My compliant letter to Pontiac! With responses

Well this is getting a little old. My last post was simply an answer to firebird76400's statements. I've been told that because I don't care for any of the products Pontiac produced after the demise of the real Pontiac V8 (and for that matter, prior to Bunkie Knudsen's shake up of "sleepy old man's Pontiac"), that I have no "passion for driving" and should "sell my 79 Formula to someone who loves Pontiacs and go buy a Dodge Caliber". You're right, driving my 79 has nothing to do with saving a dead company. It does have everything to do with passion for what you enjoy. I also like old steam locomotives and WW2 airplanes, both are examples of their breed in it's prime (much like owning and driving an old Pontiac). Both have been replaced with better technology and efficiency. But ask a railroader who saw the change from steam to diesel or a pilot who has flown a P47 Thunderbolt and a commuter jet which they love more and I think you'll see my point.
Back to the main point.  Simple question for any one who is terribly offended by the demise of Pontiac and my opinions: How many brand new Pontiacs have you personally owned and when was the last time you bought one brand new? If the answer is: "Never bought a new Pontiac or more than five years ago", then tell me why GM should listen to your griping? You've done nothing to contribute to the well being of the company. End of argument. GM needs to sell new cars, they don't care what happens to them after they are out of warranty. They profit in no way from used car sales if their dealers aren't involved. Car companies would be just as happy if the government passed a law that all cars out of factory warranty must be crushed and recycled. They don't care about people who buy their cars used unless it leads to new car sales.
If you want to jam the forums with complaints about a government mandated business decision that you will not change, fine. If you want advice on how to solve issues with your real Pontiacs, there are plenty of us here willing to help with problems we CAN fix. This goes especially for those of you who can't remember when cars came from the factory with rear drive, carbs, distributors and transmissions with 1:1 top gears. Funny how most of the people posting all this "save us" stuff came out of the woodwork now, but have never contributed to the enthusiast questions about Pontiacs. Too "passionate" to actually work on anything? Just a thought.
So run me down all you want, I'm through defending my position. The people I've helped on here know the real score.
Steve  
Trying to help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

Steve,

Who are you helping?  You have kinda pissed people off.  So we (Pontiac enthusiasts) need to buy a new Pontiac every five years to show our support.  How many should we own?  Or should we just trade a Pontiac in every five years?  Shouldn't that depend on your financial situation?  We contribute not just by buying Pontiacs, we contribute by contributing to the hobby and being an advertisement for Pontiac.  Being in shows or clubs that showcase the Pontiac brand to consumers.  Helping friends with projects and just talking cars with people and sharing my passion for Pontiacs.  When Pontiac was in NASCAR, rooting for and buying the merchandise that supported Pontiac.  There are many ways to contribute.  And guess what?  The passion flows into your family, friends and children.

I'm glad the forums are jammed with complaints about government mandated business decision.  This is where you give up and I and many others will fight.  We can change government decisions.  We can make our voice be heard and let politicians know how we feel.  Then if nothing else, we can vote them out of office.  Does it feel like its impossible to make a difference sometimes?  Sure it does.  But I'd rather fight than go down in a whimper.

So you like the old school Pontiacs when they produced their own engines.  I prefer them too.  Glad to hear you help people with their projects, you arent the only one.  GM has been hearing the rants about Pontiac for decades.  It started in 1982 when you couldnt get a Pontiac engine in a Pontiac, specifically the Firebird.  The corporate engine sharing hurt Pontiac the most out of all the divisions.

So you feel like you are being run down.  Didnt this all start with your response to Kirk and you admitting that you will "quit picking."  Now the shoe is on the other foot and you dont like it.  That is why I think you are in the minority on your thinking.  Kirk is right on the money with his response to you.  I'm not picking on you.  I just want you to stand up and fight to save Pontiac, even if you dont like the new junk.  You show some passion for the company.  At one time they did produce something you liked and they can again.  Tell GM and Obama how you feel about their decisions.

