tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17044002057340242642024-02-08T09:54:17.428-05:00HotKarzServing car enthusiasts of Northern New EnglandUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger797125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-44424079041183788992017-09-26T09:32:00.001-04:002017-09-26T09:44:21.649-04:00Powder Coating (and sandblasting)Over the years at car shows & cruise-ins in Maine, I was often asked if I knew of a good place to get powder coating done. Recently I restored an '85 GMC and decided to get the old wheel rims blasted and powder coated. The guy who finished my truck (David Wildes, Limington) mentioned someone he knew. Upon further investigation I discovered the guy was Todd Chartier and he has a facility in the old Sylvania building in Standish. The name of the company is <b>GDL PAINT, INC. </b><br />
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Contact number is (207)642-1055.<br />
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I can attest to extremely good results, and Todd and his staff are super friendly. They take "walk-ins", too - I dropped off my wheels on Wednesday and had them back on Monday. It helps that there is another company in the same building that does the blasting - since my wheels were steel, they used the "pellet" method that produced a super smooth finish.<br />
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If interested, give Todd a call, or drop by at 234 Northeast Rd, Suite 8, Standish. You gotta go all the way around the building to get to them, but it's sure wworth it.<br />
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Oh, by the way - they did all (5) wheels for $90 each.<br />
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And if you don't need powder coating, please pass this on to others who may. <br />
<br />
/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-91988760380793376482017-09-16T13:55:00.000-04:002017-09-16T13:55:04.425-04:00Now THAT'S what I call a gloss finish!Okay, folks, here are the results of the complete ceramic coating on the Porsche. As you can see from <a href="http://www.intellibiz.com/cq3.jpg">these pix</a>, the reflection is nearly free of any distortion - you can easily read the lettering on my shirt. And check out the reflection of the tile floor!<br />
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And when you realize these pictures are not even as clear as the real thing - when I look at my reflection I can make out every wrinkle on my 70 year old face. It's nothing short of amazing, when you consider there is not a drop of wax on this car.<br />
<br />
Conclusion: I'm gonna do the GMC...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-60853863960894734842017-09-15T19:55:00.003-04:002017-09-15T19:55:35.113-04:00High Gloss Without Any WaxingToday I decided to try something new for a very high gloss automobile finish that needs no waxing, and is hydrophobic (water sheets off, no streaks, no spots)<br />
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I used our 1980 Porsche 924 as my guinea pig.<br />
<br />
First, I gave it a wet sanding, then a good buff. Then a good washing. To remove any buffing compound, I buffed again with Meguiar's ULTIMATE compound. I then washed the entire car with Meguiar's WASH Plus, which is more than just a wash - it has microscopic abrasives that further strip off any residue from waxes and buffing compound.<br />
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I followed up with an IPA wash (15% solution of isopropyl alcohol & water)<br />
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<a href="http://www.intellibiz.com/ceramic.jpg">Here is the result</a> - a very high gloss, even though there is NO WAX on the vehicle.<br />
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And this is only phase 1. Tomorrow I will apply two coats of C-quartz ceramic coating, followed by a coat of RELOAD. According to the manufacturer (and some pro detailers), I should end up with a very, very deep, glass-like gloss that needs no waxing (though you CAN wax it) and is hydrophobic - you can even spray-paint graffiti on it, let it dry, and it supposedly it just wipes off (though my experiment will not go that far!)<br />
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And if the results are what I hope for, I will use the same system on our '85 GMC C2500...<br />
<br />
BillUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-62469049170195623332017-09-10T23:10:00.000-04:002017-09-12T15:10:03.700-04:00Update on the '85 GMC C2500 RestoI Know - It's Been Awhile.<br />
<br />
Over the last 2.5 years that my GMC has been (supposedly) getting restored, a lot of folks have asked about it. Well, it's finally done! It's too late in the season to get it to many shows, and we plan to be moving to Virginia next year, so for those of you interested, I am posting some <a href="http://www.intellibiz.com/truck3.jpg">pix here</a>.<br />
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I was forced to take legal action against the business that started the resto, and after 2 years I had to have the 50,000 parts hauled to another guy to finish. David Wildes (yeah, the stock car racer of old) did a wicked good job, and it only took 6 weeks. He had to redo a lot of hack work the first guy did, though. But I'll give credit where it's due - the first guy did a very good job in body correction, and a pretty fair (albeit incomplete) paint job. But anything that wasn't going to show was either short-cutted or hacked. <br />
