Been away for a while

[shh120m]

Hi peeps,

As some of you have probably noticed, Ive been unreachable for the past 10 days or so. The work load over the past 5 months has really taken its toll on both myself and the missus. I hadnt realised how much id neglected her, working long hours everyday of the week until it was too late and i arrived home to find she had gone and taken nearly everything with her. Ontop of that iv had the stress of trying to catch up on the backlog of work without rushing anything. It got to the point where i felt so low, i couldnt even drive to work without stressing about what needed doing before i got there.

After a short break from everything iv taken stock of everything and im back at work feeling a little better about things, the order book is gradually getting smaller so i should be fully caught up within the next fortnight or so.

I see my inbox is full, iv also got to sift through tons of unread emails this evening so il read through all my messages and get back to at some point over the weekend (which ill be taking off to work on my own car, get pissed and watch the grand prix, oh and try to get the missus to come home:D )

Many regards

Nathan

[MikeB]

Hope you sort it fella,
Stress is the enemy, enjoy the grand prix.

[K4KEV]

Choccies and flowers Nat...choccies and flowers.....er and a bit....lot of grovelling:rolleyes:

[motomaniac]

good luck with the missus... they can be a real pain in the ass, but its wierd without them there..... ( sometimes).... take it easy, and try to take some time for yourself and family

[robo]

Its called being self employed in modern england, spend all day spinning plates while running with your shoelaces tied together. A guy I know once said self employed is like eating shxt sandwiches, the more bread you you earn the more shxt you have to eat. About right really.:eek:

Bob

[flyerncle]

Good luck with both Nathan,I am self employed too and its no joke trying to earn a living.

[Talonmotorsport]

Welcome to the joys of being self employed! When things get on top of me with work and the problems that it causes at home with my Bi-polar wife who has mobility problems I find that it's best to share the problems with every body, then pull my finger out and get on with sorting it all out.

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/talonmotorsport/bigbaby.jpg

[ayjay]

Looks like Nathans gone and done just that.!

[Johno]

Seems like anybody linked with supplying parts for the Haynes Roadster is cursed.....:eek:
Well I hope you get your personal problems sorted and just remember "you can't live with them and you can't live without them"....
Take some time out, anybody on here will understand. :)
Remember you've gone from a Haynes Roadster being a hobby to being a buisness.
Step back and take a deep breath, if parts are late so be it, along as the quality is there nobody will complain.
So all I can say is "Chin up" and do whatever shes says....LOL;)

Johno

[vmax1974]

Phil you really need some new photos to use in these posts have seen you use that one before not everything should be recycled

[shh120m]

Welcome to the joys of being self employed! When things get on top of me with work and the problems that it causes at home with my Bi-polar wife who has mobility problems I find that it's best to share the problems with every body, then pull my finger out and get on with sorting it all out.

http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/zz50/talonmotorsport/bigbaby.jpg

You still claiming incapacity phil?

[michael92]

That was low man :/

on a plus that pic kinda looks like my brother in law :P

[Talonmotorsport]

You still claiming incapacity phil?

I've never been on incapacity or claimed any other form of social benefits that I was not entitled to at the time. During my depressive period after having to leave Royal mail due to Arthritis in both arms and legs I did claim job seekers for 3 months. I became self employed trading as Talon Motorsport on 1st March 2010 and have not claimed any form of benefit since.
I have not inherited a pre made business with it's own bunch of back slapping groupies I've had to do things the hard way.
I started a business with a empty cow shed, MIG welder,cold saw and £200 borrowed from the house keeping. I have not borrowed thousands to start a business I have ploughed every penny from sales back in to buying the machines and equipment. There have been periods where I have struggled to make it work between the shop and home but I will be buggered if I'm going to lose it all through not trying hard enough. To hear that you are complaining about being too busy makes me sick, if you can't manage to keep it all running smoothly then your need to employ another pair of hands.

To the people that have brought one of my chassis from David Leek who brought chassis No.1 to Joe Hampstead who brought chassis 58 a few weeks ago I hope you enjoy your builds I enjoyed building them. To the 400 plus people that have brought my wishbones I hope you feel that it was money well spent and that you got good value for your money.
I have been criticised before for having a limited range of parts, I am not trying to be a kit car manufacturer producing complete cars in a box I just want to spend time in the shop doing what I enjoy the most.


vmax1974 Phil you really need some new photos to use in these posts have seen you use that one before not everything should be recycled.

