Geriaviator, re the state of our crewroom. If The Clerk of Works/Ministry of Public Blunders and Wonders are unable to fix the jobs apply to your friendly SATCO. I knew an ATC Sqn that could do most jobs in fact it tendered to sort out the Officers' Mess garages at a very competitive price!
It is surprising how many people had extra strings to their bows, artists/DIYers/engineers.