A sister website for the 2007-2009 GT/CSs?

[Midnight Special]

...I think Paul's attempting to enhance "californiaspecial.com" as a more central HQ for all CS owners as opposed to dividing this site. If I'm reading this right - a central section here geared for 07/09 owners to speak amongst themselves more efficiently w/o the mix w/ 68s, yet with all heritage, important events etc... better catagorized (is that a word?;-) in one place.

Personally; I'm 100% vested in the '68s and do not plan to buy new, but history shows that we embraced, encouraged, supported, (and credited ourselves for) the creation of the '07s and with their numbers now surpassing ours, we really should explore ways to keep pace.

A dedicated section for late model owners to speak their language (while intriguing us "oldies") to me would indeed be a forward thinking addition.

It's really about people more than just cars. With only +/- 2000 '68s remaining and virtually every known fact already covered here; where can we hope to be in another 5-10 years without taking some initiative?

Jon willing, and a "07/09 (RED LETTER UPPER LEFT)" section with a refined copy of what we already have (geared for the newer CS) would be a great start. Spirited late model folks can then grow it from there.

'Just a couple more penneys.....
('Better start savin' em all up to buy people like Joe new computers. I can see him wearing his out PertyQuick!! ;-)

 

[joedls]

My thoughts as someone who owns one of each (albeit only one is driveable), is that we should not have a separate site. I believe we should have a different section of this forum dedicated to the newer cars (and only if this is not too much trouble for Jon), but I don't want to go to two sites to get my GT/CS forum "fix for the day".

 

[PNewitt]

(Ladystang: "I come to this site and read almost everyday. I usually do not post. Being a member that owns a newer cs, I do not have knowledge of the older cs. I never heard of it until I researched for info on the new '07' that was coming out. That is when I found this site. I was really excited to find that there was a web site for the cs. After being here awhile, I felt that some of the members here did not want the newer cars included. That was their right. I have seven friends with CS's, all new. We go to shows together and talk about our cars. We love them for what they are. We, most of us, are doing small mods to our cars. Some of them have come here and looked the site over. Some stay, and read like I do, but some have left because they felt unwanted.....")

Hi Ladystang--and thank you for your thoughtful comments....If it's possible, I'd like to hear more about their thoughts on that, and why they felt unwanted, etd... I feel that this is VERY important to all of us.

( Ladystang: I am also one of those people that ordered the '07' because it was different from the other cars out, and it was a limited edition vehicle. Everything I researched on the internet said it was to be a limited edition. Now it is being produced until they can't squeeze anymore money from it. So be it. I still love this car.

As for the site, I don't think you need flash to get new members. If they feel that the people are friendly, they will join.
Thank you for reading, and I don't mean to offend anyone. Please forgive me if I have).

First, let me say that despite the misinformation of the '07s being "one year only', I can say that Ford thought that, too, until they saw the sales numbers come in so quickly, and decided to do the '08, and now the '09 (the '08s sold better than the '07s, which is unusual for a second year vehicle). I have NO doubt that all three years of the GT/CS will be polular over time, and that it will set it's own collectible market and following over time. Mark my words. Over time, there will be a flood of GTs, but owning one of these Mustangs will be unique, and a conversation piece. it's just in it's early phase. It's like owning a '68 in 1972. Who would have known back then??

Please post more, Landstang!! Pleeezzee!! We need more thoughts on the late models!!

Thanks!
Paul N.

 

[PNewitt]

...I think Paul's attempting to enhance "californiaspecial.com" as a more central HQ for all CS owners as opposed to dividing this site. If I'm reading this right - a central section here geared for 07/09 owners to speak amongst themselves more efficiently w/o the mix w/ 68s, yet with all heritage, important events etc... better catagorized (is that a word?;-) in one place.

Personally; I'm 100% vested in the '68s and do not plan to buy new, but history shows that we embraced, encouraged, supported, (and credited ourselves for) the creation of the '07s and with their numbers now surpassing ours, we really should explore ways to keep pace.

A dedicated section for late model owners to speak their language (while intriguing us "oldies") to me would indeed be a forward thinking addition.

It's really about people more than just cars. With only +/- 2000 '68s remaining and virtually every known fact already covered here; where can we hope to be in another 5-10 years without taking some initiative?

