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Post by dafman50 on Mar 5, 2019 20:27:53 GMT
The past 12 months ha seen an increase in Dad cars appearing on sites for sale. But also the increase in 'recommisioning coming through my hands .All models all condition have been to me and this year is going to be no exception as I'm now traveling to so many homes to assist owners keep there cars running sweet. My latest booking is a recommision/services of 6 Dafs for an enthusiastic owner. I look forward to the new season of shoes and owners club events. Happy Daffong all.
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mike
Likes DAFs
Posts: 44
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Post by mike on Mar 6, 2019 12:20:10 GMT
This can only be a good thing. Richly deserved I think. Anyone thought of representing the marque at the NEC classics show ?
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Post by dafman50 on Mar 6, 2019 17:33:25 GMT
Looking into it for this year fingers crossed.
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Post by Richard DAF Webmeister on Mar 6, 2019 21:49:23 GMT
We, the DAF Owners Club, did have a display at the NEC several years ago.
I have to say that it's very hard work, requiring much planning in advance, and really needs a team of people to get the thing done. It's especially important when you have a good reputation to keep. It took the best part of a year, if not longer, to plan and prepare.
Our stand at the time was a little different - we recreated a mini "DAF Dealer". Part of the stand consisted of a "showroom" (one car - Biddy) then the rest of the stand was a DAF workshop - engine/variomatic cutaways, tools etc.
You had to build everything yourself in very strict and tight timescales.
Then once that is done, you have to man the stand which is again hard work - standing around for hours, often fielding some very strange comments from passers by as well as knowledgeable and interested people.
It's held over a few days so there is also the issue of accomodation, logistics etc. Food and refreshments, unless you take your own, are a bit of a cartel and expensive
And all that is before whatever the cost to exhibit is. And they charge for "extras" such as power sockets etc.
Of course, I'm going back a few years now and things may have changed, but frankly, if you asked me what we got out of it - publicity, new members, interest from the press etc, then I would have to question the value in return for the work, effort and cost.
Unless you are a large club/organisation, some of which get support from their manufacturers still around today, no matter how much time and effort you and a few people put in, the chances are you will be stuck in a corner/on the edge of a hall somewhere.
So that is a long answer basically saying that I think it doubtful that we will do it again. There are other shows/ways of raising profile which I think are probably more suitable for what we have to accept we are - enthusiasts and owners of what in the UK especially, is a very niche car - which we love but the masses don't seem to.
It's even hard to get DAF owners to actually join the club...
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mike
Likes DAFs
Posts: 44
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Post by mike on Mar 7, 2019 11:44:53 GMT
I take your point Richard, unfortunately I was not attending that show back then, but have visited each year now for the past 3 years at least.
Who knows, if interest really is growing, and I hope it is, perhaps it would be worth another look. I'd be more than happy to help out if I could. I am guilty though of not taking up club membership yet. Another thing on that to do list....
Mike
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