seals, new pistons) on the 2cv, changed a couple of master cylinders and the handbrake was a regular chore. The only thing I have never got involved with is drum brakes.

 

I have a few tools including a torque wrench.

 

Do I just need to "woman up"?

[Stanky]

I'm the same Louise (if it helps) - I have happily tackled clutches, gearboxes, head gaskets and do home servicing and stuff but brakes give me TEH FEAR. I rationalise it by saying to myself that if I screw up a job on a bit of the car that makes it 'go' then the worst that can happen is its immobilised. If I screw up the brakes then the car won't STOP which is a whole lot scarier a prospect.

[Snipes]

There's not much to get wrong with front discs and pads. Just be sure to test drive it afterward (rather than jump straight into a 200 mile trip).

[Guest Hooli]

I'm outing myself here, I am too scared to do brakes stuff.

 

The Alto (2011 so not a candidate for here) has had advisories at the last 2 MOTs about the brake discs, one is scored and possibly, although I could be making this up they are odd(??).

 

I think I ought to be able to do it? I serviced/reconditioned the calipers (new seals, new pistons) on the 2cv, changed a couple of master cylinders and the handbrake was a regular chore. The only thing I have never got involved with is drum brakes.

 

I have a few tools including a torque wrench.

 

Do I just need to "woman up"?

 

 

If you removed the callipers to recon them then you've done 95% of the job anyway. The only bit left is the calliper carriers (normally two bolts) & maybe a small machine screw that retains the disc.

[Tamworthbay]

I'm outing myself here, I am too scared to do brakes stuff.

The Alto (2011 so not a candidate for here) has had advisories at the last 2 MOTs about the brake discs, one is scored and possibly, although I could be making this up they are odd(??).

I think I ought to be able to do it? I serviced/reconditioned the calipers (new seals, new pistons) on the 2cv, changed a couple of master cylinders and the handbrake was a regular chore. The only thing I have never got involved with is drum brakes.

I have a few tools including a torque wrench.

Do I just need to "woman up"?

I can understand why people would be a bit concerned but as long as you aren't having to faff with antilock setups then they really are dead simple. Drums are a doddle. I am sure someone on here near you would happily help you through it the first time if needed.

[cort1977]

 

Do I just need to "woman up"?

 

As others have said, yes.   Really not that difficult, just be methodical and test carefully.

[Hendry]

I wish you were closer, I hate cleaning with a passion and would happily trade hours for spanner work. But I do know what you mean about the scene tax on stuff, it can get more than a bit stupid.

 

Its very therapeutic i find, plus you get an immense sense of achievement and satisfaction when you are finished because of the transformation you can see, and it actually "feels" clean because youve seen all the crap youve hoovered out of it or washed, clayed and used tar remover and fall out remover to remove. Whereas with mechanicals and oily bits you cant really physically see a visual difference.

 

Anyway todays grump is paying £34 for a set of front wiper blades for it, from TPS VW Trade Parts Specialists, supposed to be trade only so trade price but as all the local VW dealers are Arnold Shark who are utterly hopeless and even tried to tell me when i wanted a new undertray that my car isnt listed as having one fitted, when i know it was because i saw it!! Anyway TPS will sell to the public/retail but wont even sling you a wee bit of discount, fair enough i suppose, but 34quid for 2 wiper blades is a rip off IMO, and all the other places werent much cheaper, Halfords own brand were the same price, same for bosch/valeo ones. Bad experience with Continental blades which didnt fit right and supermarket ones. 

[Louise2cv]

Ta guys.

 

I don't know why I lost my bottle, I had no problems with the 2cv stuff.

 

Here's what it said on the MOT by the way:

 

Disc modified. Scored but not affecting function.

 

 

Modified? What might that be then? When we got it it had only done 10000 and was just a run around, not boy racered-up or anything.

[panhard65]

Its very therapeutic i find, plus you get an immense sense of achievement and satisfaction when you are finished because of the transformation you can see, and it actually "feels" clean because youve seen all the crap youve hoovered out of it or washed, clayed and used tar remover and fall out remover to remove. Whereas with mechanicals and oily bits you cant really physically see a visual difference.

 

Anyway todays grump is paying £34 for a set of front wiper blades for it, from TPS VW Trade Parts Specialists, supposed to be trade only so trade price but as all the local VW dealers are Arnold Shark who are utterly hopeless and even tried to tell me when i wanted a new undertray that my car isnt listed as having one fitted, when i know it was because i saw it!! Anyway TPS will sell to the public/retail but wont even sling you a wee bit of discount, fair enough i suppose, but 34quid for 2 wiper blades is a rip off IMO, and all the other places werent much cheaper, Halfords own brand were the same price, same for bosch/valeo ones. Bad experience with Continental blades which didnt fit right and supermarket ones. 

TPS are a shower of shit. They work out trade discount by how much you spend. They were giving me a massive 1% on even fast moving stuff until I complained. I think I get about 10% now which is still shit as Porsche gave me the same discount on special order parts. I only use them as a last resort now.

[trigger]

I'm starting to get frustrated with the DVLA now, when i bought the 620 on the 7th April i thought it would be quicker to do to the new keeper online. Stupidly though in my hast i misread the page and entered the previous keepers details in instead of my own. I quickly did it again in my name but a few days later the last owner received a new log book showing him as being the new owner again...

 

I've been in touch with the DVLA and explained my cock up who have now sent me two forms to fill in, and even asked for photos of the vin plate and the last owner has also received a letter asking for his details which he's apparently binned! I really want to sell the car now as I really need the space and money back but i can't do sod all until this poxy logbook comes back in my name!

