Speaking for the Thema & Dedra Consortium...
The figures suggest 436 vehicles still in use, but our membership is only around the 40 mark!
Seems crazy to me that anyone would run a Thema or Dedra without being in the Consortium. We have a stock of used parts that covers just about everything you could want, and we have lots of hard to come by new parts, including wheel arch repair panels and cam belt / tensioner bearing kits.
If the figures are correct and not dsitorted by re-tests, it suggests that Themas have survived relatively well given how few were sold in the UK.
Hi Mike,
Unfortunately the level of membership to the original Dedra Consortium that I ran for quite a few years, (although without the spares side) was never more than 40 members in it's heyday when there was lots of Dedra's about, when Phil & myself got together to combine the Dedra Consortium with the Thema Consortium, which had a stronger following and the spares availability, the situation didn't improve that much, sadly in a few years time no doubt, people will be scrapping Dedra's and Thema's for exactly the reasons you state, which is really why owners need to join now, as if TDC folds eventually for lack of support, there's no way back.
I agree that while some owners think TDC is not value for money, they are mistaken, most Committee members give of their time freely to meet up in Wales once a year to spend a weekend stripping, collating, and racking parts removed from either a Dedra or Thema, or perhaps both.
They don't receive any payment for this, even staying overnight they pay for themselves. certain members spend many hours collecting a car or 2 on a trailer when there is room in the storage, and a scrap car is available. They supply their time, vehicles and trailer all for the cost of the fuel so that the consortium can help owner/members, and sometimes those who are not but are having problems, most who then usually see the light and join.
As for new parts, Dave Abbett is always hunting around for new spares that may be needed, while also attending to every day service items at a better price than can usually be found elsewhere.
Once again unpaid.
Model advice is also available, Technical or otherwise and there is a regular newsletter mostly by email.
So all in all £26 per annum is a very small price to pay for the services offered, and at double the price it would still be worth it.
It was pointed out to me many years ago that a Dedra Consortium wasn't needed as there were plenty of Fiat/Lancia Dealers, and there wasn't a problem getting hold of parts as many commercial operators where equipped to supply the owners needs, that may have been partly true at the time, but it certainly isn't now.
Brian
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