The New Thread (928 community chat)
11-10-2013, 12:05 PM
#946
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Going to put 5% all the way around next Sunday. One I get a new windshield in I'll be using the clear ceramic tint on it to reduce UV stuff.
04-25-2015, 01:26 AM
#948
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Been a while since this one has been bumped. Bear with me here.
My dad died March 25th and it's been rough as hell to deal with. He was the man that taught me most of what I know about working on car and from the time I was a little kid I was always tinkering around with him at his place of business. He'd been working on cars and planes way before I was born. The day he bought the "shop" I remember scooting around the wide open floors on his creeper and I was only 4. Days later he set an engine on a roll around and said this one was for me to tear down. I still have that VW engine that I tore apart and we always talked about making the dub motor something powerful. Like a 2181 engine to put in a bug, or a sand rail. It's in a few plastic bags and has been there since 1975.
I have such huge memories of cars he had in the shop that I was allowed to either drive or ride in and the ones that are highlights are a Ferrari Dino, Lambo Miura, BB512, Lotus Esprit, Testorossa and one particular DB5 that was just the ****....you name it I either got to sit in it, drive it or got dropped off at school in it. I got to watch him restore XKE's and see them win shows. I could go on about what he did with cars and I was so proud of what my father did for a living.
He stuffed me in a 928 back in 1985 and gave me the keys and said "drive it" knowing I had no idea how to drive a stick. After killing it a dozen times he laughed at me and said he figured the 928 was the best car to learn to drive a 928 since it had such torque. That poor car. But damn, once I figured out how to work the pedals it hooked me. My love for the Porsche brand started with I first laid my eyes on a '78 911 Targa when it was in the shop but the day a customer brought in a yellow '79 928, that was the day I knew what I wanted. He did not like working on the 928, thought there were too many computers so it made dealing with them much more difficult than any of the other cars he had coming in. I'm sure it was a sign of things to come for him and everyone else that had to work on the exotics.
I miss him and find myself wanting to pick up the phone to ask simple questions only to remember he's not there any longer. While we were close and I know he was proud of what I am doing, damn I wish I had talked to him more than I did as there was so much more I could have learned from him. Especially about CIS cars. The man was a genius on them.
When ya see your parents, let them know you love them, talk to them and learn all you can as they will pass.
My father was diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 2013 and was given the all clear in December 2014. We were joking the evening of Jan 17th about not jinxing how well he was doing and I woke up the next morning, Jan 18th when I got the call he had a stroke. They found a brain tumor and gave him 2-3 weeks to live. I immediately shut down the business and went to Kansas to take care of him and he lasted 8 weeks longer than they doctors expected. It was the best and the hardest 2 months of my life.
His name was Ron Ratts and he was my father. He read rennlist just to see what was going on in the Porsche community but don't think he ever registered.
My dad died March 25th and it's been rough as hell to deal with. He was the man that taught me most of what I know about working on car and from the time I was a little kid I was always tinkering around with him at his place of business. He'd been working on cars and planes way before I was born. The day he bought the "shop" I remember scooting around the wide open floors on his creeper and I was only 4. Days later he set an engine on a roll around and said this one was for me to tear down. I still have that VW engine that I tore apart and we always talked about making the dub motor something powerful. Like a 2181 engine to put in a bug, or a sand rail. It's in a few plastic bags and has been there since 1975.
I have such huge memories of cars he had in the shop that I was allowed to either drive or ride in and the ones that are highlights are a Ferrari Dino, Lambo Miura, BB512, Lotus Esprit, Testorossa and one particular DB5 that was just the ****....you name it I either got to sit in it, drive it or got dropped off at school in it. I got to watch him restore XKE's and see them win shows. I could go on about what he did with cars and I was so proud of what my father did for a living.
