Ron,
I've enjoyed the site immensely and have found it very useful. I think its great as is, but here are a few ideas anyway, just my $.02
As a newbie, I always wonder if I'm asking a question that's been asked a million times (learned about the search option quickly though), and its hard to formulate questions sometimes when you don't know enough about the car in general.
For the newer people that come around,(like me) you could have a "reference" forum which lists websites for things like:
The history of the cars and body styles engine reference/build info & tips
Different manuf.'s
company websites and feedback on quality
photo galleries w/ cars and/or builds
suggested readings or build diary websites
general advice and things a "newbie" to building or GT40's should consider or remember.
I also like the idea mentioned of compiling info on where people got parts. I know some people like to know they got a better bargain than everyone else, (the kind I look for) but it'd be great if we could just build a master list of parts/components and the different options or prices you were able to find, and any experiences with the companies you've used. Heck, you could take the parts list from an invoice and copy it, then just let people add info and parts as they see fit.
Also, I've seen people do build diaries online, so you could track progress and chat with people at the same stage as you, compare digital photos of details you're working on, etc. I dont know how that could be incorporated with the current format of the site, but thought I'd throw it out anyway.
Maybe have a "lookup" section for those who wish to participate? People could list (and edit as appropriate) what city/state they're in, what stage of the build or what cars they have with specs. As a budget man and working all the time, I can't just hop on my private jet out to the west/east coast where a lot of these cars or their companies are, or shows are few and far between tight schedules-itd be great to just get to know and visit some owners/builders closer to home since they'll be the ones I work with anyway. Since I'm not to the build stage but am frothing at the mouth to be so, I would love to help out anyone near me on a weekend here and there with any build work they might want an extra hand for or whatever-It'd be great to learn as much as possible since I dont know of any build schools, etc. for the GT40.
Lastly, What about a customizing section? For people engaged in custom projects, those looking for something new to do could help others with special projects and whatever- the combined effort/advice from the wealth of knowledge on this forum could create some new options or improvements to the safety, reliability, comfort, or overall functionality of the car. Some ideas of customizing I've been considering and have seen on the site include: Stereo systems, improving rear visibility, roll down windows, safety options, custom dashboards or fittings for the interior, t-tops, body flares, and other amenities.
ok, 'nuff said, sorry about the novel.
-MaTT
[ July 24, 2002: Message edited by: MaTTerZ ]