Request for a new section on the forum - The Restoration Tips Section

[Jeff Kay]

Hello,

I've been working on Cadillacs and LaSalles since grammer school (my father owned a restoration shop in Los Angeles for over 30 years).  Whenever I'd be working on a project, Dad would always look over my shoulder and mention some little tidbit of advise, suggestion, or use of another tool to make the job easier.  Over the years I've remembered some and forgotten more.  Unfortunately Dad is no longer around to provide his advise to me.  I've taken to reading some of the older Self-Starters in an effort to recover some of these techniques with little luck.

I propose to add a forum section for the posting of "Restoration Tips".  I'm talking about a place where someone could post advise, techniques, modified tools, store bought tools, kits, and ideas that have worked for them.  For example, I've seen several questions/postings for the easiest way to remove rear brake drums.  I've also seen several photos on the different pullers folks have used.  I beleive that if there was a specific section for this information, then folks would be more apt to post their nuggets of wizdom, tips, and techniques.  I know that I would definately check out this section prior to beginning a specific project.

I feel that this type of section would really assist our fellow Cadillac and LaSalle lovers.  It would help make to make our restoration projects easier to complete with a few less bruised knuckles and a whole lot less cursing.

Please respond and let me know what you think.

Jeff Kay
CLC 7630

[Tom Hall 7485]

That's a good thought.  Are you thinking of this as a running conversation about a
single procedure, or are you thinking of something more like an article that doesn't
necessarily provide space for a response?

[Jeff Kay]

I was thinking about a section where I could post tips, techniques, or helpful ideas that would assist others with their restorations projects. 

For example:

About 15 years ago, my father rebuilt a waterpump for my 1940 LaSalle.  As you may know, these pumps have a tendency to leak after some time.  Well, my father found a particular seal, used in power boats, was the exact dimensions for the waterpump.  He used the seal and 15+ years later, it still works great and NO LEAKS.  Wouldn't it be nice to have a premade section on the site where he could post this information for all to see, and use. 

I know that most people have these little trick and tips that they've spent many years learning and refining.  I also know that if I saw a specific section near the top of the main forum page, I'd be reminded to post the name of the seal, the seal number, and mabye a tip on how to install it. I also know that if I were planning on rebuilding my waterpump, I'd look in this section before I'd begin to see what others have posted on the subject. 

I've used the search function for this very thing before.  Unfortunately I had to wade through all the for sale ads on waterpumps, waterpump questions not pertaining to flatheads, etc.

This was just an idea.

Jeff

[Walter Youshock]

I rather like the idea myself.  I find that the same topics seem to come up again and again and we send the same answers over and over. 

[The Tassie Devil(le) (Bruce Reynolds)]

The place for this sort of thing is in the Technical Section, but then, I believe that there would be that many responses by other members and guests that each Tip would end up being overburdened and buried deep down, and the actual Advice would get lost.

But, I believe the Self Starter would be the most appropriate avenue or publication for such advise as it would reach a larger readership, and also be a "Hard Copy" as these issues get retained by everyone that they are sent to.

Bruce. 

[Otto Skorzeny]

It's a lot easier to find specific info on the computer rather than in a stack of magazines.

[Jeff Kay]

It seems that there are some mixed opinions about this type of section.  How difficult would it be to impliment this section for a month on a trial basis?  Maybe post the new section with a heading requesting submissions and asking folks for their opinions to keep the new section or not.

Jeff

[Michael Stamps]

How about a FAQ section instead.  Really it's what you want but might get the point across better.  Say a thread needs to be saved for all time.  All you have to do is report it to a moderator and they move it to the FAQ section.  Permissions should be able to be set so that only moderators can start threads there but anyone can reply. 

Just my 2 cents worth,
Stampie

[Bill Hedge CLC 14424]

I have mixed feelings on this issue.  First, I am not convinced such a section is needed since one can use the search function to find answers to one's questions.  Having said that, I am also aware that the users of the board have different levels of computer savvy and Walter's points are well taken.  I also  think Stampie's point of view, in the abstract, makes a lot of sense.  However, it is the execution of the suggestion that causes me to pause.  Stampie is correct in stating that someone would have to monitor this new forum and make sure the posts were moved to the proper category.  However, I have a concern with Stampie's suggestion that the present moderators be responsible for monitoring and moderating this section and making sure a post is moved to the correct category and goes to heart of my concern on the viability of this proposal. 

First, although I am a moderator of this board, I wish to make it clear that the thoughts expressed herein are mine alone, and I make no representation as to the thoughts and opinions of my fellow moderators. 

