manikmekanik

Nice MANUAL, Phil - no loose pages!

Havin' been raised-up in Mephis, I've heard the Coke reference many times, i.e. The corner BBQ pit "Q: Whadda y'all wanna drink with that? A: "I'd like a Coke." Q: "What kinda Coke y'all want?" A: "What kinda Cokes y'all got?" Q: "Well, we got Coke, Diet, Sprite & diet, Dr. Pepper..... A: " How 'bout a Pepsi?" Q: "Where d'yall think y'all are - Chicago? We only have Coke here, No Pepsi!" A: "Arright, I'll just have a Coke!" ...and the classic Mephis BBQ option... Q: "Y'all want slaw on 'yer BBQ?" A: "Naw-thanx, just some chips, please." Q: "We don't have any chips, only fries & hush puppies" Only the true Memphian BBQ conniseur knows the secret behind the offering of slaw ON the BBQ sandwich. The key is in the slaw, it's always great, yet the BBQ is sometimes questionable, ergo slaw on top. Turns out, even bad BBQ can become pallatable when slaw is added. So, what Famous Dave calls "Memphis-style" (slaw on top), is actually the way we cover-up bad BBQ.

You'd LOVE Jon's S/C Reatta, Steve! Well worth making a trip to Flat-land (illinoise) for, and you could drive about an hour from Jon's Toddlin' Town and be in the great snow-white north, in southern Cheezeland, (Wisconsin- America's ORIGINAL Dairyland), where Reattae run free and play in my pasture. I have a couple customs started, one is 80% done, and a Herd of Reattae - slated for further projects, and parts. There's even an NOS 3.8 Supercharger here, waitin' for my to find the final part, (a round tuit!), to get it installed. I've been forced by the economy to go back to flippin' cars, 3-4 per month, and lost time for my passion - Reattae & Customs. As a one-man-show, there are'nt enough hours, nor days, hands, etc. to do both, for now. And.... What am I gonna do with 100's of grey valve stem caps, if everyone goes Mod? I already got a "Never-Start" battery, to replace the beautiful Delco I had for the Nats in Flint, (as it gave up the ghost at the tender age of two years). The Delco left me stranded on the show field, asking for a jump-start. I kept the old Delco, just in case! Nonetheless, BCA has'nt been judging, nor issuing awards, or trophies for the last few shows I've attended - so purity has'nt been an issue - even at the Nats. I even left Black Beauty's auxillary HORNS in place for Flint - watch for her on the videos of the 100 years of GM cars parade, every camera focused upon her horns as I drove in the procession towards downtown, under my sun-brella in the heat of the noonday sun. IMHO, a Reatta-Mod class should be within the BCA/Reatta division, if at all, not a general BCA division. Judged by Reatta division, on thier own scale/guidelines, not the 400-point BCA system. Judging may need to be a People's choice" format, (or Reatta owners' choice), since no 2 customs share identity, beyond thier Reatta platform. And, maybe a "Traveling trophy" which resides with each year's winner, 'till the next show - where it gets passed to the new winner, like the Stanley cup. Such a trophy could be made from a brick taken from the Craft Centre, to symbolize the humble origins of every Reatta, and Reatta Mod.

The ultimate Reatta home/shop/orphanage, 5.541 acres, 4 BR, 2 BA, 12-car garage, Dairy Barn, 1846 settlement. Price includes 9 Reattae! ONLY $549,000 OBO (S'cool bus NOT included, old photo) Interested buyers send PM for list of Reattae, antique cars, trucks.

As of 9am this morning, ebay has failed to act upon thier own policy. The poster is'nt trying to sell Beauty, yet! I'm not gonna sue anyone over this trivial matter, since I have'nt copyrighted my photo, nor beauty's image - though maybe I should, considering her extreme rarity, and limited notariety. I would'nt want any other Reatta owners to think I promote or endorse this product, nor the seller. Just as the late Billy Mays, (Mr. Oxy-Clean & Super-Shammy), would not authorize his image for use endorsing Sham-Wow, without fair compensation. I concede, this post seems to be "much ado about nothing" - but that statement applies to much of the user-content on the internet, i.e. Twitter, etc. I take no offense to that statement, as this is'nt a productive conversation, merely a cordial rant.