;-)

Tim is 110% correct. We need to take a pro-active, forward-thinking approach to the late model GT/CS on this site. I (we) should see how Jon (webmaster) can set this up. I like the split-screen idea a lot. Let's do it.

We're like apples and oranges that come from the same tree. I think that Tim's point is crtitical--that it's about ownership, appreciation and enjoyment. Tim probably has more collective "positive reaction time" from folks seeing his 5-GT/CS collection than any of us here. We love the attention, and the respect.

I saw and spoke with two late model GT/CS owners on the road yesterday (one is a beautiful white one I saw in Vacaville, and a Blue one in the East Bay). They didn't know about the site, or the registry.

I'd just hate to see the other sites grab onto ("our") late model GT/CS owners, and we lose out. My guess is that there are about 4K GT/CS cars per year, times three (incl. the '09s) = 12K GT/CS, to about 2K left of the originals. These are two separate, but equally important parts of the GT/CS family. It's just that the late model version is just now taking off.

Paul N.

 

[albegtcs]

Paul
I would tend to agree with keeping the one site, I bought my '07 because of the looks and the fact is was something differant, However I have learned so much about the GT/CS legacy at this site. With the late model GT/CS extending from '07 thru '09 or perhaps beyond, it will be a matter of time before we have more late model memebers.

 

[PNewitt]

I think that there are a couple of things that would draw more late model CS owners in, and to stay.

One would be to remake the logo in the top corner to include a photo of a (white) '07 (or "08), and...

To include sections for late model history--and-- technical info, accessories, options, etc...

Then the forums can stay the same, and we all can talk together. That alone is a strong support element for the late model owners.

How's that? (Maybe someone can go get Jon, the webmaster, and see what HE thinks....??)

Paul N.

 

[nfrntau]

I've read quite a few times about persons driving GT/CS's (both old and new models) that never heard of our website or the registry.
Some people buy a car and want to know EVERYTHING about it. History, options, colors, codes, years made, etc. Some are computer literate (at least a little) and they can find us with some basic search skills. That's when folks find us.
Hopefully they pop in and stay a while. If not they move on.
There are a lot of folks that buy a GT/CS cuz they like it and thats the end of it. They don't have time or don't care to look any further.
Paul, I don't think we have a threat of other sites scooping up potential GT/CS members from us. The people that stop in and stay are the people like ourselves that have a true interest in these cars. This site in my opinion is THE site for us GT/CS owners. Collectively we have the most knowledge in the world regarding the GT/CS, period!
If you own a GT/CS (or HCS), want a GT/CS, or just like hanging out with us folks that do this is the place.

 

[PNewitt]

I don't disagree, but there can be a cultural and age difference between both early and late model versions of the GT/CS, and I'd like to bridge that gap.

There is a difference between, say the readers of "Mustang Monthly" and "5.0 Mustang" magazines. What is NOW is what is hip, and I just want to appeal to the current crop of owners by knowing what it's like to own a late model version..

It's like people with the new HOT Jaguar XKs...do they get into the UK '56 Jag restoration magazines and websites? I doubt it.

I understand of the pride of our marque, but I'd like to extend the hand of appreciating the late models, by knowing exactly what these cars are all about. It's not easy, but it can (and must be) done.

I understand how there are owners of both versions--and that is exceptional!!, but I think that we need to define--and find what it will mean to own a late model GT/CS in the coming years. The '68 folks have had a 40 year head start. Been there--done that, as they say. If anyone here knows what it was like to own a '68 GT/CS in the early 1970's, they can relate to what it was like...it wasn't nearly the appreciation and excitement as it is today. Back then, there were no websites, no PCs. (no $3.60 gas, either! LOL)

Paul N.

 

[Midnight Special]

...I agree there are many owners who have no desire to spend time on their computers to do research and have fellowship as we do. Many I talk to have never heard nor show much interest. I agree also that we should adjust and be ready for those who do. Nothing radical; just more accommodating. With time, they may eventually check the resources available here and decide to participate.

When I got my first CS in 1978, there was so much ambiguity about it's conception. Everyone around here thought it was a Shelby w/ a 427. Without any firm knowledge - I played along (18 yr old;-) I knew it was distinguished and rare, but no idea of any facts... Many years later and ever curious, here we are with a number of them and with all supporting knowledge to grow the hobby to any level desired. I believe that is the future we should prepare for. I also believe many 68 and late model CSs were purchased as a result of people who came here first.