By the way I have a 76 Firebird Formula 400 with a 4 speed.  Keep your 79 Formula rolling!  It didnt get any better than those second generation Firebirds and Trans Am's.

Take care,

John C.  

I'm in full agreement with John! I never said you should sell your bird and I think it would be a shame to do so. I own a 1968 GTO, it hasn't run in 15 years, but it's in my garage waiting for me to get a house with a big enough garage to do it right. It's a numbers matching basket case I bought when I was 16, but it was a GTO and that's all I needed. I remember changing the started in the snow, hot wireing it when the ignition switch messed up and being stranded on the highway in 10 degree temps, and all the while loving the fact that when it ran it was awesome!!

To those who have been supportive and helping to save our brand thank you!! Post on every Pontiac site you can, spread the word!! All I ask is if you love your Pontiac you will fight for the brand, not just let it die!!

So Steve, will you fight for it or not? Simple yes or no?  

Kirk, it was not you that I quoted as saying I should sell my Formula. That was a response to John C (aka firebird76400). Also, in response to his question of "who am I helping?", maybe John should click on my user name and check the number of posts I've participated in over the past 2+ years. He will see over 470 posts and if he cares to read any of those posts he will see that I've provided sound, solid and honest advice to anyone who asks concerning the technical aspects of this hobby. I'm not a "Johnny come lately" just jumping on the band wagon.
I read an interesting interview with Jim Wangers today. I know you took offence to my views, maybe the "Godfather of the GTO" can convince you that today's Pontiac is not and will never be the Pontiac of years gone by. Just copy and paste the link at the bottom of this post to read it. If Jim Wangers doesn't know what the problem is with Pontiac, no one does.
To answer your question...Nope!
Steve

http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6507316/editors-soapbox/jim-wangers-on-the-death-of-pontiac-excitement/index.html

.  
Trying to help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

Not a bad read it was actually pretty good.
Thanks Steve for posting that I enjoyed it he said it all.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

I agree with a lot of what is said--Been involved in Pontiacs since my father bought a 1959 Bonneville. Won a lot of trophys, embarassed a lot of dealership owners with their ringers (65 Impala 427,Olds 442's.Pleny of time for talk let's re-group ,accept the fact that we cannot undo this corporate action. It is over if you do not have a Pontiac (classic)Bird,Goat,Full size   Then get one!  

Well, I read the wagner thing....he's right as we have been saying and arguing about. But all that aside I still think the brand could be saved and have it's image restored in a cost effective way that would bring back the profit to the brand, but it would have to take a small leave of absence for a while to retool, revamp, and redesign Pontiac from the ground up to make it so. If they build cars to meet the demographic of Pontiac enthusiasts from age 18-dead of old age then they could sell cars. Who would want a Sunfire? Aztec? I'll give you that the Solstice in a nice car to drive, but that name...that crappy name!!!

Why can't we get them to do that?  

I agree with you on that point for sure. It's always a possibilty (remote,yes) that GM can get back on it's financial feet and through some miracle of new/improved management, they could reintroduce the brand as the Pontiac we all want. That, I would support. Even with corporate engines!
Steve  
Trying to help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

They would really make it if they brought them back with reel pontiac power under the hood.  
professional hi-performance engine builder

Horsepower sells engines and torque wins races

Mmmm....Hard to wedge 90 degree V into cars of today....not enough car to handle a fat V8 vs. anorexic V8! But it would be sweet!!! So who is going to organize a movement to force this on GM, cause they certainly don't have the capacity to see it!!

I elect Steve to lead it!!!  

Don't hold your breath on either count!LOL!  
Trying to help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

First a quick note about me because I dont post much here (though that may start to change)and people really dont know me here. As you can tell by my screen name my name is Steve. My family bought Chevys in my very early years and then started buying Pontiacs about the time I started HS. I have been into Pontiacs since years before I could drive. I currently own a 99 Pontiac Grand Am GT (LOVE THE CAR), 01 Chevy Blazer 2DR 4X4, and a 01 Chevy Z-28.

