Originally Posted by SilverSpear (Post 643268)

Guys, if you don't mind me asking, but why you always do Reading meets in April? Why not in July/August when it is basically summer instead?

Originally Posted by benebob (Post 643224)

As one who quickly came to realize that Reading isn't about the cars but rather about the great people here. I came away from this years Reading simply horrified by the condition of nearly 1/2 of the cars at Reading. As the car ages it i showing that there is definately a lack of "pride of ownership" among some of the cars there. It was more like a trip to a parts car section of a car meet then anything else.

Of course there were plenty of very nice solid examples there to but the cars quickly went down hill from there. As one who enjoys the build of a project car more than buying a shiney example that you know nothing about I truely hope that these cars are mearly "works in progress" and that next year I will see a marked improvement in many of them. Otherwise, I fear that I won't stick around beyond visiting with some of the many friends I've come to know through the SVX. It is simply not enjoyable to sit by watching the rapidly declining overall condition of the average SVX. Yes I realize that values do not justify the cost of a proper restoration on a 18 year old SVX but pride of ownership should justify it provided it is a car worthy of a restoration. Remember, any restoration is a money loser for the owner. It is simply the owners desire to keep the mark alive (and usually a very understanding better half) :D which results in a proper restoration not finaical incentives which will likely never come.

I'm not saying any of this to judge any of the owners in attendance as I do realize that everyone is in different situations and had different priorities but rather as an observation of the rapid decline of many cars.

That said it was great to see everyone and meet some of the newer members in attendence. Lets just see what everyone can do to make next years reading a little better and little more lets say "polished".

Originally Posted by svxistentialist (Post 643309)

Definitely gone British Ben. :p

I would say the majority of people who drove their cars there came a long distance. By the looks of things the weather was anti social. After one of the worst winters on record for many locations!

Pride for most of these people is pride in driving there, meeting their friends, pride in driving home and then many using their cars as a daily transport. It's more than a little harsh to say the cars in attendance were not polished to a certain level showing pride of ownership.

BTW, a TVR owner I met in England reckoned that most people thought TVRs were very low to the ground and sporty looking. He reckoned that in their normal and natural environment on the back of a flat bed transporter they were very tall cars, really.

Joe :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Crazy_pilot (Post 643314)

I will be the first to admit that my car isn't a showpiece. The fenders are rusting in the corners and I have a little less of my quarter panels every day. However, this in now way detracts from the pride I take in owning and driving my SVX. My car is always clean (washed once a week during summer, rinsed at least twice a week in the winter), the interior is spotless, and every mechanical aspect is cared for. The fact is I'm a full time student. I don't have the income to shell out several thousand dollars for a full restoration of the body. It is slowly improving. I replaced the doors with rust free ones 1.5 years ago. I have new fenders at home that are awaiting paint.

There's a big difference between "pride of ownership" and a show car. Just because my car isn't the prettiest one on the road doesn't mean that I have a grain less pride in it that someone who has invested $100,000 in something.

And I look forward to attending the next Reading meet that I am able to. Currently it conflicts nicely with my school exam schedule. Hopefully I'll be there for Reading XIII.

Originally Posted by svxistentialist (Post 643315)

Not having been there I'm just defending my friends. ;)

The point about TVRs is not that they are bad cars, they are not actually built to German or Japanese levels of engineering, to which levels the SVX certainly is. And you shouldn't be able to talk your sticker guy into writing a certificate. By definition compliance should not be a subjective thing.

Cars in use will never be able to have the ultimate garage queen sheen. As they get older and used more they will show more wear and tear.

I personally would prefer to see them used than to see them polished. But when a nice clean garage queen sees the light, I'll slaver with the best of them. :eek:

Joe

Originally Posted by benebob (Post 643313)

Actually, the average distance driven has definately gone down. Bla, bla, bla, Quite a few got to take it for a spin, only hiccup was a certain Tom forgetting to turn the radiator fan on but not being to worried as it neared 140 degrees. He didn't realize it was celcius.:D Maybe he can change that out when he puts a 302 in it this fall. You know I do try to get cars down to a managable weight.;)

Originally Posted by benebob (Post 643318)

Did you read my posts Crazy, I'm talking about the cars which don't have doors replaced, or fenders painted or even wipers replaced even though you can see where it is starting to etch a very pricey windshield. Sure I guess you can be proud of the perfect circular line it leave but I wouldn't call that pride, I'd call it neglect.:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by svxfiles (Post 643325)

Ben,
when I read your post I felt that you might be speaking about my Claret:o

Someone has backed into the front bumper recently!
No note!:mad:
and the paint has cracked,
there are a few more hail dents, the grille is missing
(to save a 1/4#.:rolleyes:)
AND I did not have/TAKE the time to wash :eek:Her.

However She knows that She is loved, always gets premium, Mobile1, and BG Products ATF, and has every mod a car could want.
Ant then some!:rolleyes:

Life is getting away from some of us, we should try to slow down.
We should ALL take some time to wax our babies, pet our dogs/cats, and watch in wonder as our children grow....
Life is short.
Cut in line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D