Good point, Padgett! Yet, Thier listing does need to follow ebay policy, (based upon US copyright law), or be cancelled. I'm sure they'll re-list, with yet another member's Reatta photo, since they obviously do not own one. I don't believe there are any "open license" photos of a Reatta, so they'll have to buy a couple Reattae, (or something with photos of Reattae), to post in their listings.

Upon further investigation, I found the same poster has used Black Beauty's image once again! This time for an unpainted spoiler, here is the listing number - 290362023519 I must return to ebay abd file yet another report, be back later!

Uh-Oh! Looks like the poster has 4 listings, one of which has a photo of what appears to be George Madsen's firemist blue Reatta coupe, taken at Michigan Int'l Speedway, during our "Reatta Rallye" there, hosted by April & Ron Gill. Here is the listing number - 300359103024 Check it out, George! Is'nt that your Reatta coupe? I took this photo at the 1st stop on our road trip to MIS.

Hi Y'all ! I've been over-active everywhere else lately, and inactive here, as Willow Pond Farm is for sale. Been gettin' things, (10 Reattae, 8 trucks, 12 cars, etc., etc.), ready for the big move. While browzing thru the Reatta listings on ebay this AM, I found one for a trunk lid spoiler, selling from Taiwan. So, I picked it to see what this spoiler looked like. To my utter, (dairyland reference!), amazement, I was greeted by a photo of MY 1991 Reatta Convertible, "Black Beauty", which I had taken in 2005 at the Cream City BCA spring show in Milwaukee. I was both pleased and offended - Pleased the poster had been so impressed with Beauty to use her image, without permission, in his listing - and offended the poster had stolen my photo, and Beauty's image to enhance the notariety of his product, tagging on the heels of her (limited) fame in the greater world of Reatta enthusiasts. Though I don't mind the sharing, or distribution of Beauty's image between the Reatta enthusiasts within our community, I forbid the use of my photos, and her image being used for commercial purposes, or advertising without my written consent. I filed a report thru ebay, we'll see what happens. Here is the listing number - 290361661113 See if you can find the listing, with the unauthorized use of photos from this show - There is only ONE Black/Flame red 1991 Buick Reatta on the road, of only 7 built, and her name is Black Beauty. You can see more of her pix at Photobucket, in settings from locations all over our great nation, but NONE from foriegn lands, (especially Taiwan!), for she has NEVER left the USA.

I found the front license plate frame to be suitable for mounting Black Beauty's "Auxillary Horns". of course, if you want to replace the stock horns, I've heard HornBlasters.com makes suitable replacements horn assemblies for Reatta, check out thier videos - I wish I could paste a video here.

Cheap'er to keep'er! My brother-in-law once went to our local Mazda dealer to get a replacement power antenna for his RX-7. ...he drove home in an RX-8!! That's one expensive antenna! I'm glad you decided to keep your exquisite '90 Reatta convertible, Frank! Niether the Lambo you saw, (nor the '78 'Vette posted for trade-here at AACA), is as RARE, (by the production/release numbers), as ANY Reatta convertible - of either model year. Unique individuals generally gravitate towards unique automobiles, and shy away from mass-produced street cars. Oh, the thoughts cross our minds, once every now and then, but when one owns 1 of @2300 orso produced, other exotics seem more common, than unique. One of my nieghbors owns over 20 Lambos. I'd be hard-pressed to even find 20 Reatta convertibles, even at a BCA National event, let alone for sale. ....or I'd own a few more!

