Grumpy Old Men ?? Hmmmm

Davismj711

Davismj711

PA Mountain Supra
Sep 10, 2007
570
0
0
69
Loretto, Pennsylvania
www.davisjewelryandgifts.com
Hi all,

I have been on this board far less in time than many, but have lived nearly twice as long as the majority that are subscribed. I am far past the crossroads of my life being 53, but I have learned a few things along the way. My background in the Automotive world includes ASE certification in Automatic transmission/transaxle and manual transmission and transaxle. However that was nearly 30 years ago, much changes.

As I read the many posts filled with questions, concerns or a search for an idea I am bewildered as to why some respond to our new members and or owners with sarcasm. One poster asks for engine suggestions due to snapping off a few valve cover screws, answers range from 22r to if he had a flat tire would he replace the whole assembly rim included. There were also replies that were helpful, but the ill informed wit is not needed. I will explain why latter in this post.

In my own specific case I have the background, but since this rebuild started 9 yrs ago, yes 9, I am experienced enough to know there is always a better or easier way to do almost anything. We have some brilliant members in here, why not gain from their experience ? Why buy a part without first seeking hands on knowledge ? Old questions to many, but new to the perspective buyer.

My case in point is this. If you truly enjoy your Supra and hope this community thrives, then you had best nurture the seedlings. Without them, this community will wither and die just like so many of the MK III's that were produced. I myself have asked a few silly questions, posted in the wrong area etc. Forums are a lesson in learning for me. Many of you have gone the extra mile responding to my PM's and such. I must add that I am very happy to be a member here, and only wish that you all use some caution and thought before you reply to a (noob) question. We all need to start somewhere, make them feel comfortable being here ^^
 
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RazoE

RazoE

Boobs/Boost, my favorite
Jun 13, 2006
4,946
3
38
39
Los Angeles
www.cafepress.com
It is all part of the experience..

Just like highschool, you have your nerds, your administrators, majority of students, trouble makers, and your eye candy hot chicks(DT, Tanya, etc)...

we all congregate together and make this place run smoothly...

While some of the comments are unneeded, we all need to remember this is a place where normal people get together to discuss, this isnt a college course, where only the professor may speak, and everyone else must listen.
 
GrimJack

GrimJack

Administrator
Dec 31, 1969
12,377
3
38
56
Richmond, BC, Canada
idriders.com
Well... keep in mind this is the internet. We get all types here, and the vast majority of the community only has one thing in common - their car.

Unfortunately, you don't have to pass an IQ test to purchase a Supra. Nor do you have to display any tolerance for your fellow man. Sure, we try to weed out the guys that are here just to stir the pot or cause grief, but we're still a community of 7500+ active members being policed by ~25 staff.
 
I

IJ.

Grumpy Old Man
Mar 30, 2005
38,728
0
0
62
I come from a land down under
Stupidity should not be encouraged nor rewarded.....

I spend a hell of a lot of time actually helping people here and do so gladly but when someone decided an engine change is better than drilling and using an easy out to remove some broken bolts I draw the line.
 
Facime

Facime

Leather work expert
Jun 1, 2006
2,716
0
0
60
Corvallis OR
Davismj711, I have been outspoken in the past about how some people treat others and how some people are treated. I got very little responce and in some cases got attacked myself for standing up for another member. I suspect you will get the same.

First off let me address the topic title. Its my experience with a few exceptions that the older guys here are the ones with a bit more patience. It usually takes an obvious breach of forum protocol to get them involved. In those cases its usually warranted. My experience is that alot of the "ribbing" comes from the next age group down. Most of the time these people dont mean to verbally abuse anyone, they are just pointing out in a not so subtle way the mistakes made or unwritten rules disobeyed. Most of it is meant in good fun. Sometimes the rebuking is warranted, such as the case of one member driving his car with obviously unsafe brakes.

That said there are also many times people are just plain rude to others on here. Some people will say "grow a thicker skin", or "its the internet, dont take it so seriously". I tend to agree with you in principle that treating others with a certain amount of respect is just part of being a good human. However as you well know in the 53 years you've lived in this country, that not everyone thinks that way, or for that matter cares. I think its sad myself but I get tired of fighting against the tide.

This is a large community. People will clash. I've been around here for about a year and a half off and on, and I too get tired of the same questions asked by the same kind of people. But how hard is it to just hold your tongue and stay out of a trainwreck thread? It was true when my parents told me it 40 some years ago and its still true today..."If you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all"

Its my opinion that the truely angry people who respond with nothing but venom over and over should in fact be pityed. I feel sorry for people who feel so bad about their own lives that they need to put others down to make themselves feel superior.

All that aside I think overall Supramania is a great place and a great community. I dont even own a Supra anymore and Im here every day. Also, this forum is the tamest of the tame compared to many other forums Ive been a part of. The best thing is to learn to ignore the assholes and enjoy the rest.
 
Davismj711

Davismj711

PA Mountain Supra
Sep 10, 2007
570
0
0
69
Loretto, Pennsylvania
www.davisjewelryandgifts.com
Just a wee bit of explanation concerning my OP title. IJ it was not intended to point a finger at you specifically, as I have read many of your helpful posts. It was also not intended to define only the older age group within this forum, I being a part of that group.

It was meant to embody the nature or tone of some of the posted replies to some rather foolish or inexperienced questions.

