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Tales from my apprenticeship - Capital Motors

23/8/2020

26 Comments

 
by Alan Warwick
Picture
It was my Dad, Fred, advising me to go into cars rather than motorbikes because the opportunities would be greater after finishing training. Dad tried to get me an apprenticeship at the Metropolitan Police in Hendon as well as Henley's, the famous Jaguar dealer at Henley's Corner on London's North Circular Road but neither organisation were able to take me. The Tottenham Youth Employment person knew Leslie Durdin, Managing Director of Capital Motors, Hornsey, a Vauxhall, Bedford ( trucks & vans ) and Scammell ( trucks and trailers) dealer.
I was interviewed by Mr Leslie Durdin and started my indentured apprenticeship in September 1965, having gained GCE 'O' levels in Maths, French , English Language, Physics and Technical Drawing at Tottenham County School, most of these 'O' levels coming in useful in my career.
​
Day one, 6th September 1965, was strange as they didn't seem to be expecting me and didn't know what to do with me so I was sent to work alongside a man in the Engine Shop rebuilding​ large truck engines, I remember fitting big end bearings.

Next day they seemed to have decided that I should be trained in the 'Stores' which was the motor trade expression for 'Parts department'. I was trained in using big, thick books to identify the part numbers for vehicle components and then finding and issuing the parts as well as helping unloading stock order deliveries and many menial jobs - being the youngest. I remember asking if we had Fire Alarm drill and was told 'you're not at school now, sonny' , how times change.
During the lunch times and whenever possible, I spent time in the workshop looking at the cars, vans and trucks and discovering more about the technical side of them, one colleague was Brian Stevens a former schoolfriend who taught me a great deal.
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After several months in the stores, I went to the management and asked if they'd forgotten about me and they relocated​ me 'out' into the workshop. The first placement was a six months​ with the Electrician - Dick Marchant - from whom I gained good experience and several catch phrases including 'use your 'ead, save your 'ands' , which was good advice. I learned a great deal about workshop practice and vehicle electrics as well as going out on breakdowns which was always an adventure. One of my favourite jobs was fitting radios as that gave me the opportunity to listen to pop songs broadcast by the many 'Pirate' stations to the London area.
After the six months working alongside Dick, having started my tool purchasing, I was then placed​ with Fred Leif, the heavy commercial mechanic specialising in Diesel engines. I was NOT looking forward to that, away from cars, getting really oily and Fred was so OLD! Looking back, he was probably in his late fifties and chock-full of vehicle experience which he generously shared with me. Also, he always wore a tie, no health & safety, then!

​Fred rarely referred to the manuals - he just knew what to do. We regularly removed Bedford TK truck engines, having first to disconnect the wiring etc and lifting the cab entirely off the vehicle, we didn't have a crane - just a couple of scaffold poles and several strong mechanic helpers! Fred dismantled the engine, throwing all the small parts, nuts and bolts into a large tray and then reassembled​ it, sometimes days later after waiting for parts, and knew where everything went-without any bits left over.
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Southgate Tech

As an Indentured Apprentice, my Dad had signed a contract for me to complete the apprenticeship including my attendance at technical college on a “day release and evening” basis. The company paid for my training, probably with government grant assistance, and I had one day away from work ( on full pay ) to learn how to become a mechanic. I also had to return in the evening for other classes.

I quickly became best friends with two Peters, Cody and Lawson or Pete with a beard and Pete without a beard to family and friends. We used to take it in turns for our mums to give us dinner before returning for the evening, so we were friends with their families, too.
​
Initially we were in the “mechanics” stream but we soon were put in the higher grade of “technicians”, I passed Motor Vehicle Mechanics, City & Guilds examinations, with distinction and Technicians with credit as well as being presented with “Technician of the Year” award  from The Institute of Road Transport Engineers in 1970. I went on to complete an additional 5th year for the management training involved to join the Institute of the Motor Industry (I.M.I. ) as an Associate Member in 1971. Subsequently, I became a Full member of the I.M.I
( Alan Warwick M.I.M.I. on my business cards )
Picture
During my time with Fred I was given one of my 'initiations’ to the Motor Trade, new de-greasing tanks had been delivered but (fortunately for me) not yet filled with a paraffin-like fluid. Several of my workmates grabbed hold of me and put me in a tank, closed the lid, sat on it and banged the side with hammers - could this have affected my hearing, subsequently?

