Suggestion for New Forum-Opinions Needed

[JohnG]

hi everyone

I would like to add a 4th Forum, "Technical Resources".

It would consist of primarily links to sites having TBird related techical information of a permanent nature.

I envision having a message at the start of it that would serve as the main repository and updated as people posted new information or reported the links dead.

I came to this idea as I know that embedded in the many posts here is a ton of information that is hard to find but very valuable, especially to newer members.

Examples might be: the TBird Registry, dealer options, wiring diagrams, wiper motor rebuilds, used part sources, services, Data Plate decoding, technical articles,FE Big Block forum.....organized in some sensible way.

I would be willing to keep it organized and updated. When someone posted a useful link or other source, I would edit Post #1 to include that information. If someone reported a resource dead or of poor quality, it would get deleted from the list.

Here's an example: the TBird Ranch has a chart showing all colors
of engine components, 58-60 at

http://www.tbirdhelp.com/concours/5860concours1.html

How many people know of that??

Here is an oldie I have on how to measure bolt patterns:

http://importnut.net/wheelinfo.htm

Ficken vaccum wiper motor rebuild is at http://www.wiperman.com/ . There ought to be a corresponding one for people who want to go electric.

The Internet, and hence this site, should provide fast access to useful information. Maybe this would help.

What do you guys think??

John

[tbird430]

I like it. It sounds like a great ideal...

[YellowRose]

Suggestion for New Forum-Opinions Needed

Hi John,

I think it is a great idea! The problem might be in finding someone who knows how to add a new forum now that Alexander is no longer with us.

It would be so much easier finding links to information we need to read up on. That information from Tbird Ranch is great in itself. Many people have asked questions about what color something should be on our Birds.

Hopefully, someone can put this into effect. It would be a great tool to have.

[JohnG]

Adding a Forum is not hard. I added the 430 Forum last year and I don't recall it taking much effort.

[YellowRose]

Suggestion for New Forum-Opinions Needed

Hi John!

That is great news! Please go for it! I did not notice that you are an Administrator when I read your post. It is a great idea and one long overdue. I would think it would be great to have a Technical Resources forum broken down just as it is already. '58-'60, Gold Top, 430MEL, '61-'63, etc.. That way, technical information regarding various year cars would be found in the right section and not all mixed up with other car years.

[JohnG]

Possible organization:

* resources on TBird (58-60) chasis info
-data plate
-VINs
-color codes
-dealer options
-decoding casting numbers
-books

* technical information
-wiring
-torque
-tuneup
-liquids
* common repairs
-sources for parts
-tricks & tools
* services available
-distributor work
-wiper motors
-chrome
- lots more...
* parts specific to TBirds
- used
- new
repro & NOS
-overflow tanks
*conversions
-disk brake - ALL parts, ALL info needed
-wiper motor
-alternator
-radio
-unleaded gas

* more I have not thought of right now (suggestions??)

[fomoco59]

John, good idea. You plan to include the info from the technical page on the site Main Menu?

http://www.squarebirds.org/technical.htm

[YellowRose]

Suggestion for New Forum-Opinions Needed

Hi John,

Mike brings up a good point about those items on the Technical Page. Instead of duplicating that information in the Technical Forum, you might consider making a statement at the very beginning of the Technical Forum, that there are answers to many of our questions located on the Technical Page, or something to that effect, and provide the link to it, just as Mike did.

You have really thought this out well, I think. You might consider adding to the Services Available section these two items: Steering Wheel Refurbishing and Seat Replacement Foam Pads. Those are two special services provided by Jed Zimmerman that many of us need now or in the future.

I will think of other subjects, but I think you covered it pretty well already.

[frank58]

Your right John, adding the forum is not difficult..... It's a great idea to put all the usefull links we all have collected into one location. I'm looking forward to seeing this develop.
There are still a few issues with a several articles on the "technical page" on the main site (missng pictures). If possible, whoever has access to the server should try to put some back in. I have the complete "dashpad replacement" text and photos archived if they are needed, I wish I saved more.

[Petrolhead]

Hi John

Great idea

Playing devil's advocate here, would it be feasible to make it accessible to members only? Would be another great benefit for Squarebird membership.

There are several sites I use regularily such as converion factors (capacity, length, weight etc), wheel and tire size caculators and so on, I'd be more than happy to send a bunch of links throuigh when you're ready.

Thanks for making the effort to do this

Alistair

[JohnG]

Mike, you bring up a good point - there should not be a duplication of information already in this site, but rather links to it. Also my intent was perhaps more to provide information vs methods (which Alexander wrote up many). For example, it might tell you a vendor for wiper motor rebuilds vs how to rebuild your own wiper motor (which Alexander provided already).

Ray, the examples you cite are exactly the kind of thing I was thinking of and also point out that this will take an effort by many people for it to be comprehensive enough to be valuable.

Alistair, the idea of it being password protected is interesting. Off the top of my head, I don't know if its technically feasible.

John

[Guest]

Jhon
Great suggestion Go For it, I think we all would use it.
Bob M

[bcomo]

I like it!!!

I have many links that I could post. If my computer ever crashes, I would lose them all, so this is a great way to back up those important pieces of information.

[dgs]

So, how do we add to it? Should we just post a message there, reply to your 'master' thread?

How about things like my suspension rebuild gallery? Not a vendor resource but it has been helpful for others doing the same job.

[byersmtrco]

Great idea !!!

We have had a few good head scratchers lately.

One tech area might be convertible top mechanisms. There's a scary one.
Knock on wood, mine works good. But . . . anyone who owns a convertible knows. Problem is, all the "old guys" that worked on these things "back in the day" are either dead now, or in their 80's and can't remember what a TBird looks like. There's only a handful of people who know the top systems in n out.