On the subject of DIY topics I am thinking it would be helpful if there was a category for those issues. In this next year I have three specific projects that I want to post the step by step detail to help others and to get help. One is getting the distributor advance curves right. Another is doing the complete bodywork and paint on my car. The last is, if I get the time, completely redoing the suspension on a friends old LA Exotics.

If you had a specific area for these types a DIY projects I think everyone would like that. Opinions?

Wayne

Duane,
I agree. There is a problem with just referring to an old post and leaving it at that. New people can be involved and bring up other ideas, or new products come out that changes the ball game. I have read just about all the post on, "which kit should I buy", and honestly I will continue to read them. Companies change and become better or worse. I have found that each buyers experience may be totally different. It just takes one person to post an idea that no one came up with before. If a person is bored with a topic I think it is just better to not comment. Give it a day something new may come out of it.

I’m one of the newbies here. I found this site instrumental during the cobra purchase process last summer. I especially relied on this site’s feedback regarding an engine/tranny package. The engine I initially thought I was going to buy is way different than the one I ended up buying. Thanks guys.

Couple more comments:

The search feature works well for initial info gathering, but having the follow-on discussions are critical.

The banter is great. All forms of humor belong. Being someone’s nanny does not.

“How to” discussions are critical. Pictures help.

Bob

I plan to revive my "LeMans Hardtop for an ERA" thread here in the next month or so as I get in to my trunk spliting surgury and make some changes for next year...I'll have lots of pics for you pic munchers..

- Allen.

The forum has definitely changed, in content and demographics.

In the years before SPF's, KMP's and CSX (replicas), there was a much great exchange of technical info because the 'pioneer' cars required it. Arntz, CCX, ERA, Shell, Unique, Midstates and a few others required a more hands-on build experience and guys came here to ask questions (me) and share solutions (me). The cars were much more elemental then than factory assembled cars now.

You didn't see any 'Which kit should I buy?', 'What do I have here?', 'Corvette or Cobra?' threads then. Guys had a better technical understanding of the cars and educated themselves much more before jumping in. I retch when I see threads that start, 'I just bought this and tell me what it is and what's in it'...

Great builds and modifications came from guys like Decooney (Jag rear improvement) Chuck's Garage (ERA build and undercar exhaust), Buckley, Roscoe, Hal Copple, Turk and more I can't remember who are essentially gone now. Beautiful work from the K bros. is a treat but mostly not available because they're bought that way, not constructed by the owner. Morris' KMP 186 build was a tour-de-force but sadly few and far between.

Simply stated, there are many fewer hands-on guys now. I know, I know - every one that can afford one is free to enjoy it any way they please. You get plenty of 'which armrest' and 'floor mat' threads from them. Not many going to driving schools or have prior race experience though.

The 'buy-it now crowd' has no tech to add, only questions to ask. Which would be fine, except few have the depth of understanding and experience to comprehend the answers. Engine builders have to run businesses and their input is welcomed by tech-heads but understandably scarce. Builders like Clayton and the KMP bros again, have livings to make. We're lucky to have Putnam but he's much more burdened than ever before so we get less of him. Losing Richard Hudgins and less of JacMac was a sad loss for tech lovers. Kris Kincade has no stomach for what this has become on CC I guess-a loss far as I'm concerned.

An improvement in content (for me) has been the leap in FE development and Windsor tech. Clutches and trans' like the TKO 600 have been similar improvements.

A step backward (again for me) has been the CSX snobbery which has essentially crystallized the 'class-based' pecking order of manufacturers. CSX's are fine cars-er, HST CSX's-no wait African CSX's-or is it Vegas or Malta CSX's...one of 'em is! Endless speculation about their values, continuation, 'genuineness' and pedigree are not only lame but do nothing to advance the concept that all Cobras is what brings us here. We're a really small group in the automotive world and should all carry that pride around. We all have 'big d!cks' not some of us bigger than others in my view.

