posted
Working on it Scott - it's a long story - from the start with the SSOA, through my 9/11 experience,though BG,...you get the idea. I'll have it in a few days. Posts: 3403 | From: Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA | Registered: Dec 2000
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Fbodfather
They don't make songs about Volvos.
Member # 1119
posted
OK....I've posted this on a couple of boards...and I hope I don't upset the innocent...
I just get very frustrated when the community is threatened or someone posts something that divides it...I dunno...perhaps I'm guilty as well......
.....but here goes.......
It has taken me a while to respond to the various "incidents" on this and several boards over the past couple of weeks.....but I believe it was important to use good thought and judgement before responding.
Sooo....go get a cup of coffee or a soda.......this is gonna be long.
I’ve always loved the Camaro..(just as most of you have) ..have since I first saw one on September 10, 1966. It's obvious that the Camaro and Firebird are special cars....great looks, great styling, great performance.
However, there's something else.....and that something else has grown over the years...and that something else is the PEOPLE.
I found out that I was not the only one that felt this way...there were tens of thousands out there that felt just as strongly...and perhaps hundreds of thousands that felt damn close to the way I feel. AND...I found out that there are a few that feel even stronger than I do (if that’s possible) toward these great cars....the Camaro and Firebird... I continue to tell anyone who will listen that part of what makes Camaro and Firebird so special is the PEOPLE. ( I even put that in the brochure in, I believe 2001)
Thus, I was determined to support the Camaro Enthusiast community to the best of my ability when I came on the team. I also determined that it was just as important to support the Firebird community as well, but quite frankly, I don’t know as much about the Firebird as I’d like...esp. the early years.
Part of the reason for doing this is I very quickly realized that there are a LOT of people out there that spend a LOT of time, effort, money, etc to support the community. I wish I could list everyone, (and I realize that I run the very real risk of offending someone for not mentioning them....so I apologize upfront.)
Take Hovig. Here’s an enthusiastic young man who has such a passion for his SS. So much so that he developed a website where like minded people could get together -- kick back -- and enjoy talking to each other. He put his own time and financial resources to work to do this for all of us. It was not...and is not -- an easy task.
Look at Andy Archer....a fellow in suburban Atlanta that puts up his own money...then works himself to the bone to put on a great Fbody event every year over Memorial Day. Talk about dedication.....this man has gone into serious debt to continue to bring us, the enthusiasts, a great weekend of fellowship. That debt does NOT go away when we all get in our cars and leave at the end of the event every year....but he continues to do so.
Teri Heino...and her husband Steve......Teri and Steve work late into the night to put together a great owner packet for those who join the SSOA......they put up some serious cash to have a limited edition Camaro SS diecasts made for the Annual Fcar gathering in Bowling Green.....and when they didn’t all sell....wellll......let’s say they have a lot more models now....more than they did a year ago. They also have less cash than they did a year ago.
Jason Debler......a young energetic guy in suburban Detroit who got together with his pal Chris Frezza to put together the largest Camaro website in the world.......they spend countless hours moderating this site and answering questions and travelling to shows all summer long.
Karl, Ralph, and Rick...and their lovely brides...who founded the American Camaro Association......and work so hard to put on "Camaros at Carlisle" every year.....
Larry Christensen of suburban Denver....who talks to Camaro enthusiasts late into the night -- helping them find ‘that one special part’ ...or trying to figure out where that "leftover bolt" came from.........
The many workers within the Camaro and Firebird Clubs all over the world that take time to work hard...and invest money....to put on great weekend events where we can all go and feel welcome....I dare say "like one of the family."
The list could go on forever....(and again, please don’t be offended if I left you out....there are SO MANY of you out there.........)
These people show real dedication...but I would also say to you that while they, for the most part, are great supporters of Chevrolet, Pontiac, SLP, etc, they don’t ‘follow blindly’.....believe me...they don’t.
They don’t have any problems telling me when they think we messed up real good. But they have what I would call "decorum." They realize that this Enthusiast Community is REALLY SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL......it is strong, but at the same time, fragile. It includes men and women, boys and girls, all races and religions, many different nationalities...and while we are all unique, there is a thread that brings us all together...and that thread is the Camaro and the Firebird.
Now....why do I get upset?
