Hi Gang, We have 273 members in the HAMB COE Social group. I imagine some of these members have dropped out and we don’t know what that number may be. But we have a pretty good core group of lovers of these big old monsters we call COE’s. As moderator of this group I have been thinking on how we can improve and stimulate the conversation within this group. I have heard from several members wanting the same thing out of this group. So at this time I am going to ask the membership to post or PM me with any suggestions you might have to improve this group. I will quote from one of the PM’s I have received from a member that wants this group to be the best one on the “HAMB” “Since we both agree the economy is tough and it effects members energy and involvement, what if you were to format a DIY COE CLUB perhaps volunteers for say; Paint and body---- drive train/ch***is----Bed and body---- General areas? Each area being a separate post other members could go too the volunteer tech group for answers on specific questions etc It appears there are some members with some real strengths in one or more of these areas, I think they seem available know, but not in a inviting way within their area of expertise. The focus would/should be on using the powers of the group to do it yourself and save some money ,gain some skills and most of all get our projects done so we can enjoy them. If this means burrowing your brothers-in law air compressor and paint gun ,your cousins welder or from some local hamb members. I will say this, most people can do most tasks with some guidance and access to some tools,if this is not possible for some members I would bet some members specifically business owners like myself could provide some services at a reasonable costs.” I myself think there is a lot to be said about these ideas. I want to hear from you about these ideas and others you may come up with. I have tried several times to tell members how to post a picture. Maybe I am not making it simple enough. Maybe someone that has no problems doing it could post a simple process for those that are having a hard time with pictures could try again. We need to let each other know what we are doing with our COE’s even if it’s a tech post on how we got rusty screws and bolts that have broken out. Many of you are experts in some part of building a truck many others have never done or completed a project and need the most basic of help on how to do it. This is the crux of this group. We must help, encourage, show and tell each other. Long post but I need some help to make this the BEST social group on the “HAMB” Thanks guys, -Donn-“
I don't at all want to be a naysayer, but my first reaction is, what do these particular ideas offer that the search function in the HAMB main page or tech archive don't offer? The HAMB main board and tech archive search are my 2nd and 3rd search places only after my Ford truck specific site. I have certain key how-to's bookmarked. This place is a treasure trove of information. and to pair this with constructive idea.... I'm thinking on it. of course everbody always loves a build thread, regardless of make/model/etc. but a build thread takes a bit of time and dedication on the part of the builder. oh, I got it. maybe. does everyone get the update e-mail for new and updated threads in the group? If not, this is huge for getting me to check in. I don't remember checking an opt in for notifications, so I ***ume it's automatic with group membership? anyway, when I get my e-mail notifying me of updates to this thread, I'll check back in. JML
Believe it or not many members do NOT go to the main board and if they do they don't post for fear of being flamed for spelling, grammer or punction errors. We are all friends in the fact thatt we have or love COE's and I would hope we never see the type of flamming on our group like the main board has. There is an email that goes out once a month from the HAMB that tells all the newest posts on each social group that you belong to. There are no provisions to do it with in the group itself. Just a programing thing I guess with the software as it is now. Yes everyone loves a build thread and yes it takes a bit of time to do***ent that build. The only way we can get the benifit of that build thread is to have someone do it. So we should all be givers of build threads and not just takers of the threads. The long post I did was an effort to get this group talking again so the first thing you would do when getting on your 'puter is to check YOUR COE group for posts. I belong to 5 or 6 groups and check them daily for new posts. I do value your opinions and would like to hear more from others. This is the only way this group will grow and survive. Thanks -Donn-
Donnda, The diy coe thing sounds interesting, I have trouble in the paint and body area and would have some questions, so I will be looking on for some advise. I could definetly use some help on the whole picture posting thing, there has to be a computer techy guy in the group that could make more simple than my way? I dont know if you are looking for voulanteers yet but on removing broken bolts I have good success with my method if anyone would be interested? I would even post some pics if it was easier! This is a great group, more activity would make it even better. Keep up the good work!
I am more than happy to try to find parts off trucks for people. The prices on Ebay for some things are ridiculous. I've helped a few people already.
There we go................ some conversation. fabmancoe a post on how you remove rusted bolts or busted one would be great but I guess we need someone to help you post pictures. I have postd on this before but I guess it's not simple enough any one want to help him? pex you already keep us up to date on your fantastic build keep it up I always look forward to the updates. Lowrider has already helped me in the parts dept. Ask him if you need things. Thanks -Donn-
hey, here's an idear. what about regional chapters. or state chapters. If somebody needs a helping hand, wants to meet up at a car show, or wants to host a cook out or something. I know I'd love to have a better network of Okie guys especially that were keen on coes. JML
56 ....... How many areas do you think we need? I like the idea but think by state would be a bit too much. How about North East, South East, North West, South west, North Central and South Central?
well, I'm not much of a demographer, cartographer, or census worker. Location is everything and I know I'm not going to be able to cajole the fam into driving 4 hours for a meetup. At it's most functional, the more local the better. Regions could have smaller districts and if lucky, even areas... denser populated areas would obviously be better off. I'll just throw this out there for anybody plannin on going to the NSRA Southwest Nationals here in Oklahoma City weekend after next (apr 15-17), let's try to set somethin up. I'm gonna lead by example here and fake it till I make it. Now I guess I have to make plans to go to the show eh? I'll think this over and chime in in the a.m. JML
OK, here goes. I have started building my 1954 Ford C600. I am putting it on a 1987 Ford E100. It has a 302 with an AOD trans. I have the body ready to lift off the van. Next, I am gonna get the COE (Buford) cab loose. I am gonna have a friend lift them both off with a wrecker. I have a rollaround to set the COE body on to work on in the shop. Got a lotta goodies...exterior visor, aluminum bomber seats with copper rivets...US ARMY seat belts. I'll try this posting pictures thing but it's not lookin good 'cause i dont see a "manage attachments gray box". I have a new camera but can't get my computer to download my program to transfer pics. As soon as I do, I'll start a build thread. I have to say I have had a lot of help from a friend, Scott, "Oldladysmad." Lynn
When you pull that cab off either take the doors off or have them open ane put something like a 4X4 acrost the opening and lift on the 4X4. If you lift on the window opening you will dent them. Ask me how I know........ -Donn-
Thanks Donn, yeah, I've got a 3"x5" piece of seasoned oak with heavy padding. Doors off .....gotcha! Lynn
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