Cruiser Jimmy
Moderator
Hey everyone! I thought I'd update the thread with some details about my trip over to Germany. If you haven't seen the article that I wrote in TT, it's available on the web at TLCA's site, Nov/Dec 2016 edition. First of all Peter Sadtler (@FJ40-GARAGE) extended the offer for me to come over and visit Germany. I am grateful beyond words on his and Ulla's (wifey) generosity. The same goes for Alexander Wohlfarth, the event organizer.
I can't express how much genuine generosity that the Europeans have for hosting at this event. I meet the most welcoming, inviting and fun loving people from Poland, Switzerland, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Holland. In all 19 countries attended. Much like the events in the US these people are down to earth and willing to share.
A NOTE TO ALL VENDORS:
Alexander's Buschtaxi Meeting is the largest gathering of Cruisers (but not limited too) in the world. However one would thing that his organization of the event and website is similar to @woody 's but it's not. This is really a hobby for him as he has another job that pays the bills back on the homestead. I got a chance to talk with Alex after the event and I asked him a couple questions about the our passion for this vehicle. For people in the states we want and crave the things we can't get in order to make our cruisers our own. Diesel engines, 5-speed trannys, amby doors, etc. But after talking with Alex I asked him a very direct question. What is it that Europeans desire to have (or need) for their cruiser like the North American cruiserfans.
Well, it boils down to this. Their network of innovative parts for projects that people are undertaking could be improved. To give you an example: say you're working on the rear deck hatch lid on a 60 or 80 that is pretty popular now. The black Southco latches that are used have all the criteria that make it a great fit for the project. There are no parts that rattle when you are moving, they come in different sizes and they are flush mounted for a clean fit. The network that the US has for these parts are pretty extensive. Grainger, Fastenal, McMasterCarr, HD Supply, Hagemeyer and even Home Depot's and Lowes websites are more selection that what is in the store. Alex said that if you think there is something that is a nice part to a product, let people know. They will find a way to get distribution over to Europe.
Just off the top of my head I know that @reevesci and @NLXTACY are working to get me and innovative projects off the ground. We may take for granted the supply of parts we have here but if you see something that is an awesome addition to your project please share the wealth.
Well, thanks for viewing and here are some shots from the meeting and my visit to Germany.
That's Peter in the Rubithon shirt and me in Kurt's shirt. Guillaume is sitting next to me on a four wheel drive hydraulic driven beer table.
Beer table on the RTI Ramp.
Lunch with the Polish and practicing English.
I can't express how much genuine generosity that the Europeans have for hosting at this event. I meet the most welcoming, inviting and fun loving people from Poland, Switzerland, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Holland. In all 19 countries attended. Much like the events in the US these people are down to earth and willing to share.
A NOTE TO ALL VENDORS:
Alexander's Buschtaxi Meeting is the largest gathering of Cruisers (but not limited too) in the world. However one would thing that his organization of the event and website is similar to @woody 's but it's not. This is really a hobby for him as he has another job that pays the bills back on the homestead. I got a chance to talk with Alex after the event and I asked him a couple questions about the our passion for this vehicle. For people in the states we want and crave the things we can't get in order to make our cruisers our own. Diesel engines, 5-speed trannys, amby doors, etc. But after talking with Alex I asked him a very direct question. What is it that Europeans desire to have (or need) for their cruiser like the North American cruiserfans.
Well, it boils down to this. Their network of innovative parts for projects that people are undertaking could be improved. To give you an example: say you're working on the rear deck hatch lid on a 60 or 80 that is pretty popular now. The black Southco latches that are used have all the criteria that make it a great fit for the project. There are no parts that rattle when you are moving, they come in different sizes and they are flush mounted for a clean fit. The network that the US has for these parts are pretty extensive. Grainger, Fastenal, McMasterCarr, HD Supply, Hagemeyer and even Home Depot's and Lowes websites are more selection that what is in the store. Alex said that if you think there is something that is a nice part to a product, let people know. They will find a way to get distribution over to Europe.
Just off the top of my head I know that @reevesci and @NLXTACY are working to get me and innovative projects off the ground. We may take for granted the supply of parts we have here but if you see something that is an awesome addition to your project please share the wealth.
Well, thanks for viewing and here are some shots from the meeting and my visit to Germany.
That's Peter in the Rubithon shirt and me in Kurt's shirt. Guillaume is sitting next to me on a four wheel drive hydraulic driven beer table.
Beer table on the RTI Ramp.
Lunch with the Polish and practicing English.