Love to learn

[911crash]

I used to walk through a very active Porsche dealership on my way to school in NJ at the time of my developing interest in cars. Having been a lover of all things metal my entire existence, I still can't figure out why I didn't make it a career. Maybe I wouldn't be as passionate if I had. I know so many people who are in enviable jobs, and they hate it. After a while, it's just a job. Maybe that is where age and maturity matter. I know I made the right choice when I was 21; having worked in a garage and a machine shop for 4 years, that was not going to do it for me. I also recognize that it was more to do with the environment where I happened to be. Back in the day, there was no internet of course, so your world was really small. I didn't work in a Porsche repair shop, or a machine shop working on engines. I worked in a beach town, pumping gas in OLD Jeepnys and rusty Broncos. My bosses hands looked like they had gone through a blender. My machine shop job required that I babysit 10 small turret lathes, clean out the chips, check every 10th part for go-no-go and make sure it always had stock. I'm glad I wasn't into making those jobs my life. I am, however, so fortunate to have had those jobs. They helped me really start to understand metals and how amazing they are in all of their many forms and types!! I am constantly amazed at what they can do(I also dig composite fab stuff as well).
So I am here to glean more interesting info, add to my repertoire and maybe I'll find my calling.
BTW, I ended up going in the AF, tracking satellites(including the first 10 shuttle launches) for 15yrs, and working in Silicone Valley. Never really took to the electronics thing, although its nice to know a lot about it.
Oh yea, and if anyone is still reading(HA), I've owned some pretty cool cars(28 total). First car was a '60 white Impala, 4dr w/red int. Some other notables. Couple more Chevy wagons(great surf vehicles), '69 Z28(w/hood and spoiler delete), '66 Covair Corsa that I set up for SCCA F Production(but never raced). I almost miss that one more than the Z28. A couple of tricked out '73 Volvo 142's, Volvo Turbo wagon, and finally ending where it sort of all started. Porsche's. I started with a '69 912, and now own a sleeper '78 SC. I bought it 2 days after 911(Sept). Kinda weird. Didn't know if the world was coming to an end, but I was going out with that Porsche. Now, I can't get enough of them and am trying to figure out a way to capitalize on what I've learned and to love doing it.
So, there you have it. Never really put it to paper(so to speak). But I have to say, I have had a very fortunate life, have learned so much, that I just can't stop the yearning to learn more. Now I am focused on what I really enjoy and hope I can learn and contribute here.

[HEATNBEAT]

Hi Dane and welcome!

[David Gardiner]

Hello Dane, read the whole thing! Sounds like you are just getting started with shaping metal. Start with small pieces so you can get a feel for how the metal works without getting disillusioned.

I have been working with metal for about thirty five years, I still get a kick out of creating things.

Welcome to the forum.


David

[thingsthatfly2]

great intro! any old pics of your corvair or current project?

[Peter Tommasini]

HI Dane welcome to the forum
Peter

[911crash]

Originally Posted by thingsthatfly2

great intro! any old pics of your corvair or current project?

Sadly, I have been a poor photojournalist, especially years go during the Z28/Corvair period. The Porsche body is in fine, stock condition. I have an idea of crafting something different, hence my search for knowledge from you all.
Thanks for welcoming me here. I hope I can contribute in some way, even if it isn't related to shaping metal.