Re: (ET) Technical Service

["Don Barry" <Don Barry kmtc com>]

Brad, excellent idea.

I think having such a database or FAQ is they way to go. I would propose 
that:

1. Maybe it's time for an Elec-Trak Owners Club, with the mission being to 
promote, protect and preserve the unique Elec-Trak tractor. We're much 
stronger with a united voice than a bunch of guys scrambling around on our 
own.

2. Does here someone have a relationship with Bill Gunn? I had plans of 
contacting him, and making a trip up North to meet him. I think a couple 
hours spent with Bill and a tape recorder would gets a ton of info 
recorded that Bill gets asked time and time again. Plus, following the 
aformentioned "mission" we can see what it takes to keep Bill in the loop.

3. If everyone else is interested, I'll commit to ordering up a WWW site 
from an ISP for us to plop all the club info. I know Bill Gunn owns the 
URL www.elec-trak.com, maybe he'll let us get it pointed there. With the 
WWW site we could do an on-line newsletter, avoiding the killer of most 
clubs, i.e. printing costs.

4. I'd propose that on the WWW site we keep a list of all the parts and 
services Bill has. That, plus the FAQ list, should help Bill in spending 
his time in a much saner manner.

5. We should also have a list of true NOS (now out-of-stock) parts... like 
the mower decks, etc. With the idea being that if anyone sees one, to get 
it fast. Plus, we might me able to get some of the automotive specialty 
shops interested in making some dupes.

6. I know this sounds a little off, but I bet if we got a little more 
organized, we could apply for, and get, some assistance from the gov't .. 
after all, aren't we being enviromentally cool folks?? I'm not talking 
tons of cash, but things maybe like getting them to do the Articles of 
Incorporation for a non-profit group.

All rise and be counted!

Don Barry

>>> <Bfayette aol com> 01/21/01 04:21PM >>>
What exactly is not available from other sources?  It seems to me that a 
lot 
of comsumable parts are off the shelf stuff.  I have had no problem coming 
up 
with bearings, mower blades, belts, and stuff like that.  You can always 
somehow work around switches, relays, etc and probably even improve things 
with 21st century technology.   Stuff like mower decks are obviously a 
problem, as are the mower motors.  But there may be surplus or off the 
shelf 
solutions or work-arounds for this, too.  Maybe we should start putting 
together a database of parts.  If a part is off the shelf, it would 
indicate 
part numbers, sources, etc.  If a part is not off the shelf, it would 
indicate that fact as well as a possible workaround, if one exists.  Any 
thoughts?

Brad Fayette

"The geeks shall inherit the earth."