proposition

[rosco]

I would like response to a projected proposal from as many possible on this site - please.

I have discussed with all contactable site moderators, a suggestion for a new sub section within the Technical Archive of this forum.

What I propose is to commence a Skills Workshop - nothing elaborate, but initially a starting point from which to begin making use of the wonderful information posted and accessible from members of "our" forum........

We are all aware that we have many visitors who read with interest - material posted on "our" site and make use of it in their own applications.
Here I see an excellent opportunity to make further use of this workshop as an announcement of our credibility.

What we need I beleive, is to remain focussed on what debate eventuates in the process.

Any criticism should be constructive with a positive outlook.............
But we want input - not side liners of which unfortunately I must confess to have been on a number of occasions and for considerable durations.

My suggestion is first to start with information which most of us need most often - how our machines and their systems actually work - or more to the point - why they don't.

Initially, I feel that we do not delve into the depths of absolute to fulfill this requirement. Just relevance in being able to identify faults..........

I am considering starting this with a simple procedure of engine failure.
Nothing elaborate, just a set of guidelines which members can follow to avoid the sometimes 2 - 3 hours wait on the roadside for the service van.

I fully understand, that purely because of our interest within this technical section, that most of what is initially posted will probably be of absolutely no purpose to most members here.
Its purpose is purely for those who find that when the engine stops on its own volition, they open the bonnet and see nothing out of the ordinary.

For this to succeed - and I do not intend to compile much of it and will rely heavily on others to forward material .......... we must have most people on our site prepared and committed to submit, review and accept change to any material posted................constructively.

My further suggestion would be to announce new postings as "Worshop Skills - whatever subject"
These titles are only my suggestion - I hope we are not going to have our first "meltdown" here?

At some point, when everyone has agreed on content, we would then request moderators to move it to the archive section.

Again, I cannot state in my mind strongly enough, that this will only succeed if all members contribute, and can reach consensus on material.

Our vehicles (and ourselves) are getting older and older. The little van with RACV or NRMA etc illuminated on the front of it on a dark and wet night will at some point in time be unable to offer little assistance other than a tow or tilt-tray due to the decreasing number of older vehicles and their out-dated technology. I understand that people here will view this with some resistance as our systems are basically so "simple" - I can assure you that this simplicity will mean nothing if information concerning their operation is no longer readily available. Roadside technicians are getting younger, we older.
My relevance to this would be highlighted by a friend who has a 1928 fiat which I believe has magneto ignition - who amongst us would know how to fault find problems within that age.......

As people grow older, younger people take over ownership and access to information becomes extremely difficult to obtain, I would like to expire (in many, many, many - and I would like not to stop typing that word) years to come with the comfort of knowing we have at least achieved something here which will ensure our vehicles continue to offer people beyond that time the same joy and appreciation we have come to enjoy.




your thoughts?

frats,
Rosco

[karsten]

i reckon for new people to old cars a bit of a step by step process of how to make paint n panel repairs and so on would be helpfull too you know it all sounds easy to those of us with hindsight but like the young bloke in perth with his yellow fb they could see the steps and have a go with pics to help and show the sequence to do certain jobs , evan just regular brake bleading to prevent early wheel cylinder failure due to water getting in and it is simple stuff to learn,and may help them with a tight buget not to make mistakes and waste money, or worse still get ripped by some stooge mechanic

[munro]

i recon a number of subsections could be used ie panel+paint ,mechanical ,electrical ect and rather than arciving everything use is as a normal post board and making stick those things that come up constantly.
cheers tom

[retro]

rosco, i think it would be gold, and i always happy help.

Lets face it, we can all read the workshop manual, but unless we are mechanics, how many of us actually understand the book?

i know i learn from sight and and seeing pictures and reading peoples hints may be a great help.

[FB MAD]

I'm a mechanic by trade although I haven't practised my trade for over 18 years. These old Holdens are a breeze to work on mechanically and I'm always willing to offer mechanical advice to anyone who wants it.

On the other hand, when it comes to spray painting, rust cutting and panelbeating, I'm certainly very much a novice and I really appreciate other enthusiasts advice,photos and how to's when it comes to bodywork.

I say go for it, it helps us all in the long run.

Terry.

[rosco]

Thanks for the input thus far - and in such a short time...........
I am considering placing this proposition in the general forum.
Just thought we'd run with it a bit here to get some commitment prior........
thanks to those who have replied, looking for further comment in due time.
frats,
Rosco