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Messages - Garyford

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Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: Tom Posthuma - Farewell to a great FE guy
« on: November 05, 2024, 03:23:18 PM »
Tom had bad hearing, probably resulting from a gas tank explosion he survived years ago (others would know better) so sometime communicating in person was a bit challenging.

He had a gentle sense of humor and seemed to know many in the hobby, enjoyed history.

What set him apart was his heart: he could communicate with pro racers at what seemed like their level, but had patience to try and answer knucklehead questions from neophytes.   I have a few pictures of him explaining details to my kids when they were young folks 20 years ago, they liked to swarm him and they are auto enthusiasts.  He patiently offered suggests.

 

2
FE Technical Forum / Re: Modern FE… sort of….
« on: October 10, 2024, 11:02:04 AM »
Nice in theory, but the cost/availability of those puts it out of reach for casual experimentation.

Hopefully there will be more around in the future, to bring them in line with backyard budgets.

3
Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: Wifes nephew
« on: May 28, 2024, 02:43:51 PM »
What a great story.

Something like a huge old Galaxie would be absolute culture shock for a kid raised on politically correct vehicles.

I think many of us have benefited from such experience or even just a few encouraging words at a young age, nice to pass it on.

When I was too young to even have a learner's permit (probably 12 years old), no less than Don Prudomme had time to talk with me as a kid, at a car show way up in Edmonton AB; that blew my mind (I knew all about who he was). Also a few muscle car rides from older fellows back in the day, stuff that might upset a modern police officer.

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Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: Nice Pinto
« on: October 18, 2020, 05:17:05 PM »
Quote from: Hipopinto on October 08, 2020, 06:28:20 PM
This is my pinto a few weeks ago

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=JytjxYwTyV4

It has a transbrake in the C4 and a bump box built into the ECU

this is the quickest I have ever been in this car

I hoping the new combo does way better but for now this is pretty respectable.

Thanks
Dave

Very nice.  I believe my favorite car of all times is a Pinto, your's looks great.

I had a V8 Pinto many decades ago, and then joked for many years that if I became independently wealthy would get another (not because the car is expensive) just because.  Then my grown kids pitched in and got me one for my birthday, but it remains 1973, 2.0 4 spd at this moment.

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FE Technical Forum / Re: new sticker
« on: May 17, 2020, 07:50:31 PM »
Probably adds 30hp. : )

I will put a ram air sticker on my Q code mustang because the hood has been cut and nothing is original anyway, so why not have some fun.

6
FE Technical Forum / Re: Are 15” wheels worth it, or do I need to jump to 16” or 17”?
« on: December 31, 2019, 11:48:13 PM »
14" performance tires might be more popular than 15".

If you can live with the sidewall look that is suited for Miata autocross duty.  :)

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Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: Need Ford Truck Knowledge - 69 F250
« on: September 30, 2019, 10:09:14 PM »
That heavy rear end would be a dana 60 not unlike modern Ram 1/2 ton pickups, and rumored to have less friction than a 9".  You can get a cheap battery operated impact tool to deal with the 8 lug wheels.

I have a similar 1972 f250 (w/390) and it is a lot of fun to drive, not like anything modern. 

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Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: 14 inch tires
« on: April 06, 2019, 12:18:16 AM »
There are high performance 14" tires now available, but very low profile for the Miata autocross guys.  Not tall enough but wide.

9
Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: Someone please tell me I don't need this car...
« on: June 06, 2018, 01:02:45 PM »
I got a 73 runabout from the kids last fall. It was stock until I took the thing apart to fix some rust in the floor and to add modern seat belts. I would really like to add some kind of truss/roll bar to reinforce the rear section over the wheel wells, that seems designed to crush the gas tank.

1) it is startling how bad those cars are, compared to anything modern.  It really feels prone to be rattling along in a tin box looking up at the smallest of modern cars.  So brace yourself.

2) it is refreshing how honest those cars are. Something to easily be fixed. No reverse lockout :) Fits on the local walking trail.  Handbrake turns are easily accomplished, especially on 15 year old rubber.

3) Everywhere we drove the thing it generated a nice response. Folks our age would invariably mouth "is that a Pinto?" as if they were emerging from a 30 year vegetative state.  Modern kids are much drawn to it, not sure what they are looking at especially when they witness my middle aged body trying to climb my way out of the very low seating position.

If you have time to drive it, I don't think you will be disappointed, even if you keep it stock.

10
FE Technical Forum / Re: scary thought,fe die?
« on: January 16, 2018, 08:26:12 PM »
I think the hobby has been hurt by the search for perfection among other things.  Years ago a backyard paintjob was great and nobody saw or paid much attention to the defects.  Now you will be criticized for less than an $8-15K paint job.

Similar criteria applies to drive trains etc.  Things got SO GOOD (and expensive) that anything less is considered a failure: what fun is that.  A large part of the hobby that has lost intrigue for me personally is the creativity: If there is only one definition of paintjob, drivetrain, upholstery etc that is deemed acceptable, there is not much opportunity for personal expression except to write the checks.

Same criteria applies to performance standards. It used to be fun to mix a bunch of used parts and come up with a combination that could challenge new cars costing 4X as much. Now there are new cars running 12's, and guys on line saying an 8 second street car is normal. I have no interest in driving an 8 second street car protected by 1960's sheet metal and crumple zones. But anything less than such heroic accomplishments is considered failure.

Another thing hurting the hobby is the overabundance of information, entertainment and generally "choices" available electronically these days.  Nobody has anywhere near as much passion for anything they personally own, as was the case decades ago, because it is so overshadowed by all else. 

11
FE Technical Forum / Re: Driving feel differences between 390, 427, 428, and strokers
« on: January 16, 2018, 08:08:06 PM »
I would guess that Dale knew a little bit about the 'combination' being that he goes faster on his spare 390, than most folks believe possible.  I don't think he had meager pickup truck heads on the stroked 427.

He's also had the car for a long time so his butt-o-meter might be calibrated pretty close.

12
Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: Rejected!
« on: September 09, 2016, 11:42:05 AM »
Quote from: jayb on July 29, 2016, 10:59:38 AM
I can tell you guys feel sorry for me  ;D

yes, that is quite a problem to have  :D

13
Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: Enjoyable find while stuck in traffic
« on: September 09, 2016, 11:40:10 AM »
Very nice, thanks for posting.

As to the 368 being "original", what he stated is probably what I also would mention to average viewer rather than explain that it is the original model engine albeit larger version than that particular year.


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Non-FE Discussion Forum / Re: Here is what happens when an upper control arm and a shock breaks in A Chevelle
« on: October 14, 2015, 12:52:05 PM »
Sorry to see that happen to your friend.  It sounds like he was on it a lot farther than the 60' mark.   How bad was the damage?

15
FE Technical Forum / Re: Almost on the Road
« on: August 18, 2015, 09:05:59 PM »
I don't think the coil packs know what color they are painted.....  :)

And there is some chance they were made by a contractor. 

Looks good Faron and I hope we hear more reports about how the car is doing. 

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