Defining the perfect car......or how did the Forum change?

[Roadkingcoupe]

I too am a little surprised by the recent turn of events on the forum. For the most part nasty behavior was reserved for all the other sites, this one was like a hidden gem and it lasted for a long time.

Been here awhile, and the inclusive nature (stock, hot rod, show car, beater) was refreshing and truly an asset. I would miss it if it changed. Or maybe it already has.

However it did get me thinking of the concept of the "perfect car".

So permit me if you will to "discuss" the concept of the "perfect" car. Like many of you I go to car shows and see beautiful "done" cars. You know what I mean an 80K restoration in a vehicle worth 30K. The owner is "on guard" making sure no one touches the vehicle and that the vehicle remains pristine. Perfect........... but not my kind of fun.

Or what about the guy that runs around the show pointing out the "flaws" in every car. Whats up with that?

Luckily I have a choice of two old Mopars to drive, one is a 1941 with 41000 original miles, nice original car, with new paint,chrome and interior. The other is a 1939 Plymouth Coupe had it over twenty years and the resto is at least twenty years old, really just a nice driver. Paint is fair, body is showing some age, original headliner and the seats are less then comfortable on a long ride.

Funny thing about the two vehicles. They both look great and everyone enjoys seeing them. BUT, the 1939 (flaws and all) is my PERFECT car. It rattles and squeaks and smells like an old car..... that"s a good thing. When I arrive at a show I make sure the brake is on and I don't come back till I leave (I dont need to worry if the 39 is OK). So many great cars to see, so little time!

My point being is that a "perfect car" is too restrictive for me. A "perfect" car might not get driven as much. Like most of you I DO NOT like being told how to enjoy my car. I cring every time I push the "I AGREE" button on the POC site (even though I have stock original cars). So please share your stories of YOUR perfect car.

Lets keep this site open, honest and inclusive. Thanks (rant over)

roadkingcoupe

[randroid]

Roadkingcoupe,

Nicely said. Not much I can add to it, but it doesn't really need much else said. I too have noticed the change in the tenor of the posts but I don't see it as a forum-wide situation so much as just a few people making a lot of noise and receiving too much attention from it. Perhaps there are a few insecure persons here who are attracted to that attention, any attention, be it good or bad, and they seized the opportunity to bring attention upon themselves. I've noticed some politicians doing the same sort of thing lately but rather than figure our system is going in the toilet I just make a mental note of who won't be receiving my vote and let it go at that.

I envision the same circumstances occurring around here and other than wishing people would find an appropriate outlet I don't see any damage done to the forum. Besides, there's always the 'ignore' option if it ever gets too deep (although if it starts getting close to that I think GTK would take more than a passive stance).

I think P15-D24 will be alive and kicking for quite a while to come.

-Randy

[Johnny S]

This forum remains extremely successful. Membership and participation continue to grow ... that alone demonstrates one very important form of success. I wonder if the POC is growing at the same rate?

This forum is filled with energy, enthusiasm, solid information and electronic (and real) friendships that simply amaze me at times. Look at the positive comments and well wishes when we lose a friend like Norm's Coupe. We should all be so blessed to have folks who will take the time to say "thanks for being one of the good ones!"

This forum has recently seen some bad language ... but not a lot .... and some electronic displays of frustration. Growing pains .... and in some cases we have to realize that all of us get "SOS" ... stuck on stupid ... at times.

This forum voluntarily contributes to GTK's fund to help offset costs .... I don't know of many that are able to do so as successfully. Thanks GTK.

This forum has an operational premise that I believe includes: good service, positive attitude, acceptance of a wide range of ideas, creativity, helpfulness, offers of assistance and real assistance provided ... in many cases truly for free, and an intolerance for what we might loosely describe as "bad behavior". I think those are all good characteristics that we should continue to strive for here. I also think they remain constant metrics for a successful forum.

