CHEVELLE LS6 BLACK 4SPD BENCHMARK

To Belair and anyone else:

I have never publicly nor privately called Chris White or Jeff Dotterer(sp?) a "crook" or a "cheat" as I hope my PM's pointed out. They are neither. The original post neither said or in mind implies that. For you to read into that is WRONG. It is a simple reality that the the 2 things (Diamond Certification and their other businesses) go hand in hand. If you are that naive to think that in the course of having a car certified that Jeff or Chris will not sell you a part or a restoration service then you need to rethink things. No one said it was wrong for them to do so, as it is business. I have never begrudened someone from making a living, whether car restorer, parts vendor or even crack dealer (if there wasn't a desire there wouldn't be a need..). In my opinion the Diamond certification has some things that need to be changed, just like it has some very good things. Just because I don't agree with the whole thing doesn't mean I'm "anti" Chris or Jeff. As far as the quote Belair pointed out...I personally don't think... IN MY OPINION the Diamond process is about parts and services, instead being about 2 decent guys that are the only ones stepping up doing something and about their love of Chevelles..BUT based on past conversations with both parties I can't help but think there is a definite tangent to providing the parts/services to meet their certification. I personally think it would be much better for the hobby and the Chevelle community to have a judging system along the lines of the old NCOA. This not only increses the validity of the certification but expands the knowledge base. Do I want to start it..not really, but would assist others in anyway possible..would I back it..absolutly. I am open to any idea that furthers the hobby and promotes positive growth in knowledge. Certainly Chris and Jeff would be included (I hope they would as they ARE extremely knowledgeable)and it would be their call to participate or not.

I personally do not agree with people saying they are "historians" or completely in it for the hobby and then not being completely candid with ALL info. (forget me and remember that there are tons of other Chevelle enthusiast this applies to) This goes not only for them but for others in the Chevelle community. If you are a "historian" then you share info as it promotes the hobby. You do not horde it. I do not agree with telling folks you are backing projects and then not following through, especially when the projects are for the good of the hobby..again not my gripe on a personal level but as a general. This applies to so many people in the Chevelle community..many of them members here. Whether Gregory S. Carlson gets info or a "certification" (never have and don't ever care to) has nothing to do with the intent or contents of the post. It was merely my opinion of a process.

Respectfully