tjZ06

I love how it's all contained on/in your cart, including things like the power washer and products.  I used to run this: https://crspotless.com/product/dic-20/ but gave it away when I moved, and haven't rebought.  I can say though, it works really, really well.

-TJ

1 hour ago, John@Outfront said:

A few weeks ago 9 of my buddies and 6 SXS did 1400 miles in baja (7 days). started at Tecate and went to the Bay of LA (furthest south, thats 9 hours by car) and back.  $500 in SXS fuel.  total combined repairs on cars was only 1 tire change, one belt slipping--CEL on, and one cracked rear arm that we bent/wenched back into position and welded it.

 

our leader Tim Bielski (he must be a distant cousin of mine) did the video and drone and we are awaiting our "Taco Tuesday" to see the whole movie.  this is the trailer.............

 

That's a dream of mine, I *have* to do that some day.

-TJ

1 hour ago, ChEFF said:

Start your own company! Peace

@URCLEVER owns/operates his own company. ;) 

-TJ

Sorry, trying to be a bit more on topic here...

IMHO use the silicon valley model, make him invested in the success of the business, or at least his business unit.  I don't pretend to understand the complexities of your business, but in a sense it's a production business.  Throughput is important, while maintaining the quality that you have built your name on.  So, I'd go back to him and be very blunt about your concerns.  He needs to refocus, dedicate his work time to productivity, and not distract others.  Let him know if he can do that, you will meet a small portion (let's call it 20%) of his requested raise as pure cash comp, but you will give him the opportunity to meet or exceed the the delta through a bonus structure (you mentioned you already do bonuses and profit sharing, so obv it'd have to jibe with that stuff).  I'm not sure how easy it is to quantify output from the team he's responsible for, but if it's possible, maybe structure something like:

* If you hit current average production, no additional $ (aka, he only gets the cash raise that equates to ~20% of his requested total) 

* From there make a scale that makes sense to you, which tops out with him actually getting 120% of his requested raise.  Again at 0% growth he gets 20% of his request... but let's say for every 2% growth in output for his team he gets 10% additional of his request capping at 120%.  If he grows his team's output by 8% he'll get an additional 40% of his requested total... bringing him to 60% what of what he wanted.  If he grows his section's output by 16% he'll get his full 100%, but if he actually grows his team's output by 20% he'll get 120% of what he requested.  It gives him a chance to actually over-achieve and earn more than what was probably a moon-shot request on his part. 

Obv those are just out my ass numbers... but you get the idea.  20% growth in output for his team might be too easy of a target... or it might be totally unattainable, IDK.  And of course actually quantifying that growth might be way harder than I'm giving credit. 

-TJ

1 hour ago, tjZ06 said:

IDK... but I can tell you this, you find out real quick if you are replaceable or not.  It turns out it's a helluva way to get a raise. 

 

-TJ

Lol, realized I typoed, well just left a whole part out on this and am past the window to edit.  I meant to say "If you quit you find out real quick..."  I was posting during a work meeting, go figure. 

-TJ

41 minutes ago, Realbadlarry said:

Everyone is replaceable... it just takes time. 

 

Don't ever threaten anyone with YOUR job. 

I was mostly joking. 

TBH I had made the decision that it was time to leave, and was happy with that decision.  I didn't intend to use leaving as leverage, and didn't play it that way.  I had considered reaching out to some of the Sr. Leadership I've worked closely with over the last ~16 years first, but decided a) like I said I wasn't trying to leverage my resignation b) I *wanted* to leave so I didn't think it was appropriate to reach out to them when I fully intended to just say "no thanks" to anything they offered.  So, I spoke to my direct lead and let him know I was resigning, and willing to work with him on what the timeline and transition of responsibilities would look like.  2 days later the COO called me, and hey, I'm still here.  ;) 

In my particular case, we've been interviewing/trying to replace me for over a year and a half.  And this was by design/my doing... not done behind me back.  I've wanted a change, be it internal or external for some time.  Replacing me has been a blocker to that. 

-TJ

IDK... but I can tell you this, you find out real quick if you are replaceable or not.  It turns out it's a helluva way to get a raise. 

-TJ

14 hours ago, cek said:

I have a 24’ ultra Santek. Doesn’t have lower cabinets but has uppers and a raised workbench. 40 or 50 gallons of fuel. Door opening is 102 I believe. Gonna ask 32k only pic I have but could take more if interested 

Absolutely the best seller I've ever worked with.  

-TJ

Bumping with another $2k price drop, I still can't edit the original post but $23,500obo!!!!