He stuffed me in a 928 back in 1985 and gave me the keys and said "drive it" knowing I had no idea how to drive a stick. After killing it a dozen times he laughed at me and said he figured the 928 was the best car to learn to drive a 928 since it had such torque. That poor car. But damn, once I figured out how to work the pedals it hooked me. My love for the Porsche brand started with I first laid my eyes on a '78 911 Targa when it was in the shop but the day a customer brought in a yellow '79 928, that was the day I knew what I wanted. He did not like working on the 928, thought there were too many computers so it made dealing with them much more difficult than any of the other cars he had coming in. I'm sure it was a sign of things to come for him and everyone else that had to work on the exotics.
I miss him and find myself wanting to pick up the phone to ask simple questions only to remember he's not there any longer. While we were close and I know he was proud of what I am doing, damn I wish I had talked to him more than I did as there was so much more I could have learned from him. Especially about CIS cars. The man was a genius on them.
When ya see your parents, let them know you love them, talk to them and learn all you can as they will pass.
My father was diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 2013 and was given the all clear in December 2014. We were joking the evening of Jan 17th about not jinxing how well he was doing and I woke up the next morning, Jan 18th when I got the call he had a stroke. They found a brain tumor and gave him 2-3 weeks to live. I immediately shut down the business and went to Kansas to take care of him and he lasted 8 weeks longer than they doctors expected. It was the best and the hardest 2 months of my life.
His name was Ron Ratts and he was my father. He read rennlist just to see what was going on in the Porsche community but don't think he ever registered.
04-25-2015, 02:41 AM
#950
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Sean,
I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear about your dad. I know we've talked in the last week or so, but I didn't want to bug you as you were going through all this...
I know what it's like to be close to your dad. It doesn't really matter if he's around alot or not, If he lives in another city, if he travels or whatever when you're a kid, Us guys love our dads. My dad traveled alot when I was little... But when he was home, he always hung w me. My dad (Charlie) Got me into 928's as well. He bought the SilverBulit in 82 and crazily as much as he loved that car he just flipped me the keys when I wanted it. I still look back and still amazed at the freedom he gave me with his "pride and joy"...
I bought that car from him in 1995 and will NEVER sell it!!
My point is, that when I read what you said about your dad, it makes me cherish every moment w my dad...
I'm pretty fortunate to live close to my him. Next weekend, me, my brother and dad are doing our once every 3 year weekend to see the Yankees play Boston (Yeah, we like the Yankees!!).. I know that with my dad being 73, I don't have "Forever" with him.
You kind of buried this post, but it's worthy of standing on it's own as a tribute to your dad. I didn't know him, but you've talked about him during the hours we spent working on my cars, drinking beers in parking lots over the years, etc...
I just want to let you know that my thougths and prayers are with your dad, you, and your family!! You are a great Friend man and I feel for your loss..
When my dad is gone, I'm gonna need a lot of support.:crying
Lean on us if you need anything!!
C
I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear about your dad. I know we've talked in the last week or so, but I didn't want to bug you as you were going through all this...
I know what it's like to be close to your dad. It doesn't really matter if he's around alot or not, If he lives in another city, if he travels or whatever when you're a kid, Us guys love our dads. My dad traveled alot when I was little... But when he was home, he always hung w me. My dad (Charlie) Got me into 928's as well. He bought the SilverBulit in 82 and crazily as much as he loved that car he just flipped me the keys when I wanted it. I still look back and still amazed at the freedom he gave me with his "pride and joy"...
I bought that car from him in 1995 and will NEVER sell it!!
My point is, that when I read what you said about your dad, it makes me cherish every moment w my dad...
I'm pretty fortunate to live close to my him. Next weekend, me, my brother and dad are doing our once every 3 year weekend to see the Yankees play Boston (Yeah, we like the Yankees!!).. I know that with my dad being 73, I don't have "Forever" with him.
You kind of buried this post, but it's worthy of standing on it's own as a tribute to your dad. I didn't know him, but you've talked about him during the hours we spent working on my cars, drinking beers in parking lots over the years, etc...
I just want to let you know that my thougths and prayers are with your dad, you, and your family!! You are a great Friend man and I feel for your loss..
When my dad is gone, I'm gonna need a lot of support.:crying
Lean on us if you need anything!!