Someone once said that television changed the world. I’d agree...but I think it pales in comparison to the internet. We can contact just about anyone worldwide very easily and inexpensively....the bad news is that the written word lasts, unlike spoken words which can fade. Moreover, the written word does not allow for voice inflection. And, it could be argued that the written word CAN be taken out of context..esp. if you type fast. Furthermore, it is all too easy to ‘fire away’ at the keyboard...sometimes without thinking. And lastly.....there is the ‘anonymous factor‘ ......trolls, if you will.
I posted a few weeks back that I needed some help from the community. I need to prove to a few people that the Camaro Brand is a superbrand......
Now..what do I mean by superbrand?
Well.....a brand that causes people to tattoo themselves with the very name of the brand....that people build "shrines" to these great cars....that people decorate their entire houses and apartments with Camaroabilia........swimming pools with the logo on the floor of the pool........mailboxes painted to look like their Camaro...the list goes on and on. Perhaps I didn’t explain every reason why I was asking for this stuff...and perhaps that’s why some jumped to conclusions...which, quite frankly, is only human nature. Part of the problem is that I’m prohibited (and rightfully so) for telling you everything and about why I'm doing this.
Over two weeks go by and the results were disheartening...so I posted a ‘rant’...and maybe that wasn’t a good idea.......but I basically said....hey....some of you just love to complain.......and I need help...you wanna help? Get busy and send me stuff and stop complaining long enough to do it (not a quote...)
Now...some, I’m sure thought "heck...I already sent a letter to GM...or to Scott....or to the CamaroZ28.com site....or the WCA site.....and they didn’t listen and it did no good." And I can perhaps now see why you’d think that.
Rest assured, I have BOX upon BOX of letters, cards, pictures, banners, website postings, etc..........and they HAVE been used....and they WILL continue to be used. However, I think a scrapbook of sorts with "over the top’ stuff is the perfect introduction to the rest of what I have. It might just make one or two people sit up and take notice.
(a point or two of clarification...I am NOT at the top of the corporate ladder...far from it. And those at the top rungs have hellacious schedules. Their days....and evenings....are planned by the minute......from the time they awaken ‘til the time they close their eyes at night. They simply do not have the luxury of sitting down at a computer and logging onto a website to take the temperature out there............there is just too much to do and not enough time to do it in...and the decisions they’re faced with each day can involve thousands of people and hundreds of millions of dollars in only one or two decisions made. Trust me, I’ve been with GM for 27 years and I’m STILL amazed at how Mr. Lutz and Mr. Cowger and the men and women around them are able to do it! However, I believe that it is a good idea to get stuff to those decision makers...whether they asked for it or not...........................................................)
and one last point of clarification...Mr. Lutz did not kill the Camaro and Firebird. The decision to take the 4th gen out of production was made long before he came back to GM.
Back to the business at hand.......
So......I log onto a website on Saturday morning....and damned if the thread hasn’t been hijacked once again........
Rather than let well enough alone, there goes the GM Bashing......we hear once again about problems...not solutions. And NOTHING was said that hadn’t been said many many times before on more than one or two boards.
I gotta ask the question:
What was the purpose of this?
Did it serve any good purpose?
Did it do anything to further the cause?
I don’t see that it did.
All it did was to divide the community.
And I resent the hell out of it.
Not because they perhaps don’t like GM..but I resent the hell out of it because it takes all the hard work that Hovig, and Andy, and Teri, and Karl, and Ralph, and Rick, and Jason, and Chris, and Steve, and the hundreds of others out there and it damages it. (unintentionally, perhaps, but nevertheless, hurts the progress made.)
Yes...we have free speech in this great country of ours. But I’m tired of people standing behind that right and doing damage.
Perhaps if we all (and I include myself in this...) practiced the Golden Rule, there would be less problems. Perhaps if we thought before we typed, there would be less hard feelings.
Got a problem with me? Come to me.....Got a problem with SLP.....go to SLP. Yes..it’s OK to tell the world that you’re angry. Tell them once. It is unnecessary to continue to harp and harp and harp...and divide the community.
So....this has been long...I’m not yet done.......but I’ll sign off for now.
I ask everyone to think before they type. I ask them to think about what they’re typing...and who they really are hurting....and what their agenda really is. And one last thing: Stop playing the victim when you’re called on bad behavior.
