Building a Classic Reputation over 21 years
Twenty one years represents a special coming of age. But no more so when it is a celebration of 21 years in business.
For Tina and Dave Ledger of Sunshine Steering, Palmwoods the 21st business anniversary has been a timely opportunity to reflect on the challenges they faced to get started, especially in the context of the current business environment.
“Dave had been working for Rosemount Steering for 11 years and when that business was sold we decided to start our own business,” Tina said.
“At the time, I was working part time as a Dietician’s Assistant at the Nambour Hospital. We had our two year old daughter, Kempsy and I was 6 months pregnant.
“We opened our doors on the 6th of April 1999 and on the 6th of July, our son Locklan was born. To say it was hectic is an understatement! But between us, we managed”
In the beginning, Tina kept her part time job at the hospital and the kids spent a lot of time with their Dad in the workshop
“They used to get so dirty!” said David. “I would throw a plastic sheet across their seats in the back of the car. I’d have to call Tina before I left work and ask her to fill up the bath ready for them, because they would arrive home covered in grease.”
While Locklan grew a reputation as a grease monkey Kempsy was a great little helper.
“She was so tidy and she would pick up the spanners and tools, and hang them back in the right place for me. Locklan also helped me, even when he was really little. I have one particular memory of him sitting on the floor of the car and working the pedals to help bleed brakes. He was still in nappies at the time.”
Locklan shares his father’s love of mechanics and now works alongside his parents. “I think a part of our longevity in the industry is that Dave is a specialist at what he does,” said Tina. “He is extremely experienced at working on steering, with 30 years under his belt. A lot of other workshops outsource their power steering work to him because he not only has the knowledge, but also the specialist tools. And he can work on any make or model.”
If steering is a specialty, vintage and classic cars are a passion for Dave.
“I have worked on more cars than you can imagine,” Dave said. “From Rolls Royce, to Aston Martins, to E-Type Jaguars, EH Holdens, WB Holdens and a 1930’s Dodge.
Old Holdens are his real love.
“It is not just that I love vintage cars, but also that I genuinely like the challenge of fixing things, especially when it is difficult to find parts for them.
“I have a lathe in the workshop and can make parts that are no longer procurable for older model cars. It is so rewarding. We are members of the Sunshine Coast Antique Car Club so I know how people who have vintage cars feel about their vehicles. I treat my customers’ cars as if they were my own.”
“I know how people feel about their vehicles. I treat their cars as if they were my own”
Walking around the workshop, that is evident, with an immaculate vintage Rolls Royce carefully wrapped in clean sheets, and an E-Type Jag swathed in a protective cover.
Twenty one years down and COVID-19 restrictions notwithstanding, Sunshine Steering is still going strong.
“We have stepped up our practices to keep staff and customers safe,” Tina said.
“Before and after every car is serviced we disinfect and sanitise every contact point, including the keys,” she said. “We can service and repair any make or model of car - or age, we don’t discriminate!”
“We are both born and raised here on the Coast, and our local community has been incredibly supportive of us,” said Tina. “It has been such a great place to raise our children and do business.”
“Plus, we are involved with many community groups and have sponsored all kinds of sports, events and causes,” Dave said. “It’s just part of being in a small, close knit community like ours.”
Sunshine Steering is located at 4/27 Main Street Palmwoods. Phone 5478 8020.