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I actually have over 100 pictures during the process, but no time to post them all, so the "before and after" will have to do. Suffice it to say, it is a complete frame-up restoration, and damn close to perfect. Robin has claimed it as her own, and does 90% of the driving, which is why we have the vanity plate, "MOMS GMC".<br />
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Not sure if we will get to OOB this year - we're still pretty down on how they run their show, and how much they milk the entrants who are already doing so much to bring tourists and $$$ into the area.<br />
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Oh - and if you know anyone looking for a neat little 1980 Porsche 924 turbo in excellent condition, <a href="http://www.intellibiz.com/porsche.jpg">this one</a> is available (and advertised in Hemmings). They can give me a shout at ptwoodycrew@aol.com<br />
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Later! And good luck at the shows...<br />
<br />
BillUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-23946198890286289422016-06-26T11:08:00.001-04:002016-08-03T21:53:56.918-04:00MAACO & Capone - Are They The Two Worst "Body Shops" in Maine?I'll put it up front, then explain - if you are looking to have body work or painting done on a vehicle, whatever you do, don't go to either MAACO in Portland, ME, or Capone Auto in Limington. If you do, you may want to say good-bye to your vehicle.<br />
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First, Capone. I left my truck with him in April, 2015 with the understanding that he would get the work done by early July. Never happened. Had not even started it, but I was told they would get right on it. Month after month I was given the run-around. They had taken it all apart, so I could not just take it back. More months went by, and nothing. I was told in early September it was being sent out for sandblasting. As of October, that still had not been done. In November I again tried to get them to get going (I had made a $5000 cash deposit, by the way) and was told "You'll get it back when I finish it." I warned him it had better be soon. In December it was, "You'll have it by summer".<br />
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Here it is - summer - 15 months later, and I have yet to see any progress, or even hear from him. I will be suing that jerk. If you ever think about doing business with Capone, don't say I didn't warn you.<br />
<br />
Now about MAACO - almost the same deal. I got an estimate for roughly $4000 to get the work done on my Porsche. "Tom" told me we were "looking at a time frame of two weeks" to do the minor body work and paint it. I brought it in two weeks before the Bonney Eagle show, in hopes of making it to the show. Nope! Had hardly started on it. I was told "About another week." Another week goes by, nothing. Was told "a few more days." Still no Porsche. Early June and they told me "another week or so." A week or so later - nothing. Every time I asked when, "Tom" would lie to me. <br />
<br />
On June 9th I appeared at MAACO. The car was still in pieces, scattered around the shop. Tom told me they were going to "paint everything that day and the next, and then put it all back together. That meant I would have it back on the 13th at the latest.<br />
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Nope! I called and asked why it was not ready. "Just now going into the paint shop - a few more days. We'll have it done by the end of the week." I thought it was going into the paint shop the week before! That's what Tom had told me.<br />
<br />
Well, it was the end of the week. It's was not done. He's not sure when it will be done. Tom said I could pick it up anytime, but I would not be happy with it. Why not? Are they doing such crappy work? He needs "more time to 'touch it up' ".<br />
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I told him he had 7 weeks to do two weeks worth of work, and I needed the car back. I'm almost 70 and would like to drive it at least once before I kick off. He then has the gall to tell me "We're not going to charge you extra." EXTRA? For what - sitting on their asses for 7 weeks? For lying to me? They should consider themselves lucky if I don't charge THEM.<br />
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Now I finally have it back - and <a href="http://www.hotkarz.com/maaco.html">these pictures</a> tell a tale of complete incompetence and sloppy work. For $4300 I got a $200 paint job! <br />
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The short take - in my opinion both Capone Auto and MAACO are disreputable, will lie to you every chance they get, will drag their feet and will treat you like sh*t. And in the case of MAACO, the work they did on my car is third rate - or less! At least that is my experience. And when you consider just how long I have been getting screwed, and am only now posting, I think I have given them the benefit of the doubt - and now the doubt is gone.<br />
<br />
Stay away from these guys if you value your car, your time, your money and your peace of mind!<br />
<br />
/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-66220691994541131712016-06-20T22:25:00.004-04:002016-06-26T11:14:46.156-04:00D-CarA couple of you have asked how "D-Car" is coming (the 924), so <a href="http://www.hotkarz.com/d-car.html">here are a couple of pix</a>, fresh outta the shop.<br />
<br />