Hovig deserves so much better from us.
I will continue to lurk on this board .....unless the foolishness continues. Then I will leave. That doesn’t mean much, quite frankly....but I ask you this......How many others will eventually feel the same way and quietly leave without telling you?
One last thought...for those of you on other boards......if the shoe fits, put it on, lace it up...and wear it.....
posted
Well....I guess that was aimed at Serge and myself since we are the only two to voice our displeasure with GM. Got no beef with you Scott, never have, nor do I have any "agenda". You may not like my responses, but you can be sure they will be HONEST. Some people do not like that I guess. I felt my response here was honest and respectful. Sorry, I don't see the GM world through rose-colored glasses like many others here. Personally, I feel GM needs to hear that people are unhappy with them. As you put it...."how many will silently leave without speaking out".
In all honesty, I sincerely hope GM brings back the Camaro. I love these cars as much as the next guy. If, however, they should come back, I will only admire the new ones from afar. I don't ever see myself buying a new GM product again not after this last experience. Sad isn't it? I used to "fight to the death" in defending GM like everyone else here does. Five years ago, my wife and I owned 3 Camaros....we are down to 1 now. We have been treated better by another automobile manufacturer and thats tough to beat in my book.
On a side note: I've seen snide comments asking why do I come to these boards still if I "HATE" GM so much.
1.) I *STILL* own a Camaro (one which I will NEVER part with) 2.) for THE PEOPLE and FRIENDS, its not about a car for me...never was.
Peace.
-------------------- 1968 Chevrolet Camaro Coupe RS/SS 350 - Quasar Blue, LOADED and just happens to be my pride and joy. 2002 BMW 540i 6-speed - Jet Black, nicely optioned (Daily Driver) 2000 BMW 323i 5-speed - Titanium Silver, nicely optioned (Wifes car)
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Scott as usual your eloquence is second only to your love of the Fbody.
I have tried to describe the lack of context that can so easily take a good message astray when words are typed in black and white and often read with less than friendly posture. The Internet has some great qualities; it knows not the color, gender or race of those that type away at the keyboard. It also knows not the intent or the level of malice that may lay behind the mask of anonymity.
I have a tremendous amount of respect for those that you’ve mentioned and many you did not.
While I am certainly not without fault, I have tried very hard to keep my mind clear and my ears open to the thoughts on all sides of the issues. We all know the world is not perfect and GM is a part of this imperfect world. They are in business to make money and so we must show them a market segment that still has fruit to bear. It's a fine line between voicing criticism and bashing away at the creator of the cars we all love.
The best visual picture I can muster is from two years ago...I was picking up my daughter at school and I drove by the playground. A couple young boys, maybe 5th grade walked by and one said, "wow dude check it out, a Super Sport!"
Oh and untapped market segment...here's two perspective 5th gen Camaro buyers that know more about Chevrolets than most (except for the kids of the parents in here) elementary school children. This picture was taken in front of our church when my wife and I renewed our wedding vows on our tenth anniversary. You remember my wife, she also has the initials SS and still has the SS flag you gave...I've tried to take from her, but no way will she let me near it
Keep in mind that even priests argue about how they should preach to their flocks. They certainly all agree on their love of god, but when you have more than one human involved 100% agreement is an impossibility.
posted
My thoughts... You know, it really gets me when I read a post like this from Scott, and to know he's trying to do the right thing, yet has to deal with the, ...well what he has to deal with. He doesn't need it, he's NOT asking why you don't like the Camaro, he's asking (for those who care) for POSITIVE input as to why you DO. I'd challenge anyone (including those who his post is directed toward, ...who I don't know NOR DO I CARE TO KNOW) to stand in his shoes and deal with the crap he deals with (you wouldn't last, ...you'd give up in frustration). The guy asks for POSITIVE, SUPPORTIVE comments, letters, etc., and it appears there are those that still need to make 'their' point, ...for what, I don't know (it has nothing to do with what was asked). I could go on, ...but what for (Scott summed it up quite well). Do I think the Camaro is "THE" car, the car with no faults?, the best car ever made?, ...of course not. Could I go on to post what I don't like about it?, ...absolutely,...but that is NOT what is being asked. So, if you've got positive things to say that will help the cause, ...please get those letters in. If on the other hand, you don't, ...go somewhere else to make your point.