To me ... bad behavior is not living up to something akin to the operational premise's listed above. This forum is not "all about money" .... nor is it about everyone having a 100 point car .... nor is it about "my cars better than your car". Nor is it about the use of expletives to somehow attempt to increase the effect of a thought or action. This forum is about enjoying your own car and helping others to enjoy theirs .... to help them find or build or show or drive their own "perfect car". And to do otherwise probably constitutes some form of bad behavior.

So ... as momma always told me ... think before you speak .... and .... you can't take back what you have already said (unless you are a politician I guess).

More Mopar talk please !!!

Edited January 28, 2010 by Johnny S

[PatS....]

My Perfect Car? I haven't found it yet. Probably why I have gone through 300+ since 1971.

They were all fun, and if they weren't fun, I would take up something that was fun and that takes up less room.

I have a buddy who freaks out every time a bird craps on the Cavalier, and goes ballistic if someone walks too close to his OLD car...not fun and I seldom go to show and shines with him...too stressful when it's supposed to be FUN.

I agree with RKC about the rattles and clunks and the old car smell...important stuff. Hard to recreate, though.

The Perfect Car is the one you have the most FUN with. It sure shouldn't break the bank. Unless that's YOUR idea of fun, then go for it!!!

[T120]

...All of the above are thoughtful comments.The cars I have are far from show cars and I don't consider them an "investment" .I thoroughly enjoy the cars and the "tinkering".When I am driving them,and when they're parked I don't worry about people getting too close - there will be no signs on my cars.Usually if I go to a show my car is parked on the street,especially if there is an entry fee involved.I will not pay to put my car on show.The knowledge on this forum and the helpful advice available really impresses me.The documented repairs and upgrading of the cars is great reading.Even though we share common interests in the cars, we each have our own views and priorities -that is a good thing.The "ignore" feature on this forum is a useful item,and regretfully,at times it may be necessary to put it to use

Edited January 28, 2010 by Ralph D25cpe

[blueskies]

Perfect?

My oldest son 10 years ago, right after we pulled the Plymouth flathead.

Four years later, the maiden voyage and the "build team".

1,600 miles of bugs through six different states.

Perfect.

[greg g]

Nothing wrong with paying entry fees at shows as long as you know where the money goes. usueaaly it is the mai source of revenue for the host clubs acivities and pays for trophies and permits and security if necessary. Many clubs also make a doation of part of the proceeds to a local or regionl charity. Our locar Mopar club's show proceeds go to a burn injury clinic at a local hospital, plus you geet "preffered parking". So it might be worth an enquiry at the gate to see where the moey goes, even if your car isn't a show vehicle. Lotsa stuff I see these days is not show quality and in some cases even road ready might be questioned.

[james curl]

Blueskies can authenticate my storie that I drove my 48 P-15 thru the brine water at Bonneville in 2007 as he took a picture of me and my car out on the salt. I go to shows that are free or the entry is for a school function or such, I open the doors and invite anyone to sit in the car. I had a little lady who was about late seventies or early eighties ask to sit in the back seat, so I let her and she told me more than I really wanted to know about those back seats and what they were used for back in '48. That is what I call my perfect car, that and my tan primered 55 Chevy pick up.

[blueskies]

Blueskies can authenticate my story that I drove my 48 P-15 thru the brine water at Bonneville in 2007...

[Captain Neon]

I really don't think the forum has changed. Every once in a while, we pick up a troll. It's just unusual that one would stick around as long. Not the first time some one has used foul language, but usu. one only needs told once. I want to believe that we've seen the last of our most recent troll, but for some reason I can't help but think he'll be back if he ever is allowed back on.

I commend GTK for getting to the root cause, and acting accordingly. I am glad that GTK was able to determine those whose contributions are a net positive versus those who offer little to nothing.

It is never good to have to ban some one, but I guess it is like any progressive discipline process. I am assuming that our recent troll has merely been suspended after having been coached, verbally warned, and given a written warning. I don't know if a Performance Improvement Plan is in the works or not.

I am looking forward to the forum returning to the good-natured camaraderie that makes this place special. We do what we can when we can, and those of us that have been here a while realise that it's more about payin' it forward than payin' some one back.