Funny you would ask, Frank! ...the irony being - After a short drive to Wally-World, (in outer Lake Geneva), I spontaneously decided to tour downtown, (as part of our sunset cruise , last Friday), and as we entered the main drag, (looking for a spot to park - to get an ice cream cone), I halted to allow a constable to cross, as he was walking the center line. The kind officer approached Black Beauty smiling, (obviously examining her "auxillary horns"!), and request me to show my drivers' license, because one of Beauty's headlamps was not illuminated. I responded, (in shock and amazement), which headlamp, Sir? I have four. (the fog/driving lamps were on.) ...and I informed the officer I had'nt brought my drivers' license along, but could recite the number from memory, as I proceeded to do so. His next questioned was "Are you from ILLINOIS? I replied "NO, we are both Wisconsin Natives, and live locally." The officer, and his young-attractive Female partner guided us toward the nearest no-parking space, (in the geographic center of downtown!), and intructed us to wait. Panikmekanik left me there - to go get our ice cream cones - since we were un-believably close to the parlor! As the lady-officer attempted to check current registration, (from the blue WI-collector license plate), I believe I heard him say these plates are permanent, and need no annual registration sticker. The officer then returned to my side and issued a Warning ticket, in the form of a WI- Fix-It ticket. I graciously thanked him for informing me of the inoperational headlamp, and for not issuing me a handful of citations. Just then, Panik returned with our samples of Wisconsin's finest dairy delights. The officers stopped heavy cruiser-traffic to allow us egress, so I savored the moment, backing out s-l-o-w-l-y into halted traffic of the highest-end exotic cars, (while thier drivers were held at bay - forced to examine beauty and wonder "What IS that fine example of automotive artistry, warranting police escort from a mere parking space?????" ), Ferrari, Lamborghini, Corvette, BMW(2), and CLK all waited for our egress, and a row of custom baggers appeared to be our procession! None had seen we were being issued a ticket, only the officers' parting of the flow to facilitate our exit, only seconds after Panik returns with treats which everyone is after. As we s-l-o-w-l-y proceeded the 1/2 block to the 2nd traffic signal in town, our tongues were lashing wildly at our coes, Panik with her "Hollywood Movie-Star" sunglasses reflecting the upcoming stoplights. I obeyed all traffic laws as we waited for the signal to allow our progress, while enjoying the cone delivered to our "perfect parking spot". We paraded thru the loop all the exotics take thru our local "Quaint resort town", and at a stop sign, 'round the back 'o the loop, one of the Baggers pulled along side to ask what the beautiful car we were driving was. I told him "Ahh, It's JUST a BUICK!" (a phrase I learned from F14-Philip!!). He then asked "What did they pull YOU over for?" I replied "The Freakin' pencil got me for a headlamp out!" The belly-laugh form this guy told me he also was a cop, as "PENCIL" is cop-speak for an officer who will write a ticket for anything-at the drop of a hat, ergo-likes to write alot of tickets. The rider then repeated it (verbatum) to his group, and they ALL laughed out loud. GOOD CROWD! Turns out, ALL the baggers were cops, out for a Dairy-Aire cruise thru Lake Geneva, like ourslves. So, in effect, we had a police escort thru town, leading a procession of "Blue Knights" all the way, after our improptu greeting from the local Juean-D'arme! "Ya meet the nicest people driving a Reatta!" "Reatta brings out the nicest side of the people you meet on the roadof life!" So, I gotta replace Beauty's original headlamp, so I can take advantage of my chance to "pull-over a cop" and get a signature for my Fix-It ticket, or they'll discontinue being nice, and issue a WARRANT!

CONGRATULATIONS, Tammy! I know you really loved your S/60, shame to see her go. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! ~RANDY

Hay Dave, Does Jim have any 4 you?

I just searched the aforementioned post. The title starts with the words "Safety issue". Please take time to view this thread, and immediately inspect your Reatta, or perspective Reatta purchase. I love my Reattae, they are truly an American Exotic, and well worthy of ownership. As with ANY used car, close inspection of ANY rust is warranted, especially for an "investment vehicle".