I've been a fan of the Camaro for many years, I'd like to see it return. If there is something I can do to help that cause, you bet I'll do my part. ...just my .02 cents.
Kevin
-------------------- Kevin Kolvenbach, 2002 Sunset Orange SS (#3455), Convertible, Black top, Ebony leather, Bilstein, ASR, 6SP w/Hurst, 345HP Dual-Dual Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Fbodfather: It has taken me a while to respond to the various "incidents" on this and several boards over the past couple of weeks.....
I don't know the details of these incidents, but I can assure you that if Scott is pissed, he has good reason.
Please, everyone..... it doesn't matter which board we call home. The common thread among us is enthusiasm for the hobby, so let's drop the "us versus them" mentality, show some respect, and let's all be friends.
posted
Thanks Scott and I would like to make a short post on my position and hopefully this will not result in a further hijacking of this thread.
MMEERRRTT, I fully respect your opinion and in fact love BMW's. I don't think anyone has ever attacked you for stating your opinion about GM. Many of us have in fact asked that you state it once and not interject that negativity into every thread that strikes you. You have a beautiful car. I think mine is beautiful as well. I now that nothing is perfect and certainly none of us are. But, you do constantly reiterate your opinion on GM and your pleasure with BMW. See, I even understand that you have had problems with your Camaro and you love your new BMW. That is your right and more power to you. Your posts are not informative to late model Camaro lovers like me. I do understand the issues and I have had my own (window motors, etc.) but I love the car still.
You must certainly understand that when you post the same message, it will not be adding anything to what people already know. You must surely understand that the only thing it will do it ilicit a response from someone who disagrees. Repetitve positive messages are received well and feel good. Negative ones cause fights. If your reason for a post is to get a negative response back, then I think you are wrong. If you don't understand by now, that a post from you that displays dissatisfaction will only viewed as negative and not as constructive criticism, then shame on you and hopefully this will help to think about it. If you want to truly make note of a specific issue and it should be related to the thread, then that is fine.
This board is not about the same things as others. We are trying to maintain a community of friends and especialy the back porch atmosphere. I would hope that you could be part of that and participate in the positive as well as negative.
So the quick summary:
If you have a post that is constructive criticism and you are posting with that spirit then great.
If you are posting just to say the same thing, knowing that you will ge tthe same response from many others, then save us all the trouble.
If you want to complain to a specific group or person, do it. If you need help, let me know and I will be glad to.
Help us to all get over this and let us share in your joy of that blue beauty you have.
Be positive and happy and not redundant and negative.
And one last comment, I think that goes for all of us.
Let's pull ourselves back to together and make an honest commitment to our loves. Let's be committed to respecting each other, our likes as well as our differences.
Peace
Posts: 5946 | From: Litchfield, NH, USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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quote:Originally posted by MMMM_ERT: In all honesty, I sincerely hope GM brings back the Camaro. I love these cars as much as the next guy.
I am on your side here!
Damn, people, take a deep breath. I have NEVER slammed Scott, my comments on GM were restrained and I even contributed a STORY!
I am certainly not trying to change anyones mind...I hope nobody here EVER allows anyone to change their mind for them in regards to any subject. Make YOUR OWN informed decisions.
On a side note...can I get my title to be "misunderstood".... Posts: 700 | From: Fighting the Nazis of the world..... | Registered: Jul 2002
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I don't know who you are and you obviously carry some grudge toward me for whatever reason. Here's some good advice...
1.) Don't like my opinions/views...don't read then 2.) Got a problem with me...PM me, though I doubt I will respond, you aren't worth a longer response than this.
The only way you'll get me to stop voicing my opinions/views is to get the admins to ban me.
Now, I have at least tried to be respectful in Scotts thread, you should do the same.
You don't know me, but WE ALL KNOW YOU (your EGO insist we do!)
1)I try my hardest to not read your posts but your alway trying to get the last word.....and it really gets OLD
2)PM you........PPPFFFFTTT...yeah right
Respectful...in Scott's thread
"You're SO vain you probably thing this threads about you (and Serge...as you pointed out)"
Tom
Posts: 88 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Nov 2003
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quote:Originally posted by Happy_Dan: MMEERRRTT, I fully respect your opinion and in fact love BMW's. I
Last response and I am done.