But <a href="http://www.hotkarz.com/maaco.html">here are pix </a>from a closer inspection - a horrid job by MAACO, Portland ME <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-60777404587167436152016-04-12T17:12:00.002-04:002016-04-12T19:42:01.517-04:00First Escapade with the PorscheSo, as some of you know, I bought a house in Hiram that needed some rehab. In one of the 3 garages was an '85 Olds Cutlass 442, which I gave to Jimmy Peacock for parts. In another garage was a pretty nice 1980 Porsche, which I essentially got for free.<br />
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After getting the turbo rebuilt and making sure it was 100%, mechanically, I registered it as an antique, with a vanity plate. Naturally, being a new vanity plate they had to give me a temporary paper plate. And here's where is gets a bit crazy...<br />
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The mechanic said I had to drive it a few hundred miles in order to break in the new turbo, so I decided to drive it up to the house being rehabbed. I pulled into Ace hardware in Cornish to the sound of sirens. Two state troopers - one from each direction - came literally screeching over the curb and into the parking lot behind me. As I got out, they hopped out of their cars, hands on guns, and told me to stop. <br />
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"What the heck is this," I thought. Of course, those thoughts were in a different vernacular - I'm keeping this post clean. But I was sincerely confused - this was one of the very rare times when I was not speeding or anything.<br />
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Trooper #1 asked if I owned the car. "Of course - that's why I'm driving it," said I. He then asked for my license and registration, which I produced. Meanwhile, Trooper #2 was looking over the paper plate.<br />
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Trooper #1 then said, "Sorry, sir - I thought your plate was a fake. There's a lot of that going around." To which I replied, "Of course it's looks fake - it was made by the state of Maine, and doesn't have any duct tape on it." (Mainers understand that reference)<br />
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Trooper #1 looked confused; Trooper #2 looked amused. They left.<br />
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As I walked toward Ace, I noticed several people in the window. As I entered, the owner asked, "What was that all about? By the way they rolled in, we thought they had cornered a murderer or something." To which I smiled and said, "Nah - I just knocked over a couple hardware stores."<br />
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They all had a good laugh, but we all wondered how something as minor as a paper plate could result in such a reaction from the law.<br />
<br />
/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-12417667607393822032016-02-16T16:39:00.000-05:002016-02-20T09:04:34.301-05:00Nicky's Cruisin' Diner - BangorTook the wife to Bangor for a weekend spree of shopping, games & more. Decided to check out Nicky's Cruisin' Diner for dinner, simply because they have Cruise-Ins in the summer (Wednesdays), and we wanted to see what it was like.<br />
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Short & Sweet - the food was very good, and the service was even better. If you get a chance to do one (or more) of their Cruise-ins this summer, come hungry - it's worth it.<br />
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This from a VERY fussy eater.<br />
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Meanwhile, I am trying to get as much info as I can on this years shows and cruise-ins. When I have it, I'll put together the 2016 calendar.<br />
<br />
Bill <br />
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/ Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-18362199938915133932016-02-03T10:41:00.004-05:002016-02-03T10:42:04.893-05:00Lucky or What?Some of you know that I make a big chunk of my income from real estate. And whenever I buy a property, I always try to negotiate some free stuf. Over the years I have gotten (free) a few lawn tractors and mowers, furnishings (once a whole house full), antiques, tools, and even a '65 Mustang. But I think this nearly takes the cake.<br />
<br />
I recently purchased a 3 bedroom house in Hiram for $45,000 in a probate sale. The place had a 2-car garage and a separate 1-car garage. And guess what? In one garage was an '85 Olds 442, albeit in poor shape - the roof had been crushed. But the parts were pretty much all there and in good condition. I gave this car to Jim Peacock. But that's not the good part.<br />
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In the other garage was a 1980 Porsche (turbo), in good condition. Only 35,000 original miles.<br />
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Granted, it is not one of the high-end models (it's the 924 Turbo), but it is becoming rare. And it is a Porsche. And it goes like Hell. And it was FREE! <a href="http://www.hotkarz.com/porsche.html">Pix here</a><br />
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Hope to get it all redone and dressed up by spring. We'll see.Meanwhile, I am STILL waiting fgor my '85 GMC 2500 to have its restoration completed - the guy (Capone) may be good at what he does, but is not reliable and is incredibly slow - he has had the truck since LAST April, and he's not even close to finished. Needless to say, he won't be getting the Porsche to work on. I would not live long enough to see it done.<br />
