Self Starter Mag

[John Bezik #15976]

I recently read my Self Starter and was very dissapointd that Mr.Bentwrench column was being removed.Not only were his articles informative but his approach was not so"stuff shirted" as a lot of non members think we are!The recent tone of our club and magazine is taking a approach similar to GM in that the there are no need for individuals but,rather what good for the bottom line. At one time each division at Gm had identity,Cadillac in particular had in addition to its own engineering and manufacturing operations in Detroit but had  19 Zone operations around the US to help its dealers and customers.Now it doesn"t even have a corporate office.The tone of our club has also taken on this feeling that we are a extention of GM.Cold and not respectful of what a person can provide regardless of his approach.There are people in this club who get there hands dirty and do not have to have condition "1" cars and do not have the wherewith all to restore vehicles at $50,000 a shot.Gentleman,lrts grt back to basics this is a hobby and not a corporate venture!

[Doug Houston]

There is definitely a need for a technical editor in the SS, and   has been for many years. The first such person was Don Frolich, in Cupertino, California. Don was a graduate engineer and had a knack for addressing problems and offering solutions.He had a great deal of maturity in his approach, doing the membership a real service.  Dons health failed and he died a relatively early death, leaving us high and dry.

My own experience with bentwrench" has been far less than admirable on an occasion or two. Certainly his approach has always been a bit crusty, and some of his answers have been beneficial, but  Thre have been qite a few of his answers to problems that I felt were poorly done, and not becoming a publication like the SS. There have been replies to questions that just plain insulted the person inquiring.  I fondly hope that Steve can find another person to fill the technical editor spot. We need it, and its a big pair of shoes to fit into.

[Johnny]

I too miss "Mr. Bentwrench".  I found his column to be very entertaining, in a Don Rickles sort of way. For technical assistance, I dont think you can beat this message board!  Anytime a person has any type of question, they are sure to get many responses, with very helpful information.

[Bruce Reynolds # 18992]

Well, maybe I should take over Mr. Bentwrenchs column, but I would probably start offending people with my attempt at humour.

But, it needs someone with the knowledge of Cadillacs, of all years, so that well and truely rules me out.

Bruce,
The Tassie Devil(le),
60 CDV

[MARK HEWITT 20209]

NOT EVERY OWNER OF A CADILLAC IS A WIZARD AT THINGS MECHANICAL.
I HAVE FOUND THIS PARTICULAR FORUM AS ONE OF THE BETTER WAYS TO OBTAIN KNOWLEGE ABOUT ONES OWN PARTICULAR CAR. THAT ASIDE AS THIS IS A CLUB THAT DOES HAVE SPECIALISTS IN CERTAIN AREAS THE THING TO DO MAY BE TO FARM SPECIALITY CONCERNS OUT TO THESE SPECIALISTS. OR CONVERSLY BECOME A STUDENT OF YOUR OWN CAR WHICH IS WHAT I HAVE DONE AND EACH DAY I TRY TO ADD MORE TO MY KNOWLEGE.
TO OUR S.S. EDITOR; THE REGULAR PROMOTION OF KNOWLEGE SEEKING THROUGH OUR PUBLICATIONS SHOULD BE A BYWORD AS WE CONTINUALLY VOLENTEER TO SHARE WHAT WE KNOW AND HELP EACH OTHER.

[Randall McGrew CLC # 17963]

John, et al, I have to admit to missing Mr. Bentwrench, but we as members and readers cannot second guess what was done because we really do not know what went on.   Anyway, I support the Editor in Chief because the Self Starter is a fine, top of the line publication.  There is nothing wrong with that.  You do not have to be a stuff shirt to desire and aim at a high quality publication.  

Perhaps we could tap into the list of technical experts as listed in the Directory to answer posted questions?  What do you all think?  We have a ready database of knowledge, why not use it?

[Barry Wheeler #2189]

Guys, if you read Bills column, Bob RESIGNED. Also, his replacement (Walt Brewer) is both a gentleman of the highest caliber, but his technical advice is great. You will get your advice without having to wonder, "what did he mean by that?"

[Randall McGrew CLC # 17963]

Oh!  I should have remembered that.  Sorry folks...my fault.  Walt is wonderful and VERY knowledgable.  

Memory is the first thing to go...