​Another time, I was put into a tube of 'mutton cloth’ or stockinette which was used to polish cars, then pushed in a wheelbarrow and deposited outside the Managing Director's office. One of the other apprentices was similarly mutton-clothed, put on a 6 foot canteen table and carried across Tottenham Lane outside and placed on the pavement. A passing lady told him “they're going to leave you here”
Because Fred had so many years experience, we got sent on a lot of breakdowns. Once we were repairing a Bedford TK truck on the M1 which involved getting inside hatches at the side of the cab, whilst under there Fred told me not to step back and admire my work - 'elf 'n' safety!

​On another occasion, we were on the Southend Arterial Road stopped at traffic lights in our Breakdown Land Rover - now remember there's not much Fred didn't know about trucks - a lorry driver shouted over 'do you know anything about trucks?' Fred replied 'a bit, what's your trouble?'  He had run out of diesel and wanted it bleeding having put more in but it wouldn't go because it had an air-lock in the fuel system. Even I could have bled it, never mind guru Fred. We got him going in minutes and got some 'beer money' which we used for non-alcoholic refreshments.
​
I ought to move on from Fred, now, as there were many other stories because I held him in high esteem. I think it was during this period that I bought my big socket set which I still have. It was about £20, and bearing in mind my weekly wages were around £6 10 shillings, the company bought the tools and deducted money weekly from our wages until they were paid for. Another deduction was the cost of overall cleaning which I remember REALLY resenting - they were essential for all workshop staff so WHY should we pay towards a company overhead!
Picture
After Fred and heavy truck experience, they put me with Goodwin Boodagee who came from an island off Africa, called Mauritius It just seemed from another planet to a boy from Tottenham. Boogy ( as he was known) was highly skilled on cars, getting all the complicated jobs including automatic transmissions ( gearboxes ) which we dismantled​ and had to wait a couple of weeks for parts to come from DETROIT, Michigan, USA! Remembering​ how to put this 3D jigsaw back together again was quite a feat, the owners patiently awaiting our efforts.
​
About the time I worked with Boogy, the overhead camshaft Vauxhall “slant 4” engine was introduced which was very advanced for its time but suffered from oil leaks which involved engine dismantling to put right. I appeared to be quite good at this job which required patience and attention to detail so Boogy left me to work on my own whilst he carried out other jobs which earned him bonus.
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Ah! Bonus. This is how it worked and probably accounts for why we got a bad name as motor mechanics. ( I much prefer the word 'technician' which is used in the 21st century, I usually refer to myself as a 'motor engineer' ). Each 'job' carried a manufacturer's ' standard time' , say an hour to complete the job. If a mechanic amassed, say, 60 hours worth of tasks in a 40 hour week, then he was paid an extra 20 hours at the bonus rate. I never earned much bonus, partly because I wasn't very fast and partly because I would rather do the more interesting jobs that took longer than standard time. The best bonus jobs were routine servicing partly because you did them so regularly and got fast at them and partly because the apprentices could do them leaving mechanics free to do other, more complex jobs knowing that the apprentice was earning the bonus. Unofficially​, the apprentices were given cash by the mechanics if they had earned well that week.
It was about this time that Vauxhall Dealers were involved with converting ordinary HB Vivas to Brabham Vivas by adding an extra carburettor, special exhaust system, other customer requirements and stripes across the bonnet and down the front wings sides. I enjoyed carrying these out as they were the sporty side of the job before the two litre Viva GT was released by the factory.
Picture
After Boogy I worked for Brian Inns for a short while carrying out general car repairs and servicing. Brian was three or four years older than me and quite a good mechanic as well as keeping me in line with my attitude and thinking both towards the job and socially​. One memorable occurrence was the time he let me carry out the engine tune,  spark plugs, contact breaker points, air filter and carburettor settings while he overhauled​ the brakes on a Victor 101.
​
He told me to let it back onto the floor and take it out into the yard, as I reversed (not slowly) across the 'shop, the brake pedal went straight to the floor and BOINNNNGG! I hit an iron support holding up the mezzanine floor. After replacing brake pads, the first press of the pedal brings them against the brake disc and the next press they start working - a lesson for my lifetime in cars. I can't remember if I was in trouble or whether Brian was because he ought to have pumped the brake pedal before letting the car onto the floor, I probably ought to have checked anyway.
Picture
Every now and then during apprenticeships​ we boys were used in the Cost Office where the charges for each job were worked out and the mechanics’ bonus calculated. I think this was when other staff were on holiday or times of staff vacancies. I was also drafted into Service Reception occasionally, which was my first experience of dealing with customers and I found that this was something I liked.
After working with Brian I was experienced enough to work 'on my own’ as it was termed, and I had passed out as an apprentice with the Managing Director noting on my “papers” …..an excellent student... deserves every success in his future career…...        After a few months my friend Alan Potifer had left the company to move to Kent where housing was cheaper as he'd got married.