I did not post this picture Nathan did in reply to one of my previous posts which is why I thought I would throw it back at him.

[robo]

This stuff is not really good for the forum i.m.o. Banter yes bitching NO.

Bob

[ayjay]

Sometimes we have to be big and strong enough to ignore it when someone shows a weakness and attacks us.
Remember the THREE fingers that point to us when we point a finger at someone else.:o

[PorkChop]

First off, this post is not designed to cause offence to, or criticise, anyone.


I have not inherited a pre made business with it's own bunch of back slapping groupies I've had to do things the hard way.
I started a business with a empty cow shed, MIG welder,cold saw and £200 borrowed from the house keeping. I have not borrowed thousands to start a business I have ploughed every penny from sales back in to buying the machines and equipment. There have been periods where I have struggled to make it work between the shop and home but I will be buggered if I'm going to lose it all through not trying hard enough. To hear that you are complaining about being too busy makes me sick, if you can't manage to keep it all running smoothly then your need to employ another pair of hands.

If I said I was pleased with my dealings with SSC, would that make me one of the 'back slapping groupies'? I hope not. I'm just a happy customer, and happy customers tend to return in the future.

A serious question for you; it sounds like you have your own premises (or at least access) and you already owned the tools to start up, but what if you had to find and rent a unit, buy all the tools you needed to make a start etc, would you have needed extra financial support? Seeking support when required is nothing to be ashamed of, or in my mind, to be criticised (unless the money was wasted, of course).

WRT to the inherited bit. Fair enough, NTS didn't start with an empty order book like you did. But that would bring its own challenges. Whilst you were able to sort out your product catalogue, find out what your comfortable through-put is, get your work/life balance right (and I know how hard this can be), Nathan was thrown into much deeper water and had to learn to swim much more quickly. By the sounds of it, Nathan is still getting that balance right between fulfilling orders, product development and still spend time away from work. That would take time and yes, an extra pair of hands sounds like it would be beneficial. But that also takes time to get the right person/people, as I'm sure everyone can appreciate.

To the people that have brought one of my chassis from David Leek who brought chassis No.1 to Joe Hampstead who brought chassis 58 a few weeks ago I hope you enjoy your builds I enjoyed building them. To the 400 plus people that have brought my wishbones I hope you feel that it was money well spent and that you got good value for your money.
I have been criticised before for having a limited range of parts, I am not trying to be a kit car manufacturer producing complete cars in a box I just want to spend time in the shop doing what I enjoy the most.

If you can enjoy your job, then that's brilliant. It was the first thing I was told as a kid 'if you can find a job you enjoy, then it doesn't feel like you're going to work'.

I did not post this picture Nathan did in reply to one of my previous posts which is why I thought I would throw it back at him.

In that thread, you removed your posts because someone criticised (in my mind, constructively) your product. Instead of doing that, it would have been much better if you discussed that criticism. When you do what you did, you do run the risk of turning potential custom away.

This stuff is not really good for the forum i.m.o. Banter yes bitching NO.

Bob

Too right. No one will benefit from it; the companies involved, this forum and potentially Haynes themselves. This forum and community can make or break the decision whether someone new who has just picked up the book proceeds with a build. Without new blood, things will eventually die away. And I'm sure none of us want that.

Apologies for the essay.

[K4KEV]

Well said PC....now lets all put our dummies back in and SUCK:D

[vmax1974]

Will you wash mine it fell on the floor

[K4KEV]

weshityersel:p.....aka wash it youself

[Not Anumber]

There are more similarities than differences between you two. No customer has a bad word for either of you.
You offer similar but not identical services. You live 300 miles apart and aren't robbing business from each other. You also clearly both face very similar pressures in both trade and personal lives.

If i was in either of your shoes I would take the initiative and talk about joining forces, sharing marketing, cross referring customers.

The Haynes is a great car and you are both competant and pleasant guys who deserve to make a fair living from it. It is seriously worth just agreeing to disagree and moving on.

Arrange a meeting, talk. Just do it or you will both lose out.

[gtipping]

There are more similarities than differences between you two. No customer has a bad word for either of you.
You offer similar but not identical services. You live 300 miles apart and aren't robbing business from each other. You also clearly both face very similar pressures in both trade and personal lives.

If i was in either of your shoes I would take the initiative and talk about joining forces, sharing marketing, cross referring customers.