My first concern, is a concern that the person who makes the decision that a post is about widgets and not gadgets probably should be someone with more mechanical skills and technical knowledge than I possess.  While I do work on my cars, my sklls are limited and no where near those of someone like those of Stampie based upon my reading of the posts Stampie has made to this board.

My second concern is for the time commitment this might require.  It would seem that such a time commitment would be substantial, and I am not sure that I am willing to make such a commitment.

If three or four persons who have the requisite knowledge and time and are willing to take on this project, I would support the concept.

[Michael Stamps]

... and no where near those of someone like those of Stampie based upon my reading of the posts Stampie has made to this board.

Thanks for the good words but I'm just a simple country boy that bumbles along the best I can.

Stampie

[Walter Youshock]

I'm not sure of exactly what direction this may go, but, the way I see this working is this:

I recently responded to a posting regarding the proper hose routing for '57-'58 windshield wipers.  I think this is the third or fourth time I've fielded this question.  Other hot topics have been vapor lock, overheating, and timing adjustments.  These seem to pop up in cycles.  If we had a central repository of where we may be able to store this information, it may cut down on some of the postings and back-and-forth.  The Tech/Authenticity section is vital to the Message Board and this in no way should be considered a replacement for its purpose, however, in the example of the wiper hose routing, I scanned factory literature that illustrates the hose routing.  Rather than have that get pushed down into the Technical/Authenticity section (where the topic title is simply "Vacuum Diagram"), that information could be saved to an index where it would be more readily accessible.

At least that's the way I see it as possibly working...

[Geoff Newcombe #4719]

I agree with your thinking Walter and feel it is a good way to handle it.  I've answered the question of how to get the lock cylinder out of a glove box door at least three times.

[Walter Youshock]

Exactly.  Since so much information is not published in Shop Manuals and many times comes out in a Serviceman or Craftsman exam book, and not everyone has access to those, I think it would be an idea worth exploring.  Space would be a factor, especially if it included a lot of photos.

[Tom Hall 7485]

As far as that goes, a "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section may be in order and it might contain
essays on maintenance and restoration.  It wouldn't necessarily involve conversations.

At the moment, there's nothing to stop people from posting their tips on Technical/Authenticity as
the first message in a thread and hoping that it leads into a conversation with others.  I think what Jeff
Kay wants is consolidation of the discussions about certain maintenance or restoration operations to save
visitors time in locating that material.

We want to be careful not to steal the thunder of the Self-Starter when it comes to publishing essays
or articles on our Internet site. 

It's something to think about for the future, once a successor to Jeff Hansen is found.  Now is not the
best time to load him up with new tasks.

[South_paw]

We don't need to wait for a new forum. It can be done within the tech forum with relative ease. Here's how,

Identify the threads that are "Frequently Asked Tech Questions"  like the glove box one .  Start a new topic in the tech forum and title it "Frequently Asked Tech Questions" . Post the identified links in the message box with a brief description and then post it. A moderator will need to make it a "sticky" in the tech forum and lock it. Probably a good idea to lock the linked threads as well. Everyone will be able to access it and find it easily and if someone should need further help they can start a new thread. 

Heck, reinstate me as a mod for a day or two and I will set it up 

Lou     

[Tom Hall 7485]

Jeff Kay, why don't you give us three repair topics that you'd like to see discussed and we'll give it
a try the way South Paw just suggested.  Give us some time to sort though the existing messages
to make the links.  (Messages more than a couple of years old have been taken down and probably
can't be linked.)  Once we do this experiment, we can get some opinions from visitors on its
effectiveness.

[Jeff Kay CLC#7630]

Thank you all for your interest in this matter and your help. 

Since I have had mostly 1940's Cadillacs and LaSalle's, I'll focus my suggestions in reference to those years and flatheads in general.

1. I've noticed several tips and tricks for removing rear brake drums from these cars.  I've seen several photos of home-made tools and several store bought tools.  Maybe a section on removing rear brake drums.

2. I've noticed several threads for dealing with flatheads that are hard starting when hot.  Maybe a thread for tips, FAQ's, and "make sure you check" on this topic.

3. Maybe a thread on home-made tools, altered tools, or modification of other items, etc. that people have created or modified that have assisted them in working on some portion of their car.  For example, I have made a vacuum reservior for my vacuum windshield wipers using a tin can.  I put it in the kick pannel space.  So now on the freeway, I've still got my wipers going.

4. Mabye a thread on detailing tips, chemicals, stain cleaning tricks, and different tools, brushes, etc that folks have used to detail their exterior, interior, and engine compartments.  For example, use a small paintbrush and some MEK for a great way to clean the exterior of your carb before a show to get off all the dirt, grime, etc.

These are just some ideas and examples.  Hope this helps.

Jeff