​Alan had been one of three Service Receptionists and, as I'd had experience working in Reception, I approached the Service Manager and asked if I could have Alan's job - and I got it! One of the other service receptionists was called “Bill Bodger” - yes, really! Would you leave your car with Bill Bodger for service and repair?
The vehicles I had regularly worked on were Viva HA & HB Models, Victors ( FB & FC )
Cresta PA to PC ( including Viscount ) Bedford trucks, mainly TK, lots of Bedford CA vans and Scammell three wheel mini-tractor units which had to be split in half to replace clutches. Also I had to dismantle crashed cars prior to the paintshop doing their bit and then “fitting up” with grilles, bumpers and pieces of trim after painting.
 
26 Comments
Gerald Shadbolt
20/12/2018 19:14:01

This bought back memories!! My brother in law, Dave Webb, worked there for years and I tried to get an apprenticeship there. They had no vacancies so I went to Express Motors instead. My story is remarkably similar to this. Amazing

Reply
alan Warwick
4/1/2019 08:23:01

Gerald, not sure I can place Dave. Can you tell me something about him? Does he remember me? Did we call him "chubby Dave"?
( There were lots of nicknames) AW

Reply
Ron dunkley
29/5/2022 20:15:57

My dad worked for capita motets until 1980d

Reply
Alan Warwick
30/5/2022 08:08:05

I worked in service reception with Ron Dunkley and Bill Bodger.

Steve Small
16/7/2024 11:22:19

Yes I remember Ron he was our Forman.
Always kind and helpful
I used to work on his H B Viva, when work was slack.

He told me he lived in Dulwich, what a journey every day to Tottenham

Fondest regards

Steve Dawson
22/2/2019 18:57:31

This was great to read. My dad was Dennis Dawson. He worked at Capital, then Spurlings, for many years and I remember many of the names mentioned in this article. I think ‘Chubby Dave” was Dave Chamberlain? Roy Caslake was also a dear friend of my dad.
The other Dave (Webb) often took me out in the firms Land Rover OWC 315) breakdown truck in my younger years. He lived in the flat below us in Middle Lane.
Great memories.

Reply
alan Warwick
26/3/2019 08:20:08

Steve, thanks for your comments. Yes, I remember your Dad as well as Roy who were both friendly to me working in "the stores" and bumped into them working in the Vauxhall dealership in Baker Street Enfield many years later. Did Capital Motors change its name to Spurlings - a takeover or buy out?

Reply
Chris Eccles
14/1/2021 18:51:36

Steve.
Did your dad ever work for Haymill Motors in Farnham Common just north of Slough. They were Saab's first UK dealer. I met up with a Dennis Dawson there early1970's. He lived in Windsor and was forever talking about "Maggie".
Two DD's in the motor industry?
Chris.

Reply
Steve Dawson
15/1/2021 08:37:58

Hi Chris, no, my Dad didn’t ever work for Haymill Motors. After Capital/Spurlings closed in Hornsey he moved to PNG Motors in Enfield.