It's already great site for many reasons. Now, it can become a great site for a whole bunch of reasons!..

 

[admin]

This is a good discussion. One that's way overdue, which I'm afraid to say is my fault. It's something I should have brought up quite a while ago. Several of us even talked about it at Fab Fords last year. (which I can't believe was a year ago now!)

Since the '07's came out it's always been my intention to create a new section of the forum for the new models. Basically the "GT/CS and HCS Discussions" forum would just get split into two; early model and late model. They would still be side by side; sub-sections in the same main forum.

My reason for not doing it instantly was I didn't want the late model section to die on the vine due to lack of discussion. I wanted to be sure we had enough late model members to keep topics going in their specific forum. Nothing kills a new forum faster than silence. People don't post new topics because they see little activity and assume they won't get much response, which of course feeds the cyclical problem of even fewer questions. Eventually it's a ghost town and late model members post their questions back in the "early model" forum because that's where the action is.

However I think now we have enough late model owners to justify the move. (we probably have had them for a while, but I've been remiss in noticing)

Paul, I appreciate you bringing it up. And I really appreciate hearing from all you late model owners who may have been lurking...possibly trying to get a sense of whether this traditional "early model" site was really for you. I really would like to hear more comments from everyone, but especially the new late model owners.

I agree with many of the points that several of you has made.

1. I agree that we should all stay together on one site, but add a late model forum section.
2. Yes, the logo should be redone to reflect both models. Really I've been meaning to revamp the entire site design, but that's not an overnight proposition. So for now the logo is a good start.
3. I agree that some sections need to be added for late models, similar to the "history" & "identification" sections already here for early models. However, I will need some help with this one. I will be the first to admit I'm no specialist on the late models.
4. Other parts of the site I think should be kept as cohesive as possible (like the Gallery) where the new and old are still mixed.

What I don't want to have happen is to create two completely separate halves of the same site. I don't want there to be "late model people" and "early model people" who stay away from each other. Where it makes sense (like in the forums) there can be some separation, but only because it benefits both types of owners to have things organized better.

I still want this site to remain as one family, who all share our common interests in these great cars. The tech and questions may not be the same between the early and late models, but the comradere definitely is and should remain that way.

 

[case12]

Jon, A thought - I agree this site should not become bifurcated. I see way too much of that on SAAC and Team Shelby for the different models. We have the luxury of being more of a "family site" as you say. It would be nice to see what each is doing as a normal part of the login to the forums. SAAC has a "latest" posts that give that feeling of mixing the topics. I am not a webmaster - but just voicing that I like to see and read about both. Thanks for tackling a great topic. Casey

 

[GTCS07]

I found this site while looking for info about my '07. After checking it out briefly I saved it and went back to some other sites I visit. I came back and joined up a week later because I felt that the only way to promote and grow this site and increase the knowledge base was to join and contribute myself. I have owned over 200 Mustangs including many of the rarest ones out there but never had a CS until this new one and I have to say, it's a keeper. The thing I find when attending cruise nights and car shows is the division people impose on others based on the age of their car." '72 down, park over here, new, over there." Like the new stuff hasn't proven itself yet or something. The Mustang has a proven 40+ year track record of proving itself and old and new owners alike should rejoice in that fact. The most well attended cruise in my area lets everyone in regardless of year and all park where ever. It's great. A '65 stang next to a '87 vette next to a model T next to a new, well you get the idea. The only way to attract and keep new people young and old is to include as many as possible and make everyone welcome. If all the old-timers start dying off and all the kids want are Hondas, what will happen to all these great old rides (and their values)?
Given the low numbers of gen. 1 cars and the likely low numbers of gen.2s both built and coming up coupled with the number of owners that would go on this site the more info and help that can be found here the better. Adding pictures is really the key I feel. People want to see what is being talked about.
I think a banner tie-in with a late model picture and some late model info in it's own section would be all that is needed to really get the ball rolling. Then the members would take it from there. As folks come on some would find out about '68s that didn't know and develop an interest in them as well, bringing up demand and value. Just my .2 cents.

 

[mmjgrace]

New vs Old Model

As an owner of an 07 GT/CS and a '67 Convertible (sorry not a GT/CS) I'd like to see the sight stay together.

