tech days

[Traceman]

How come none of you are having Tech days or do you just not advertise them? If this keeps up I am going to have to start working on my ride again for something to do.

It would be nice to get some tech articles going.

I think I will go rotate the tires and change the oil. It has been about 400 miles since I did it last. :D

[Rusman]

I need to clean my garage...or as Rick says, "practice some crapstacking". Who's up for that? ;)

[Neighbors]

Ok, I'm a little slow, so help me out here...

What exactly are 'tech days', and the intentions of them? Is it just where a group gets together and works on cars simultaneously, or all converge on one? I guess I never really understood...

I work on so many projects for so many people, a designated tech day kind of scares me, LOL! If you know me very well, and have seen my garage, you'll understand that I need my space when working. It's not claustrophobia, but my reaction is the same. I even tell my wife if she's within arms reach, she's too close (well, most of the time ;))...

That being said, I try to list major projects I'm working on on the calendar here for all to see. I agree that we need to get some tech articles going, but it's hard to document and work at the same time (I hate getting dirty and trying to take a picture, type a doc, do a drawing, etc...). I live so far away from most of you guys that my participation in tech days may be infequent...

OK, now onto my 'in process' list:

Rolling work bench, 3' x 5'...
Teague's T45 rebuild (needs full documentation)...
T-box work (the Glover Special)...
dismantle the Sublet...
SFC build and install...


Future projects:

9" end conversion on 8.8 (and gear install?)
C4 rebuild...
C6 rebuild
T56 rebuild
rollbar install in a '93 coupe...
line lock install...
I'm sure a T5 or eight will pop up...


...and that's if I don't find a wagon. If a wagon is secured, expect a full rebuild from stem to stern...

I would klike to get these things documented; we provide very little 'real' service here, and I hope we can remedy that (but it's too big of a job for one person to fulfill). Hmmm, juts had a thought...

A tech day raffle! We could enter everybodies name in a pot, and pull one winner a month. That winner picks the project he/she/they want done on their vehicle, and the rest agree to help (either physically or by documenting work). All those that show up and help are thrown into the next pot (except for the current 'winner', who's attendance is required at the next TD), and a new 'winner' drawn...It would be a way to get things strated, and if more than one project gets done a day, great, but the main focus would be to get the 'winners' project done. The project would need to be dertermined ASAP, and planned out, so that all parts are in stock to complete it on the given day...Does that sound reasonable?

Please, additional thoughts are requested...

Chris

Late addition: It might be a good idea to get a feel for what we are all capable of (skill set), what we would like to learn, what equipment we have (in a discrete fashion; I want to keep what little I've obtained...), and what our 'other' resources are. I realize this is hard to establish, but wanted to try and get the ball rolling. A spreadsheet of what we have done could be created, and we could pair/team-up skill-sets and desires...Me? I know how to macrame, and want to learn oragami...

[Traceman]

My understanding was that everybody worked on one vehicle to get it done and if there are extra people you could work on other projects. Myself, I am not going to have one unless there is plenty to do.

I don't mind going to help anybody as long as my work schedule allows it but I expect them to work also. It's not really charity I don't think. It's working together and maybe learning different techniques or obtaining new abilities.

I think you have put alot of thought into this Nay. How long does a transmission rebuild take, 6 hours maybe? I would have no problem coming down for a day and documenting/helping for a day. I think most sections of projects can be completed in a day with the right help. When I say section I mean remove engine, install engine, install supercharger and fuel pump, replace clutch etc..

I know some people here could probably do all that in a day but for the average Joe that would be plenty of work in installments epecialy with proper documentation. Thats where you need a designated picture taker/note taker who doesn't have to wash his hands before he picks up the camera each time.

The raffle thing sounds good but it will be hard to get all involved to participate due to special events and work on a certain date. It may be worth a try.

I have enough to do that I could have a tech day every weekend but I don't want to wear out my welcome.:D

Tracy

Oh and by the way try to have refreshments and snacks at least if you plan to have people working on YOUR car all day. Thats the least you could do.

[Rusman]

Very good ideas!
I think that the Tech Day Raffle is great, however, I just have a feeling that if someone's car wasn't chosen, then they would not show up, for whatever reason. Maybe not right now with this group of people, i'm hardly in a position to judge anyone, but as the club gets larger (compare to WSM), I would think this would happen because it's just human nature. I guess that can be expected that a certain percentage will actually make it, and someone could always take a tally before and after and 'ban' those that are abusing the system. Just more ideas :).

[Neighbors]

I realize that there are some things that pop up in all of our lives that take preceedence over car stuff, and if that situation arises, then that's perfectly understandable. In the raffle situation, if the prior winner can't make the next date, then that person's name is not included in the next pot (which would be drawn near the end of that tech day), and would be required to attend the next to be eligible for being drawn.

I wonder if keeping track of hours to assess points might be a good idea? Maybe if/when you reach a certain number of points you get the tech day. Points could be assigned based on whose facility was used, who brought what equipment, and the travel distance for each member. This could get real confusing, but we could simplify it as best we can...

What about consumables? I assume the host of the tech day would/should cover consumables, if say I were to cart my oxy/acetylene rig somewhere (as an example).

I certainly like doing things, and feel most comfortable while helping others. In fact, I place others higher on the pecking order than I do my own stuff, and it shows, LOL! My car hasn't been washed and waxed since Ennis 2000...

So far most everybody here is great to deal with, and I believe respects each other and their position. I certainly wouldn't mind helping anybody here, but my proximity keeps me from being too involved (be that good or bad, LOL!)...Also, IMHO, if a tech day is going on, and three people are handling a task, then I don't have a problem mowing the yard, as long as I'm credited for the task. Keeping a happy home life through maintenance is just as important as car stuff; after all, if the housework ain't done, it's hard to go out and play, even if the car is fixed...

Sorry for the gyration; just trying to get some creative juices going...

Chris