C
04-25-2015, 08:40 AM
#952
Three Wheelin'
Sean, your letter was very touching and I have felt your pain. My father passed almost 5 years ago and I can still hear his laugh, see his devilish grin or feel his "WTF are you doing that for" look. For those of us who were blessed/cursed to work with our father, its a special bond that never goes away.
04-25-2015, 08:57 AM
#953
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Location: Gatineau, Québec, Canada
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Sean,
Sorry to hear about your lost.
Like Paul said, it's a special bond that never goes away.
I lost mine when I was 11 and still remember him like if it was yesterday.
And that's 42 years ago!
All my sympathy to you and all your family.
RIP Ron
Sorry to hear about your lost.
Like Paul said, it's a special bond that never goes away.
I lost mine when I was 11 and still remember him like if it was yesterday.
And that's 42 years ago!
All my sympathy to you and all your family.
RIP Ron
04-25-2015, 09:06 AM
#954
Rennlist Member
...
I miss him and find myself wanting to pick up the phone to ask simple questions only to remember he's not there any longer. While we were close and I know he was proud of what I am doing, damn I wish I had talked to him more than I did as there was so much more I could have learned from him. ...... When ya see your parents, let them know you love them, talk to them and learn all you can as they will pass.
....
I miss him and find myself wanting to pick up the phone to ask simple questions only to remember he's not there any longer. While we were close and I know he was proud of what I am doing, damn I wish I had talked to him more than I did as there was so much more I could have learned from him. ...... When ya see your parents, let them know you love them, talk to them and learn all you can as they will pass.
....
I often think about calling my mom this way too. She has been gone since '08, and my dad 1 and a half years. This post hit home Sean, for many of us I'm sure.
I've got a beer (or 2) with your name on it for Frenzy 2015.
04-25-2015, 09:24 AM
#955
You can call me Otis
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Sorry to hear this, my dad past away several years ago of cancer, once he felt sick enough to see a doctor, it was too late, they let him return home.
He wasn't much of a auto mechanic, but I still have some of his tools that I use to this day. The pain of a loss like this May fade over time, but the best memories will always remain.
He wasn't much of a auto mechanic, but I still have some of his tools that I use to this day. The pain of a loss like this May fade over time, but the best memories will always remain.
04-25-2015, 09:33 AM
#956
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Dear Sean,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Your message is very touching and made me feel like we connect with Ron in some way.
RIP Ron
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Your message is very touching and made me feel like we connect with Ron in some way.
RIP Ron
04-25-2015, 06:06 PM
#958
Rennlist Member
i am sorry for your loss. Ilost both of my parents within a few years of each other a few years back...
i always heard it was one of your life altering moments. I never understood until i went through it.
Just remember to talk about the good times and laugh at funny stories... it makes the loss fade...
I still three years later get teary eyed at times..
it is great that you have lots of good memories that will live on...
i always heard it was one of your life altering moments. I never understood until i went through it.
Just remember to talk about the good times and laugh at funny stories... it makes the loss fade...
I still three years later get teary eyed at times..
it is great that you have lots of good memories that will live on...
04-25-2015, 06:16 PM
#959
Rennlist Member
i am sorry for your loss. Ilost both of my parents within a few years of each other a few years back...
i always heard it was one of your life altering moments. I never understood until i went through it.
Just remember to talk about the good times and laugh at funny stories... it makes the loss fade...
I still three years later get teary eyed at times..
it is great that you have lots of good memories that will live on...
i always heard it was one of your life altering moments. I never understood until i went through it.
Just remember to talk about the good times and laugh at funny stories... it makes the loss fade...
I still three years later get teary eyed at times..
it is great that you have lots of good memories that will live on...
04-25-2015, 08:22 PM
#960
Vegas, Baby!
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Sean, so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing.
You were lucky to have a great relationship with your father. Not all of us do. I envy you!
My dad has been gone 34 years, we never really got along, I'm not sniveling, just the way it was.
Dee and I send our heart felt condolences.
You were lucky to have a great relationship with your father. Not all of us do. I envy you!
My dad has been gone 34 years, we never really got along, I'm not sniveling, just the way it was.
Dee and I send our heart felt condolences.