NCRS Picture section

[Roy B.]

Re: NCRS Picture section

Alan, I likewise love the "rain drop" line. I hope you don't mind me using that with my friends.

Much like the "parts for sale" section idea, I have seen this photo idea batted around for the last few years. It usually gets quite a few positive comments, and seems to fade off after a few days discussion. I am not criticizing this occurrence, only wishing to bring into the discussion my doubts as to it materializing.
Terry McManmon's fourth comment down from the top of the tread brings up one of the most significant points. It always appears that members seem to direct this towards unrestored cars. The reality is that very, very few vintage Corvettes exist in a true "virgin" state, although some in the club, consider unrestored cars as the holy grail of the hobby.
A few of the fellow members know that I formerly sold original, NOS, and original restored vintage Corvette parts on a veyr popular internet auction site from around 2002 until late in 2008. I closed this business out with about $250K in parts sales.
During this parts venture, I can assure you I sold several original parts that were reinstalled on "unrestored" cars. This issue has been discussed on the TDB before (I.E. how many worn parts can be changed out on an unrestored car, and it still be considered a "survive....", well,....you know what copyrighted term I am meaning......?).

I'm only saying that Terry's comment is right on the mark. The technical issues concerning which part or car photo is considered "most correct" would be astronomical. I really don't see how the club would ever get a consensus. In short, it's a great idea, that I will be shocked it it ever gets any traction beyod this friendly discussion stage.

I hope I'm wrong, and it can be pulled off. We'll see.......

Ridge.

There are very few vintage Corvettes that still exist in a true "virgin" state and then there are NOS parts reinstalled on "unrestored" cars. So using pic's of so called virgin cars I think would be misleading as Ridge said.Taking ONE part using a pic's would be more simple to discuss weather it's (first, second,third design,time date it entered production , the design of the part, logo's and so on)
But as highlighted in RED I agree with Ridge I don't see it ever going anywhere but here on the TDB.

I have a small circle of friends like in the old days that feel their Corvettes are correct from their many years of owning buying comparing learning and having a Corvette model that they've owned for many years and don't mind taking a hit in the JM.Because we know that over the years the JM does get revised . For me I'm thinking of designing a web sight just for us 55 Corvette friends showing correct parts and cars.to compare among our self's.

[Alan W.]

Re: NCRS Picture section

Wow look what I started!!! I'm that drop of rain.
I can understand everyones comments perfectly. But I just turned 41 years old. My fear is that the info is not going to be there in years to come. Example go read ANY of John Hinckley or Gary Chesnut post. What do we do without them? They can describe a fart. You can hear it, see it and understand it, hell almost smell it. "Bad example It's late"
Without Video, Photo's and Text who will take that place? Just a example of many, many great minds, and so many more on here.
I believe we as NCRS members can do this without killing the true crossflags and bowties that bound our hearts.

Ok baby steps....example:

A simple question on this web site "what does a 57 corvette oil pan look like". Answer is ...........typed message plus a photo.... see easy...so far?

Next put the photo and caption in a c1 57 photo parts file.
Search c1 57 oil pan and boom description and photo. I know its kind of like that now....go and search oil pans see what I am talking about, please hear me out.

As this evolves into a full proper photo file of correct parts and cars this is the foundation for more building blocks. c1,2,3,4,5,6,etc.

I know complete cars are so hard to come by but we as members can piece together a 100% car with a combination of photo. We do it in text now why can't we prove what we say with a picture.?

1 Agenda ? year, engine, body, interior, ......?
2 Proper photos!
3 Sucker "lolli pop" sounds better to do the work.
4 NCRS members to be helpful and honest.

I Will help anyway you need me to Gary. Even if it is just shutting up.

Thank you all for what I have learned !!!!

Alan Whitaker

[Richard M.]

Re: NCRS Picture section

We had a post a while back that I started. Similar thoughts. A Parts Archive Database.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?t=75731&highlight=archive&uid=4672

My idea has progressed, Vito contacted me and we've been in discussions about it. I have sent him a somewhat detailed proposal. He will be bringing this up in the future with the board members.

I too have volunteered to help make this happen. If we don't start something soon it may pass before us, wishing we did it.... "way back when". Our charter includes the words "Preservation" & "History". We have tools and technology available today to expand on those words.

Everyone's fear seems to be it is too massive a task. I feel we need to look at it ONE item at a time, and only ONE. Don't think about dozens, hundreds, thousands, millions. We need to think.....ONE! Once we get started it will grow and grow, for ourselves and our future members. I spent 30 years in the computer and networking electronics industry, and back in the 80's we started on a history searchable database mentality. It grew and grew over time. Look at it today. Self tests, automated diagnostics, repair, etc.
How many of us have "Googled It!"

It has expanded everywhere. You go to a service department at your local Chevy dealer for a rattling noise in your C6 rear driveline.(ask me how I know!) They never heard of that problem. The "service writer" enters the symptoms on his terminal. Check this, check that, then do this, do that. Printed it out and gave it to the tech. Done!

We need to begin this now.

Rich

[Richard M.]