Dan...I ask you to please do a search on this board (using my user id and the key words BMW or Bimmer)
Take a look at how many times I have brought up BMW in the last 2 years... I think its like 3 times and of those 3 they are not what you think.
At the top of this thread (in my first post) I was letting people (who care)that I let my 01 SS go because I have not been on this board for some time. I didn't even mention the car I purchased, I only then changed my sig to reflect the change in drivers. I guess what I am trying to say is...I don't bring up BMW on this board very often. I don't think very many people here are interested in them.
Posts: 700 | From: Fighting the Nazis of the world..... | Registered: Jul 2002
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After reading Scott's (justified) rant, I will add my 2Cents! The Camaro is a great car no question,it was built for good looks, good handling and speed. The car is the last of a breed yes the mustang is still aroound but the Camaro was called the "hugger" because it hugged the road try cornering hard in a mustang and you will understand the vast difference. What other auto manufacturer gives us the buyers the chance to interact with a man of Scott's caliber who takes the time to respond to the whining on the boards,and brings great cars out to our events? Is the Camaro without problems? No all cars have there fair share yes even foreign makes. Scott is asking us to send him Camaro memoribilia so he can make a case for us. Is there another Camro in the future? If Scott has his way probably yes! But before GM uses it resources to consider the development of Camaro the interest of the buyers (US) must be engaged in the process. I for one have been putting together a package to send to Scott when it is compete it will be sent,the little he asks us to do for him the more he can do for us!
-------------------- 2002 SS LE Z4C, all options plus 12 disc Cd changer,ASR,Rear defogger,A-4 Trans. SLP Options: Cm Exhaust, 345 Airbox, Bilstein, Auburn, 35 Ann mats, 35 ann rear deck mat, 35 ann car cover, portfolio, birth certificate key fobs + dash plaque, special Camaro GM Portfolio. Autographed by FBODYFATHER Scott Settlemire, SSOA & WWCA Member! Slp owners Assoc. Posts: 184 | From: Chicago,IL. | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
...And back to the intent of Scott's original post...
quote: Scott is asking us to send him Camaro memoribilia so he can make a case for us.
(well stated '2002 SLP SS')
Kevin
Posts: 1046 | From: Pine Bush, NY USA | Registered: Aug 2001
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FireChicken
11 Secret Herbs & Spices
Member # 2067
posted
quote:Originally posted by KenC: could yall build one ...that has a special section in the back for me to transport wolfdogs in?????
Hurst built one that was a station wagon.... would that work for ya?
Fbodfather, this may be a tad-off topic, but is firebird stuff welcome too? If so, i'll gladly send in some pictures of my centercaps and things i went through to make them.
Posts: 686 | From: Texas: Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck! | Registered: Aug 2003
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Just to let you ALL know,sent my stuff to Scott with
"twenty seven eight-by-ten colour glossy photographs with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one explaining what each one was to be used as evidence against us. Took pictures of the approach, the getaway, the northwest corner the southwest corner and that's not to mention the aerial photography."
So ride on Don Quixote in your quest to slay the cancellation dragon!!!!!
-------------------- 94 Z28/UltraZ Hood & Box/2 1/2 Drop/52mmTB & Bypass/160 Stat/Pulley/ Catback & pipe/Shifter/Kirkey seats/5 point belts/WW Wing/Ford9"-4.11- Detroit locker-Strange axles/ZEKE'S Heads & LT4 HC/Stainless Headers & Y/1LE Panhard/BMR SFCs-STB-Relo Brackets-Tunnel Brace-Adj Tq arm-adj Sway bar-Adj LCAs/ Line lock & LT4 PP & clutch/Monster tach & light/T REX F Pump/T shifter grip/DS Loop/A Great Friend MIKE !!24/08/03=12.487@113.486/1.785 60ft. 19/10/03=12.477@113.030 /1.807 60ft. 15/05/04=12.438@112.269/1.767 60ft www.timelord3.com www.stealthperf.com www.timelord3.com Posts: 558 | From: Loretteville,Mars | Registered: Feb 2002
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(Scott, apologies if this isn't exactly on topic, but it goes to the heart of the passion we feel for the cars, and the fact that hope springs eternal...)