-TJ

2 hours ago, Orange_R said:

Let me preface this with saying, I love what I do, but HATE where I do it. I've been here nearly 30 years(the only job I've had since getting out of the Marine Corps) and the company just getting shittier every year. I am in design and development for medical and dental small equipment and make a very good living doing it. I have an opportunity to go work for Team Losi/Horizon Hobby in the product development department designing and developing R/C cars and since this has been a passion since I was a young kid it would be awesome to be able to do so. My only issue is it would be roughly $40-50k less per year because I'm coming in at the bottom. Seems like a no-brainer to find something more but I can't get this thought out of my head. So, as the title states, could you? would you? make that kind of sacrifice to be happier in your career or am I just being a dumbass? TIA

I would say "DO IT" no question, if Losi was HQ'ed outside of CA. ;)  Without knowing your entire financial situation it sounds like you can afford the $40-50k hit (or you wouldn't be considering it).  After 30 years it's time to do something that you are passionate about and that gets you excited again.  I've been at my company over 15.5 years and I actually resigned on Jan 2nd.  The COO called me on Jan 4th and convinced me to stay 6 more months, but I think after June I'm out too... and I don't even know what's next.  But I've burned out/stagnated and it's time to do something that really motivates me again.  If you can afford it, chase your dream! 

-TJ

From time to time I'll head down from Roadrunner, get b'fast at Duners Diner, then go in to Gordon's, up and over Test, and then dune all the way back up the East side of the closures (hitting all the big hills).  Usually we go back to RR after China, but sometimes we do Lizard->Brawley Slide->Olds just to finish the journey, then cut back out to RR.  It's def more of a SxS run than a big car run, though I've done it in my Potter.  The potter had a 26 or 28 gallon fuel cell and it was never an issue.  Doing it in SxSs I bring fuel in a high quality jug strapped into the floorboard in an empty seat.  Yes, it's still not ideal but hey you're sitting on the gas tank in a RZR anyway and it's WAY better than in the bed.  We start the run by going down sand highway and take it easy, when we get to DD we empty all the gas cans into the rigs so that a) we don't have fuel in jugs in the vehicles any longer than absolutely necessary b) we don't have fuel in jugs in the vehicles when doing any actual duning.  

-TJ

On 1/14/2024 at 5:09 PM, FOG said:

I carry 2 fire extinguishers and a fire blanket.  And there isn’t a belt to catch fire. 

I've never once seen (or even heard of) a SxS have a belt fire.  I've seen several SxS fires, every single one was from a cheap gas can in the bed. 

-TJ

4 minutes ago, Crusty said:

#Nikal

 

Updated for you though.

Thanks!

-TJ

Happy New year price drop!  IDK why I can't edit the thread/original post, but dropping to $25,500. 

-TJ

I wasn't planning on going as long as 32'... but I might be interested.  I have a 24' Alcom EZHauler (not as nice as your Pinnacle as far as accessories but same builder so same actual construction quality).  Obviously I'd be adding cash on my end, PM if you're interested...

-TJ

As @BaBaBouy said, carne HAS to have some OJ.  The acidity is key, but also the flavor.  I like everything spicy, so I like to put some fresh cut peppers into it (generally serrano and jalapeño but if I'm not cooking for a bunch of biatches even some habanero).  Beyond that really any typical rub that's mostly salt/pepper/cayenne/etc. will work.  I do dig Meat Church's Fajita one posted above... but I tend to like most of there stuff if I'm honest.  

-TJ

48 minutes ago, DZRTRUN said:

I know, but cutting up this basically perfect car is just not something I am willing to do. It would be cool to make it more perfect but there comes a point that you sell it and buy a S4 car if that’s what you want. This car has 3 hard seasons on it and the 2d just started growling at me.  I just know this question comes up a lot so I figured I would put the answer here.

Stop trying to be helpful!  

-TJ

On 12/30/2023 at 3:47 PM, Justdirt said:

Funco, SCU ??? Must have S4 600 ish HP have a coupe of possible trades if anyone is interested 1990 Ford 5 yrd dump truck 84 Buick GN also need a trailer must fit sand car with paddles

Give me a call, 831-566-7386 I have what you need.  Fully remodeled Funco G52, everything fresh.  Just got back from Funco having them go through it top to bottom (I'm sure @Grant@Funco can verify).  It did a bit over 700 HP *to the tires*.  440cui LS7 with a 4.0L Whipple.  Albins.  All Motec and all freshly rewired front to back.  All new body and paint.  All new interior (not recovered seats, new interior with headliner, dash, door panels etc. all covered matching).  New billet arms in front, new trailing arms rear.  Every heim/bushing/bearing etc. is new.  CVs, axles etc.  Fully PPF'ed body.  Bitchen stereo.  Heck, I even just swapped the Dzus fasteners over to black to look that much cleaner (some of these pics are obv before that): 

(don't worry the passenger floorboard was temporary ;) )

I also have the trailer you need to go with it.  I bought the trailer with the car and it drives right in (or winches in, I added a winch) on the sand tire setup.  20' Univerals with ~100gal of water (and transfer pump to pump into your coach), ~120gal of fuel (in two different tanks if you want to run different fuels in different toys), full top cabinets down both sides, top cabinets and lower cabinets with workbench and toolbox up front, fold-down "goucho" couch/beds above both fenders, 4k generator, air compressor with hose-reel, 110 and 12V lights (all LED), etc. etc. etc.  