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/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-86461981258303961492015-09-10T21:59:00.002-04:002015-09-10T22:25:25.591-04:00HotKarz is ReturningAfter a long absence for health reasons, I will be bringing HotKarz back in the early spring, prior to the shows and cruises. As usual, we will post a complete calendar of all the shows, all the cruise nights and other car events. And, as has been requested over and over, the HotKarz "Funnies" and Super Garages will be updated, to make you laugh and swoon. Speaking of Funnies, here's one for ya - y'all remember our PT Woody - well, it seems to be appealing to an entirely new crowd these days - <a href="http://www.hotkarz.com/bruin.jpg">this pic</a> was taken at another house I bought and was rehabbing...<br />
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And by next season Robin & I hope to have two entirely new vehicles for the shows - one is a Porsche I just picked up, and I expect to have Jimmy Peacock to do the restoration work. The other, which some truck guys can appreciate, is a 1985 GMC High Sierra 2500 "Big Boy" edition (they only made a few of this particular model). I am trying to get it restored, but so far I am TRULY wishing I had given that project to Jimmy, also (see previous post for details).<br />
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I do not plan on blogging about the shortcomings of any shows (though some may well deserve being panned), nor will I continue to take on the "Ol' Boys" network, since you are already well aware of who they are and the damage they do to honest show people and to the show circuit, itself. It is now up to you, the folks, to decide what kind of shows you want. If you want good, honest shows where the best vehicles in their class actually win, then it is up to each of you to make it that way. Otherwise, as my Daddy used to say, "If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got." A lot like what Thomas Jefferson said when he wrote, "People will always get the government they deserve." It's up to us, the folks, to make good things happen.<br />
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That said, I will post a few blogs now and again until spring, with an eye toward bringing information, and yes, perhaps some levity to help us get through the long winter months. Until then, God Bless! <br />
<br />
Bill & RobinUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-35455821560099288572013-06-04T22:52:00.000-04:002013-06-04T22:52:15.035-04:00Robin HospitalizedSince I have no other way to let all (my loving wife) Robin's "car folk friends" know what is going on, I write this post to let you all know that she was admitted to the Critical Care Unit at Mercy Hospital (Portland) on Sunday. She is still in the CCU, but we expect they will move her to a "regular" hospital room on Wednesday (6/5). In other words, she's gonna go from the penthouse to the low rent district.<br />
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It seems she is suffering from nearly the same thing that put me in the same CCU in January. I am still recuperating, but am running at about 85%.<br />
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Hope to see you folks once or twice this season.<br />
<br />
Bill<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-86652353142833921042013-03-27T09:56:00.002-04:002013-03-27T09:56:30.526-04:00Update - HotKarz for 2013As you may have noticed, I have not been posting or updating HotKarz since September. For those of you who may not already know, I have been in and out of the hospital several times since November with a relatively serious gastro problem. One of those times the doc said my condition was "'not survivable." He was obviously wrong. And another time they stuck me in ICU, and told me immediate surgey was necessary. But again they were wrong.<br />
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My doc says I am "stoic", but I told him that I'm still here only because God ain't through with me yet.<br />
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In any case, he expects me to be in recovery for several months (assuming there are no more relapses). I lost over 40 pounds in as many days, which has weakened me quite a bit.<br />
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What this means is that I will not be getting out and around, and my time must be devoted to doing those things I need to do in order to recoup my strength, so I will not be doing anything with HotKarz this year. First things first.<br />
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I hope y'all will undestand.<br />
<br />
And a very special "Thank You" to Robert & Donna Sanborn (you know why).<br />
<br />
/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-8263769770768648502012-09-21T19:41:00.003-04:002012-09-21T19:41:09.996-04:00News About Chevy Volt.<br />
A new report states the government (i.e. taxpayers) lost $49,000 on every Chevy Volt.<br />
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That makes the Chevy Volt the perfect car for liberals - a "green" car that runs its own deficit.<br />
<br />
/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-78937142580954940532012-09-20T10:00:00.001-04:002012-09-20T10:00:19.847-04:00Happy Birthday, Cheryl PaigeHow does it feel to turn 30?<br />
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Luv Ya<br />
<br />
BJ, Robin & ChristiUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-15950664010185042222012-08-20T18:48:00.000-04:002012-08-20T18:48:02.046-04:00Serious Issues With VIP, WindhamJust a heads-up for those who may consider getting work done at VIP in North Windham...<br />
<br />
Three weeks ago I brought the wife's PT in to have two tires mounted and balanced prior to a road trip to Ohio. The following day I took it to J.D.s for an oil change and he told me to look at the wheel weight on the inner side of one of the tires. It was not pounded onto the rim - it was just hanging there, barely held on by pressure from the tire.<br />