Hi Thriller! I'd have to agree with juddev' up-thread posting, "Rust underneath the car tells a lot about it's future ", as I just went thru an "investigation" with GM on my '88 coupe - "Bambi-Killer". Search posts here, older than 1 year, for titles including the words "Catastrophic Failure" for a detailed explanation of the #1 item to inspect when considering purchase of a Reatta of any year, especially from/in a region where corrosives,(SALT), are used to remove snow from the roads. All other possible issues will seem minor, in comparison. BTW GM says they prefer to do nothing about this particular issue, eventhough other GM cars had recalls issued for the same problem. As with ANY used, or collector car - wipe the stars from your eyes BEFORE inspecting anything, and look for problems. Shiny is easy to see, problems may lurk in more secluded spots.

Hi John! I found an ebay seller yesterday who has lots of K-M tools, stumbled on him while looking at his auction for a 55-57 buick manual. Just look thru the listings for the manual, and you'll find his store. Sorry, but I don't remember his handle.

I'm glad to hear you're making the trip, Vinnie! I'll be attending my patriarchial family reunion in KY, and can't go to the BCA Nats this year.

I said it before, here's the thread, with pix, and the whole story. There are probably a few good ones out back, 'ya gotta R&R the control arm as an assembly - to replace the brake reaction rod. I've done this, (on Bambi-Killer), and it's not that bad. I can't find the other pix right now, Thanx for posting that one, Vinnie! ...and while you're down there, check those vibration isolators for any signs of wear, or corrosion. Randy's Isolator post Bambi-Killer rests out back, waitin' for me to replace her isolators.

If your rear frame area is that bad, you better inspect the front sub-frame, (drivetrain carrier), vibration isolators, (4 rubber sub-frame to body mounts), for corrosion. <span style="font-weight: bold">Failure of these components can cause separation of the sub-frame while driving, as happened to Notamekanik 2 winters ago. When this happens, the steering column knucle disconnects from the steering rack-disabling steering functions!</span>

I have 3 headliner shells, 1-new black cover, 1-OEM gray, and 1-bare. PM if interested.

Post some pix!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">a union can be voted OUT, if the membership is generally unhappy with their representation. </div></div> Ironically, our govrenment can also be voted out, as our constitution provides for the citizens to abolish it. So, shall we fire them all, and start over with representatives who understand, and represent the needs and desires of the citizens, instead of thier party and contributors? When Chrysler recieved a gov't. LOAN in the 80's, the our President did'nt require them to axe Lee Iacocca. He turned Chrysler around, paid-off the loan, then bought AMC, leaving Renault in the dust. Our current administration seems to think they own our automakers, and want to decide how they operate, what they build, and who's in charge. Forcing Wagoner out of GM was a big mistake IMHO, and equates to Facism. ...And loaning Fiat money to buy-in to Chrysler, (or, even worse, GM!) is an even bigger mistake. Just look at what's happened to US cars made in conjunction with Italian Mfrs. in the past... Chrysler's TC by Maserati, or Cadillac's Allante, from Pininfarin, both serviceability nightmares. The Renault "Alliance" with AMC was thier demise. Let's keep US-made cars US-made! If US car mfrs. want to build thier cars abroad, pull the plug on financing, let 'em get loans from the host country, and call 'em imports!

Goodyear Viva Touring!!!! I replaced all my Reatta tires with these, they are BCA show approved, if same size as original. They grip tight, sing at speed, and look great. Wal-Mart is discontinuing them, on sale at $50-$75 each, limited availability. NOT Viva-II, only Viva Touring!

TelNet came 1st, I remember playing chess with a professor at Stanford ....while in Memphis @ UT, using a KIM-1 hexidecimal keypad.... IN 1973!!!!