[wayfarerstranger]

TROLL that is a polite way of putting it !!

[RobertKB]

I believe the person referred to was deliberately run off the forum by a small cabal (small secretive group working together) of members. I agree he could be irritating, arrogant, and childish but personally I have sold him parts and had no trouble as well as communicated with him on the PM level. Yes, he could be annoying with his repeated questions and lack of knowledge but I still don't understand why other members could not add him to their ignore list. Instead, it was their pleasure to bait him because they knew how he would react until finally he went overboard and has at the least got suspended. I taught junior high, very successfully, for over 30 years and I repeatedly would see this behavior whenever any student was considered "different". Only word for it is bullying. Many of you will not like what I have said but I really don't care. If you are one of those that helped run him off the forum, take a look in the mirror and see what a bully looks like.

[kfxinsd007]

Too answer you question - The Perfect car -In my opinion:

I have not been a member of this site as long as others as you can tell by my profile but I have found out alot about the era; before my time by the way; that my perfect car came from, and with that information I have kept it rolling along to this day. It is not a daily driver as some people in this site have - and I am very jelious of them at times. The History of the machine is the perfection of it. Everyone of them tells a different story and here is mine.

Originaly purchased for total of $ 2,880.00 in Jan 1949 by my grandparents, the first and only car they ever bought and drove.They are past on now for some time cruising down the great road beyond.

The car now has 43,000 original miles on it and has never been redone - One fresh coat of matching paint due to fading - is the only thing that I would consider major has been done. I take it to local car shows around South Dakota and have alot of fun explaining the history and ever learning the information from the people that used them every day as we do today with our own cars. Going to work, school, movies, stores etc. my point here is this site is a great place for me - for knowledge, experience, insight, vision and more. I have never had a problem with anyone here and hope I never will but to make it short every picture, question, OT's jokes, etc is more information that I will ever have have learned from some dusty old book.

I thank all of the Members for the information and hope that the Perfect Car can be seen by each and everyone of us - Because, in my opinion, We all own one - or for some of you lucky ones - More than One.

Thank You All

[greg g]

have you other pictures than the one on your profile??? Looks like a great example of an unmolested car. (don't consider a maintanence pait job molesting it) Beig that it belonged to you grand parents is very nice. Do you kow where they bought it? Is the dealership or any of its remaind left?

[55 Fargo]

I believe the person referred to was deliberately run off the forum by a small cabal (small secretive group working together) of members. I agree he could be irritating, arrogant, and childish but personally I have sold him parts and had no trouble as well as communicated with him on the PM level. Yes, he could be annoying with his repeated questions and lack of knowledge but I still don't understand why other members could not add him to their ignore list. Instead, it was their pleasure to bait him because they knew how he would react until finally he went overboard and has at the least got suspended. I taught junior high, very successfully, for over 30 years and I repeatedly would see this behavior whenever any student was considered "different". Only word for it is bullying. Many of you will not like what I have said but I really don't care. If you are one of those that helped run him off the forum, take a look in the mirror and see what a bully looks like.

Rob, well said, yes I think somehow it went a little too far, too bad, I know some have been well intentioned on steering/helping the Warshaw in the right direction. Some have went out of there way to make MW, a target of there intolerance, myself included to a minor degree. Yes when someone is different, they easily can become a scapegoat/target for the intolerant.

I believe in your career as Teacher, you have witnessed this many times, over the years,.

I stilll believe firmaly that this is the greatest Old Car Forum, I have been a Member on a few elsewhere, some are wild and crazy, others are so dead, you have to check your own pulse to see if your alive. This is why I enjoy this forum so much, much more than just Old Mopar talk, good people, lots of ideas, but many different personalities and dynamics.

What just happed with MW, is not a Win-Win situation,the sad part is this, he was not alone in making that possible.....

[greg g]

Which definition of cabal are you using??? If its the first I don't see a lot of seeking power or attempts to over throw authority through intrigue.

I have noticed some posts representing answers by an expert who is highly skilled in obscure, difficult or specific matters,

and some representative reflections of a person with special knowledge or ability who performs skillfully.

