Newer Members and TDB

[Lynn H.]

While reading some of the posts recently, I had a "thought" that I decided to share:
I do see quite a few posts or threads from newer members (later membership numbers), which is GREAT and what I believe this forum is for. I do see quite a few of what I will call (for the sake of conversation) simple questions, that would easily be answered if they had one of the "pocket spec" guides available thorugh the NCRS home office (back of the Driveline).
The reason for this post is NOT to offend or criticize anyone, just to recommend to some of the newer membrs that this is a relatively small investment (I think $10 for members), that may serve a few purposes including:
1-it is filled with great information
2-it will answer many questions
3-your purchase helps support the NCRS
Not to mention it can be a lot of "fun" helping to decode many items for friends or when looking into a potential purchase.
This was one of my first investments upon joining this organization, and I now probably have a half dozen or so that I have picked up. I keep one here next to the computer, an old greasy one in the garage, one in my truck...I think you get the message. My personal motto is "don't leave home without it", you never know when you might run across a stray Corvette that you can take the opportunity to decode. I have personally had many such opportunities, and am of the belief that not too many things these days can you get so much enjoyment out of for only a few bucks
Again just one mans opinion,
Lynn Houk

[Tom H.]

Re: Newer Members and TDB

I look at it this way. New members jump in with simple questions at first. The best way to keep them involved and to continue posting is to support them with good solid answers. Most casual owners don't want books. They use the internet. The future of our hobby is in the hands of the new members and the internet. Bring on the simple questions, I will sure do my best to answer them.

Good advise though Lynn, I buy all of the books I can get my hands on, but understand not everyone shares my passion for printed material.

[Lynn H.]

Re: Newer Members and TDB

Tom,
I do agree whole heartedly with everything you say. My own rule is there is NO such thing as a stupid or simple question, and like I stated I believe this is the purpose of this forum. I applaud EVERYONE who shows the interest in our favorite car enough to join this organization, and the future of it is in the hands of the newer members. I just thought I would throw this out there because I have a lot of fun with my "spece guide". It is HARD to generate a lot of new interst sometimes because many of these cars have become "out of reach" for the average enthusiats due to escalating prices (although not so much lately). I encourage everyone I can to join!!
Lynn

[Duke W.]

Re: Newer Members and TDB

Excellent suggestion! Also, one should have the proper GM shop manual or set (most are available from NCRS) for their car and a copy of the AMA Specifications that are included with the "free restoration package" availalble from GM Customer Service 800-222-1020, assuming GM is still offering such. They will want your car's VIN.

Also, this Board has now been around for over ten years and has become a huge knowledge base. Many new members ask questions that have been asked, hashed out, and answered long, ago, so it's a good idea to get familiar with the archives and how to use them. It doesn't take much effort.

I generally pass on threads where the question has been asked and answered several times, but a new member may ask a question and only get an answer from another new member, which may be right or wrong, but miss out on the various discussions from the past. Your loss because some the the old hands get tired of answering questions and hashing out various subjects multiple times.

Also, questions should include all relevant background information, which is often missing. For engine questions, the year, engine option and whether OE or modified is necessary most of the time. In the past I would ask for the necessary information, but usually don't do that anymore. I just pass on the thread.

Questions about the spark advance map are common, and the first thing one needs to know is the OE map, which is included in the relevant shop manual and AMA specs, and the next question is what is the actual map measured on the car, which requires some work with a timing light, vacuum pump and gage.

Even when important information is missing some will offer "solutions", which are nothing more than guesses at best, which can lead the questioner down dead end paths.

So, if you have a technical question and want a quality answer, formulate your question carefully (don't assume we know anything about your car) and include all relevant information.

As the saying goes - garbage in, garbage out.

Duke

[Tom H.]

Re: Newer Members and TDB

Good points, Duke, but with new members, you will not always get well formulated questions. That is what comes with being around here too long and getting older !! New posters who are welcomed into discussions with their basic questions should grow into well seasoned veteran members in no time.

I share your thoughts too Lynn ! I have the spec guides in my desk, my truck, the garage and might even have one under my pillow !!!

It is a shame how many owners have no clue that books like that exist.

[Lynn H.]

Re: Newer Members and TDB

Agreed again Duke!! Like Tom had stated not eveyone shares the passion for printed material, and a wealth of knowledge is available online. This was not really the case when I first joined, took awhile for this "internet thing" to really take off. I will also ad, it took a few years for me to get the "book jones". But now, when I see a Corvette book I do not have (new or old), I simply-"have to have it". I currently have somewhere between 250-300 books believe it or not. This Corvette thing truly is a sickness, but one I'll gladly admit to having!!
Lynn

[Alan S.]

Re: Newer Members and TDB

Hi Lynn,
I've had many of the same thoughts as you.
When I try to reply to someones question I also try to state where the information I'm relaying came from. The AIM, The TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL, The Archives, or even my car. I think this encourages folks to continue asking questions but also shows them where they might have found the information.
I think we all need to continue to work at having the BOARD be an informative but also friendly place for everyone. I believe that's our hope for it's continued growth.
Regards,
Alan

[Lynn H.]

Re: Newer Members and TDB

Alan,
I cannot agree more...and a little something I left out of my orignal post and thought of later......
Don't forget to keep your eye out for "The Corvette Restorer" Vol,-16 No.-1 Summer 1989.
This is the original "Corvette Specifications Guide"-"Special Membership Edition".
I can't tell you how many older members I have talked with that did not realize this was actually an Issue of the Restorer that was sent to all the then current members.
Lynn

[Alan S.]

Re: Newer Members and TDB

Hi Lynn,
I joined the NCRS right after that issue 16/1 came out. I received my membership information in the ENVELOPE the issue was mailed in. I guess there were some extra and Gary was using them up.
A couple of years later when I was filling out my RESTORER collection I had to spend more than a couple of $$ to get a copy of the Spec Guide that was bound and not in the plastic 'spring'. The original Spec Guides I see now are usually nice and dirty, an indication that they really are being used.
Regards,
Alan