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I had Robin bring it back to VIP and have them rebalance the tire. They told her there was nothing wrong with it!<br />
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She then headed to Ohio.<br />
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Somewhere before getting to Connecticut, that wheel weight flew off. For the next several hundred miles the car shimmied and shook, damaging the brand new tires.<br />
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When she got to Ohio she had Midas check it out - they told her that BOTH tires were out of balance - one was missing a weight, and the other had the weight in the wrong place!!! They told Robin that she should not let amateurs balance her tires.<br />
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When she got back, I brought the receipt in to VIP and demanded they reimburse us for the amount Midas charged us to do the job we had already paid VIP to do. The manager tried giving me an ultimatum, but I gave him one - either I walk out with what they owed, or they would receive a summons before the week was out.<br />
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I got the money.<br />
<br />
But the point is, VIP obviously is incapable of even balancing tires. We had brought it in TWICE. And the second time we even pointed out what was wrong. And they STILL couldn't get it right.<br />
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Needless to say, no one in my family will be doing business with them again.<br />
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Just sayin'...<br />
<br />
/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-80279013780366885482012-08-11T23:36:00.004-04:002012-08-11T23:36:56.463-04:00An Interesting Observation From A "Disgusted Car Owner"I received the following email from someone with the handle "perinator". I regret to say that he is absolutely correct, and it is sad that some folks are getting out of car shows simply because they are rigged. For years I fought the "good ol' boys" racket in Maine's car shows, and came to the conclusion that no one really cared if the shows were honest or not. At least they did not care enough to help change it. So here is "perinator's" email, unedited:<br />
<br />
<br />
"I felt compelled to write a long overdue note and wasn't sure who to send it to. Since I don't know of many blogs that deal with car shows, I settled upon yours. <br />
<br />
"I've been on the car show scene for only a few years now. When I decided to participate, I was excited at the prospect of showing my car. I'm certainly not in it for the wins, nor am I in the "good ole boys club" that seems to be a running theme at each event. However, it has become very apparent that these events are basically a popularity contest. <br />
<br />
"In the June Windham event, I was appalled to find that the biggest award of the day went to a certain Monte Carlo. Really people? Out of all the cars at the show that day, that was the best of the best? Apparently this award was voted on by graduating members of Duane Clarke's class, for whom the event was named. They felt that this car personified what car Duane would most love to be riding in today. I was disgusted by this because I believe that people on the committee were friends of the winners and that was a big plus. I was quite disappointed, but moved on. <br />
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"HOWEVER, in having just attended the Oxford show at New Balance, I can't help but be completely turned off by this "sport". When the awards were handed out, I was quite confused when I heard that a 2006 Ford Fusion won 3rd place in the "80's and Up" Division. Since I couldn't remember that particular vehicle, I made it a point to go check it out after the awards ceremony. In that class, I found a station wagon with wood grain that everyone seemed to remember from their youth. It was in very nice condition for the year and certainly brought back a lot of memories. The other entrant was a particularly pretty Pontiac Firebird. It had recently been painted and the color (a burnt orange) was very attractive. It was a nice car and showed well. There were several other cars in that class as well. <br />
<br />
"I was dumbfounded that neither of these two cars was chosen for an award. The Ford Fusion looked like it had driven in from the road with the intention of going to New Balance and mistakenly parked in the "viewing area". There was nothing particularly special about this Ford. What made it special? The owner is a nice guy who is friendly with many. I think it was a terrible injustice to both of the aforementioned vehicles. If I were the owner of either of those vehicles, I would have to think hard about ever entering another show, particularly with the Club who sponsored the Oxford show. <br />
<br />
"You can't tell me that that 2006 Ford Fusion was a better car than either of those others. So, the real reason it won 3rd place was another example of the "good ole boys" at it again. How very political. Of course, the reality of the voting was that people actually voted for that Fusion for 1st place. He then obtained enough votes to win 3rd place. That is definitely a travesty. I would think that the Organizers of that show would have noticed this and perhaps bumped that car. It certainly had some people talking. <br />
<br />
