| Author | Message | ||
| Gary Stadler (Boogiethecat) (68.7.217.217)
Rating: N/A |
When I first started reading this board, I immediately noticed a lot of posts by some guy named 'Fast Fred" that seemed a little opinionated, and it also seemed like the guy might be somewhat full of himself, because he had someting to say about just about everything and seemed to "know it all" more than most normal people would. As the months have gone by, I've read just about every comment FF has made, and I've realized that here's a guy who actually DOES know a whole lot about just about everything to do with busses and conversions, he makes very good suggestions in every case, and he comes from a place of genuinely helping others out rather than a place of ego which I see a lot especially from a few guys on another board.. I've taken MANY of his suggestions and utilized them in my conversion and it's saved me tons of heartache because he's been there and thought it out things that I probably wouldn't have. So this is simply me saying "HATS OFF" to Fred... thanks for your continual commentary and insight into this wonderfully consuming hobby!!!! Kind regards Gary Stadler | ||
| Greg Roberts (Gregeagle20) (66.7.134.190)
Rating: N/A |
I have to agree. About 95% of the time I have already drawn the same or very similar conclusions and opinions for solutions on the posts I have read. I suppose I should probably feel bad for not chiming in more myself but Fast Fred is pretty fast and he does take the time to share. While we are giving compliments, Clarke Echols rings in with a good sound engineering approach that I can certainly identify with on many subjects. Then there are many others that are very knowledgable and I certainly could never name all the names, but, suffice it to say there are many, many good sources on this and other boards. Thanks to all!! | ||
| FAST FRED (63.208.85.248) Rating: N/A |
Thanks for the kind words , your opinion is of course NOT universally shared. All you ever get on any board is a bit of opinion , so I never worry about speaking up , the reader can decide if my posts are helpfull to his conversion style. ONLY Wish I could type faster and write as well as CE. FAST FRED. | ||
| Lin (65.184.0.189)
Rating: N/A |
So your not one of those the believe FF should stop being so diplomatic and should take a stand sometimes? Anyway, since many posts are for specific situations, and many solutions deal with the individual's conversion uses and philosophy, I can not say that every one is useful to me, but I will always read an FF post knowing that there will be knowledge and thought invested in it. There are several others on these boards, though maybe less prolific, that I have also found to have thought-provoking contributions. Thanks to all for some great fun. | ||
| OAE Palmer (208.164.96.159) Rating: N/A |
Fast Fred..? The opinionated old coot that is always spewing everything he knows, to anyone smart enough to listen and benefit from his knowledge and experience..? That one..? Are we talking about the same Mr. Know-it-all that spends way too much time here, giving freely that which some would pay for...? The guy who I always hope will chime in with his perspective on a given problem or issue...? NEVER heard of him..... & if I did, I wouldn't tell anyone outside this forum thats for sure...! ;) | ||
| Bradd B. Smith (Bbsrtbusproject) (208.26.165.205)
Rating: N/A |
I have been reading this board for about 6 months since I got bit by the bug. It is great to know that quite a few other's have been bitten, and that this has nothing to do with making a buck building coaches. We all have an opinion about something, and F.F's are usually right on the money. Even if you don't embrace his position, he is one of the main reasons I still read this board. Never wishy-washy! I also concur that there are a number of other folks who know their stuff and advance a position worth considering. Collectively, you all have saved me a bunch of grief and cash. There is no price that could pay for the combined information that is here. My hat is also off to you all, that includes Ian as well! Bradd | ||
| kidbus (198.81.16.167) Rating: N/A |
some of us have a life | ||
| Bradd B. Smith (Bbsrtbusproject) (208.26.165.205)
Rating: N/A |
Me too Kid, right now she's a bus! | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong) (24.127.74.29)
Rating: N/A |
Yes, Kidbus, some of us do. We get up off our duffs and get out and earn (or earned, for those who are retired) a living, and with the extra play money we participate in an interesting, thought-provoking, humiliating (at times), opinionated, expensive and challenging hobby. Perhaps in the future, Kidbus, you can contribute something intelligent and useful to this forum, rather than attempting to flame folk who are expressing thanks to those who are willing to share their knowledge and opinions. RJ PD4106-2784 Fresno CA | ||
| John Biundo (Jbiundo) (64.175.37.23)
Rating: N/A |
I especially appreciate that FF can always be counted on to "tell it straight". Even if the opinion is not a popular one, or flies in the face of "conventional wisdom". If nothing else, I always have to stop and re-think my plans and ideas after reading something from him. To me, this (and one or two other) forums are the ESSENCE of what the internet CAN be. It's terrific that people are so willing to share their time, and hard-earned wisdom. This hobby would be beyond my reach (and I suspect at least a few others) without this support group. Glad someone took the few minutes to bring this up. Many thanks to those who contribute! | ||
| Buswarrior (Buswarrior) (64.229.209.217)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks RJ. Saved me from saying it. kidbus, please go elsewhere if this is how you intend on participating. happy coaching, otherwise! buswarrior | ||
| mel4104 (208.181.100.86) Rating: N/A |
other than what FF thinks of canada and the type of people we are up here i think that he adds a great service to this board with his knowledge of land, sea, aid craftand when this is offered free to all to take and accept as you wish, it sure take a lot of time and skinned knuckles to get it so be greatful for FF. mel4104 | ||
| David Pinson (204.255.95.39)
Rating: N/A |
.....FAST FRED has been a main stay for us converters...I really like his precise statements and his witty comebacks...He is never vulgar or coarse...just fielding questions and answers as he sees them.......Someday I would sure like to meet this 'masked man' and really discuss buses. | ||
| Eric B (152.163.207.202) Rating: N/A |
