Andy, we like having you around as well. Your humor is appreciated, but more importantly we like hearing your feedback and positive comments.
I could wax-poetic for several paragraphs about the subtle changes that have taken root here in recent months. The more members I speak with, the more I realize that some positive things have occurred on .NET recently for the benefit of the hobby:
- VIN Project - Thanks to FoxChassis from FEP, we have started a credible undertaking to document known SSP cars with pictures of their respective data. The project is far from automated, thus requiring a personal commitment from the staff to create a page for each respective car. The project will of course be never-ending, because new cars will continue to show up. But we are SLOWLY making progress and will continue to do so.
- 1982 SSP Research - With the help of Kevin Marti at Marti Auto Works, the staff here collected Eminger Invoices and Deluxe Marti Reports to prove that the correct wording for the SSP option in 1982 was in fact "Special Service Package", not 'Severe Service Package' as had been repeated for years on several sites. We also confirmed that there were likely only 4 CHP hatchbacks in 1982, which were SSP optioned cars. This was all good stuff!
- SSP Member Section - This section was added this year to showcase the SSP's belonging to our members. Rather than have build threads and features interspersed in the tech sections, we now have one place to find picture threads about the cars we love.
- "Build" Parties - In July, 5 members got together in Ohio to tear into a clean, running 1985 FHP Mustang. In 2 days, we had the car blown apart to get it ready for the body/paint guy. I learned SOOOOO much from these guys, and gained a greater respect for their vast knowledge about the cars and proper equipment used in them while in-service. Hopefully, these types of get-togethers will continue for other members' cars in different locations, and the group will continue to resurrect these fine old police cars.
- What elephant in the room? - [edited] I wanted to clarify this and say that it's nice to hear some of the positive feedback from several members about how the online jabs and general discontent have died down between the two SSP forums in recent months. Let's continue to keep things positive!
- The Members - It is great to see the activity level of the members who have joined recently. These new folks bring all kinds of experience, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the forum. We've also seen some "older" members who have started to become more active again on the forum. Thanks to everyone who contributes to this site!
So we will continue to look to the future of our hobby, and we welcome your input. If you have an idea, please let us know. We are all equals here, and we all share a common voice towards our collective goal for the promotion, protection, and restoration of the 1982-1993 Special Service Package Mustangs.