However I went to register my new GT/CS on your regeristry and it only has selection boxes and a vin number box suited for the older cars. Could be why you aren't getting a lot of newer ones registered?

 

[kjmcnally]

Late Model GT/CS site

Paul, I think having a sister site for late model GT/CS is a great idea as I sometimes have difficulty relating to the topics regarding the older model GT/CS. I have a 2007 CT/CS and the topics on these cars are very different from the older models.

Ken

 

[Esab]

Ok, I have poked in here once before, but registered to respond in this thread and prolly read alot more here now. Anyway...

I waited almost 6 months for my 2008 GT/CS and I love it. I take a 5 mile trip to go to the store 1/4 mile away from my house. I spend more time washing, shining and driving my car than I legally should. (I think the wife is begining to suspect more!!). I had a 2006 V6 and was happy, but never this happy. The GT models are nice, don't get me wrong, but they did not give me the same feeling when I drove the GT/CS. I know it is almost the same car, but to me it isn't.

Please please don't take this as ripping or complaining. I am just pointing out how i felt and what I saw coming here my first time:

I did a few web searches for GT/CS sites and stumbled across this one. I got excited for a minute. I say a minute cause everything on this site points to the 68 GT/CS except postings in the forums. The registry is only 67-68 CS's and HCS's. This is cool cause I like the original CS, but I love my 08. I just seems from first glance there is nothing here for the 07-09 models, nothing to attract them here. I did in fact blow off the site and moved on to a site that catered more to my year, although it is rather slow for the CS, but the information for a black vehicle is abundant.

I just saw a post over there pointing to this one again. So I poked around and dug a little deeper this time. It is nice to see a mix of years in the forums, but you never know it is here on first glance. I do plan on reading everything here... now, but an update to let people know there is more than 68's here would help the membership base.

 

[Midnight Special]

...Welcome Esab!
Due time and evolution will take care of your wishes.

It's perhaps natural for everyone to point to the webmaster and make those kinds of suggestions (he owns a '68 HCS;-) But in reality; your enthusiastic participation will go alot farther as you read on & find alot of others here in common to mingle with. IMO.

A good leader only facilitates the real talent. You are that talent!

 

[hotrodgrany]

I am an owner of the the new ones as you know and leave it as it is, as this is where I came and to learn about my GT/CS and very comfortable here. We are all one big family here.

 

[Jenstang]

I first came to this site with an overwhelming desire to learn as much as I could about the original GT/CS. This site clearly fit the bill for this resource. I wanted my car to stand apart from the other late models, to find more distinguishing features (ie, square fog lights) and got a lot of inspiration here from all the pics etc.

I haven't been on too much since I gathered this information, but lately, I've had more time and I heard they were including the newer models in the registry and I'm so excited to hear this and I read here that there will be a section in Paul Newitts book about these too. So I'm sorry I haven't spent more time here sooner. Since I'm always short on time to root around the web, I'd love the convenience of sections that discuss topics that apply solely to one version or the other to be separated out for my convenience (lol), but what I'm trying to say too is that I love hearing about the older models too. I'd love to see one in person some day. I love my car and its rich history. I'm so happy that this topic has come up now to help me see that the new GT/CS has a place here on the site. I am enjoying seeing some of the topics embracing enthusiasm for the newer GT/CS's by owners of the older models especially i.e., discussions of kits to help bridge the looks, etc. and lots of great stuff here. However you decide to arrange the site, you'll be seeing more of me!

 

[PNewitt]

Thanks, Jenstang, for your comments.

I continue to see and hear about the late model owners wishing to emulate the original, in and on thier late model CS. I think that is a real honor to the owners of the originals.

You have to remember that it will take some time for the ownership of the 14,000 or so out there to come into their own, with ownership, and modifications--but it WILL happen.

There is never enough time in the day for me (i.e. the book), and I am just wanting to get to the late models for registration, ideas and items to make and add to these contemporary reincarnations.

Paul N.

 

[pippin]

Im ok with it as is

While a separate discussion thread might be an option, i dont mind leaving it along and that way I can check in on what guys are doing with newer cars. Its actually some of the stuff ive seen here that has got me interested in late model car since im usually not interested in the new stuff.

The young guys may want their own forum section, i dont know.