First tool rented through AST!

So we've had our first tool rented through the site. It's the VS1290 Engine Timing/Locking kit manufactured by Sealey Tools in the UK. We hope to populate the P2P tools database with tools like this that are hard to find, too expensive to buy for one job, or other compelling reasons. Let your local garage/service center know about the idea. Who knows? Maybe we can help them the same way we just helped this independent service center in Minnesota!

New service offered by AST!

We have had a few requests from various folks asking us to post their tools up on AST for them and handle the rental transactions directly from our base of operations in Columbia, MD. If there is enough demand for a tool or test part you own, we may be inclined to do the same for you and simply send you cash whenever your item is borrowed through the site.

So apparently, Land Rovers break down a lot...

I just had a wonderful conversation with Bill Cox.

Some of you don't know who Bill Cox is, so I'll fill you in..

He's a registered importer of Minis in the US and I happened to come across him in the Land Rover forums. He has one of the few sets of tools needed to change the timing belt on Land Rover FreeLanders as well as the Haynes manual that goes over the specialized engine that is not available in the US.

While our conversation started with how to post tools on AST, we delved into how the crankshafts on these suckers break, how if the cranks don't kill the motor, the headgaskets fail early, as well as the ridiculous amounts money needed to buy parts for these vehicles within the US and how he has been able to make it affordable for enthusiasts all over the world.

He also has contacts overseas that enable Land Rover owners to get parts CHEAPER than here in the US...

Join me in welcoming Mr. Cox (username werewolf) to the site. Thanks!

His equipment shall be available for rent on AutomotiveSpecialtyTool.net within a week or so.

First tool posted by someone I don't personally know!

Username itsnickjames posted his universal clutch alignment tool seen here: https://www.automotivespecialtytool.net/detail.php?id=68

This is awesome as the idea is starting to penetrate and we're getting valuable feedback about website improvements, tool suggestions, etc.

So... to all of you out there: Try doing an inventory of your tools and spare parts over the holidays and post them up. You never know what someone might need and it won't cost you a dime!

Try before you buy!

In addition to the specialized tools you might find on AST, a new concept is surfacing... What is it, you ask?

Well, silly, it's trial use! For example, the ECU just listed allows those toying with the idea of tuning their car to try it out by only putting down a deposit and a fee of $10 to rent it for a whole month! You really can't beat that unless you know tuners personally.

This particular setup is a Honda P28 ECU equipped with Hondata s300, boost option, and VTEC control. Rent it out today!

http://www.automotivespecialtytool.net/detail.php?id=63

So we've hit 40 registered members!

We are seeing growing interest in this grassroots movement, but we're noticing that no one has posted additional tools to the database. How can we improve this process so that it's easier for you? Perhaps it's the upcoming holidays.. Who knows... In any case, we're here to help, so please let us know how we can do so!

- the Management

Got these tools laying around??

That's right, folks! AST is interested in bringing you to the lending table. We realize that the service is essentially useless until we build the peer-to-peer tools database.

We have begun threads on all of our affiliated forums hoping to attract some initial buy-in to the concept other than Ramzi's own personal collection of specialty tools.

Just in case you didn't catch the current, hot items that are wanted, they are:

- CJ951 or similar bearing puller; wanted 12/25/2010 - 1/25/2011
- stubby, ratcheting 21mm wrench; wanted 12/25/2010 - 1/25/2011
- RTAB bushing pullers and press
- Differential carrier bushing pullers and press
- Differential bushing puller and press
- fender roller

If you have any of these, post them up on AST as they are hot items!