What Pleased You Today!

[Snake45]

Mystery Vette update: After one day in the Purple Pond, most of the light blue paint was coming off, with a darker blue showing through underneath. Thought I was well along. 

After day two, much of the dark blue is off, and there's a thick coat of gloss white under THAT! And I still haven't seen a hint of the door lines yet! 

[Smoke Wagon]

6 minutes ago, Snake45 said:

After day two, much of the dark blue is off, and there's a thick coat of gloss white under THAT! And I still haven't seen a hint of the door lines yet! 

It’s like a jawbreaker! A multitude of colored layers. It’s no match against that Snake-Fu though! 

[Ace-Garageguy]

30 minutes ago, Snake45 said:

Mystery Vette update...And I still haven't seen a hint of the door lines yet! 

Rough as that thing is, there's a really cool design there just dying to get redone by somebody with adult skills.

I hope your stripper doesn't obliterate too much of the custom bodywork to bring it back.

[Snake45]

28 minutes ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Rough as that thing is, there's a really cool design there just dying to get redone by somebody with adult skills.

I hope your stripper doesn't obliterate too much of the custom bodywork to bring it back.

I thought so, too, which is why I'm doing it. Or trying to...

I feared putty was going to be a problem, too, so I've only had it in Lake Purple for a couple of 4-5 hour stretches so far. But as yet I haven't seen ANY putty, just styrene and tube glue! So I just threw it in the lake for overnight to take off that thick gloss white paint. Just saw the first hints of the windshield wipers hiding under all that, too. If there IS any old-school putty in the door lines, I hope it eats it out. 

Will know more tomorrow. Thanks for your interest! 

[Snake45]

Mystery Vette update: 24 hours in the lake removed less than 10% of the thick, glossy white paint. Only removed enough to show me that under THAT is a coat of bright red! 

Interestingly, the MPC '67 hood and the "roll bar" are now stripped to bare plastic, as is the oddball rear bodywork. There was no white or red on these parts. This tells me this model was rebuilt/restyled at least once previously, with those parts added after an initial build. 

The white is proving so hard to strip that I've given serious consideration to simply cutting off that weird rear end pan and grafting it onto a new '63 body, of which I have several sitting around....

[Dave Ambrose]

On 2/8/2022 at 12:42 PM, Ace-Garageguy said:

I spoke too soon. One of 'em used two of my takeoff tires that are going on my blue XJ6 for a paint stand. I now have two pretty green tires.

After I chewed his ass and moved the tires, he finished his paint job on the pad just in front of the main shop door.

So we had pretty stripes and blotches on the concrete, looking like a pack of chimps worked there.

Common sense is in appallingly short supply.

That's when the shop manager got involved and taught Mr. Paintboy how to run the pressure washer.

We don't like to admit it, but we were once that ignorant. You have to expect mistakes. There's no unified manual, and everyone has gaps. The nice thing about getting old, is that you learn where those gaps are and react accordingly. 

If they don't repeat their mistakes, you'll be doing well enough. I hope he pressure washed your tires too. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

45 minutes ago, Dave Ambrose said:

We don't like to admit it, but we were once that ignorant...

Sorry...I wasn't, not as a young adult anyway. I've always had a little angel on my shoulder reminding me not to screw things up...at least since I was about 6.

I certainly did my share of mindless stupid stuff when I was little, but by the time I was a teen, I kinda had a clue.

Maybe it comes from being raised in an earlier time, when parents did physical stuff and made physical stuff and had physical skills and more tools than the Yellow Pages or the internet when they needed something done or something fixed...and parents who taught me early on to respect other people's things, and that cleaning up thoughtless messes takes a whole lot longer than making them.

But I also know fully grown men and women, some of 'em professional and "successful" and getting some serious years behind 'em too, who still stumble haphazardly through life, pretty much ruining everything they touch.

On the flip side, the other kid disassembled a little Fiat 500 engine, cleaned and painted all the exterior parts, and put it back together. It looks great. He also bead-blasted and painted a set of TR6 steel wheels. They look great too. And he didn't screw up anything else in the process.  

[bobthehobbyguy]

17 hours ago, Dave Ambrose said:

We don't like to admit it, but we were once that ignorant. You have to expect mistakes. There's no unified manual, and everyone has gaps. The nice thing about getting old, is that you learn where those gaps are and react accordingly. 

If they don't repeat their mistakes, you'll be doing well enough. I hope he pressure washed your tires too. 

For most of us we learn by making mistakes. As Dave has said the trixk is to avoid repeating that mistake again. And making mistakes is not limited to young mistakes, we all make  mistakes but as we get older our experience can help us avoid them hopefully.