Re: NCRS Picture section

This is what I sent to Vito....

Hello Vito,

Here's my proposal for the parts archive task. I've been giving it a lot of thought, and to make it as easy as possible for everyone involved, I'm thinking the best solution is a "digital" one, a database of photos and supporting documentation in computer form so it could be accessible worldwide. There of course would be considerable work to verify each part under consideration. A very large task indeed. But I think if we look at it one part at a time, one part only, and forget about the massive number of parts, we will have a better chance at making the goal a successful one.

In order for this to work, someone would have to be in control to head up the task. This "Archive Coordinator" would be the main contact for all requests. The coordinator does not need to be a parts expert, but more importantly one who has the time, ability and enthusiasm to "drive" the task.

Here is a scenario of my proposal......

• A request comes in for a part to be considered for the archive. It may be called the "Parts Archive Request Packet". This would consist of several high resolution color photos showing all sides, dimensions, etc. Any notations of size, weight, color, density, identifying marks,etc should be supplied. Also, year and any supporting documentation relative to the part, i.e. car vin#, color, option, date built, etc. should be included. If the car that the part came from has any supporting original documentation, like build sheet, original invoice and/or original window sticker, copies of that data should be forwarded also. If the request comes from a original or early owner, that should be noted as well. If applicable, engine casting #, cast date, assembly date, etc. should be included. Ideally this information should be in digital form, but could be manually generated with high resolution color paper photos and mailed.

• This data, along with the photos, would be forwarded to the Archive Coordinator. The coordinator would collect the information and fill out a standard digital form with all of the information. This standard form would make it easier for all reviewers and maintain consistency to avoid confusion. If manually generated with paper photos, the coordinator would scan these images into digital form any prepare them for digital transfer.

• The archive packet would be reviewed by the coordinator and readied for forwarding. Any special notations and information to assist the reviewers would be included appropriately.

• The coordinator would forward the archive packet to the appropriate model year team leader and/or judges assigned by the team leader to review the data. Their opinions for consideration could be discussed either via email or telephone or some expedient method. Their approval or disapproval would be noted in digital form. This archive approval/disapproval form would then be returned to the coordinator.

• If disapproved, it would be noted as such and recorded.

• If approved, the coordinator would then proceed to enter the data into the archive database. The database will be a specifically assigned disk storage area within the NCRS server. It is important that a very large space be assigned for this process due to the large storage requirements over time. Software to support the archive database would be required. The exact requirements of this software would be determined in the future.

• The database must be set up so that it would then be a search-able archive. The search could be accessible via Part#, description, year of usage, etc. Details of this would be reviewed as the requirements evolve.

This is just one method I came up with. Of course it would make more work for others, namely the Team Leaders, Judges, and Website Administrators. I understand that these people are volunteers and they have an enormous responsibility already. This would add yet another task to their responsibilities. Hopefully they would consider this as a viable asset to the organization and further enhance our understanding and future enthusiasts knowledge of these great cars.

My suggested process could of course have variations. I am confident with the right attitudes, we could all make this work. If you would consider it, I would be willing to help with this task in some capacity. If you would like me to be the coordinator in this task, I would be willing to do that, and in fact would be excited about doing it. I would be willing to help in any way that I can.

Either way, I feel it is important that we consider starting something soon. The longer we wait, the less time we will have to "tap" the minds of the experts that have all of this information tucked away in their minds. I feel it's important to help keep the history of these cars alive for both the present and future generations in the hobby. I believe a globally accessible Parts Archive could help that happen.

Best Regards,
Rich Mozzetta

[Rob M.]

Re: NCRS Picture section

Rich,

Why not setting up a seperate forum section (unther the TDB) with relevant sub-forums where people can post photo's and other can respond on it (on correctness, configuration, etc).

Other alternative might be setting up a wiki for this so every body can add to it but also correct other people's input (like is done in the www wikipedia)...

regards,
Rob.

[Richard M.]

Re: NCRS Picture section

Rob,

More input for ideas is what we need. Yours could help make it happen too. My scenario is just one of many. We need ideas from everyone, then come up with all the best ideas and get this thing going.

Hopefully this is just the beginning......

Rich

[Roy B.]

Re: NCRS Picture section

For an ex sample to see how it could work ,RIGHT now some one could show a part in a pic's asking for further input to get a consensus . Take any year part that is common to most years , post it here on the forum and see what happens . Explaining why!
I'm retired and have time to help cover 55 parts if this thing ever goes/ BUT!!!

[Walter G.]

Re: NCRS Picture section

Although my NCRS involvement is with my '84-considered 'new' by many members-there were running changes/peculiarities within the model year that could/should certainly be recorded now for future use. Mine is totally original except for the a/c compressor, oil filter and battery; judged 99.7 Midwest Regional '07. There are several '84 only items like the white gas cap that could be documented from the original cars remaining. It will certainly be more difficult on the older vehicles, but I think the photo documentation idea should be pursued. I'm not much at computer skills, but could definitely submit pics of '84 components to start collecting material for that generation if this idea gets a foothold.