The Haynes is a great car and you are both competant and pleasant guys who deserve to make a fair living from it. It is seriously worth just agreeing to disagree and moving on.

Arrange a meeting, talk. Just do it or you will both lose out.

Clearly one of the most sensible posts so far in this discussion.

[carlknight1982]

Ive spoke to both of you but brought from neither so feel kinda impartial here, knock it off guys

Everyone has problems, this is not the place to be throwing shit at each other, Were all here because were either building/built or supplying parts for those who are part of the roadster "Community" its ment to be a hobby, if you can take your hobby and make money from it great! but dont stress over it as you will loose that what's dear to you.
you both have excellent reputations, and were i building another car (may happen yet so be nice) I would use various parts of both your services! Phil you fill the Vacume "Down south" and Nathan youve taken the mantle from Spud and made it your own.
you should be quietly competative as thats good for business and good for the people who purchase from you, not shit throwing like a pair of male monkeys trying to look bigger than each other to see whos the Alpha.

Lets all meet up half way have a beer and a group hug eh., no hugging for me all that man love brings me out in a rash.

[Big Vern]

[QUOTE=carlknight1982;74031]Ive spoke to both of you but brought from neither so feel kinda impartial here, knock it off guys

Everyone has problems, this is not the place to be throwing shit at each other,

Well put Carl.

Behaving like babies in front of your customers is bad for business. Suck it up!
or neither of you will have a business!

Don't know whats happened to this forum in recent months everyone seems to be bitchin and mud slinging. Surprised Haynes have put up with it this long.
Sort it out guys before the forum gets taken down!

[MikeB]

ditto,

my view for what its worth (not directed at anyone BTW)

companies should either

1. use the forum to promote your business and be very selective over other engagement. Its a marketing chanel but one that needs to be used carefully due to the open nature of a forum.

2. use it as a personal forum for banter, discussion.

don't mix the two. If you use it for 1 you have to accept people may say bad things or critise now and then, its an open forum that stuff happens, its not nice just ignore it and focus on the delivery of good stuff. Its kind of like dancing with the devil :)

Forums are a form of social media, a very powerful marketing tool like twitter and facebook. Use them wrongly and they bite!

[flyerncle]

Its also worth a mention that many people that dont contribute read these forums,need I say more.

[shh120m]

Sincere appologies to all, including Phil,

I shouldnt have been a twat, and theres no excuse and now i feel like a complete tosser but i deserve it:o

On happier note, i was naughty for the weekend, i didnt take it off exactly but i worked on the roadster to get it finished.

Just needs (i say just but "justs" seem to take forever and cost a fortune!)

Tyres popping off and wheels refurbing
Interior footwell panels
edge trimming all over
front wings taking off and fixing properly with some carbon jobbies
bit of wiring (actually alot!)
Roll cage needs coating (gonna do that tonight)
Steering rack and new rod ends refitting
Few interior fittings to finish
IVA


Il pop some photos up later, ive just got to finish this body kit and wipe all the dust off the car!

[K4KEV]

Well done Nat......it takes a real gadgy to do what you have just done..... Kudos to you bud, I'm sure that Phil will do the same and we can all get stuck back into important stuff like helping each other to keep the Haynes marque going and for some to earn a living from it side by side.:)

[flyerncle]

Ditto the above,the only place for sniping is a war zone and this forum is not one.

[vmax1974]

Takes a lot of bravery and honesty to admit your faults and I admire that

Will try and pop over next week sometime to have a look at bumblebee and maybe get some suspension brackets off you if you have any in

[shh120m]

as promised, sorry they were taken on the mobile i cant find my charger for the camera. A lot of finishing to do but its nearly there, just trying to find the time to spend on it at the moment, sort of giving myself an hour each night. Its at the point where each hour is actually progress rather than put a part on take ten parts off.

http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj482/ntsengineering/P154002_28-04-09.jpg

http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj482/ntsengineering/P154001_28-04-09.jpg

http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj482/ntsengineering/P152503_28-04-09.jpg

[Janne E]

Looks real nice:)

Janne

[vmax1974]

Looking good nathan look forward to a ride out in it

[motomaniac]

by gum, thats come round quick in the couple of weeks since i popped in for a gander... looking very smart

[Not Anumber]

Excellent fit and finish mate. A 4 wheeled billboard

[K4KEV]

don't half look mean:mad: with that rollcage:D looks like you are starting to enjoy "it" again.

