Pro-buystuff-ing

[wendell]

Is it just me or has this site become dominated by company reps shilling their "pro-touring" stuff? Seems that every post devolves into a string of links to catalog pages. Maybe I'm crazy but a few years ago there was insitefull conversation about suspension function and design. Now it's competing grocery lists of bolt ons. Guys that's the way it goes... It also seems that the advise offered by "professionals" extends so far as to get folks to click on their link.
I'm probably crazy (and clearly a *****), tell me I'm wrong.

[Steve1968LS2]

Its just you..

There are TONS of threads on this forum about theoretical issues and about "low buck" or home fabbed work.

However this isn't 1985 when we had to make every single widget we need. Since then companies have started to produce the parts we use to dream about. This means you can now buy a part you use to have to fabricate. So, how is this wrong?

What's the benefit of designing and building an upper control arm when DSE already has one made? Does it make more sense for me to fabricate a spindle or buy one from ATS? Manufactures offer solutions to problems. The guy with the skills and time is still able to fab his heart out, but the regular guy now has the chance to make his car vision a reality. Engineer and fab a rear suspension or buy a kit and be on the road months, maybe years sooner?

Also, the parts "shilled" on this site are gennerally done so by site sponsors. Without these sponsors you wouldn't have a board to post on. It's like complaining about the commercials durring your favorite TV show.

Did ya know we have an advanced theory section? I think you're applying a small number of incidents to the whole board and just not how it goes. At least not in my opinion, but I've been wrong before. lol

[paulk68]

I think there are great topics on this board. also i love to see when new products come out. so i do not agree with you on this one.

[Moose]

I would have to disagree. I've gotten some great help from a lot of folks on this board. If it wasn't for some of the pioneers that have fabbed up stuff in the past, guys like myself would be in a lot of trouble trying to fab, move and create new parts while laying in my small garage.

This board and lateral-g have been very helpful in my slow going build.

[Q ship]

Also, the parts "shilled" on this site are gennerally done so by site sponsors. Without these sponsors you wouldn't have a board to post on. It's like complaining about the commercials durring your favorite TV show.

Just as a point of fact, there are forums (some very good ones) that are not sponsored. There are also sponsored forums that limit advertising (including "oh by the way" comments) to specific subforums.

My opinion? Forums are a great place for people to argue about.......everything.

[BA.]

Wendell, I am not sure that I see it as being as bad as you are mentioning but I think I do know where you're coming from. I did want to say that I have noticed many instances of "schilling" also, and it can be annoying if there's no merit to the post.

I've not noticed it as much in the past month, but maybe I'm not in the right threads.

Not directed at anyone: There IS a difference between a sponsor offering a part and explaining it's virtues or value to someone's project and the other type of post where the sponsor says "we sell that part" and that's all they post.

[skatinjay27]

yep its just YOU

[ProdigyCustoms]

It also seems that the advise offered by "professionals" extends so far as to get folks to click on their link.
.

Personally, I am guilty of hawking sales is some of my post. However, I also do a tremendous amount of other contribution to the forum including sharing professional secrets, tips, free technical service calls for PT forum members, we sponsor PT forum events, etc.

I am certain you were not refering to us in particular, but I thought I would state it anyway.

[wendell]

You're right frank, I was not refering to Prodigy. You're a class act and I respect the effortsyou make to help people out. I've just read a bunch of posts lately that make me shake my head.

I don't think the TV commercial analogy is appropriate but you would have a valid argument were I complaining about the banners. I also think it's interesting that the fabricated U/L CA offers a solution to a problem that doesn't exist but that's another story...

[eville]

I've not noticed that to be that case as much here as on some other boards.
I think for a vendor to stop in and post "we sell it, and we sell the best" without offering up proof, advice or supporting evidence is not right. But I think most of the vendors/manufacturers here do a great job of supporting their products, our projects and providing GREAT information. Marcus from SC&C, Shane from AFX, Ron Davis, Frank from Prodigy just to name a few. These guys are here providing quality information and real world feedback. I'm glad they're here "trolling for business".

[Steve1968LS2]

Just as a point of fact, there are forums (some very good ones) that are not sponsored. There are also sponsored forums that limit advertising (including "oh by the way" comments) to specific subforums.

