Hi all, over the recent months, I've been noticing a change in FTE. It may be just a learning curve within myself that enables me to notice things that I didn't notice in the past. What I've noticed is the all around quality that's going into the average build is increasing by leaps and bounds. When I say that, I don't just mean the veteran builders that have always produced consistently Hi quality work. We are lucky to have a lot of new members that as always run the gambit from the professional builder, to the total novice with no skills, but have love for there truck, and have a desire to learn how to work on them. I'm in the later group, as most of you already know. I've been thinking about this a lot over the past few days, leaving me wishing had been able to do this, or go back and re do that, on my truck. What I've come up with IMPO the reason for the increase in quality is due in no small part to the excellent advice, teaching, mentoring, and just plane nice folks taking the time to help the rest of us learn the correct way to do things, without attitude or belittling some body's mistake. I know I'm rambling, and I guess what I'm trying to express, its that the site is growing, and improving. I try to read all posts, not to respond, but to learn. Reading this site is the equivalent of a collage course. I for one have learned a little about welding from welders, I've learned enough about painting from nice folks that do it for a living, and were willing to take me by the hand and walk me through my mistakes, to where I'm not ashamed to say " yes I painted it", I've learned about things like phasing a drive line from folks that understand engineering. I learn something here every day. It is so cool to watch a new person replacing a cab corner, and doing it well, or bring an old flatty back to life. I hope I haven't bored anyone to tears, I know I'm semantically challenged but I hope you get the gest of what's on my mind. It's the people, its the moderators, its the spirit of the site if you will, that make this site better, and better. Thank you all for teaching, and for listening.

 

I couldn't have said it better.

 

I agree Jimmy, but don't sell your self short. You have taught me a thing or two......mostly by your positive attitude. I have learned to be kinder to people.
Thanks.

There is fantastic work going on by folks here. Many new names and faces, I can't really keep them all straight. As long as they post pics I can recognize the trucks though..........

I think the lack of drama is what makes this place great.

 

I have always thought there should be a "like" button. A lot of times I don't have anything to say or add to a thread but would just like to give an indication that a subject is well taken care of or well written. Like 'well said' Jimmy I agree.

 

Jimmy....I think those are pretty good observations...nice of you to point it out. You have a way of seeing the bigger picture perspective now and then!

Dan

 

Jimmy you have captured the reason many of us are here and continue to be. Very well said. Your contributions are always a breath of fresh air and you keep the balance with your positive attitude that most of us would like to emulate.

 

Well said Jim, it is good to associate with people with similar interests. Considering most of us will never know each other personally, and considering the flaws in human nature, it is a remarkably friendly site. I asked my son what his computer buff sites are like and he said they can get quite narky and personal. I heard someone recently comment about that on the radio, he called them "keyboard cowboys hiding in their cowardly castles".

Considering the number of posts I have read and enjoyed here, I can only really remember 2 or 3 where things got out of hand, things were said that could have been better not said, and in each case, one party did not come back to the forum. Unfortunately one of them was a new member with his first question. Having said that, while I guess it means we are not perfect, we are only human, but doing pretty good most of the time. I sometimes read comments here about another site, and their testiness, which is a shame for them.

You are right Jim, this site has a lot of people who are doing a great job of being helpful and kind to each other. No doubt that has lifted the standard of the vehicles people are working on.

 

Hey Jimmy,
Nicely done. You have been an inspiration - to watch you tackle that C4 & just keep after it. I also kept the link to your successful exhaust project with all those pieces - well done. What I've noticed is how much more International this site has become with very active members from all over the world jumping in even when English isn't always their first language.

I've been to California a bunch of times & you even got me looking at google maps to find Paradise Ca. - must be a nice town if Jimmy is from there.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

UBJ,

good reasoning there, Jim... I think we all started out just wanting to get a running truck to have fun with... building a trailer queen is probably out of most of our budgets. But, I'm with you... and noticed that as I progressed I read and saw things that I liked and wanted to incorporate them into my version. And, 'do-overs" ?? Heck man, I'm the king of do-overs ! I've redone more stuff than most... some of it before I finished doing it the first time ! My grinder is my best friend. Thankfully the good folks here have helped me achieve some of those ideas. I'm on the internet a lot... too much... but I've never found a more hospitable group than FTE and especially the 48-56 bunch.

You'll never find a place where everyone is agreeable all the time... but this forum is pretty close, and if they choose to disagree it's usually in a respectful way. I think one thing that helps is... there ain't no bosses here... and there is no one who considers themselves above the rest of us. I've seen lots of forums where one person will tend to 'run' the forum.. he might have a great deal of knowledge but then again maybe not. There are lots of folks here with tons of knowledge and expertise out the ying-yang, but no one that I know in this group tries to be the grand poobah. We're all here to learn and share (some of us are here to Keep Penn Dick in bounds). and it's with that sharing attitude that we all profit... I've been around since the beginning and it's only gotten better. And, thinking about it.. I can't imagine leaving when the truck is finished... I'd miss too many people !

later
John

 

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___No like button to push but this works .




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i know that i would not have my truck looking good and running great without the help of FTE and its group of skilled, talented and helpful members. i have gotten a lot of body work/mechanical help from my friends but when it comes to the technical knowledge of the early F series trucks, flatheads and y-blocks this site is unbelievable. i appreciate the willingness of our experienced folks to take the time to help all of us. reference books are fine for what they are but there is nothing like someone who has "been there, done that." Thanks to all who contribute.

 

actually there is a like button, click on that little red heart on his post and he is always kind enough to thank you

 

Jim, good post and John I was going to say the same thing but you beat me to it. For those that don't know it the red heart gives reps (the little green boxes you see near the persons location). It is supposed to mean that the person gives good advice and is respected amongst his peers. You don't see them given as much on this forum as you do on some of the forums within FTE and that is fine with me because we usually just tell the guy or gal thanks straight up, which I feel is the better way.

Again, great post Jim.

 

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__Never knew that i was always afraid i would do something to their post i would regret later , Thanks 56panelford.__

 

The quiet one from middle TN says . Hoping to start on my 56' SW cab this winter. FTE is a very good place. When I meet newbies. Besides asking them if they need a catalog or anything. I say "do you get on the internet?" and "IF you have ever heard of FTE?"