[Ace-Garageguy]

2 hours ago, bobthehobbyguy said:

For most of us we learn by making mistakes...

But if "mistakes" aren't pointed out by someone in authority or who has superior knowledge, whether it be a parent, employer, peer, or senior co-worker, we never learn what to do better in the future.

If we avoid correcting behavior or erroneous beliefs and misunderstandings for fear of damaging widdle-baby's-pwecious-widdle-egoums, we create an adult who can't differentiate between dung and diamonds, or quality craftsmanship and mediocrity, and who fails to take personal responsibility for cleaning up his own messes.

While there are indeed ways to point out shortcomings or presenting information gently and with tact (walking on eggs so to speak), there are also those personalities who can't take any criticism or negative feedback whatsoever, no matter how politely phrased and presented, without imploding.

These same personalities are often mistakenly convinced of their own infallibility and expertise, and render themselves essentially unteachable.

They are not people I choose to deal with unless it's absolutely necessary.

Edited February 11, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy
CLARITY

[Xingu]

I have to deal with inexperienced people all the time in the construction industry. People I work with and people I work for. If someone makes a mistake, I point out the mistake and the correct way to do whatever it is that they messed up (most of the time).

This happened just this week at my new job with my new boss. I told him the truth about things I felt he and others had done wrong before I was hired. He then thanked me and explained how much he appreciated it, because everyone else just seems to tell him what they think he wants to hear. I may get fired next week, but I did what I felt was right and appropriate for the situation.

In Bill's scenario, and since this was a new hire, as soon as he painted the tires, I probably would have told him that is not how or where it is done. I may have asked him who told him to paint what he was panting and if they had given him instructions on how and where to do it. It may not have been a pleasant conversation, since he just painted my tires. I would have then showed him where the correct spot to paint was located and pointed out what stands to use or how to support what he was painting. Then let him go on about his business. Probably would have only taken a few minutes. I would have then lost it, if or when he ignored what I told him and made the same or similar mistake.

[Ace-Garageguy]

46 minutes ago, Xingu said:

In Bill's scenario, and since this was a new hire, as soon as he painted the tires, I probably would have told him that is not how or where it is done. I may have asked him who told him to paint what he was panting and if they had given him instructions on how and where to do it. It may not have been a pleasant conversation, since he just painted my tires. I would have then showed him where the correct spot to paint was located and pointed out what stands to use or how to support what he was painting. Then let him go on about his business. Probably would have only taken a few minutes. I would have then lost it, if or when he ignored what I told him and made the same or similar mistake.

Pretty much exactly what happened, but another of the techs decided to get involved, the guy who'd told him to just use whatever was "lying around" for a paint stand. Tech said "well, the tires didn't have your name on them" which is idiocy, 'cause anybody with half a brain really ought to be able to reason out that a stack of almost-new tires had some value to SOMEBODY. Still staying remarkably calm, I explained there wouldn't have been a problem if they'd put newspaper or some other disposable masking material down first, to cover the tires. Naturally we get literally tons of cardboard, wrapping plastic, and all kinds of other packing materials every month on parts that come in. There's never a shortage of stuff to use for masking.

But instead of understanding the point of my speech was "disposable masking material", the other tech went off on a rant about the lack of availability of "newspaper" because nobody reads anymore...which was when I dug through the trash and pulled out enough wrapping paper to do the job. Maybe a whole 2 minutes of effort.

Later the same guy went off when I told the kid not to paint the concrete after I'd just given him masking material. Other tech screamed "we don't care about the dammed concrete"...which is when the dozy shop manager got involved and had the kid pressure-wash his mess off the front pad, explaining that we rent the building, and the owner doesn't want his property paintchimpified.

I never really lost it, and everything calmed back down. 

But a couple years back, some dumb.... put a mess of greasy parts on my drafting table, and that time I DID lose it. The kid grasped what he'd done, apologized, we shook hands, and he was good about thinking before he buggered stuff after that.

My temper concerning stupid is well known, as is the fact I have little tolerance for mindlessness...and argumentative excuses.

Edited February 12, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy

[Snake45]

Went looking for something else today and ran across a resin stock '62 Nova body I have no recollection of ever buying. It was like Christmas! 

In other news, after four days in Lake Purple, Mystery Vette is about 95% stripped, and it should be completely naked tomorrow. That white paint was like armor. Most of it came off in large flakes. Total paint thickness on this body must have been close to two sheets of paper.   And surprise surprise surprise, as Gomer used to say, the body itself seems to be an original '63 with revolving headlights (which were glued in). (The interior, remember, is a '64, with definite '64 custom steering wheel, gauge panel, and clipboard.) 

