Cambridge University
Automobile Club

Why you should change your timing belt regularly. But CUAC, after mocking you mercilessly, are ready to lend a hand!

Workshop

At a distant time in the past, CUAC owned a lock-up garage that was available to members for work on their vehicles. This tradition has unfortunately disappeared over recent years, but we are actively trying to revive it. We're currently canvassing colleges in the hope of finding a similar facility. What it is used for when that time arrives could quite easily be up to you! If you have ideas or suggestions, or just want some help with a mechanical problem (even without a garage, we've managed engine and gear-box changes, engine rebuilds and most brake, suspension and exhaust problems in the past) contact me (Jon) and I may be able to help.

I'm considering some form of meetings for looking over cars, diagnosing faults and showing you what does what if you don't yet have much mechanical experience and would like to learn. I've not come up with a planned date or format yet, so if you'd be interested, send me an email also.

In the mean time, here's a few of the tools that I'm generally willing to lend or help people use. This list isn't exhaustive, so email if there's something you need and I'll have a hunt around.

• 2t trolley jack
• 2t axle-stands
• Wheel ramps
• Cutting disk, soft-pad, 4" angle-grinder. 110V tranny to go with them.
• Hammer and impact drills
• 3HP air-compressor and a small selection of impact driver tools and spray gear
• Oxyacetylene welding torch
• Sockets and wrenches (3/8, 1/2 and 3/4" drive), breaker-bars, spanners, screwdrivers, hammers, pliers etc.
• Torque wrenches (6 - 200 Nm)
• Torx, multi-spline and Allen keys
• Funny sockets for removing Rover K-series head bolts
• Brake bleed kit. Rear disk-brake wind-back tool (Ford ABS)
• Coil spring compressors
• Feeler gauges
• Stud extraction kit
• Couple of three-legged pulley-pullers
• Large pair of bolt croppers
• Compression gauge
• Heat gun
• Long crow-bar
• Couple of long extension leads
• Selection of greases and sealants (if you just want a bit)
• 3-stage 12V battery charger
• Jump leads
• Tow ropes

If you're really stuck, I (or someone on the email list) can sometimes help jump-start or tow you.

Jon