Joe,
I think we need to start calling you Rainman! :yesnod: I used to be happy when I had 15-20 different parts that I was responsible for and I knew the part numbers for all of them.

Let us in on your secrets. How many of these part numbers do you know off the top of your head and where the heck do you look for/find the rest of them?

Thanks for all the valuable info you provide!
Dave

 

Dave,

I'll second that!

Joe has helped me out with part numbers, descriptions, and applications countless times over the past several years. His resource database must be simply incredible... I know Joe doesn't say a whole lot about who or what those resources are, but it really doesn't matter. The information that he has forwarded to me has been extremely accurate (and free of charge )... It doesn't get much better than that.

As always Joe, thanks again for your help!

Regards,

Stan Falenski

 

He is amazing and been a great help to me and countless others over the years. I don't know how he knows all that stuff. I just hope he has someone in apprenticeship. It would be a terrible shame for the hobby for that knowledge to not be passed along to future generations. If I had a ton of money and didn't have to work, I'd go to California and volunteer!

 

okay lets take this moment to thank anyone who helps another vetter

vetter ask the vettie a question the vettie responds with an answer, now the question is wich is the vetter and whos the vettie doe the vettie ask the question or the vetter or... :crazy:

 

Dave,
Great topic!

Joe is also the "Answer Man" on the NCRS Tech Board. His unselfish contributions to our hobby is honorable! I for one, have benefited from his knowledge on numerous occasions!

Thanks Joe!!! :cheers:

Mark A.


[Modified by QikStik, 9:53 AM 8/28/2001]

 

Ditto,

Anytime I post a numbers question...I'm always hoping that Joe will chime in,
His knowledge seems to be unmatched.

 

Let me add my appreciation for Joe's help.I have several pages of notes
that Joe has furnished me on part numbers and information on parts.I always
read his replies on all the posts and learn something new every time.

 

I totally agree!
Joe
Thanks for the oil pan info.
:yesnod:

 

One more Cheer for Joe. :D He's helped me out of countless jams when it came to figuring out if something was or wasn't original or why it did or didn't fit. I think he posts all the details knowing they'll go into the archives where they'll live on forever.

 

Yup! Helped me personally several times (including a currently active thread), plus I always learn a lot reading his replies to others. Joe apparently has access to GM part # and history info that even GM dealers dont have! He also has a very extensive collection of NOS NFS (Not For Sale ) parts destined perhaps for a museum some day? MJ


[Modified by MNJack, 2:38 PM 8/28/2001]

 

I am very grateful we have Joe Lucia around here. If Joe says it, I believe it. Period. End of discussion.

 

Everyone-----


I greatly and sincerely appreciate all of the kind words and confidence expressed. I am humbled.

As far as where this information comes from, it's really a combination of sources. First, I've been studying Corvettes and Corvette parts for about 35 years now and I've got a fairly good memory for things (especially for things Corvette). I have a fair amount of Corvette part numbers committed to memory, but I certainly don't have anything like every single one stored away in the old 'noggin. When I respond from my office, I pretty much have to rely on my memory since I have VERY few Corvette references available there---just a few basic things to help "jog" my memory.

Second, I have a pretty extensive library of Corvette parts information. I've collected this over 35 years from a variety of sources. Some of this information is long since out of print and, in fact, quite rare. I'm also always adding to the library. Recently, I paid $300 for one publication that was an important addition to the library. When I saw it, I knew that I just HAD to have it; most folks wouldn't have even known what it was or what use it could be. But, I knew right away. I also have access to some electronic data. In fact, I have one stand-alone desktop computer dedicated just to this. Esentially, there is no single source in existence, including as far as I know within GM itself, that has all the information at the touch of your fingertips. Just as most of the old vehicle build records have been purged from GM records long ago, so, too, have most of the old parts information. I've been able to "reconstruct" a lot of that information, though.

Thirdly, over the years I've developed the ability to be able to USE the informational resources which I have in an integrated sort of way. Very often, information has to be obtained by gleaning it from several sources in a "composite" sort of way. In order to do this, one has to develop a good working knowledge of all the informational resources. Otherwise, it would take hours to rersearch a single part, if one could do it at all. Information from a single reference source, by itself, might not be able to answer a certain question. However, the information from SEVERAL sources used in a composite manner can reveal a LOT of information. This is REALLY the "key" to it all.

Fourth, I have a pretty good inventory of NOS parts in storage (about 8,000, at last count) that I can use as "reference". When necessary, I can go to my storage facility and "dig out" the one I need for reference.

Unfortunately, I do not have any apprentices or "proteges", as it were. Hopefully, a lot of the information that I provide will live on in the archives of the NCRS Technical Board and, possibly, this board. In fact, the reason that I am as active as I am on the Boards, especially the NCRS Technical Board, is for the express purpose of providing archival information for future generations of restorers. Were it not for the existence of the archives and the long-term benefits which they offer the hobby, I might not be as active as I am. Some day when I "expire" (or, in parts parlance, am "discontinued") I hope to leave behind a considerable amount of writings through the archives. In any event, most of my informational resources and parts collection will be left to a responsible and stable organization for future Corvette research purposes by others.

MANY folks have encouraged me to write a book or two relative to Corvette-related matters. At some point, after my retirement, I may even do just that. So, stay tuned.

 

That is simply awesome, Joe!

Put me down for a copy of that book when you write it. Naw...better make that 2 copies. Make one of them hardbound and autographed so I can proudly display it inside and the other one will be for the garage :yesnod:

Thanks again for your dedication to the cause Joe!

Dave

 

Dave-----

I will try to keep up the effort, at least, until my "discontinuation" which I sincerely hope does not happen anytime soon (I've still hoping to have a retirement that I can enjoy after 37 years, to date, of continuous, unbroken employment) . Generally, I can be found "lurking" on the NCRS Technical Board as that is my "primary venue". I do come over here, though, as time permits and try to answer a question or two. I simply cannot spread myself any thinner, so I don't currently even visit any other discussion forums for Corvettes or anything else, for that matter. I'm sorry that I cannot provide information here on a lot more questions, but time does not permit me to do so. I usally do try to get to the questions which either no one responds to or which receive few responses. I could probably help out on a lot of others, but if someone else answers the question adequately, my time is best spent moving on to another one.

 

"I will try to keep up the effort, at least, until my "discontinuation" which I sincerely hope does not happen anytime soon"

Joe,
instead of "discontinuation" try to think of it as a
Grand Restoration ...far better than the originals that we are now :blueangel:


[Modified by Dwaynes69BB, 10:25 PM 8/29/2001]

 

People like Joe are rare commodities indeed. Knowledge like his is priceless to all of us Corvette enthusiasts. :yesnod: :chevy :yesnod:

 

Don't buy this "aw shucks" stuff. The fact of the matter is that "Joe" (if you choose to call him that) is in reality Zora Duntov reincarnated. He just calls himself "Joe" so he doesn't have to sign autographs. ;) :lol: :lol:

(Just kidding, Joe; and thanks for all your help. You are truly one of the great assets in this forum. :yesnod: :cheers: )

 

I have appreciated his help/knowledge of Corvettes and parts over the last year. He's a Great resource and a valued member of the Corvette hobby. I have no idea how one person can have the vast knowledge and be so willing to share it.
Thanks Joe and may God bless you!
Roger

 

Three Cheers for Joe !!! Hip Hip Hooray !!! :cheers: :chevy

 

Wow!

And to think, I thought you were one of the 'indespensibles' - from GM. You know these
people, they are the ones that seem to absorb all knowledge around them, so much that everyone goes to them for answers. The detail you include made me think that you actually designed the thing.