D. Wallace link
8/12/2022 13:51:34

Hi Steve
We lost touch with Dennis in 90’s when moved to Yorkshire so an update would be appreciated.
First met in 1960’s when they lived in Slough and Yvonne was a secretary at Sobells
In fact think we got some of your baby things when had our first baby in 1964,
Thanks

Reply
Steve Small
10/6/2019 12:59:00

Hi all, I also served my apprenticeship at Capital Motors.
Made some great friends and loads of fond memories.
I started work and was put with Frank Salmon..next to John Jones and Peter Townsend.
My mates names were..Phil Brougham, Peter Bailey, Paul Joyce, Gary Wingrove.
Met up with Dave Waller...who I worked with as his boy (as they used to say)

Every day at work was a laugh, if I really put my mind to it could probably name most of the people there as it was my first job from school.
Kindest regards to all.
Not forgetting Dave Chambers..chubby dave !!

Reply
Alan Warwick
10/6/2019 21:38:04

Which years were you there?

Reply
Steve
11/6/2019 12:13:33

Hi Alan
1973..for 5 or 6 years
Went to Southgate tech on day release.
Worked with Bill Bailey, Dave Waller.
But started off with Frank...I think they called him service Sam
But to to his face.
Got dumped in the car wash on our first Christmas 😠

Chris Eccles
14/1/2021 22:12:32

"Service Sam" (bought back memories) was the name of the cartoon character who featured on publications sent out to Vauxhall/Bedford dealers by the Service Division. These publications related to updates and modifications made to production vehicles to deal with technical problems that had been resolved.
Chris Eccles

Steve Small
16/7/2024 11:19:11

Anyone remember Dave Chambers or his whereabouts??
Same for Pete Bailey and Phil Brougham ??

Loads of happy memories 😊

Reply
Tony Gifford link
3/7/2019 22:03:52

Started my apprenticeship in 1962-67 at remington st.as mechanic,
1967 experimental mechanicat Fords dunton essex .testing cars in arctic, lommel -offered a lecturers position at 24/25 ,did not take it,
took a lecturers position at 29,which i took
at 33 i was an high court expert witness ,
stayed at the college for 31 years which i enjoyed .
FRIENDS AT REMINGTON ST. JOHN PACE -.BILL CIOFFI
BILL BAILEY- FRANK SALMONS- DAVE JEFFREYS- .
I enjoyed every minute of my appreticeship

Reply
Chris Clarke
4/7/2020 07:48:22

Hi All I worked in car sales at Capital Motors from 1977 till about 1979 I remember Geof Lief who was son of Fred Lief and David Lief who was a Commercial Salesman is there any one else from that time out there please contact me Good old days in the motor trade Cheers Chris

Reply
Derek Brownfield
6/8/2024 15:24:09

Hey Chis I remember you We were salesmen together

Reply
Heather Spear.
23/8/2020 16:02:58

Gosh I worked for Stan Durdin and then a young Leslie Durdin joined the staff and all us girls were very excited this was about 1952
I was up in the office with Olive Vane. I sometimes worked round the back in the stores.

Reply
Chris Eccles
14/1/2021 18:38:36

I was trawling through the internet during Covid-19 lockdown for information on former Vauxhall/Bedford dealers that I remember. I served a 5 year indentured apprenticeship with Vauxhall Motors at their Luton Plant, Kimpton Road, joining on the day they launched the HA Viva, 2nd September 1963.
The first 18 months was in the apprentice workshop where every apprentice started "life". There were three six month areas that one progressed through and covered all aspects of hand and machine engineering. I learnt skills which are still with me today, nearly 60 years on.
It gave one the chance to get to know the plant and decide where they wanted to go after those first 18 months. The most popular was the "Experimental Division", which had just moved to a new purpose built block opened in 1964, where all the new models were designed and developed after the HA, the FB Victor and PB Cresta/Velox. Second was the Service Division which I went for and got accepted. 12 months of my time in Service was spent on the production lines for passenger cars, light vans and Bedford trucks, both at Luton and the truck plant at Dunstable. The rationale for this was to learn how they were put together BEFORE you fully learnt how to take them apart. Dealer's sons were also invited to take part in such an apprenticeship. Any dealer's technicians/mechanics will undoubtedly have been on various week long Vauxhall run courses in Z Block at Luton. That is the building where, basically, I was apprenticed.
The reason for this blog is that when working in the "Owner Relations" section in the "Office" towards the end of my apprenticeship, I had contact with Capital Motors both processing their warranty claims, and handling unusual problems/situations with their customer's cars via their Service Manager. I also had dealings with other dealerships in London including Spurlings and Gregorys, to name but two.
I eventually left the motor industry in 1972 and joined Hoover Ltd as a field service engineer in Lincolnshire/Rutland and then promoted to a field Area Service Manager 18 months later in the Midlands. The Hoover HO was then on the Western Avenue, Perivale, but now I think is/was a Tesco supermarket.
Many thanks for allowing me to contribute and be a small part in your site.
Chris Eccles.