Well, I just got back from the Spring Sale at Carlisle, PA and I have a few revelations for GM…maybe Scott will hear me (and he may even silently agree), but I think the rest of GM’s leadership needs to have its collective pulse checked.
First off, let me start by saying that I’m incredibly biased. I know, the rest of you aren’t brand loyal and don’t give a rat’s patootie whether its American made or not, but I do. There aren’t many foreign cars that do much for me, and I exercise my right to vote with my wallet whenever I can. Of the American brands, I prefer GM…I guess it comes from my Dad being a Chevy man, and I’ve always worked on and been around GM products. Besides, look at the classic car market…very few non-GM American products bring high dollars on the auction block or at car sales. Anyway, I just thought I’d go ahead and preface the following commentary with a position statement…I’m INSANELY brand loyal…I’d rather push a GM product than drive a Ford…but that’s just me.
Having said that, I was in ‘heaven’ this weekend…classic first gen Camaros and Firebirds…tri-fives all over the place…64, 65, 67 Goats...Corvettes, solid axle cars all the way up to an 03 Z06…Impalas (the real ones, 58-63) with big blocks and 3 twos…old trucks, Caddys…all kinds of stuff that just made me wish I had about $90k to blow on a car or two…
But, on reflection, it saddened me, too. It saddened me to think that there is nearly NOTHING in GM’s lineup that makes me go ‘DAMN!!! I’ve GOT to have that!’…As much as I like the concept of the GTO, and it is a nice car, I just don’t get all jazzed up about it…same with the SSR…the C5 and C6 are nice, but they’re a little more money than I can consider right now…the Cobalt [yawn]…the Monte Carlo SS……Impala SS…you’re seeing the point. We’re promised to hold on, that performance isn’t dead at GM, and just wait a couple of years and we’ll be blown away by what rolls out of Detroit…and they’re right…it will be a top secret piece of [yawn] engineering that we can’t wait to laugh at. GM needs to get something out that has mass appeal, and quit promising the moon. I’m fairly hopeful of the Solstice, even if it isn’t a V8 muscle car.
I’m forced to look to the past to find inspiration from GM…something to work for, something I’ve GOT to have…I can only imagine being a 18 or 19 year old kid, walking into a dealership and seeing a 69 Camaro Z28 with the 302, and looking over and seeing a Chevelle with some SERIOUS horsepower…those days are long gone…walk into a dealership today, and you’re inundated with salesmen that are trying to tell you about the great performance of the Cobalt or the incredible rush that you get from the Aveo…
Scott, please tell your bosses that we’re tired of extra-medium cars…we want to be blown away by a car, not just impressed with a shotgun-blast marketing blitz that hopes to sell something to someone by scattering the offerings into every market segment.
Looking back at what Lutz did for D-C, I’d venture to guess that one Viper did more than 10 new offerings in one year.
GM needs a Viper. Not a re-vamped ‘vette (a-la Z06), but a balls-out, go for the jugular, kick-ass car that turns peoples heads, and motivates your engineers and workers.
Byrdman (a disgruntled, but nevertheless loyal, GM fan)
-------------------- Yep, its me! Posts: 47 | From: Kannapolis, NC | Registered: Feb 2004
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I for one have a deep appreciation for the Camaro, so deep that, when given an opportunity to acquire my dream car (while serving our country deep inside Iraq) I seized the moment. With the use of satellite phones and a very shaky Internet system, I contacted Tom Henry of Tom Henry Chevrolet to arrange purchase of my TH380SS Camaro.
I did not realize that fate would try and derail my dreams by trying to take my life away some four days later. I met all of you through Tom and Scott and read each of your posts during my recovery in Germany. Each of you inspired me in one way or another and helped me mentally get back on my feet.
While recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical center, Tom called me and made it known that if I had second thoughts about purchasing the car from him, he would completely understand. I told him I wanted that car now more than ever; I was determined to own that car.
The connection I made with all of you is credited largely in part to the Camaro. I owe much of my recovery to my family, you, and to the Camaro. Every day that I get inside my car, I cannot help but think how I acquired this car. How well received I was into THIS family, and how many friends I made as a direct result to owning a Camaro.
