[Historic vs Tesla Manufacturing]

On 3/2/2018 at 3:26 PM, joe_padavano said:

 

My experience is in the aerospace world.  I've been in meetings with Elon.  There is no magic in what SpaceX is doing - their launch vehicles are using essentially 1950s technology (liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants, aluminum structure, etc).  They aren't doing anything any different from other aerospace companies, except for the fact that they are very vertically oriented and that they pay their people for 40 hrs/wk and work them 100+.  Yeah, that's a great way to get your direct costs down.  If one does the math on SoCal labor rates, facilities costs, etc, and with their self-admitted 5000 employees, one can quickly figure out that SpaceX isn't making money either.  Since they are not publicly owned, they don't release financial data.  It's easy to lower costs in an industry if you are losing money in the process.  It's not sustainable, however. Despite this, people who should know better think Elon is the second coming of Robert Goddard.

 

I totally agree with Joe.  I made  similar statement to a  SpaceX reference on social media and got lit up.  Tesla is using 1980 battery technology (Lithium-ion) with modern microprocessors to get a 250 mile range (200 with A/C or the heater on).  Quantum mechanics/engines is where the future is at and needs to be showcased in racing to get the current generation (Z and the millennials interested in motorsports and the auto industry again).  All the oems vanilla cars are so similar that you barely can tell a Hyundai/Kia from a Honda, Toyota, Chevy or Ford.  What is the true environmental impact of Tesla?  There is no thing as clean coal technology.  The environmental impact of the Pruis was real bad for the first generation.  Not sure if the current one is better during it's manufacturing process.

 

My work experience is IT Pro and college education in Environmental Science along with gearhead by birth.

[Classic Car hit by Semi - Michigan]

Riding in a classic car without seats belts is a death wish.  I sold my 1917 Model T for the fear of being in accident in an antiquated vehicle.  Even my grandfather's  1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, which is in survivor condition I would have concerns.  I take my other vintage ride early on Sunday mornings ~7:00 am.  Can't trust the current generation of drivers or the others in the senior realm.

[1917 Ford Model T Touring for sale]

Orignal Rockford, IL Model T Touring. Was an amatuer 1960s restoration. Original sheet metal. Black with Black top. Engine/Transmission rebuilt 2001-02 with paperwork. Lost interest. 1920s Holley NH carb with Large volume intake and mild cam. Aluminum pistons and stainless steel valves. Original magneto Lights and Horn work. Hand Crank start. 1st year WWI model.

$10,750 or Best Offer/

Please email me for photos.

Has won 3 trophies at local car shows.

Car is for pickup only and is located in Des Plaines, IL

Thanks,

sold