Reply
Brian Inns
14/7/2021 14:01:36

I worked at Capitol Motors from 1960 till 1968 as an apprentice and a mechanic. My first 6 months was spent on the back counter of the stores with Roy Caslake learning about parts. Then spent time in the engine recondition section working with Ollie Prince rebuilding engines and testing them. Next was spent with Dick Marchant doing electrical repairs and testing. Next came car repairs with Bill Ashy he was a specialist on power glide automatic transmissions by 1996 l was a mechanic.There were so many guys some I know today like Terry Slater,Terry Harris and the late Tony Hanam. Others I remember were Eddie Hipwell, Geoff Dawes, Ginger Jones, Errol, Boogy David Waller, Dennis Dawson, Davy Webb, Bobby John's, Bobby Groombridge, Bob Jessop Alan Warwick Fred Lief and so many more. It was a great firm for apprentices every year at least 4 new guys started. I do remember Alan Warwick reversing into the pole and as his supervisor at the time should probably take responsibility. Freddy Hall the foreman was not a happy bunny that day. The funniest accident was when Bobby John drove a Tonybell ice cream van forgetting his bay was under a low ceiling as the ice cream van tune played the cow on the top of the van decapitated and lay on the workshop floor.

Reply
Chris Eccles
16/7/2021 10:56:37

Brian.
Your comment re the "Power glide" automatic transmission stimulated memories. As you will recall, it was the 2 speed automatic transmission bought in from America and first installed in the PC Cresta/Cresta De-Luxe and the later introduced Viscount where it was the factory standard transmission, with a manual box an "optional extra".
It replaced the "Hydramatic" 3 speed box which was used in the PB Cresta/Velox. Do you remember that transmission?

