Jakovhard

Good morning,

On my daily driver, a 2017 commodore ute, I have a factory navigation head unit and screen that need fitting. This portion is relatively straight forward. The unit has already been vinned to the car overseas. I need to thank the average Australian tradesman for this, as it seems, every ex-Holden dealership here in the upper North Island had no idea how to vin components to a four year old car. smh

What requires care, is the removal of the trim and the headlining to run a new combined GPS antennae to the roof.  I am particularly fussy insomuch as, if you break things, you don't bodgy it up and hide it, hoping I won't spot it. I am bound to remove the dash trim for future additions.

Also, I like people, who even though unseen, pay attention to detail. People who route and tie the cables into place as though it was factory (within reason). Quality cable management isn't difficult.

So, have OS members any experience with good auto electricians in the Auckland region. Preferably central-East Auckland, however, if there are aces elsewhere, that's where I'll go.

TIA

Thank you for the suggestions to date. I need to stop collecting "parts" and move forward.

In the past, when Makita was manufactured in Japan, we swore by their gear. Today, I have two battery impact drivers and won't buy any more their products.

Most of our gear today is Festool. Reliable and well engineered. There are still a few design flaws that cause some inconvenience and no matter how well engineered a product is, the tradesman using it is still the weak link. They're also a little expensive for most people.

Their accessories are expensive however, once you have them, they last. Also, a few creative people overseas, especially in the US,  have created their own accessories that are nifty asf too. It's always a good idea to be a member at a few US craftsmen forums.

For general tools, I pay more and buy from specialist North American and European manufacturers and have them shipped here. There still are some really well-made tools out there.

And for wrenches and such, toptul have never let me down yet.

NZ is full of Chinese made dross.

Has anyone any experience with a local panelbeater who is good at rust and dents without the need to replace parts. I've finally reached the stage where the small amount () known rust needs remedying and 25 years of my mothers careless side-swipes of whatever got in her way need pulling and straightening.

I have tried searching the forum however certain keywords bring up every possible thread or I'm terrible at using the search function.

TIA

Name (first is sweet): D

Location: Auckland

Cars you own: Business vans and a 92 Laser TX3 (Bought new by a family member but not well looked after over the years)

Mods to them (can be brief or detailed): Nothing at this stage. Collecting parts, stripping, cleaning and prepping them for the future. The car is a daily driver.

How you found out about oldschool: Online whilst looking for discussion on refinishing the floorpan etc.

Anything else you want to add: Kudos to those willing to torture themselves with anything British, NZ assembled or Australian from the 80s back

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