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Flatwater Newsletter Archive
1998 to 2002

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WHERE DO WE GO FOR SERVICE OR REPAIR?

A few months ago we ran a guide of businesses that had done work on our cars, and with whom we were generally pleased. At its conclusion we asked others who were willing to share the names of businesses which had done good work for them to come forward. Jim Olson wrote with a recommendation of two Omaha area businesses. Mr. Sports Car, 203 E. Lincoln Street in Papillion is owned by Jim Forehead, and has done good work at a reasonable rate on his BJ8.

Jim also recommends Maplewood Motors, 2816 N. 78th Street in Omaha. Jim Vakoc, the owner, does both body and mechanical repairs. He will do body work on almost anything, but enjoys working on classic cars most. He is a perfectionist, and refused to allow any car to leave before it is "perfect." While his hourly rate is reasonable, attaining his desired level of quality takes a great deal of time. Hence his overall prices may be a bit higher than some, but the results are definitely better than average.

Also, Brian (Butch) Mitcheltree, 1320 South 19th Street, Lincoln, is in the process of opening his own shop. Butch has done work on a number of cars known to all of us. He does excellent work, is a club member, and does not yet have a building other than his personal garage. His phone number is 475-1128. Call him if you want him to give you a bid on your next LBC project.

Add these names to the list published previously.

How Do We Pay For Our LBCs?

The following is from friends on the "NET" and deals with how we account for the cost of our hobby.

Adding up the receipts to figure out what you spent is not how you go about something like this. Before you can figure out the total costs, you should apply the following rules.

• If you purchase a tool to help with a job, it is not to be included in the total. It does not matter if the tool is MG specific.
• Never add in shipping costs or tax.

• Do not forget the sale rule: If an item is on sale you did not spend money, you saved money. For example, if you bought a $100 item at a 25% discount, the total is not $75, but ($25). So if you buy enough things on sale you can actually make money while you restore your car.
• If the item is used somewhere else do not add it to the cost. If you bought paint, but used it elsewhere, it does not count.
• If the item is considered a "normal wear and tear" item, i.e. plugs, belts, tires, upholstery, bulbs, rings, bearings, pistons, springs, a new hood, bushings, seals, oil and other fluids, water pumps, etc - they should not be included in the total either. :-)
• Anything used for cleaning or preparatory work, cloths, rags, brushes, degreasers of various types, emery cloth, wire wool etc as well as all types of polish, dusters, window cleaners etc - none of these are car related expenses!