You can always count on a good reaction when you see a post by FF. My only complaint is that he is definately NOT A BIRD LOVER!!! She may be rusty, but she's all mine. After all, we all can't be married to a movie star and drive one of them pervert busses! | ||
| TonyW (205.188.197.43) Rating: N/A |
Its like this:If FF hasn't posted into the thread,I don't bother reading it. FF dosn't respond to generic part # type queries but rather to the unique desires and special requirement of individual bus-nuts. And as in my case, to ever so gently chide a newbie out of really screwing up w/o making me look like a fool to the rest of the board. I'll switch to whatever party wants to run FF for pres in 2004! TonyW | ||
| Peter Broadribb (Madbrit) (216.67.212.79)
Rating: N/A |
You know, much as I agree with the sentiments expressed here about FF and others, this thread is starting to become a shrine to FF and maybe even a new religion....... LOL. There are many who have and will give freely their information and assistance and would not want this sort of attention. For example Luke over on the gmcbusnuts at yahoo Egroup, he has done more than anyone to assist loads of people with all sorts of problems on all types of coaches. Can we get back to buses, please. Peter. | ||
| Luke Bonagura (Lukeatuscoach) (67.242.10.115)
Rating: N/A |
Hi Folks: I would be remiss if I didn't jump in here and thank Fast Fred for all the info. he provides for the converted coach folks. I also have to thank him for going out of his way to let folks know about our business and the kind words he has for us!!! I computerized just about 2 years ago and as a result met Fred here on these Boards. He purchased some parts from us & then came to our shop to have work done, that he could not do himself. The rest is history. We have a mutual respect for each other and have become friends. My only regret is that when he is here, he is usually on the run either to or from Florida & I run around here like a one-armed paper-hanger, so we don't get as much time as I would like just to Chit-Chat. One of these days I have to show up at a Bus-Rally and maybe Fred & I can share some quallity time. Jack Conrad keeps begging me to come to Florida for New Years & who knows, maybe I will just do it one year. To our Canadian Friends, I don't think Fred really loves you folks any less than Americans (just my opinions)??? And if the BLUEBIRD of Happiness landed on his shoulder, I don't think that Fred would chase it away. Thanks for listening!!!! And Fred, keep HELPING!!! But most importantly, to all, SAFE & HAPPY BUSSIN!!! LUKE at US COACH | ||
| Gary Stadler (Boogiethecat) (68.7.217.217)
Rating: N/A |
Sure Peter. BUT I started this thread simply because it needed to be said. My dad died recently and at his funeral, a ton of people piped up and talked about what a cool guy he was...of course none of them ever said that to his face and I sat there thinking, why the heck do we have to croak before people step up and voice approval of our actions?. Hopefully Fred will be around a long time but I thought it appropriate to let him know how much I appreciated him "before" the fact while he can appreciate hearing it.. I guess many others on the board feel the same way. So don't be so quick to stop the thread.. if people feel like saying something, let 'em. No one's forcing you to click on the subject line ya know...  Cheers Gary | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (64.114.233.102)
Rating: N/A |
Fast Fred has been a lot of help. I always read all the way through his posts. Usually, I get what he has to say pretty quickly, but if I don't, I try to think it out carefully. I hope he can find the time to contribute for a long time to come. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 | ||
| johnwood (206.252.250.58)
Rating: N/A |
Due to your fine help (all of you)I am underway tomorrow to buy a 4106 that has been nicely converted (according to pix) I will drive 1400 miles to see the rig and if as represented purchase it. Any last minute words of wisdom? Wish me luck! John | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (64.114.233.229)
Rating: N/A |
John, use your senses and mind for the most part. Asking questions that lead to a lot of discussion can distract you from paying attention to details of the 4106 conversion and the soundness of the coach. When you ask questions, try to make them something that has a chance of giving you valuable information without taking too much time from the really hard and dirty work of looking your prospect over very carefully. The less that you rely on opinion and the more that you can rely on what you find, the better. While some people will venture to tell you about all the faults, others will leave you to find them all on your own, if they don't actually disguise them. A truck and bus alignment place can tell you an awful lot about the undercarriage and a DD man can give you a pretty good picture about the condition of the engine. An oil analysis of engine and gearboxes can round out the picture. I wish you luck but I hope that you make any gamble as small as possible. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 | ||
| johnwood (206.252.250.193)
Rating: N/A |
Thanks Tom; Don't know if I'll even find a bus garage and have time to get an appt to inspect in So. CO. May just have to use senses as you suggest. A fast drive down and back. Did get a SN pd41062481. Any history on this'n? | ||
| johnwood (206.252.250.103)
Rating: N/A |
Well; just returned from the inspection tour. Used my eyes and senses. Most of the wiring had been disconnected and "replaced", many things did not work, the radiator fan had gouges out of the tips and the shroud was missing on the bottom. Looked at the engine hangers and one looked "hokey" and rewelded and decided that perhaps the engine had dropped at some time. Don't know enough about GM's to know for sure. also had some supports under one of the bay that looked like they were bowing down. General feeling was a patched together conversion so I took a pass. Could have been just fine, but I have not looked at enough to know. I am actually more afraid of bad wiring than having to rebuild the engine if you can believe that. I have had entirely TOO much experience rewiring automotive electrical and industrial stuff to take on a project that may be done on the side of the road somewhere in the toolies. Plus, no way to run a/c underway and temps over 100 was final blow. Guess I'll start the search anew. | ||
| Tom Caffrey (Pvcces) (64.114.233.149)
Rating: N/A |
I think you did good, John. Good luck on your search. Tom Caffrey PD4106-2576 |