Definitely willing to work the GN into the deal. 

-TJ

21 hours ago, ANGRYBUTTCRACK said:

Airbags

Yeah... that must be it.  Funcos suck in the dunes and Grant can't drive.  Oh, wait, actually: 

15 hours ago, Grant@Funco said:

I typically lead our group and I pretty much drive up on the wheel as hard as I can go. And yes we do follow close. -Ironically we had just taken a break and were just planning on cruising over to see someone at pad 3.  I just plain ass mis read this rise as a roller and lawn darted it off a 16 to to 20 footer, no brakes no nothing no radio call just a sudden stop at the bottom. We were defiantly  a little tighter then at full speed so #2 called it on radio on his way to kissing my ass which caves  in my  exhaust. His son in #3 got it wooed up without hitting his dad. #4 did not have his radio on our channel cam over to a surprise tossed it sideways to avoid but clipped #3 and flipped  it on it’s lid.  

 

called one of my shop kids and said bring me some parts and you’ve got a free ride the rest of the weekend.  Had it back together by 10 am Saturday and burned another drum of fuel. 

Question is : Did I run out of talent or did  the shop need some service work 
 

 

15 hours ago, Grant@Funco said:

I preach the Christopher Columbus rule to all my customers especially the new ones 

 If you can’t see over the other side assume the earth ends!
 

 Obviously I’m not much of a rule follower 

Awesome of you to come on here and give us the truth Grant!  And to admit you just flat-out missed the drop.  The CSI and keyboard warriors here weren't half as bad as IG.  Man, so many people posting "more money than skills" and "n00bs" type comments, or just saying the cars were POS not any better than a SxS.  It's doubtful there is anyone out there with more seat time in G, especially FAST seat time than you Grant.  And I've ridden with you, there's no questions you can drive the tits of a car.  As others have stated, when you run 11/10ths sometimes something happens.  It's not like Michael Schumacher never crashed.   

Anyway, it's an amazing age we live in, it seems like every 14-30 year old has advanced degrees in political theory, medicine, philosophy, history AND have been race car drivers and builders for decades.  I just don't understand how our civilization and culture are degrading so quickly with all of these highly educated experts out there...

-TJ

41 minutes ago, L.R.S. said:

Two or three seasons old. No different then those clowns recently posting the video of 5th wheel getting towed off one of the pads.  Also from a few seasons ago. Gotta get them likes.

The funny thing is I know the guys who had those trailers towed (no, for the haters they weren't at Roadrunner)... everytime it comes around as new "news" we all laugh about it.  I always send them the latest version like "oh chit, better go get your stuff" even though none of them even own the same trailers anymore...

-TJ

16 minutes ago, onanysunday said:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/336424435770917?s=yWDuG2&fs=e&mibextid=Nif5oz

IIRC that's an older video... driver broke his back? 

-TJ

TTT

-TJ

Congrats on the purchase and pulling the trigger, now get out and enjoy it!
 

-TJ

3 minutes ago, acefuture said:

Yep, would need to be an 8 foot wide minimum. Forgot to include that. 

Your unit sounds nice, but probably a bit on the higher priced side than what I'm looking for i'd imagine. This trailer will probably just be a gap bridger for this season into next. PM what your timeline and pricing looks like and i'll see if it makes sense. Thanks TJ

It's 8.5' (102") wide, aka the legal max.  It just doesn't have an ultra-wide door (91" rear door opening according to their specs).

-TJ

1 hour ago, acefuture said:

Damn, this is exactly what I'd like. Already made a commitment on another 3505, but this is a very clean unit

Where there's a will... 

1 hour ago, lincster said:

Are those 235/85 Ribs?

I have 225/75 due to worrying about clearance.

I had an additional 2" block added when I had the ordered the trailer just to clear 16" wheels/tires.

Do you have anything added for height?

IIRC they're the 235/85s, I can double check.  If you look close you'll see the additional square tube added under the hangers as stiffening and to add more lift. 

-TJ