[shh120m]

don't half look mean:mad: with that rollcage:D looks like you are starting to enjoy "it" again.

Rollcage is a cool touch, not by anymeans msa spec but its just for a bit of added stiffness/protection. Got to give the hodgson boys credit for that. The bend on the 4 bends on the front hoop are mm perfect

I may need your ali welding services again kev, i really wanted to put the filler cap on the rear tub but filling it with fuel is a real pain. Do you reckon you could weld a new kneck onto the side for me mate?

I love the work but im hating the business side of things, but thats gonna change real soon...

[K4KEV]

wy aye man nee probs....yal etta bring it ower tho:p

[shh120m]

no worries kev, be nice to see that mansion of yours:p

[martinl]

wouldn't mind having a cage like that made when i start mine. that looks pure evil and completely looks the part nice touch

[CTWV50]

Looks great Nate, inspiring, thanks for the scuttle and aeroscreen they arrived safe late last week many thanks. It was very generous of you and will really help me move forward.

It's tough running your own business, if your not skint, you're overworked, NEVER a happy medium.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers

Chris

PS. will you be offering the roll cage as a kit? :)

PPS. I'd rather be self employed any day though than be working for the MAN!:D

[flyerncle]

Nice one Nathan.

[Johno]

Hi Nathan,
Car looks fantastic:cool: That roll cage looks familiar...lol.
Sorry I haven't commented before only been spending a few minutes when I can on the forum cus works been hectic and somehow missed it...:o
What does she handle like? and how did you sort the diff out in the end (solid mount or polybush or something else).
Also could you post a piccy of your front top wishbone from above to see how it looks plz..:D
I know it's a big blow to the Roadster community and an even bigger blow to the MX5 builders you leaving (got nothing to follow now :eek: ) but if your health and family life has suffered it's for the best m8.
Is it OK to contact you on certain things or do you just want a clean break from it all.?
Would be handy to know what shocks and springs to order from Protech now (I guess it's here somewhere on the forum) etc....

Well I might be able to help out some MX5 builders with wishbones probably as I made the jigs for ourselves and they have been put away in storage (just in case we break our cars).
Don't be a stranger and the best of luck to the future whatever you do...


Johno

[PorkChop]

Would be handy to know what shocks and springs to order from Protech now (I guess it's here somewhere on the forum) etc....

I have them down as...

Front - 13" open 9" closed 1.9" id; 350lb springs, 8" open x 1.9" id.

Rear - 12" open 8" closed 1.9" id; 250lb springs, 7" open.

:)

[shh120m]

Hi Nathan,
Car looks fantastic:cool: That roll cage looks familiar...lol.
Sorry I haven't commented before only been spending a few minutes when I can on the forum cus works been hectic and somehow missed it...
What does she handle like? and how did you sort the diff out in the end (solid mount or polybush or something else).
Also could you post a piccy of your front top wishbone from above to see how it looks plz..
I know it's a big blow to the Roadster community and an even bigger blow to the MX5 builders you leaving (got nothing to follow now but if your health and family life has suffered it's for the best m8.
Is it OK to contact you on certain things or do you just want a clean break from it all.?
Would be handy to know what shocks and springs to order from Protech now (I guess it's here somewhere on the forum) etc....

Well I might be able to help out some MX5 builders with wishbones probably as I made the jigs for ourselves and they have been put away in storage (just in case we break our cars).
Don't be a stranger and the best of luck to the future whatever you do...


Johno


Hi johno,

Thanks,

yes mate fine to call, il still be about on the forum and ill be carrying on with the bodywork in my spare time, i just need to get three bodywork orders finished and delivered, take a break to get the mx5 ready for iva and then get cracking on again.

What pork chop said sounds about right, just ask for kevin when you call protech, and tell him its for the saturn/nts mx5 build.

The mx5 handles very nicely, for some reason the front end seems to hold on and bite in a lot longer than the sierra front end, noticably less understeer on damp tar. I thought that 350lb on the front gave a little too much body roll, so tried 400lb, this created a great feel and good grip, but it suffered from understeer on lift off into the bends so i settled back with 350 for mine in the end, maybe worth settling between the two.

The rear diff mount is solid on the bottom, with a bushed beam. No problems so far, iv given it abit of extreme scenario testing:o , well see how it goes.

I wont be leaving the forum, and dont worry they will be plenty of pics once IVA is done and its on the road:D

Regards

Nathan