AUTOPIA >>> STYLE * APPEARANCE * SHOW

[Pontman43]

I don't under a concentration on body kits and wheels and crap. Too many different cars with different parts for each that I'm better off going to a car specific forum than hoping that someone here happens to have the knowledge that I seek. Detailing is generic enough that it applies to all makes and models, modifications are not.

Better to stick to your core competency and let others take care of the rest.

I would have to agree with this stance. He is right about that, after all this is a detailing site, not a general automotive site. I will also agree with the Detailing and Autopia University shouldnt be combined into one, I liked it better as two, not shure why not two after all it is more organized and not so overwelming. One thing that puts me off is having to search through two pages of threads trying to find the one I started yesterday, having the two split seemed to not be as overwelming. I'm not saying I hate the site now or anything, just that a few changes just seemed to change more than just the format. Also who exactly are you trying to target with the new setup? I still love this site though! Just not as much as before.

[Autopia Expert]

I have never thought of Autopia as a "detailing site". If I did I would have called it "Detailtopia".

My vision has always been broadly "car appearance" and "car ownership". Members who have been with us since the beginning will recall that my articles were 75% detailing and 25% other stuff. A few of those non-detailing articles can still be found here: http://www.guidetodetailing.com/topics.php?topicId=22. In all, I have written more than 40 non-detailing articles.

Part of my past that very few people know about is car customizing. In my younger years I built custom cars with unique bodies and interiors. I love this part of the car hobby. I do not view this as being a model specific skill... it is a garage skill, and it is very much a part of "car appearance". Do any of you remember the article I did on how I created the custom leather interior in my 1999 Porsche Boxster?

When I go to car shows and events and see what people have done with their cars (customization) it amazes me. Some of the work I see is nothing short of fantastic craftsmanship. What I'm learning, though, is that most people are taking their car to customizing shops. What happened to the spirit of DIY?

Then I see the cars running down the road that you can tell were a DYI... with add-on crap hanging off... or falling off.. everywhere. These guys have the spirit, but not the skill.

Style is personal taste, but the proper skill to implement style has nothing to do with the style itself. It is an "apearance skill," just like detailing.

When I started Autopia, you could hardly find a guy who would pick up a polisher and put it to their car. Now look! Clay was another mystery to the car enthusiast... even though it's been around for more than 25 years. Again, now look.

I appreciate that some of you come to Autopia specifically for detailing discussion. Autopia will continue to have great detailing discussion. I will personally continue contributing with new articles and other content.

Long term, I have a boader vision of automotive appearance and the impact this community can have on this aspect of the car hobby. Detailing will always be the central component, but not the only expertise.

db

[bigltc]

I'm not much of a DIY guy but I enjoy posts on how to do an F1 body suspension upgrade to converting your standard heating/cooling system to automatic climate control. Would I try this on my own? Probably not....but I might have my mechanic do it. I'm looking forward to the new forum.

[III]

I don't really have an opinion good or bad, but I'll echo the comments made by mosca and picus. David has put his time and energy into making this a better site whether we see it that way or not.
I personally like how David has consolidated the autopia university into one forum. At times I never knew which forum to start a post in, the autopia university forum or the detailing forum.

[Pontman43]

David you have some good points. Like I said I still love this site. Also its your site, so do what YOU want. Kinda like when I made a thread about my plans for detailing my car, although a lot thought most of my steps were pointless I still think its neccesary for the result I am after. So do what you think you want the site to be. BTW I do appreciate all your hard work on this site, and I know you have to be really busy now with all these different things your doing.
Thanks again.

[Intercooled]

I think a little change may spark some more interest, al least for me. I've found the products I like, I've found my technique, and I currently love the vehicles I drive. If the new forums get a bit more specific I may like that. Otherwise its getting to be the same ol same ol for me. Of course i still learn alot about basic information as well as advanced techinques. But the Honeymoon is over. Lets see a little change andd see what it brings.

[Corey Bit Spank]

I remember the porsche leather interior thread!

Remember Lynn and her Karmen-Jaguar? I miss Lynn, where did she go?

[Accumulator]

As far as the new stuff goes, if you don't like something just don't participate in it. Echoing Way2SSlow's concern, I just hope that everyone exercises some restraint so it doesn't turn into a bash-fest.

UnsanePyro has the right idea- it should give access to a deeper well of opinion than the sites where there's almost an "official style".

Let's see how the new areas work out. Too many people jump into modifications without giving it enough thought- always have, always will. Maybe this stuff'll be of help to somebody.

I miss Lynn, where did she go?

No idea, she dropped off the face of the earth, and did it suddenly. No response to PMs, E-mails, etc. No Christmas card last year, nothing. I've always wondered if she or her SO had some kind of health-related problem; if somebody here just ticked her off I'm sure she would've contacted me. I've stopped pushing the issue as she knows I've tried to contact her and knows how to get hold of me if she wants to. I don't wanna come across as a stalker or anything....yeah, I miss her too.

[SK2003TypeS]

Yeah...Lynn was one of my Zaino go to gurus a while back. I miss her posts.

The days of customizing/modding cars has seemed to have lost it's honor.....There are too many "gold chainers" (if that's the right term) around me. People have the coin to get it done, but barely use a screwdriver.

Cheers to the guyz doing test runs at 2:00 am with wires dangling everywhere, a few primer panels, "extra" screws on the floor, busted knuckles, black hands and fingernails.