I sit here today at 0354 in much pain as a result of surgery I went through yesterday. Painfully banging away at these keys but determined to show my appreciation for the Camaro and to all of you
My story is no better than any other story surrounding the Camaro. We’ve all achieve our dreams and goals by one attribute, determination. That in my opinion is what Camaro stands for, and that is why we make the bets owners of this type of car. If the Camaro is determined to make a comeback, then you can bet the house it will. Good people will refuse to let it just fade away.
I look forward to the day where I will get to shake your hands and personally thank you for your support to your country and to me and my family. Until then, take care and keep the faith.
Patrick
-------------------- #22 Tom Henry Camaro Monterey Maroon Red Posts: 122 | From: Fort Carson, CO | Registered: Aug 2003
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God Bless you and the rest of our troops for everything you have done for the rest of us and our country.
Awesome post.
quote:Originally posted by 380SS: Good morning all.
I for one have a deep appreciation for the Camaro, so deep that, when given an opportunity to acquire my dream car (while serving our country deep inside Iraq) I seized the moment. With the use of satellite phones and a very shaky Internet system, I contacted Tom Henry of Tom Henry Chevrolet to arrange purchase of my TH380SS Camaro.
I did not realize that fate would try and derail my dreams by trying to take my life away some four days later. I met all of you through Tom and Scott and read each of your posts during my recovery in Germany. Each of you inspired me in one way or another and helped me mentally get back on my feet.
While recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical center, Tom called me and made it known that if I had second thoughts about purchasing the car from him, he would completely understand. I told him I wanted that car now more than ever; I was determined to own that car.
The connection I made with all of you is credited largely in part to the Camaro. I owe much of my recovery to my family, you, and to the Camaro. Every day that I get inside my car, I cannot help but think how I acquired this car. How well received I was into THIS family, and how many friends I made as a direct result to owning a Camaro.
I sit here today at 0354 in much pain as a result of surgery I went through yesterday. Painfully banging away at these keys but determined to show my appreciation for the Camaro and to all of you
My story is no better than any other story surrounding the Camaro. We’ve all achieve our dreams and goals by one attribute, determination. That in my opinion is what Camaro stands for, and that is why we make the bets owners of this type of car. If the Camaro is determined to make a comeback, then you can bet the house it will. Good people will refuse to let it just fade away.
I look forward to the day where I will get to shake your hands and personally thank you for your support to your country and to me and my family. Until then, take care and keep the faith.
Patrick
Posts: 700 | From: Fighting the Nazis of the world..... | Registered: Jul 2002
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posted
Patrick, I remember Scott's post about you and your injuries.
First off, it is wonderful to read that you are with us and part of the community. As for the arguements on the boars...I try to keep in mind that the infighting is that of brothers and sisters and not of true foes.
About your injuries, I wish you the best. Well I've never been wounded in battle I did get in a pretty nasty fight with a tree about 3 years ago. 9 broken vertabraes, 8 broken ribs, collasped lung, subdural hematoma and a some other stuff. So I hope you recover as well if not better than I did and as I do get to enjoy your very special car.
Lastly, as an american citizen, a husband and the father of two young girls, I can not say this strongly enough;
Thank you for your service to our country. It is so easy for us to take our freedoms and rights for granted and not understand that poeple must fight and die for them each day.
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Patrick, I am keeping the hope that you'll be able to join us on our way to Bowling Green, KY in September. Steve and I are very much looking forward to you being a part of our caravan along the way and SSOA ThurSSday activities once we get there.
Posts: 7198 | From: Near Portland, Oregon, USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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quote:Originally posted by HotWheelSS aka HTWLSS: Patrick, I am keeping the hope that you'll be able to join us on our way to Bowling Green, KY in September. Steve and I are very much looking forward to you being a part of our caravan along the way and SSOA ThurSSday activities once we get there.
I plan on going. Can't wait to put faces with these names.
-------------------- #22 Tom Henry Camaro Monterey Maroon Red Posts: 122 | From: Fort Carson, CO | Registered: Aug 2003
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Scott I mailed my letter and pic of my tattoo to your attention this morning. I always keep my promises and you should receive it no later than Monday. Posts: 2841 | From: Westland, MI | Registered: Apr 2003
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FireChicken
11 Secret Herbs & Spices
Member # 2067
posted
Fbodfather: how about firebird stuff as well? Would pictures of my centercaps be appropriate for your collection???