"I show my car because I'm proud of it. I don't come to collect trophies. The couple of times I've won trophies, I've had to listen to the same people who always win complain because I won. What kind of sportsmanship is that? I've also heard reports from others about these same people complaining when others have won as well. Does it have to be a popularity contest? <br />
<br />
"When I vote, I truly vote for the cars I think best represent that particular category. It's not about the chrome, the flash, the paint or the owners. It's about the car and it's nod to the time period. I wish others would vote with the same line of thinking. <br />
<br />
"I'm ready to give up on the shows and focus solely on the cruise-ins. At least then it's about the cars themselves and not the voting. This political nonsense is absurd. Let's get back to the basics of voting on the best representative of the category. Let's not vote for the 2006 Ford Fusion that was truly stealing the award from others who deserved it more! <br />
<br />
"Thank you for allowing me to sound off. <br />
<br />
A Disgusted Car Owner"<br />
<br />
/<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-11692260276713963932012-07-05T08:29:00.002-04:002012-07-05T08:29:58.997-04:00Upcoming ShowsJust a brief heads up:<br />
<br />
The Searsport Fire Department is having their show on Saturday, July 14. You can watch the Lobster Boat Races while at the show.<br />
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The Ossipee Valley Fair Car Show is Sunday, July 15th. This little fair is always fun. But a note to some of you - the Moxie Car Show in Lisbon is back after a few years of hiatus and is also on the 15th. So, a choice must be made.<br />
<br />
Moxie does not include a fair, but on the other hand it will have classes that the Ossipee show does not.<br />
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/.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-38796644968611950252012-06-28T19:49:00.004-04:002012-06-28T19:49:41.935-04:00A Picture is Worth 1000 Words.<br />
ht<a href="http://www.hotkarz.com/fart.jpg">tp://www.hotkarz.com/fart.jpg</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-80779787367098249182012-06-24T17:02:00.002-04:002012-06-24T17:02:26.561-04:00Lions Show @ HarrisonNo complaints - as usual, the Lions pulled off another great show. Efficient, fairly well organized, good food - even the weather could not have been better.<br />
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As y'all probably know, we haven't been getting out to many shows lately, so we really enjoyed the day, meeting a lot of old friends and just havin' a good ol' time.<br />
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Don't forget to go to <a href="http://www.intellibiz.com/">HotKarz</a> and check out the latest "Funny" - these guys are just SO-O-O adorable, cute and fuzzy!<br />
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Later!<br />
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/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-91966672898753461932012-06-03T13:48:00.001-04:002012-06-03T13:48:32.445-04:00Crazy Update On Irving OilJust so you know...<br />
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As you may be aware, I was (and am) irate with Irving Oil charging over $5.50/gallon for propane, and I made sure they knew this would be the last I would buy from them - I do not tolerate being robbed.<br />
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After having paid the inflated bill - in full - for the last fill-up, a few days later Irving Oil trucks tried to slip in and take the full tank. Remember - I already paid for it, in full, and long before the due date. And after receiving payment, someone at Irving authorized the taking of the full tank.<br />
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Luckily I was home at the time, so their plan to rob me yet again failed - I sent them packing. The driver said he was "under orders." I told him I was changing his orders, and to get off my property or I would have him arrested for trespassing.<br />
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It's hard to believe that a company like Irving Oil would go to such great lengths to rob customers blind. And that is why I would rather run out of gas, and walk home, before setting foot in another Irving station.<br />
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The government robs me so GSA can spend $800,000 on a party in Vegas and the 9th Circuit can spend a million vacationing in Hawaii. I cannot stop them from picking my pocket. But I sure as heck can stop Irving!<br />
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/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-11830052632806193872012-05-31T13:38:00.001-04:002012-05-31T13:38:22.580-04:00NEW Cruise-InThis one is brand new, folks. It may take a few tries for them to get into the swing with music and 50/50 etc., but they are going to give it a whirl. Whether or not we get to keep this new cruise-in will depend on you - if you go to check it out.<br />
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<strong>LOCATION:</strong> Stone Ridge Restaurant & Lodge, 185 Main Street (Rte 25) in Cornish ME. It is the only cruise-in for this locality. It starts next Wednesday and runs through September.<br />
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<strong>TIME:</strong> 4:30pm - 7:30pm<br />
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Being a restaurant, food is available. They also have a full bar and lodging.<br />
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If coming up route 25, it is about half-way between the Limington/Cornish town line and the center of Cornish, on the left.<br />
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/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-53415471905813378502012-05-31T11:02:00.000-04:002012-05-31T11:02:04.708-04:00Calendar & StuffY'all may have noticed the calendars for shows and cruise-ins have been updated. I realize it's a bit late this year, but show organizers have been slow to submit the info, and I just don't get out much to collect the info personally.<br />
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Many have asked why we have not been bringing the woody to the (very) few shows we do attend. Well, to make a long story short, Christi's car died two winters ago and she had to use the woody as a daily driver - and the winter took a harsh toll on it, so it is no longer in show condition. <br />
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I am slowly working on it when I am able to get up and about. I am also considering popping out the dark panels and replacing them with real teak wood. Not sure yet if I will...<br />
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I found a new mechanic (our old one has simply disappeared, no longer opening his shop). This new guy does very good work and his labor costs are the lowest I've seen in years. He operates about three miles from the house, and even has a flatbed tow truck. If interested in contacting him for any reason, just drop me a line at <a href="mailto:ptwoodycrew@aol.com">ptwoodycrew@aol.com</a> and I'll pass along his name & number. He replaced all control arm bushings in my truck, made a new strap for the gas tank, replaced a motor mount in Robin's car and replaced the stabilizer bushing and did some miscellaneous work - all for under $300!<br />
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Well, it's a nice day, and I am mobile today (so far) so I'm gonna get out and get some stuff done. Have a great season!<br />
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BillUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-78948115566182033842012-05-21T21:57:00.002-04:002012-05-21T21:57:44.389-04:00Former Notre Dame Coach Has It RightI don't normally get "political" on this blog, but I thought this was good enough to pass on. While watching Fox tonight, former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz said, "There's a reason they don't allow the 10 Commandments in the White House or Congress - it says you can't lie or steal." <br />
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/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-53309271018001342762012-05-21T21:09:00.001-04:002012-05-21T21:09:06.606-04:00OK, Just this onceMy family went to the Bonny Eagle show on Sunday. As you may know, we don't get to very many these days, for a variety of reasons. But we made time for Bonny. And we got to visit with a good many friends we rarely see these days - which is precisely why we went.<br />
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While there, I was asked by several people to offer my comments on the show, based on my personal thoughts and observations as well as those provided to me by other attendees. Se, here goes ---<br />
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Let's start with the weather, since the BE show is often held in the rain. Not this year - the weather was just gorgeous. Picture perfect! And the vehicles - magnificent, of course. I heard there were over 600 this year, and I believe it.<br />
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And they really seemed to have a handle on getting people off the road and into the schoolyard with efficiency.<br />
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But the first thing we noticed - and the same was mentioned to us by at least 40 people (and probably thought by another 500) -- there did not seem to be a visible class structure. Mustangs were EVERYWHERE. And we saw many rows where the only thing the vehicles in the row had in common were 4 wheels. I certainly would not want to have to vote. It's impossible to do a proper job of voting when vehicles are scattered in such a random array.<br />
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Bonny Eagle has been doing this for many years - decades. I think it's about time they put a little effort into class structure that makes it easy to know what's what.<br />
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But it was still a great day with great people, and I would venture to say most folks had a great time.<br />
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/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1704400205734024264.post-39947385846300194292012-05-18T21:54:00.002-04:002012-05-18T21:57:03.115-04:00Wile E CoyoteAs some of you know, I raise meat rabbits as a hobby. A lot of "preppers" buy them, and folks who want to feed their dogs (or themselves) a very lean and inexpensive meat. There are usually 50-100 bunnies in the Bunny Barn at any given time. And it seems like they have drawn the interest of another resident of my homestead (<a href="http://www.hotkarz.com/coyote.html">a few covert pictures here</a>).<br />
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Needless to say, I'm breakin' out my night vision scope and camo and will be hunting the hunter. I have no intention of losing any part of my herd to a critter that couldn't even catch a roadrunner for 50 years using ACME rockets and TNT. Unless, of course, he can cough up $5 apiece (EURO's not accepted)<br />
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/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0