Advice and step-by-step can still be found here which is as it should be for noobs and experienced alike. But my biggest criteria for acceptance is relevance and credibility of the giver. I hate advice given by someone wanting to be an 'authority' on all matters-unless he's been a professional in this business. Sharing info is great but when I do, I do so with the caveat that someone else can always show me a better way. I'd really rather learn than preach. Everybody's got opinions but they should be based on user experience when given, not second-hand or web-based prattle. Countless dyno debates and knock-off threads are examples. Second-hand information when presented as such should direct the reader to form his own opinion as to it's value. But don't present it as fact because it doesn't help those that asked for it.

There are probably exceptions to every point I made but painting with this broad brush is a comprehensive view of my seven years here. Feel free to disagree or ignore.

Gotta meet you in person someday, Chas.. I like your perspective.

- Allen.

Soooo, how 'bout that car bag?:p If you find one on your doorstep Christmas morning you'll know which merry little elf left it there.;)

So, besides being an ding-dong according to Patrick and newb who bought a pre-assembled Kirkham with his checkbook per Chas, how am I really doing? :LOL:

At least I didn't start any of the following threads ever:

a) Which armrest and coffee holder is best?
b) What Cobra did I buy and did I get a good deal?
c) Look at my dyno figures and how huge they are, but what does A/F mean?

:LOL:

Ehhh, I'd give you a B-. Now, you could probably bump that up to a solid B, or maybe even a B+, with some kind and thoughtful comments regarding a certain car bag....:rolleyes:

Allen-that's very nice of you to say. 'Specially after I beat you to a pulp until you fixed your ride height...;) Thanks.

Pat-:LOL::LOL: Although I generally seem to detest you, (and I DO) I have the greatest respect for your innate intelligence and your expert knack for being a d!ck at the perfect time-which for the discerning-proves you're not. I promise if you ever saw off that erection growing out of your cockpit, we'll be kissey-face buddies...oh and maybe lose the beige paint...:JEKYLHYDE

Rod-Naaah, you're an exception to the checkbook crowd. Your observations and discerning contributions set you apart. That and your old 540 'Vette. Coupled with your self deprecation and sterling sense of humor I truly enjoy our banter, bicker and BS on various subjects. You do have a good analytical view of subjects, even when they're beyond your actual technical experience. Besides, you hate the guy I love to hate too...:LOL::LOL::LOL:

So how does one start an "ERA Chas" fan club? :LOL:

Start by send me lots of DUES!:3DSMILE:

Here's a Sure-Fire Way...
 

I bet if you bought him a "Kackel Dackel" for Christmas he'd let you in. Personally, I think it's right up his alley....:p

OK, you've won. That's about as funny a post as I can remember anyone posting. You have to win the "Funniest Post of the 2010" award for that one.

Patrickt.

I have been thanking you for you detailed post - BUT you other point of upsetting people / starting the "See I'm 5 years old" with ERAChas and RodKnock are just so...:JEKYLHYDE

I have been following other fora (Saab, Vette ++) and NO OTHER forum are so full of stupid posts :CRY:

Why is it you good folks can't concentrate on the positive and constructive issues - it makes people sick and stay away from this forum.

Now and again when some new person thinks he can short cut the process the search by "just asking" I find it ok to joke about it - but the never ending BS you folks post here...:(

Let's focus on the constructive part.

kind regards
Henrik

I'll have to disagree with this statement. The Corvette and Porsche Forums that I watch are full of the same banter. All forums would suffer for only allowing robotic responses to literally the same questions over and over again.

And to lump ERAChas in with me or even Patrick for that matter is unfair. They both contribute technically and have a little fun too. Patrick a little more so.

I try my best to contribute where I can, (e.g., SB100, magnesium wheel purchases, etc.), though extremely limited, but I still enjoy Cobras and this is a pretty good place to be if you do.

Well, there's one thing we all can agree on...
 

I dare say that if a poll were to be taken there would be 100% agreement among the forum members that I am indeed more fun than ERAChas.:cool:

I gotta agree that in some cases the forum has been lost by some. Hell, even the Arizona club finds it more important to find out where the latest gun show is or where to find a 357 magnum or a handgun with a silencer! Lost in space.

:LOL: ok... NOW this thread is getting really good.

I'll reply at the risk of pissing-off Henrik and the Saab guys:

There is a distinction between 'being fun' and 'having wit'.:rolleyes: