Today started with a great breakfast provided by the conference. A full day of classes started for Vadim, Paul and myself in the VW class. Tons of great VW info!
A real fancy meal greeted the 6 students who made it to lunch. TC was unable to make it, Evan had to fly out early today and Lucky headed home in his new car!
We had a great time at lunch and as a bonus we got to witness Cliff's abilities to create modern art with some butter balls, table pepper and salad dressing. It was foul!
The afternoon class on new vehicle technologies was terrific. The Lexus with all it's collision avoidance radar and cameras is truly amazing!
The evening was capped off with a great light dinner and open bar which made some of the guys REAL happy.
Spent 2 hours weeding through all the junk collected at SEMA, AAPEX and CARS and now all packed and ready to go home in the AM. Can't wait to get the heck out of this place!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
CARS Conference Day 2
Today started out with a decent breakfast at the conference and some tired students. Most of the students took the Powerstroke class which, they tell me, was great IF you work on them all day long. TC and I took a "Diagnostic Challenge" class. It was quite good. Evan and Brad came in 1/2 way through.
The guy that taught the class is a mobile driveability repair tech and he made case studies out of vehicles that HE misdiagnosed. He is well know to be one of the leaders in the US. It was good because he had one study on approaching a REAL data bus failure. It was a GM something. The SIR and IP modules were setting U codes saying they could not talk to the TCM (transmission control module). After some diagnosis, he replaced the TCM and it did not fix. Instead the BCM (body control module) acts as a gateway and was lying to the other modules. He did a good job making it easy to understand. He also did a good job with some vesicles that had transmission solenoid faults. TC was able to follow the whole thing all the way through.
We had an OK lunch and then we got to see who won the prizes from last night. Student Paul won the Bosch tool kit, same as I won last year! This one: http://bosch.cpotools.com/combo_kits/18_volt_combo_kits/cpk40-18.html
Brad Watts won an IPOD! Everyone else won lots of pens and hats and a cool calculator from Toyota.
After lunch I ran back down to the SEMA Show as they were closing at 4 today. I did a whirlwind tour and saw a few things I missed before.
Millions of things like this:
A really cool Challenger:
Watched a few minutes of taping an Overhaulin episode. They had a ways to go yet so they better get going since the SEMA Show was closing in 1 hour!
The guy that taught the class is a mobile driveability repair tech and he made case studies out of vehicles that HE misdiagnosed. He is well know to be one of the leaders in the US. It was good because he had one study on approaching a REAL data bus failure. It was a GM something. The SIR and IP modules were setting U codes saying they could not talk to the TCM (transmission control module). After some diagnosis, he replaced the TCM and it did not fix. Instead the BCM (body control module) acts as a gateway and was lying to the other modules. He did a good job making it easy to understand. He also did a good job with some vesicles that had transmission solenoid faults. TC was able to follow the whole thing all the way through.
We had an OK lunch and then we got to see who won the prizes from last night. Student Paul won the Bosch tool kit, same as I won last year! This one: http://bosch.cpotools.com/combo_kits/18_volt_combo_kits/cpk40-18.html
Brad Watts won an IPOD! Everyone else won lots of pens and hats and a cool calculator from Toyota.
After lunch I ran back down to the SEMA Show as they were closing at 4 today. I did a whirlwind tour and saw a few things I missed before.
Millions of things like this:
A really cool Challenger:
Wild Honda:
Watched a few minutes of taping an Overhaulin episode. They had a ways to go yet so they better get going since the SEMA Show was closing in 1 hour!
I also was able to get Vic Edlebrock to sign an Edlebrock hat I brought with me. Too Cool. While I was leaving I got to see something you don't see every day...2 small block Chevy powered bar stools going down the road! I couldn't get my camera up fast enough so you will have to trust me.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
CARS Conference Day 1
Today was our first day attending the conference which is the real reason we are here. Considering I got to bed at 2am after getting Jeff from the airport and having to solve all of life's big problems, I was fairly fried today.
The first class I took with Paul, Jeff, Cliff, Galen, Greg, Evan, Paul, Lucky, Vadim and Brad. The subject was interesting enough: throttle by wire. Unfortunately, the whole class could have been done well in about 1 hour yet it was stretched to 3 hours. The instructor kept going over the same subject in different ways. Since the class was not good, most of the students bailed out at break time. Cliff is still not well so I encouraged him to go home and rest. Only Brad, Vadim, Greg and Evan hung in there.
Today was just a box lunch with a croissant sandwich...not bad/not great!
The second class of the day was better. It was so packed with info about E85, flex-fuel vehicles that my head was spinning by the time I left. Great info/genius instructor/too much info. None of the students were in this one unfortunately. The guy that taught the class has a shop in Colorado. He built this gem and drove it to Vegas! http://www.seyferauto.com/project_01.html This is an unbelievable build! Paul and I went and looked at it in the parking garage. Read the text, amazing.
After having dinner with Mike Shannon, Bruce and Paul, Paul and I headed down to the CARS trade show around 7:30. There was a huge food spread and great desserts. The only student left at the trade show by the time we got there was Evan. He hung out with me as I talked to vendors and buddies. We entered a bunch of giveaways and got lots of free-bee stuff. Too many hats though!
Tomorrow looks like some good classes and the big classy lunch is also tomorrow. The food will be high end I am sure. I will be leaving a little early as I plan to catch up to my Mother-In-Law for dinner.
To read more about the on-going SEMA Show and see professional pics, try these sites:
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/sema/112_0710_2007_sema_show_part_1
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/sema/112_0710_2007_sema_show_part_2
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/sema/112_0710_2007_sema_show_part_3
Just make sure you scroll down as each page has multiple more pages attached near the middle, after the text.
The first class I took with Paul, Jeff, Cliff, Galen, Greg, Evan, Paul, Lucky, Vadim and Brad. The subject was interesting enough: throttle by wire. Unfortunately, the whole class could have been done well in about 1 hour yet it was stretched to 3 hours. The instructor kept going over the same subject in different ways. Since the class was not good, most of the students bailed out at break time. Cliff is still not well so I encouraged him to go home and rest. Only Brad, Vadim, Greg and Evan hung in there.
Today was just a box lunch with a croissant sandwich...not bad/not great!
The second class of the day was better. It was so packed with info about E85, flex-fuel vehicles that my head was spinning by the time I left. Great info/genius instructor/too much info. None of the students were in this one unfortunately. The guy that taught the class has a shop in Colorado. He built this gem and drove it to Vegas! http://www.seyferauto.com/project_01.html This is an unbelievable build! Paul and I went and looked at it in the parking garage. Read the text, amazing.
After having dinner with Mike Shannon, Bruce and Paul, Paul and I headed down to the CARS trade show around 7:30. There was a huge food spread and great desserts. The only student left at the trade show by the time we got there was Evan. He hung out with me as I talked to vendors and buddies. We entered a bunch of giveaways and got lots of free-bee stuff. Too many hats though!
Tomorrow looks like some good classes and the big classy lunch is also tomorrow. The food will be high end I am sure. I will be leaving a little early as I plan to catch up to my Mother-In-Law for dinner.
To read more about the on-going SEMA Show and see professional pics, try these sites:
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/sema/112_0710_2007_sema_show_part_1
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/sema/112_0710_2007_sema_show_part_2
http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/coverage/sema/112_0710_2007_sema_show_part_3
Just make sure you scroll down as each page has multiple more pages attached near the middle, after the text.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
AAPEX Day 1
Today (after finding an even CHEAPER buffet) Paul and I headed out to the AAPEX show. We were just going to check it out for a little bit but next thing you know, we spent the whole day on just the upper floor. Most of the time was in the Tools & Equipment area.
We got to catch up with a few vendors we haven't seen in a while. We also purchased a cool data logger that plugs right into any vehicle's DLC connection. After 24 hours of driving time you hook it up to your PC via USB and all the data is right there. Only $70! We will be trying it out on the rental this evening.
We were planning to have dinner with Mike Shannon but this is his poker night and I get the feeling nothing stands in the way of that. We will try to catch up to him tomorrow evening.
Bruce seems to be buffet'd out so Paul and I are on our own. Terrible's buffet was only $4.99 for breakfast and $9.99 for dinner. As you probably know, Paul and I are very serious about our meals when we travel. Price and volume are of primary importance.
We only heard from some of the boys this afternoon. I think they were a little worn out as most were back in there rooms in the afternoon complaining about their feet. Man, I was tired today as well. Walking from 10am - 3:30pm was enough for me.
Tonight will be a long one as we (or I) am picking Jeff up at the airport but his flights does not come in until 11:48pm. This will be interesting considering it is Halloween and all.
I wish I had more pictures from today but cameras are evidently discouraged in AAPEX (who knew!) because of trade secrets and such so here is a view from the 18th floor of the Flamingo at 5:30pm.
We got to catch up with a few vendors we haven't seen in a while. We also purchased a cool data logger that plugs right into any vehicle's DLC connection. After 24 hours of driving time you hook it up to your PC via USB and all the data is right there. Only $70! We will be trying it out on the rental this evening.
We were planning to have dinner with Mike Shannon but this is his poker night and I get the feeling nothing stands in the way of that. We will try to catch up to him tomorrow evening.
Bruce seems to be buffet'd out so Paul and I are on our own. Terrible's buffet was only $4.99 for breakfast and $9.99 for dinner. As you probably know, Paul and I are very serious about our meals when we travel. Price and volume are of primary importance.
We only heard from some of the boys this afternoon. I think they were a little worn out as most were back in there rooms in the afternoon complaining about their feet. Man, I was tired today as well. Walking from 10am - 3:30pm was enough for me.
Tonight will be a long one as we (or I) am picking Jeff up at the airport but his flights does not come in until 11:48pm. This will be interesting considering it is Halloween and all.
I wish I had more pictures from today but cameras are evidently discouraged in AAPEX (who knew!) because of trade secrets and such so here is a view from the 18th floor of the Flamingo at 5:30pm.
Tomorrow starts the CARS Conference so everyone is planning to be there at least for the beginning. We all got our packets today so we can see the schedule but I know everyone wants to get back to SEMA at least one more time.
Greg said some of the guys saw the rock crawling competition today and it was cool. Also, Cliff and Galen drove the Tacoma test drive yesterday over the big hills. Some free Toyota promotional thing.
I guess Cliff had a rough day today however...something he ate. Had to take it easy but is finally able to eat again. OUCH!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
SEMA Day 1
Paul and I got a decently early start this morning. We tried out the cheap buffet for breakfast at the dazzling Imperial Palace. At $9.99 for the buffet it is actually one of the cheapest on the strip. YUM! Our plan was to eat as much as possible thereby skipping lunch. We are not too excited about eating a $8 bad hot dog at the SEMA show. It worked, we made it to dinner...which was back at the buffet at the stunning Imperial Palace.
Anyhow, Paul and I got to SEMA at 9:30 and did not stop walking at all until we left at 5:30 pm. We did not sit down or even eat anything that whole time. We saw maybe 1/3 of the SEMA show and never made it to AAPEX. We were not there 30 minutes when we bumped into Boyd Coddington looking at wheels. Cool!
Anyhow, Paul and I got to SEMA at 9:30 and did not stop walking at all until we left at 5:30 pm. We did not sit down or even eat anything that whole time. We saw maybe 1/3 of the SEMA show and never made it to AAPEX. We were not there 30 minutes when we bumped into Boyd Coddington looking at wheels. Cool!
We spent over 1/2 the day just in the tires and wheels section! Many of the cool vehicles are selling just the wheels. Even in the tire areas you see real cool things like this little jem:
Yes that is a Tesla Roadster the famous all electric vehicle coming out in 2008. Faster than a Ferrari or Porsche, this could really be something. Jay Leno and Arnold have already ordered theirs. One of the reps was there and I got all my questions answered finally.
We met up with Kelsey who graduated in 2005. She hung with us for most of the afternoon. All the other students were with us off and on. Unfortunately, some of the guys did not get to bed last night until 5am so by the time they headed down to SEMA they missed half the day. I think they got some of the Vegas thrills out of their systems.
We caught up to Bruce towards the end of the day and made plans for all the students to gather for dinner. Everyone actually made it and all was full.
There were many cool sight today...
Paul seeing his first set of 30"
A fuel cell Fusion that went over 200mph at Bonneville
The fabulous Airel Atom using all HR Springs
Former student Stephanie who is now brass with HR springs. She is in charge of HR's events like the SEMA Show like the cool car pictured.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Arrival
Paul, Greg, TC, Evan, Brad and myself all landed safely on the early flight. We were in the airport at 4pm headed to get our bags. TC had a "car" waiting for him. By the time we got on the tram to get the bags to catch the bus to get the rental car, we were done. Greg was hungry and complaining. Then we head out and hit ridiculous traffic on the strip. The oohs and aahs quickly turned into a bunch of whining!
By the time we got to the Flamingo and all checked in, 2 hours were lost...it was 6pm! Anyhow, after a little discussion the boys stuck with Paul and I and we headed out on the strip to find some eats.
A good dinner at the Outback and life is better. Greg, Brad and Evan were mesmerized by the tacky volcano eruption at The Mirage so we had to wait with all the Japanese tourist. Once it "blew", all agreed it was lame. Paul and I led them on a quick tour of the Venetian as we were there anyhow. Unbelievable until you see it. http://www.venetian.com/GCS.aspx
Finally got a call from Vadim and said they were headed up to the counter to check in. We headed over to make sure all was good. Of course, Lucky was no where to be seen. He took another shuttle! He showed up eventually. Their flight was 2 hours late HAHA! After a few road bumps they got their room then they headed out to dinner and then to meet up with Brad, Greg and Evan. Us old guys went up to the room for the night...maybe
Ice Cream is calling me BAD!
By the time we got to the Flamingo and all checked in, 2 hours were lost...it was 6pm! Anyhow, after a little discussion the boys stuck with Paul and I and we headed out on the strip to find some eats.
A good dinner at the Outback and life is better. Greg, Brad and Evan were mesmerized by the tacky volcano eruption at The Mirage so we had to wait with all the Japanese tourist. Once it "blew", all agreed it was lame. Paul and I led them on a quick tour of the Venetian as we were there anyhow. Unbelievable until you see it. http://www.venetian.com/GCS.aspx
Finally got a call from Vadim and said they were headed up to the counter to check in. We headed over to make sure all was good. Of course, Lucky was no where to be seen. He took another shuttle! He showed up eventually. Their flight was 2 hours late HAHA! After a few road bumps they got their room then they headed out to dinner and then to meet up with Brad, Greg and Evan. Us old guys went up to the room for the night...maybe
Ice Cream is calling me BAD!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Getting ready!
We are getting ready to close down the shop. There are a million little details but I think we will be able to pull it all together.
Most of the students took their money and credentials to SEMA but a few can't trust themselves. That means I get to be the grown-up and take them down for them.
I am sure it will turn out good as always but there is so many opportunities for screw-ups!
Most of the students took their money and credentials to SEMA but a few can't trust themselves. That means I get to be the grown-up and take them down for them.
I am sure it will turn out good as always but there is so many opportunities for screw-ups!
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