Build Threads- Do They Help?

turboswede wrote: Look at Tuna's or the 308 GTS4 thread for an idea on the twists and turns a build thread can take as well as what the community can do when they provide help and support, even if it is just a a bit of an "atta boy"

Yeah the 308 GT4 started out as me trying to put a Rover V8 in the back of it, saying screw it let's try a Subaru, getting it pretty close but just losing too much steam (and money), then watching somebody else pick it up with new life.

It's just fun to watch what other people are doing sometimes and get ideas.

I love to read other's build threads, but hate viewing photos of welded brackets . . .

Without a larger context to relate to, tight shots of bead welds just gets fracking boring, you know? Fabrication is the bread and butter of a good thread, but welded triangulated brackets just all look the same, over and over again.

Seems like lots of folks enjoy showing off their welded triangulated brackets unfortunately . . .

Dusterbd13 wrote: I do a lot of build threads to share what I do, and how i do it. Additionally, when I get feedback ot makes me feel like someone else actually cares about what I put so much time and energy into. Unfortunately I don't seem to get too much feedback on my current projects. It does kill motivation for me to share. Perhaps i need to be the change i want to see for my own threads. I follow along on almost every build on this site, though hardly ever post on them. Usually because I have nothing relevant to add other than enjoying the build and that it looks good.

I read a lot of build threads here and elsewhere. Occasionally I'll see something I can lend advice to, or just want to say how impressive something is. I'll leave feedback then. But most of the time I don't want to whore up the thread by just saying "cool, man!" every time I check in on it.

I don't get a ton of comments on mine (though I get some), but on some forums it shows "views" of the thread. And those go up by a few hundred a week so I know people are actually following the thread, event if they don't have anything to say at any given time...

I like to think my cars are interesting for others. But my Miata is just one of a million others out autocrossing. I should probably make one for my wrx. Not many Subaru / rallycross builds on here.

Mazdadeuce and his builds are great. Pretty much the main ones I watch ( and the thread on the 2 was one of the first threads that I got hooked on on this board ). All the little fixes to the 911 to keep it in perfect shape and on the old 2 it was race race race instead of watching the interior get striped for a cage and suspension going on like most other race builds.

Yes.

Not only has it helped my motivation, but the board pooled together and pitched in to buy a pricey item as well as the offhand donation. It's been pretty amazing. To be honest, I am (and the rest of the fam are) just getting over strep and it killed me not to update the build thread in like five days.

Do it. Best thing ever. Without my thread and its posters, I would have stopped a few months after I started.

Yes they help.

Not only for a project you want to follow for a particular car, but, for me, it's additional, "learn-me" viewing material for a possible future purchase.

Mine is more for my own pleasure and documentation then anything else. I like to think that when I'm done I can look back and see the full narrative of the build.

For those that do have build threads and dispair about lack of comments/replies, just because we don't comment doesn't mean we don't read and keep up with the build. I rarely comment on a build thread unless I have a question about what was done or a question was asked that I have a reply to. Still read them though and enjoy seeing what others have done.

ouchx100 wrote: I like to think my cars are interesting for others. But my Miata is just one of a million others out autocrossing. I should probably make one for my wrx. Not many Subaru / rallycross builds on here. Mazdadeuce and his builds are great. Pretty much the main ones I watch ( and the thread on the 2 was one of the first threads that I got hooked on on this board ). All the little fixes to the 911 to keep it in perfect shape and on the old 2 it was race race race instead of watching the interior get striped for a cage and suspension going on like most other race builds.

Thanks for typing that. There are times when it feels like you're posting to nobody and it's really cool to know that someone is reading. I'm still bummed that the 2 thread ended the way it did. I saw one for sale for $8k the other day, so there is a chance that I could revive it in the future. As soon as I can pick up a manual for $5k, it will be hard not to do it. I did love that car.

I like having the documentation for the future, plus even if no one is actually watching, I know that if I slack off I'll have to admit it publicly by not posting an update. Needing to put at least something out there on a regular basis is keeping me motivated right now.

In reply to mazdeuce:

No problem. The thread on the 2 was just such a change of pace compared to most build threads. Actually enjoying the cars is why we build them right? Some never seem to leave the jack stands lol

It's good to know that there are a bunch of guys who don't post on build threads. I guess I'm one of them as well now that I come to think about it

I keep a diary of my multiple car lives, from the Elantra work car, Mongo, ClifFord, the Zombiechero, Rustang, RX5.0 and up to the new RX3.

26 cars and nearly all have a build thread for my own record and those who care to peruse my bumbling amateur mechanical antics

They help because i can get some good ideas for some mods.