IJ I must relate this story to you. Based on this quote from your reply. "Stupidity should not be encouraged nor rewarded "

At the young age of 12 I bought my first motorcycle, a M65 Harley. A little 65 cc engine that had a habit of seizing, Upon our first piston and ring install my older brother decided to check how well it spun without the cylinder installed. Needless to say it spun well :nono: however the piston skirt caught on the case and cracked off. STUPID yes, rewarded, YES. We learned. Keep in mind, many that attempt to do car work have little or no background.
I was fortunate, to have an older brother that learned through his mistakes and became one the the best Kawasaki factory wrenches in the country. His knowledge was passed on to me. I remain a sponge when it comes to knowledge, I will never know enough.

Many do not have this blessing. I agree, to replace an engine due to snapped cam covers is ridiculous. However, the poster obviously didn't know any better. This is where we come in. Foster the seedlings, help them along. If you can't foster simply shake your head and wish them luck as they will need it.
 
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I

IJ.

Grumpy Old Man
Mar 30, 2005
38,728
0
0
62
I come from a land down under
Davis: Someone that can't drill and remove snapped off bolts has NO chance of swapping a Jz into a Mk3 with any hope of success :(

I'm largely self taught in everything I do but people really need to accept their limitations, there is a mindset that the Mk3 is a cheap car so "I can do it"

This couldn't be further from the truth it's a complex arrangement of systems and I'm stunned at some of the threads I see here where people with 0 experience or knowledge attempt a high Hp build.

I usually advocate the Mentor system for this scenario due to the HUGE probability of failure.
 
Facime

Facime

Leather work expert
Jun 1, 2006
2,716
0
0
60
Corvallis OR
When I was just 16 I managed to purchase a 67 chevelle. I proceeded to do the stupidest things to it and to this day I still cringe with embarrasment at pictures of it. I also managed to take a perfectly running car and destroy it. At one point both rear axles came out of the housing and "exited the vehicle" (forgot some C-clips or something when I was putting the rear end together) while driving down the street. :nono: I snapped more than my share of bolts on it too. And its not like a 67 Chevelle is anywhere near as complicated as a supra. But I thought my car was cool, and it was mine, and I did with it what I wanted.

Sure wish I had a mentor back then, but my dad was never into cars.
 
QWIKSTRIKE

QWIKSTRIKE

475rwhp459torq an climbin
Apr 3, 2005
1,172
0
36
63
Some where out there
www.cardomain.com
IJ.;1007491 said:
Davis: Someone that can't drill and remove snapped off bolts has NO chance of swapping a Jz into a Mk3 with any hope of success :(

I'm largely self taught in everything I do but people really need to accept their limitations, there is a mindset that the Mk3 is a cheap car so "I can do it"

This couldn't be further from the truth it's a complex arrangement of systems and I'm stunned at some of the threads I see here where people with 0 experience or knowledge attempt a high Hp build.

I usually advocate the Mentor system for this scenario due to the HUGE probability of failure.
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Man Ian I couldn't agree more with this statement. I also think that people need to respect other people with less knowledge than you. Also I think that people without a clue should be moderated on the info that they pass when its an opinion and not a fact. I also think that certain clicks form here to attack people that are new or have no part of that group. Ian you should know this point because you and I have had many pm's on this before they actually found out how brilliant you really are after your first thread of your rebuild. People nee to just respect others mostly. I have been attacked q few times but I don't take the bullshit personally.
 
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Davismj711

Davismj711

PA Mountain Supra
Sep 10, 2007
570
0
0
69
Loretto, Pennsylvania
www.davisjewelryandgifts.com
IJ, I see those posts also. Some I will never undertake simply due to what I want my rebuild to be, in a word as reliable as I can make it. I have also seen those with the ability have their cars burnt to a crisp due to poorly run wires or hoses, or perhaps an aging wire loom incapable of handling the mods.
Your mentor system sounds like a great idea. However if your like me and still working, and doing your own mods or rebuilds time is a precious commodity.
This I believe is the reason why w/o physically being able to help, we may be able to in text.
All in all I agree 100% with your last post. Perhaps I am feeling guilty that I can't do more to help the beginners. Like you, I never went to school for Auto Mechanics, it was all handed down or self taught knowledge. However, I sure cant blame anyone for asking for answers or suggestions to that which they do not know. It is after all one of the ways we learn ^^
I am sure I will ask my share in here, and I would hope you chime in, no, I am counting on you chiming in ^^
 
sethron71

sethron71

Authorized Vendor
Jul 19, 2005
871
0
16
40
Las Vegas, NV
www.SethIngham.com
Shoot I cring at some of the Stupid stuff I did to my 87' 17-18-19 years old (still have it). I am totally self taught but have learned a ton from the forums and people like IJ. I have read way to many threads over the years but just a little searching brings so much information. I do see a lot of stuff on the forums I disagree with(not running or organization but rather comments) but I just stay clear. The search function is amazing powerfull on here and opens the door to so much past information it is unreal!

As IJ said there are some questions that just need to be deleted as they are so far fetch and outrageous they make me laugh! I really think there are a good number of members who are helpful and make this forum what it is and I thank those people! I have learned so much and am not making the same mistakes on my new build for sure!

Good luck with your projects and I will keep an eye out for your questions and try to help whenever possible!

Thanks,
Seth
 
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