fto workshop tips..


The following information is based on over 30 years in the motor trade and 10 years experience with FTOs. This advice should help you make a more informed decision regarding parts purchase and may also be useful for any DIY'ers out there.

Please click on the appropriate green link below.

model info

fto buyer's tips

engine   brakes   suspension   exhausts   mot test   corrosion   

Alternatively, if you are sick of stabbing yourself in the hand with a screwdriver, then you may wish to avail yourself of our workshop services.

SMC workshop services


We have over 10 years of experience servicing and repairing FTOs and we are proud to say we have countless satisfied customers, and many positive mentions on owner's club forums. 

In addition to diagnostics, routine servicing, repairs and MOT preparation, we also carry out the following:

spark plug change
timing belt fitted
auxiliary belts fitted
hydraulic lifters fitted
MIVEC valve clearances
alternators and starter motors fitted
exhaust systems supplied and fitted
auto transmission fluid changes
suspension bushes and links fitted
clutches supplied and fitted
air conditioning system diagnosis and re-gassing.

For straightforward, honest and professional attention please call Malcolm on 0191 586 7724



technical advice - important..
If you are an existing cars sales, workshop or parts customer then our usual courteous and free technical advice service remains the same. In principle we have no problem giving free advice to all, after all we recognise that you may be a future customer, but this facility has been abused recently by some callers. Before phoning, please read the workshop tips. If these do not cover your particular problem, then send us an email using the link at the bottom of this page, with the full details of your car, including the VIN, plus a brief description of the symptoms. We will endeavour to reply to all emails within 24 hours. 

  may contain strong language..  
 If you have bought your parts elsewhere and you think that calling us for fitting advice is acceptable, please don't be surprised if you encounter a forthright response involving travel advice. 

boring but important..
Although we have been very careful in the compilation of our advice pages,  we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage caused if you decide to follow the advice contained herein. Don't tackle any work unless you are confident that you fully understand the complexity of the job you are undertaking. Make sure that you have the correct tools and never, ever work under an unsupported vehicle. If you need to take a wheel off, even for the smallest of jobs then always try to work on solid level ground and use proper axles stands.

If you are not confident that you can complete the job, then it should be entrusted to a specialist. We are based in Peterlee, Co Durham SR8 5AP. If distance to get to us is a problem then check out the FTO owners' club forum www.ftooc.org where you should be able to find feedback on other FTO specialists throughout the country.

If you feel that there are any errors on any aspect of this page, or simply wish to comment, please call Malcolm on 0191 586 7724
or you can email us here


acknowledgements..
We acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of our colleagues listed below in the production of the technical advice section of our website: 

Michael Sullivan, Dave Robbins  (C. Eng, M I Mech E), Mick Crawford (Crawford Motor Body Repairs, Peterlee), Daniel Lanes and Alistair MacKay (AMAC Engineering, Northallerton)


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