My opinion? Forums are a great place for people to argue about.......everything.

And?

The site being sponsored by advertisers in now way limits discussions about "doing it yourself". That is only limited by each members desire for discussion

And yea, the net is a great place to get a thousand opinions on just about anything. lol

[paul67]

If it helps and saves time and maybe money I'm all for it when I started building my 67 camaro 10yrs ago there was not a lot, now most of what i had to design and make now comes in kit form, ie engine's trans upgrades like the LT1 that I followed in hot rod mag that took me 3 mths vette suspensions etc's , what I've seen is some people have come on to this site early on and are now running business , good luck to them and so if they push there wear's what the problem if it moves the hobby forward. Rant Over

[trapin]

I also think it's interesting that the fabricated U/L CA offers a solution to a problem that doesn't exist but that's another story...

I'm guessing the acronym U/L CA means Upper and Lower Control Arms. If so, I think you'll get a ton of arguements on that one.

[BonzoHansen]

I've not noticed that to be that case as much here as on some other boards.
I think for a vendor to stop in and post "we sell it, and we sell the best" without offering up proof, advice or supporting evidence is not right. But I think most of the vendors/manufacturers here do a great job of supporting their products, our projects and providing GREAT information. Marcus from SC&C, Shane from AFX, Ron Davis, Frank from Prodigy just to name a few. These guys are here providing quality information and real world feedback. I'm glad they're here "trolling for business".

+1. Just compare & contrast the level of technicaly info we get from CC5S and one of their competitors.

I hate blatent shilling. But if you bring info & knowledge to the table, it's all good.

[harshman]

Ya, me too. And BTW, if you want a high quality custom home in AZ, give me a call. Um.... what were we talking about?

Seriously, I know the guys at American Touring Specalitys and can say with confidence that they as well as Hydroboost, Detroit Speed, Prodigy, Schwartz and ... and ... (the list could go on) are they guys that we want here and we utilize their expertise on a regular basis. Sure they may sell their stuff in the process but their knowledge is vital to this forum and that alone sets it apart from many others.

[MuscleRodz]

I like Frank have done it and guilty as well. But I also contribute to this board as much as anyone with information. I will never claim to know everything, but I probably know a few people that will have the answer. I try to keep the pitches too a minimum but if the board doesn't know you have it available, no one is going to buy it. We (sponsors) are also the first ones that if something goes wrong, we do whatever it takes to fix the problem sometimes at great expense to maintain the reputations many of the board sponsors have gained.

[Q ship]

And?

Oh, sorry. Just responding to the quoted part of your post. Has nothing to do with DIY level here.

Ya, me too. And BTW, if you want a high quality custom home in AZ, give me a call. Um.... what were we talking about?

LOL! How you doing Andy? Do you ever get out to the Zeke's cruise on Fridays?

[Rolling_Thunder]

you own a GM or Ford dont you ? i merely say that because the majority of the people here do... And the aftermarket knows that - so they gear towards those cars. if you say "Hey guys where can I find a cool looking LED taillight set for my 68 Camaro?" you will get numerous replies with links to the items.... now on the otherhand if you say "Hey where can I find a cool looking LED taillight set for my 1966 Dodge Charger" you will hear crickets... People have almost completed the task of creating every known part for the common cars, where fabrication is not needed as much because there is a pre-made kit already avaiable....

Thats my take - it is simply because so many things are avaiable... and linking to a cataloge is a way to show you parts and things... I semi-agree that there are alot of people trying to sell products - but remember the sponsor's of the forum are part houses and companies.... Do i think it is Overly intrusive ? no...

[harshman]

hey Q,
I checked them out without my car. You know, one of them car show guys talking about his bad a$$ car that is in the garage – not at the show. My car needs some mild engine work and replace all springs and then sell it.

[MrQuick]

Evolution of the sport/hobby what ever you wish to call it.
Think of where we would be without the Vic Edelbrocks and the Speedy Bill smiths of the world. I don't know why some on the board are so insulted buy automotive capitalism. Not everyone has the knack for scratch building cars.

I see it as a great thing...I wish I had a dollar for everytime a home builder brought in his scratch built 3 link "PROJECT" to the shop for adjustments...some really scary stuff.

Now we can project what applications we intend on a cars used and buy and build accordingly.