[slusher]

9 hours ago, Xingu said:

I have to deal with inexperienced people all the time in the construction industry. People I work with and people I work for. If someone makes a mistake, I point out the mistake and the correct way to do whatever it is that they messed up (most of the time).

This happened just this week at my new job with my new boss. I told him the truth about things I felt he and others had done wrong before I was hired. He then thanked me and explained how much he appreciated it, because everyone else just seems to tell him what they think he wants to hear. I may get fired next week, but I did what I felt was right and appropriate for the situation.

In Bill's scenario, and since this was a new hire, as soon as he painted the tires, I probably would have told him that is not how or where it is done. I may have asked him who told him to paint what he was panting and if they had given him instructions on how and where to do it. It may not have been a pleasant conversation, since he just painted my tires. I would have then showed him where the correct spot to paint was located and pointed out what stands to use or how to support what he was painting. Then let him go on about his business. Probably would have only taken a few minutes. I would have then lost it, if or when he ignored what I told him and made the same or similar mistake.

 

9 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Pretty much exactly what happened, but another of the techs decided to get involved, the guy who'd told him to just use whatever was "lying around" for a paint stand. Tech said "well, the tires didn't have your name on them" which is idiocy, 'cause anybody with half a brain really ought to be able to reason out that a stack of almost-new tires had some value to SOMEBODY. Still staying remarkably calm, I explained there wouldn't have been a problem if they'd put newspaper or some other disposable masking material down first, to cover the tires. Naturally we get literally tons of cardboard, wrapping plastic, and all kinds of other packing materials every month on parts that come in. There's never a shortage of stuff to use for masking.

But instead of understanding the point of my speech was "disposable masking material", the other tech went off on a rant about the lack of availability of "newspaper" because nobody reads anymore...which was when I dug through the trash and pulled out enough wrapping paper to do the job. Maybe a whole 2 minutes of effort.

Later the same guy went off when I told the kid not to paint the concrete after I'd just given him masking material. Other tech screamed "we don't care about the dammed concrete"...which is when the dozy shop manager got involved and had the kid pressure-wash his mess off the front pad, explaining that we rent the building, and the owner doesn't want his property paintchimpified.

I never really lost it, and everything calmed back down. 

But a couple years back, some dumb.... put a mess of greasy parts on my drafting table, and that time I DID lose it. The kid grasped what he'd done, apologized, we shook hands, and he was good about thinking before he buggered stuff after that.

My temper concerning stupid is well known, as is the fact I have little tolerance for mindlessness...and argumentative excuses.

The cost of a mistake will have you loose confidence i a person to do a job unsupervised. How hard would it be to walk to the dumpster or look for a old drum to paint on..
 

[bobthehobbyguy]

On 2/12/2022 at 10:11 AM, Ace-Garageguy said:

Pretty much exactly what happened, but another of the techs decided to get involved, the guy who'd told him to just use whatever was "lying around" for a paint stand. Tech said "well, the tires didn't have your name on them" which is idiocy, 'cause anybody with half a brain really ought to be able to reason out that a stack of almost-new tires had some value to SOMEBODY. Still staying remarkably calm, I explained there wouldn't have been a problem if they'd put newspaper or some other disposable masking material down first, to cover the tires. Naturally we get literally tons of cardboard, wrapping plastic, and all kinds of other packing materials every month on parts that come in. There's never a shortage of stuff to use for masking.

But instead of understanding the point of my speech was "disposable masking material", the other tech went off on a rant about the lack of availability of "newspaper" because nobody reads anymore...which was when I dug through the trash and pulled out enough wrapping paper to do the job. Maybe a whole 2 minutes of effort.

Later the same guy went off when I told the kid not to paint the concrete after I'd just given him masking material. Other tech screamed "we don't care about the dammed concrete"...which is when the dozy shop manager got involved and had the kid pressure-wash his mess off the front pad, explaining that we rent the building, and the owner doesn't want his property paintchimpified.

I never really lost it, and everything calmed back down. 

But a couple years back, some dumb.... put a mess of greasy parts on my drafting table, and that time I DID lose it. The kid grasped what he'd done, apologized, we shook hands, and he was good about thinking before he buggered stuff after that.

My temper concerning stupid is well known, as is the fact I have little tolerance for mindlessness...and argumentative excuses.

Sounds like the new kid isn't the problem. The tech is. The kid asked about how to do it and got bad info.  Hopefully someone will mentor the kid and help him learn how to do things in tge proper way.

[Ace-Garageguy]

1 hour ago, bobthehobbyguy said:

Sounds like the new kid isn't the problem. The tech is. The kid asked about how to do it and got bad info.  Hopefully someone will mentor the kid and help him learn how to do things in tge proper way.