Posts: 686 | From: Texas: Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck! | Registered: Aug 2003
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I have been a GM person since my second car,a 1950 Olds with a Rocket "88" which I bought in 1953.I've owned 23 GM cars since then and 8 of them have been Camaros.I can honestly say I have not had any major problems with any of my GM cars. Maybe I am lucky, but then I must be lucky to own all those GM cars. Keep up the good work Scott. I hope you got the picture I sent you of my mail box.
-------------------- http://community.webshots.com/user/sscamaro02 AMERICAN CAMARO ASSOCIATION 2002 SS (M02-2022)(Build Date 9/10/01) T-Top,Bright Rally Red,Ebony Leather,Hurst Shifter,SLP Options: 345HP,SS Grille,SS Floor Mats,Personalized SS Rear Deck Mat,17"X 9" ZR1 Type Chrome Wheels,SS Cover,Engine Plaque. Additional Mods:GMMG Chambered Exhaust,FLP LT Headers,SLP CAI,K&N Filter,Silver Hood Stripes, Silver Letters on Rear Facia and Spohn Performance LCA, Panhard,SFC and Adj. Torq Arm w/Drive Shaft Loops.384/rwhp and 381/rwtq
1969 SS396 Olympic Gold.Unrestored,L34(350HP),M21 close ratio 4-Speed,Cowl Hood,Spoilers Front and Rear,Console w/Gages.Second owner since Nov.1971. 1 of 2018 Produced Posts: 828 | From: Denver,PA | Registered: Dec 2001
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-------------------- SS-LS1 Fully Optioned out SLP Version/2001 Black vert #287 500HP 450tq SLP Built it Posts: 44 | From: New Jersey | Registered: Jul 2003
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Scott mine is in the mail sorry it took so long have been really busy lately
-------------------- Willard (Mike) Scott Worldwide Camaro Club North Carolina state Rep. 2001 SS convertible with all SLP opts. Sunset Orange Neutral top Neutral leather http://community.webshots.com/user/wmss Posts: 737 | From: Siler City N.C. | Registered: Sep 2003
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Folks, this is why I want the Camaro to come back. This happened thursday night. I fine but my pride and joy...well you decide. Scott thank you for a great car. It stayed together and the seat belt saved my life.
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Man I hate that glad you are ok, but tell us what happened to cause this and did it roll and slide or what
-------------------- Willard (Mike) Scott Worldwide Camaro Club North Carolina state Rep. 2001 SS convertible with all SLP opts. Sunset Orange Neutral top Neutral leather http://community.webshots.com/user/wmss Posts: 737 | From: Siler City N.C. | Registered: Sep 2003
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I must have fallen asleep. I think maybe I let the right side tires fall off the road and over corrected. I went off the road on the left side and went down an embankment. It looks like the front end hit and it threw the car endover. The front of the car was pointing towards the road and was upside down. I dont remember anything about the crash. I can remember just before and everything after, including letting myself out of my seatbelt.
I dont mean to high jack this thread but people, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE wear your seatbelt!!!
quote:Originally posted by RacerDave71: I dont remember anything about the crash. I can remember just before and everything after, including letting myself out of my seatbelt.
Glad you're okay. The car can be replaced.
Posts: 2359 | From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 2001
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Marty looks like the car held up well and could be fixed what the verdict on that
-------------------- Willard (Mike) Scott Worldwide Camaro Club North Carolina state Rep. 2001 SS convertible with all SLP opts. Sunset Orange Neutral top Neutral leather http://community.webshots.com/user/wmss Posts: 737 | From: Siler City N.C. | Registered: Sep 2003
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FireChicken
11 Secret Herbs & Spices
Member # 2067
posted
Glad you are safe, man. wife and daughter ok?
Posts: 686 | From: Texas: Hullabaloo, Caneck! Caneck! | Registered: Aug 2003
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This picture was taken in front of our church when my wife and I renewed our wedding vows on our tenth anniversary. You remember my wife, she also has the initials SS and still has the SS flag you gave...I've tried to take from her, but no way will she let me near it 
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