I came across this North Derbyshire Austin Seven specialist, 'Flying Sevens', on the internet when searching for companies that might be able to help me with my Austin Ruby as a last resort (things aren't going too well with an engine swap and various other jobs at the moment and I'm about to spit out my dummy!)and wondered if anybody has had dealings with them. Their website is very attractive, although not finished, and it all sounds very impressive and tempting.

I haven't contacted them as yet because I haven't quite given up, but I'm getting very close and they could be saviours. I ask only because there is no address and only first names given, although there is a mobile phone number and the facility to email them direct from their website.

No offence intended if anyone from Flying Sevens is reading this - just wanting some unconnected information from our Forum readers as I weigh up my options.

Location: Doncaster

hi mick there are many brains on the forum that can give you guidence and practical help when you have problems when coming across challenges that every austin seven owner has had in the past, i have and the help i recieved was first rate so please ask!! on any subject good luck with the ruby

Location: northants

Thanks David. I have benefitted from the Forum's help far more than I deserve since I first got the car in 2009. This is the biggest job I have had to do and a number of problems have cropped up beyond my limited knowledge, skill and resources, hence the frustration! Thanks for the encouragement. I have been contacted directly as a result of this posting so now have a couple of avenues to explore.

In addition, and most importantly with regard to the subject heading, Flying Sevens have been in touch and provided me with further information. They are a newly established business but with a wealth of experience working on Austin Sevens over a considerable number of years. Examples of their work can be found through ebay, item 253033951534. They have kindly invited me to come and visit.

I would be mortified if my initial enquiry harms their fledgling business and would urge the opposite reaction - such a business deserves every encouragement it can get and I hope this message is received in a positive light. I will most certainly take up their invitation to visit.

Now I've had time to assess the problems with the car, I can see the first stumbling block before the rest can be addressed is the exhaust system. I will open a separate post for this!

Location: Doncaster

We're working with Flying Sevens on a project at the moment and although the business is a new one, Mike and Christian have a huge amount of skill and experience behind them.

Location: Herefordshire, with an "E" not a "T".

Agree with previous comment. I popped in to see http://www.flyingsevens.co.uk regarding my Austin 7 Special and came away impressed. They had an eclectic mix of cars in the workshop (Ruby, Chummy, Ulster etc), with a number of engines, gearboxes and chassis being worked on as well. Mike is 'old school' and an Austin 7 encyclopaedia, whilst Christian (his Grandson) served an apprenticeship at http://www.thornleykelham.com. Will be delivering my car to them soon.

Location: Lincolnshire