Anybody who doesn't have the common sense at 18 to NOT spray paint almost new tires...AND the concrete in front of the main door to the shop AFTER I gave him plenty of masking material to put down first...really shouldn't be playing with sharp dangerous things.

Edited February 14, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy

[stavanzer]

Amen, Bill!

[HomerS]

On 2/6/2022 at 9:55 AM, HomerS said:

https://www.myfurryvalentine.com/

It's back in person next weekend!! It's Cincinnati area wide mass animal adoption event since 2012 as a suburban convention center.  It's free for shelters/rescues for a basic spot (slight charge for electric hook up as well as if they want more than one spot).  It's only $5 for people coming to check out the pets and the line is well out the door when they first open both days.  I know at least a couple of the rescues (501c3) will sign off on community service for kids who need school credits to graduate if they'll help staff the booth.

Last year was all on line but still found homes for 324 animals.  Highest total was 2018 at 966 (!) new homes.

The surgically repaired knee still isn't 100% but I'm still going to help the various attendees set up/tear down.  The number of dogs out numbers the humans in the house but the wife still cringes the ratio will change.

 

 

A much smaller event this year as due to multiple challenges (Bengals in the SuperBowl, getting volunteers, etc) but over 300 animals have homes tonight that didn't before the weekend started.  I've been fighting the remnants of a head cold (I get sick every year when the temperatures fluctuate greatly) so I didn't get to do as much as I wanted.

The country stew soft food from Pedigree somehow affects my Aussie and it leads to her incontinence issue so I bagged up the remaining half a case and took it to one of the rescues.  This little sweetie made eye contact as we walked in so her rescue was the recipient.  The number of dogs outnumber the people in my house and we have a well balanced harmony so I'm not going to mess with the chemistry!

Wow....I seriously need a haircut!

 

[slusher]

4 hours ago, HomerS said:

A much smaller event this year as due to multiple challenges (Bengals in the SuperBowl, getting volunteers, etc) but over 300 animals have homes tonight that didn't before the weekend started.  I've been fighting the remnants of a head cold (I get sick every year when the temperatures fluctuate greatly) so I didn't get to do as much as I wanted.

The country stew soft food from Pedigree somehow affects my Aussie and it leads to her incontinence issue so I bagged up the remaining half a case and took it to one of the rescues.  This little sweetie made eye contact as we walked in so her rescue was the recipient.  The number of dogs outnumber the people in my house and we have a well balanced harmony so I'm not going to mess with the chemistry!

Wow....I seriously need a haircut!

 

That’s a bunch of pets adopted….

[bobthehobbyguy]

16 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Anybody who doesn't have the common sense at 18 to NOT spray paint almost new tires...AND the concrete in front of the main door to the shop AFTER I gave him plenty of masking material to put down first...really shouldn't be playing with sharp dangerous things.

Given the number of discussions about why there is no common sense in the world why is  this a surprise.  When a package of microwave popcorn has huge warnings when opening the package the contents are hot. 

The bigger question is whether he can accept responsibility for his mistakes and learn from them.

Edited February 14, 2022 by bobthehobbyguy

[James2]

After a quick scan of this thread, I’m pleased I missed all of this insightful and meaningful conversations. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

29 minutes ago, James2 said:

After a quick scan of this thread, I’m pleased I missed all of this insightful and meaningful conversations. 

Well sir, seein' as how most really "insightful and meaningful" conversations are banned here under the headings of "politics" and "religion", at least this is a thread that allows those of us who live in a less-than-perfect world to show appreciation for those rare instances when people actually do their jobs and things go well, and to occasionally let off a little steam as an aside.

And it's way cheaper than therapy.  

Edited February 14, 2022 by Ace-Garageguy

[Ace-Garageguy]

24 minutes ago, bobthehobbyguy said:

...The bigger question is whether he can accept responsibility for his mistakes and learn from them.

At this point, I think maybe he'll be a little more aware in the future.

Saturday he had to stack another set of takeoff wheels and tires out of the way until they find a new home.

I walked over to him as he put the last one on top, and smiling, said "wow...perfect height for a paint stand". He just looked a little embarrassed, laughed, and smiled too. He seems like a nice kid, and I hope he'll get his head into what he's doing.

We'll see.

But we've churned through so many useless employees since 2016..."highly experienced" as well as apprentices...I'm not holding my breath.   

[espo]

The KC Metro area got some snow last night along with single digit wind chill and blowing winds. The drift in front of our garage door goes from bare concrete to over the top of the snow blower intake that the guy who is clearing our driveway has. Lot to be said for maintenance provided living on days like this.  

[Ace-Garageguy]

I found a local company that can move up to nine of my cars to Az. in one shot. Yippee.

[cobraman]

How many do you have Bill if I may ask ?