Reply
Peter Chaplin
11/12/2022 19:53:18

Hi there. A most interesting blog and I pass my thanks to Alan W for his initial writings. I too served an apprenticeship at Capital Motors in Tottenham Lane, Hornsey, being interviewed by Leslie Durdin around Easter time who, were I accepted, advised me to enjoy the long summer holiday (having left school in the July) and wait until the September before starting. Wise counsel – the last long holiday for some 40+ years. I knew some of those mentioned above – including Alan W who was a couple of years older than I. I may have it all wrong but I believe Alan became the “Crypton” specialist and also later managed the “Budget rent-a-car” enterprise which the management took on. I started on 9th Dec 1967 along with Roger Jones and Bob Stanfield, who became good mates. Told to report to Mr Stagg (stores manager) on the first day and spent the first year in his domain doing much the same as Alan W says – exciting times when the stock order was delivered, having to halt all traffic in Tottenham lane so the artic could reverse into the loading bay which had the overhead travelling chain winch. The next couple of days were spent putting things away under the watchful eye of “Winny”. Also spent many an hour on the “back counter” with an Indian gentleman known as “Dobar”. I remember the stores’ hydraulic pillar lift between ground and first floor suffered significant ‘water hammer’ incessantly on stopping at the ground level. During that time in the stores, the management decided to forfeit the upper car showroom in order to increase the stores space and Roger, Bob and I spent a number of weeks assembling the required dexion racking using spanners ‘borrowed’ from the stores stock of car tool kits. When fully stocked, we could hide on the top shelf and take it easy for a while – that is until ‘Mac ?’, came ahunting. The first Christmas (’67) the works closed at lunchtime and we all departed to the Hope and Anchor pub close by (and still there), and the elder boys plied us youngsters with Stingo barley wine. My first hangover and how I managed to get home on my Lambretta still defeats me, but I have memories of heading towards a double decker along Tottenham Lane. I also suffered the ‘mutton cloth’ routine being dumped on a canteen table on the pavement.
It was about this time when the Remington St branch closed and some of the staff appeared at Hornsey – Steve Wise being one. I’m still on Christmas card terms with Steve, and Dave Sanders. Remington’s Johnny Travis ? took over as workshop foreman at Hornsey, displacing Fred Hall who went to the Wealdstone engineering works where my second assignment took place. Best job there was working with Johnny Pickett, rebuilding the TK 330 and 220 diesels and being aware of the associated machinery, the nodding donkey crank grinder, the surface grinder with a 2ft horizontal wheel and all the other interesting machinery. I spent a little time in the ‘diesel clean room’ where injectors and pumps were overhauled by an oriental gentleman and being told NOT to put one’s hand to catch the spray from an injector being tested with the ‘Hartridge Nozzle Pop Tester’. On completing a diesel rebuild it would be moved to the test bay, plumbing and electrics fitted and run for a few hours – including a 3000 rpm run to adjust the governor. When there was insufficient diesel work, we rebuilt TK/car gearboxes and petrol engines – these were only electrically motored to ensure oil pressure and general wellbeing.
At long last, I was allowed into the Hornsey workshop, spending time with Dave Waller, Pete Townsend, Boogie and Freddie Leif. They were all marvellous to work with and I learnt much from them, not just mechanics but the ways of the world as well. It was Roger Skelton, I believe, who, being disgruntled on being given another Scammell 3-wheeler to fix, would drive it through the workshop to his bay at top speed, scaring everyone else in the process. Memorable events include, with Fred, attending a KM/MK ? unladen flatbed artic breakdown in Islington, just off City Road. The engine had swallowed its in-the-intake-manifold gauze air filter (flame trap ?) and was running with a significant knock as the piston tried to squeeze the filter into the combustion space. Fred knew what had happened and suggested we tow it back, with the engine idling for braking and power steering purposes – with our tiny landrover (OWC 315) and chain. What ? I said, then who’s driving it ? You are – but don’t worry, I’m in charge in the landy and where the cab goes, the trailer follows, and don’t forget, you’ve the brakes for us both ! Exciting times for a 19/20 yr old. We arrived back ok. Things must have moved on because we used a high girder mounted chain winch to remov

Reply
Chris Eccles
1/1/2023 14:24:34

Peter.
The truck you referred to in that breakdown, would have been a Bedford “KM”. It was a modified “TK” and recognised externally from the front by a large, (always white when it left the Dunstable factory although the cab was built at Luton and shipped over), double bumper that went up to just below the front screen and had the word “BEDFORD” in black upper case letters on the top rail which was separated from the lower (normal) part by two struts. It had twin headlamps. Inside, the driver’s seat was “sculptured” and hydraulically dampened to smooth out road bumps for comfort.
There were other mods to engine a gearbox which took it up a few notches to compete with trucks such as the Guy “Warrior” and “Invincible”. I can’t exactly recall them now as it was over 50 years ago.
I did pass my driving test on a Bedford RL cargo truck in the Territorial Army at the grand old age of 20 years!!

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alan Warwick
18/7/2024 08:40:36

Yes, Peter, I did use the Crypton Motorscope which was gathering dust after Peter Lucy left. One day, when there was no work, I took the instruction book into the canteen and read it through. The next service I was allocated I connected up all the wires and a pipe and was impressed at what I could discover about the engine.
In February 1971 I was given the opportunity of starting the Budget Rent-a-Car franchise with a handful of Viva HC models, a couple of Victors, two Bedford CF vans and, bizarrely, two Firenzas!
This started the next chapter in my life running car, van and truck rental operations for 38 years.

Reply
TONY GIFFORD
26/10/2023 18:52:05

Great idea of this website of alan,s
Just to add when i did my apprenticeship i initially worked with
Les Witherinton [ foreman]in the recon shop at islington,Bill
Cioffi who,s son turned up in one of my classes at WALTHAM
FOREST COLLEGE many years later.Worked with FRANK
SALMON in the workshop along Alf the welder
BILL BAILEY was a great guy along with many others
Worked with TERRY LUCY who surpriised me and saw me
on my first day at Ford motor company , dunton essex.
I was unfortunately told islington was closing so i left leaviing
behind many happy memories.

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