Page 1 of 1

A Massive Thank You!

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 23:18
by Paulykat
Just wanted to let you guys know, I made it home from Donington safely and in one piece!

This was my first time up in my first Excel and I was so looking forward to seeing you lot. But 30 miles or so before I reached Donington, the brake pedal went light and touched the floor...

On the motorway realising that you have NO brakes was interesting :shock:

But I was determined to meet you and be part of that convoy so I continued carefully and using the gears and handbrake, we made it just in time to join the other Excels in the carpark :D

Upon inspection it was discovered that the small copper pipe on the front passenger brake calliper had split, spewing the brake fluid all over the inside of the wheel and wheel arch causing a right bloody mess.

Unfortunately Mike at LotusBits didn't have a suitable pipe link on him but promised to go home and get one if I could stay over. I wasn't planning on staying overnight, but realised this was my best option.

Angus kindly found me a room at the hotel he was staying and gave myself and Sam a lift after the show and back again in the morning.

Mike wasn't able to find a decent pipe so made one especially for me!

Mark (who works with Mike) got on his hands and knees and managed to take off the old pipe and replace it with the new one in the freezing cold, with mini dust storms blowing grit in his face and replaced the lost brake fluid.

And here's where the "thank yous" come in...

Firstly, I have never felt so welcomed before, everyone was real supportive and helpful, even if some of you did take the p*** :wink:

A big thank you to Mark for all your help replacing the pipe and getting me back on the road - the brakes are fantastic and my confidence is restored! Thanks for helping me out with this mucky, horrible job!

Big thanks to Mike for all your help and advice, for bringing Mark along(!), and making me a new pipe. That level of service is way above and beyond!

Huge thanks to Angus for taking us to the hotel in your Excel and rubbing my face in the fact that yours is smoother, starts first time and both your windows go up and down!

Thanks to Peter for keeping Sam company while I was running around trying to find a replacement pipe.

Thanks also to Chris for your emotional support :wink: and hope you get your Excel on the road in time for next year!

So thanks guys and anyone else I missed for welcoming me into the Excel family and making this a fun weekend I won't forget in a hurry.

Next time I'll make sure I bring my "Lotus Bag" with a spare pair of pants!

Look foward to seeing you all again soon :P

Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2007 23:33
by alanmoss
Glad you got home safely.

In the words of the song "Things can only get better".

Alan

Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 13:51
by peterweston
Nice to here you completed your "weekend" experience to Donington.

No problem with supporting a fellow member in a crisis. Hope she had a great Mum's day.

Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2007 21:12
by chris knowles
Paul, what a hero you are! Still going to the show after a total loss of brakes!

Really good to meet you and your partner, I think once all the teething problems are dusted down you will love your Excel. When I saw that leak I thought you had a knackered calliper and a big bill coming your way... but twas only a pipe. :D

Still, you know your jack is OK! 8)

That Mark is a great chap - on his knees bleeding the brakes while it snows!

You weren't the only one to use Angus as a taxi service :oops: :oops: :oops: thanks again from Jen and I for taking us into the circuit in a Lotus, not a Nissan, it was really appreciated!

That "Lotus Bag" might have to be a "Lotus Suitcase"..... :lol:

Chris

Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 09:24
by Spav
Just to add my thanks to every one for the huge effort in getting such a profressional stand together. Stickers are fantastic.

Unfortunately the bar has now been set very high, so whats next?

Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 13:11
by chrisw2811
Looks like it may be Silverstone :D

Posted: Tue Mar 20, 2007 21:27
by mds666
paul, no thanks is required (but thankyou and your welcome) im just glad to help keep another excel on the road, and the smile on your face when you realised that your brkaes actually worked was fantastic...

Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 22:00
by Paulykat
Good to hear from you all :D

Are you guys going to Castle Combe at the end of May?

Starting work on my "Lotus Bag" (or suitcase) which will contain pair of pants, tooth brush, PJs, tools, new jack (to puny to use current one!), inflatable bed (last time the fuel pump went and I had to wait 4hrs under a bridge in the rain for special low-loader which arrived at 10:30pm), lots of blankets, box of tubes, pipes, nuts, bolts, cables, various pumps, brake fluid, oil, mini BBQ and enough drink to keep all my new Excel buddies happy while they help me fix her!

Glad the brakes went now so I had chance to meet you guys! Sometimes things do happen for good reasons :)

It would be nice to have all the Excels lined up at Castle Combe and I'll make sure I'll bring plenty of drinks and snacks for whoever will join me!

You'll be there too won't you Mark? you will won't you? please Mark, please! :lol:

And Chris, get off the forum and go finish your Excel!!! :wink:

Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 23:13
by texas2201
I,m going to Castle Coombe but in the Elan turbo instead :D

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2007 23:18
by alanmoss
I should be there. Be good to meet up again.

Alan