[dezeldoc]

I have never found the "perfect" car, only ones that make me happy and i can enjoy. we have a couple of the "trophy" boys in our daily breakfast club (informal cruise in at breakfast) and they brag about what show they won and how much they are spending on the new build, but everyone just ignores them for the most part. one guy had a 46 ford he was putting together and he got stuck and a bunch of us guys got together and helped him get it together in 2 weeks, now he is driving it after 5+ years of being apart. i guess after dealing with the public for many years i have a little more patience with people, and realize not everyone is the same, or has the same level of experience. i am quite sure Michael is learning about these cars maybe not as fast as some would like, but still he is learning. i know he has had some nice late model cars, and has some good in-site on them. i don't think he is a troll otherwise he would not be talking to some of us off the forum or buying parts from members. like it or not if he wants to dump 50 grand into HIS car that is his right, not saying i would but that is his choice.

[JIPJOBXX]

Getting back to the perfect car and as I see it some folks want a perfect show car and some people want drivers. I prefer the second because I like to have kids sit in my car and get the feeling of being in a neat old car. Some folks just cringe at the fact when someone gets close to there prise position but that not me. I like to show the history of my old 42, play music from that era and display interesting artifacts that tie in with the long gone era of the second world war. But like I said that's just me and well I'm an old guy who just like America and its history. Edited January 29, 2010 by JIPJOBXX

[Dennis Hemingway]

How did the Forum change? In one months time we lost member #8 of this version of the forum to the good lord, and now member number #2 has been banned do to member #5598. Norm & Don we miss you guys.

Dennis:mad:

[JoelOkie]

How did the Forum change? In one months time we lost member #8 of this version of the forum to the good lord, and now member number #2 has been banned do to member #5598. Norm & Don we miss you guys.

Dennis:mad:

Anyone seen or heard anything from Normspeed lately?

[Young Ed]

He hasnt been on in a week. Hope everythings cool with him.

[jd52cranbrook]

We emailed each other. Said he would not be back, tired of the bullying on here.

[blueskies]

Bugger, I just realized that my ARCH RACE RIVAL has been banned... after nearly 8000 posts.

A big part of my definition of "perfect" was spending 10 years building a car and bantering with Don about the BIG RACE, driving halfway across the country for the showdown, and meeting him in person.

Yes, the forum has changed.

Pete

[Young Ed]

The forum only changes if we let it. Just gotta learn to deal with the issues.

[1940plymouth]

Lets see if I can convey my ideas of a perfect car.

I have had my '40 for just over 21 years, like I have mentioned before, it should have been junked, but it ran and I liked the looks of the business coupe. Once a good friend and I got it safe to drive, I drove her for two years with bad paint, and large holes in the trunk and floor boards. At this same time my wife, my two younger sons and I drove to a car show at the fairgrounds in Camden,NY from our home at the time in Earlville,NY. Josh sat in the middle, while Shane road on the package shelf. As we were driving thru Onieda,NY we got many high fives and waves as we headed towards Camden. Once we got to Camden we were parked by a beautiful '41 Plymouth 4dr sedan. I apologizied for having my old beater next to his beautiful car. He told me not to worry, as it didn't bother him one bit, he was happy to see another Plymouth saved and on the road being enjoyed. I have never forgotten his reply and how him and his wife made us feel welcomed.

Over the course of the past 21 plus years, we have made her safe to drive and presentable, but by no means a show car. There are basically two shows that I attend and they are both here in the Neversink area. I do take her to two local cruise ins during the summer months. I allow people to sit in her. I also have had numerous older people sit in her and tell me stories, which I enjoy hearing very much.

I try to drive it every month of the year, if the weather permits and the roads are dry during the winter. I have a couple of good friends up here that cringe when I have the car out in the winter months, but I figure that is what they were made for and being that I am close to 62, the Plymouth is 70, the old girl will most likely outlast me.

It is surely my "time machine" back to a much simpliar time, drive it I do, enjoy it, oh my gosh yes

Thanks,

Bob