Let's say we have a serious concern about rust, we want to preserve our investments and avoid rust but we're conscious of the potential for rust given the monoque body/frame intergration technology of the Pantera, and we just want to wash our cars in the driveway like normal people and not be paranoid about being caught in the rain once in a while. So, what do we do? I guess any Pantera Vendor in the good ole USA may be a little leery of a lawsuit for rust if they offer a rust prevention service. Maybe we can't blame them, but we still have a need and desire, to protect our investments, and so, what do we do?
A lot of life is following the leader. The 'Better Mouse-Trap Theory'. If it works, and somebody else has figured it out already, well, let's do that!
So, I have an idea, being American and all! Ideas are what count! And if you don't say what your idea is, then you don't get credit for it, like you didn't even think about it at all, too timid, too bad! Loser! Speak up, even if you get criticized, LIKE ME!!! Criticize this idea, if you think it's stupid, but don't be silent! I think we have enough financial incentive to make this happen. But it won't happen if nobody speaks up and does something!
Let's invite the Europeans over to make some money! Can't easily sue them if they are in Europe. Nothing for them to worry about. But they can easily import their technology and fill our need, a win-win relationship. A Post was made in October 2002 on this Bulletin Board and a response was forthcoming from a member of the Swedish DeTomaso Pantera Club, complete with a website address for a company in Sweden that specializes in rustproofing Panteras! Looks like they drill about 78 holes in parts of the body and chassis and squirt rustproofing material in there. Great idea, necessity is the mother of invention!
So, suppose, let's say, that several of us are members of Pantera International AND P.O.C.A. (you see, I'm not fostering betrayal or loyalty here, but trying to achieve economies of scale and accomplish a unified goal.)
Let's say enough of us are interested in having this 'procedure' (a medical term) performed on our passionate Panteras! Suppose we invite Dinitrol/Dinol to bring their small tool bag (drill), some rustproofing supplies (or provide it for them from local automotive supply houses at their specification (aerosol tar)) and do some rustproofing, 'en-masse' at a Pantera Event, whether it be the Monterrey Italian Concours, the Las Vegas Fun Run, etc. My idea is to bring over the Europeans to do some European 'procedures' on our European cars!
We get them over here on the WEST COAST where Pantera International is located, where POCA is located, where the majority of Pantera Vendors are located, and where the Beaches are located!!!! Also where I'm located!!! Where the IDEA people are located, WHO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN, forget conservative East Coast types, you guys can wait, see what happens...., be cautious!! You guys need this MOST, but you haven't done anything in 30 years!!! So, watch how it's done!!
If we could guarantee them a certain volume of cars to rustproof at specific events, then they could calculate the costs of coming over with their European toolkits and European technology and providing some serious rustproofing benefits to some of us who maybe plan on being at some of these events and can cough up some cash to have our Panteras rustproofed in the most dedicated European way, by some experienced 'cats'.
If you like this idea, I can, or some one else can contact them and 'guarantee a minimum number of Panteras to be rustproofed.'
Maybe it's not even gonna be that expensive! I believe there's a silent number of us who really wish NOT TO WORRY About This Issue (RUST). I further believe that a 'paid vacation' to the 'States' by a representative of this European company, would probably get the attention of a senior company guy, who would come over himself and do a top job for us. He would enjoy the experience of meeting our Pantera Club Members greatly, and probably bring his wife and camera!
Could even be a business opportunity. Benefitting other Pantera Owners later (the East Coast Conservative types).
What do ya think? Any takers? Wanna ask these guys to come over here for an event or two to do as a business write-off, earn some cash, meet some great people, benefit our clubs, spead some technology? Have a vacation (for them)?
We'd have to have some people who would organize it, get some commitments from Pantera Owners who wanted the service, who sort of paid in advance (along with a 'discount' that late deciders wouldn't be eligible for.) Sort of 'cover the freight, then the 'undecided's' would cover the profits!
A little planning, organizing. A little talking, a little learning. A lotta fun! A great way to meet some new people with new ideas! Everybody comes away (or goes home) enlightened! Maybe a new source for import/export of products (here to there and vice versa) with accompanying profits!
Let's think 'out of the box' people, or should I say: 'Let's think out of the Wedge Shape'?
Post your replies, even if you think it's a stupid idea! Just say so. I've had stupid ideas before, but sift through enough of them and gonna have something worthwhile materialize sooner or later....
Maybe I even provoked some East Coast guys into responding, maybe they even wanna beat us to the punch!
s/ Ron Norman
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