Hello to all the Mercedes fans here at Striplin.net!
This is my first "post" here and I'm sorry it took me awhile to contribute,
I'm kind of a one track person with precious little time these days (which
is good, I guess!) but now I've found some time I can concentrate on geting
used to this list. I think I must be spoiled by forum mode setups? Maybe I
haven't figured out all the features yet- like how to log-in to read all the
threads-
Anyways, I wanted to answer some questions about my auto club for W123
chassis cars, to clear up some of the points I read.
THE LIMO: The limo finally sold today for $600! It was bought by a member
of my club, hopefully it will get some design updates and all the mechanical
restoration it needs!
CLUB 123D: I'm an eccentric, molded as a freak of nature and fate which has
called me to pursue a fantastic vision of the ultimate positive and
preservative resource for the long term enjoyment of my favorite car ever,
the W123 chassis. I want every classic American ideal for automotive
enthusiasm provided by a single resource. In a land where there is a nut
and/or a group following for every kind of car practiacally made, and often
fine European cars are snubbed and misunderstood, I wanted to see all the
fun and celebration of car hobbyists presented to the W123 owner, and maybe
then some. I'm trying to make these services availible to the W123
enthusiast:
A national registry
A club newsletter
Hall of historical records, information, literature- of MB, W123, W123 era
related technological developemts and of Club 123D itself
Novelties, "art", Club memorabilia - (shirts - decal logos, grille badges)
An Annual car show
A technical gathering event
A social gathering event
2 annual road "rally" tours, of varying grades of difficulty and endurance
Member rated maintenance, repair and restoration services
logistical services
personal assistance, advice, negotiaion and PPI services for transfer of
ownership
It's traditional in the sense it has memberships, with fees, little cards,
and a periodical. It's not so traditional in that is offers all the
traditional things but also can serve as funtioning mechanical facility.
It's quite a unigue approach, I've narrowed out all other cars EXCEPT ANY
W123 chassis- there is a certain uniformity I enjoy. I like many other
kinds of MB's but I specialize in W123- completely and exclusively.
It's not going to be for or liked by everybody, but if I can keep up my
approach of behaving in an opposite way of a certain unpopular MB part
supplier, the general concensus will really appreciate what it is for what
it is and I hope this club will be a noteworthy effort for encouraging W123
preservation and enthusuasm. I appreciate anyone's support.
THE CAR SHOW: I'm sorry it wasn't clear enough that popular vote
categories would not be simply "my will" So I'm a little big on
disclaimers, I try to cut off obviois questions and concerns and
exploitative ideas with them. It's the very first show. There is no
clamoring for a W123 show, but as for what I'm trying to do, I have to MAKE
one. Humble, humble beginnings, folks. Like the first Spring tour: Nobody
had the idea I ever met or talked to so I created it because I wanted it. I
worked up the whole thing with some assistance in the event operation. FOUR
people particiapated, I was only up to 11 members at the time. But it was
real and then I had photos and experience of the event relayed from the
members who were on it to have the 9 particiapnts in 2005, we were at member
30 at that time. Currently we stand at 40, and I would not be surprised to
be at 50 members and 15 particiapants for the May 2006 event. That's how
the show will work, I just put it out on the table and try to get as many
people to come as I can, then I will have photos and results and they will
encourage others not to miss the next one! (I hope, of course)
MY WEBSITE: It's a little galleryish- I actually want it to be this way.
The home page photos are all actual member registered cars, no duplicaes,
and not all there yet. The membership fee is not just to get your car's
photo "on my hallowed page" that would be a rip, it's one of the lower
automatic perks of the Club membership. The website, while free and
visible to all, is supposed to be a perk for Club members, and they are
supporting it, as well as the club's existence. I understand if someone
doesn't just want to make a public television-like "donation" with their
paid membership, but it can certainly be thought of that way.
Also, it may look amatuerish, because it is! I am the web ignorant doofus
registar dot com thrives on, and I, knowing nothing the day prior to the
purchase 10-15-05, that's what I managed to get up as some kind of internet
represenataive for my club with all their included, consumer grade tools-
but it got me on e the "air" and is suitable for my needs.
The repairing aspect is what's really paying a few of the bills, and with
rather positive satifaction I must say with over two dozen repeat customers
and 150+ service jobs ranging between $0 and $7500 in just 3 years. Still
very young, especailly in this odd field.
MEMBERSHIP: I won't go over it now, you can read it on my website, I'll
field any questions.
THE BUSINESS CARD: The oil info is out of date, just a disclaimer so it's
known we don't use Castrol anymore, now it's Mobil. Conventional changes
are $45. (Never to be paid by some, but a solid deal in the world of
hiring a famiaalr competant wrench to do it for you)
THE INFO THAT BUGGED ME: I realize it's public information, but merely
didn't like it being accessed and sent everywhere under the circumstances of
the "trial by fire" I was reading, it was as if providing the domain name
registrant info, with my name, phone, home address, IP number and it all
seemed... I don't know...I'm over it, I just don't publish that info for
security reasons, I have video surveilance and such but don't need to
advertise a malicious vandal's playground. It seems that fellow like to
post such info on any MB website owner, perhaps to prove it may or may not
be an interenet scam or to name names so we and track friends and enemies?
NO HARD FEELINGS: While what I read wasn't exactly encouraging, I suppose I
can appreciate the protectiveness against the all too common snake oil for
the MB demographic, I just want it known I'm clear and honest in my
intentions and goals.
YES, I do a lot of talking. It's been elemental to stir the pot, enough
talk convinces people to give me the chance to prove, such proof is provding
retention.
YES, I'm pretty zealous about my club, there is no time to waste, W123's are
dying and mistreated all the time, this club is my reaction. I've thrown my
whole life and lively hood at it, I HAVE to make it work- to fail at the one
thing I want ot most is a most dismal concept-
I've not collected a "local" membership fee to date, for promotion and
trial, since the concept is unusual. I'm going to start as of 2/2006, as
now I have over 30 people who with their continued support will show it is
worth it, especialy if you hire services.
I've only gotten 5 "national" members. To show the same
incentive/appreciation for those who joined in 2005 (all to date) we are
going to renew them for 2006 for free. (If you don't live in MO or IL,and
want get a "buy one get one" return a completed application by Jan 31 2006)
OK I've gone on enough- I'll be glad to answer any questions- This forum
moves fast, and I'm pretty busy with all of the above AND on 4 other forums
here and there, so don't think it rude if I miss a response or question of
yours, I try really hard to keep up and reply to all direct emails, so that
may be the best way to really get my attention and a direct response.
Thanks, I look forward to more one this list.
Sincerely
Vince Layton (the III)
Club 123D President
www.club123d.org (website)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] (inquiries, app requests, etc)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] (main e-mail, official Club info
distribution)
Club 123D - W123 chassis exclusive automobile club since 2002 - all US
residing W123 chassis cars welcomed
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