[twosmoke300]

I find tps pretty good to be honest . Their oil is good spec and fast delivery . I do wish they would just make stuff cheaper all the time than always having promo deals on .

We have some good old timers at our local one that know their shit !

[Hendry]

TPS are a shower of shit. They work out trade discount by how much you spend. They were giving me a massive 1% on even fast moving stuff until I complained. I think I get about 10% now which is still shit as Porsche gave me the same discount on special order parts. I only use them as a last resort now.

 

Theres 2 Glasgow branches, according to a couple of VAG/Skoda forums the one i went to will sell stuff to the general public but without discount, the other branch will give you a reasonable discount, so ill try them next time. Ive sort of got no choice to use them as in Glasgow if you want genuine VW stuff or stuff thats only available as genuine/dealer only part from a dealer you have to go to Arnie Shark if you dont use TPS. Closest non Arnie Shark VW dealers are Ayr (Ingram who are amazing but a 70mile round trip) or Western in Edinburghh (100 mile round trip) because Arnie has taken over all the VW dealerships locally (Glasgow North, Glasgow South, Rutherglen, Wishaw, Paisley/Linwood, Bathgate, Stirling, Greenock and Helensburgh) 

 

My only saving grace really is that the garage I use is an indepedent VAG specialist one man band whos a qualified VW/Audi master tech whos worked for all the local main dealers for about 25years, so he gets all his parts from TPS and spends a fortune with them, so usually when I get work done he only adds a wee bit of profit on the parts for himself, meaning I get them far cheaper from him than if I tried to get them myself, on the premise I actually use him for labour/fitting/repairs/servicing, but hes reasonably priced (£45 inc vat per hour) and really good, knows his stuff so im happy enough with that set up. VW parts prices are just so overly expensive to start with and thats the main issue. 

[Guest Hooli]

I can understand why people would be a bit concerned but as long as you aren't having to faff with antilock setups then they really are dead simple. Drums are a doddle. I am sure someone on here near you would happily help you through it the first time if needed.

 

TBH the only difference I've ever found with ABS setups is you bleed them differently, but if you follow the manual it's still damn easy.

 

An example - 90s Fords & Jags, bleed the fronts as normal. Then turn the ignition on, get someone to hold the brake pedal halfway down & open a rear nipple, just watch it pump fluid out as it fills the ABS module. Stop when the air stops & repeat on the other side.

[Tamworthbay]

TBH the only difference I've ever found with ABS setups is you bleed them differently, but if you follow the manual it's still damn easy.

 

An example - 90s Fords & Jags, bleed the fronts as normal. Then turn the ignition on, get someone to hold the brake pedal halfway down & open a rear nipple, just watch it pump fluid out as it fills the ABS module. Stop when the air stops & repeat on the other side.

I have never had an issue either but I can see why a beginner would find them daunting and you get the dreaded orange light of doom if you cock it up. I have had more hassle with the PDWA valve on minis to be fair, but again a doddle once you know the knack.

[richardmorris]

We're a non cash business. Thankfully!

I wrote a chq, last month for £12,000 to HMRC . The difference in VAT between what we took in and what we spent for the last quarter. We have no cash transactions now. All income is bacs, chaps or chq and all payments are dd or chq. I wish the whole country was cash free. It would put all businesses on the same level.

[twosmoke300]

I see quite a lot of cash and it's a pain in the ass in reality . It has to go through the books as supplier invoices have the vehicle details on so nearly all jobs are traceable .

Add in the fees the bank charges then it's more of a pain . What I tend to do is pay the garage that does my mot's with it which they always moan about 😄

[cobblers]

Riding back from work today I hopped onto the completely deserted pavement to let a few cars past on some tight bends, for about 30 meters. Some derek acorah lookalike pulling out of a golf course carpark in an Q7 gave me a load of verbal for riding on the pavement. Obviously he got plenty back off me and I carried on my journey.

30 seconds later when I was back on the road, another prick in a polo gave me a load of verbal telling me to "get on the pavement you cunt!"

 

I get it, car drivers hate cyclists. I'm a cyclist and TBH I hate some cyclists, and I bloody love cycling.

I reckon if these Lycra clad pricks that ride 2 and 3 abreast every sunny sunday morning just bought a mountain bike and stayed out of motorists way, motorists might eventually see bikes on the road as people just trying to get somewhere rather than nobheads with an annoying hobby.

Admittedly these 3 abreast arseholes wouldn't be able to bore the secretary in the office on monday morning bragging about how they did 120 miles over the weekend if they were on a bike with proper tyres, but they could always just lie, nobody really cares.

 

EDIT: Oh and I've just looked back on Strava and when this kid gave me grief to get on the pavement, I was doing 27-29mph in a 30 limit so I wasn't even causing a genuine obstruction

[Pillock]

Every weekend here is like the Tour dear France, except with wheezy old project managers who have just spent £1500 on a bike and a load of lycra so they can get in everyone's way for a few miles, then take up all the seats outside a cafe where they'll drink their own bottles and talk really loudly about what chainring they're going to buy or the brand of brake cables they use.

 

I have to use the roads, to take the eldest to work, and it's the same roads that seem to be on someone's website of weekend bike rides.

[cort16]

There was 3 of them cycling up a fast bit of the duel carriageway on the way home today causing carnage as cars tried to get past.

There's no fucking way I'd get on a duel carriage way on a push bike with weaving artics sailing buy at 65mph.

[cort16]

I go over to Arran once a year to play golf. Well I just walk in a field and drink heavily really but none the Iess i've noticed the last few years the ferry is filled with fat middle ages guys stuffed into lycra cycling suits. Not pleasant to see when I'm trying to force down my first pint at 7am.