My first new car was a 95 Mercury Tracer Trio. First major credit purchase. Ford would give me the loan, GM would not. I have owned a 77 Impala 305 V8 and a 72 Buick Electra 225 455 4bbl with Turbo 400 and a 12 bolt. I ve owned a 88 Buick Regal Custom with the rear console and buckets. I also had a 96 Pontiac Sunfire GT with a 5 speed. I traded the Tracer for a new 97 Pontiac Grand Am GT with a 3.1 V6. I then traded that for the 99 Grand Am GT. Bought new and I still own that car today. First new car I bought and kept. My first "performance" based car I bought was a 81 Turbo TA with the WS6 package and T-Tops.

As you can see I have had many GM vehicles over the years. I may currently own two Chevys but my heart is and always will be with Pontiac. I have loads of Pontiac memorabilia. From pictures, books, t-shirts, models, dealership sales books. You name it. I have an long out of production  8th scale model of an 80 Turbo TA. If its Pontiac or Trans Am related I want it.

I am on a F-Body forum. There is at least one person that I would have to say is at least "middle" management within GM that is a very regular member of the forum. And HIS words were that there where people within GM that rather drink draino then kill Pontiac off. Well you might ask then why? The pressure from the government which is LOANING, not giving money to GM is huge. And I have no reason to doubt what this person says. He has been very honest and very helpful to the site. If anyone here thinks that there ISNT a single person within GM that is upset about Pontiac, your wrong. There are many people within GM that Pontiac means just as much to.

Here is what I posted up on that forum to quote myself. Read it. Really read it and think about it.

QUOTE
You know I think its time for a thread about the good things and fond memories of the Pontiac brand. So I think I will get one started. However before I do that I have thought to post here on something to do.

Now please dont flame me about this idea. If you dont believe in it thats your right. However it can not hurt. Maybe we could get Pontiac back somewhere down the road. Yes I understand that it is very unlikely and a very long shot. I get that.

Take the time to write or email GM. Not to blast them or tell them how stupid they are. Just let them know that you have appreciated the Pontiac brand and are sad to see it go. Let them know you understand it was a difficult decision and that you understand there are people within GM that also are sad to see Pontiac go. Let them know that if they were to bring Pontiac back sometime in the future that you would support the brand.

Now if you choose to do this dont try to overwhelm them with letters. Dont send them something everyday or even once a week or month. Once or twice a year I would think is good. Dont be afraid to mention that you have sent them something before. That you are just touching base with them to let them know you still think about the Pontiac brand. Also dont be afraid to send them a few (dont go crazy) pictures from any Pontiac shows you go to and a short note about the event. Let them know there are people out there enjoying their Pontiac vehicle and still supporting the brand even after the tough loose of the brand.

This can be done now and after Pontiac turns the lights out for the last time it can still be done with just a little change of what you are writing. Remember GM is a business that is trying to survive and make a profit. When they are looking at ways to better the company one thing they are going to look at is what customers are looking for. If they feel Pontiac could return a profit in the future they may consider turning the lights back on one day.

Again please dont flame for this. If you dont agree that is fine. Dont do this. The most people have to lose is 15-25 minutes a year in time to write GM. The worse that happens is nothing. Pontiac doesnt have a rebirth. If nothing else it lets GM know that you have appreciated the years of Pontiac that they gave us. It might help give a little smile to someone within GM that didnt want to see Pontiac go when they read the joy it brought to people during it run.
END QUOTE.

Like I said in that thread. Dont start flaming me if you dont agree. Simply dont do the suggestion. Though you have nothing but a little time to lose for it. Like I said there are people within GM that are taking this hard also. A short letter of appreciation could do worlds of wonder maybe just for that one day when they read your letter. Maybe smile for minute with a good thought about a historic brand.

Like I said in that post, I know it is a very unlikely long shot. I am not fooling myself or trying to fool anyone else about that. But like I said it also does nothing to hurt. Remember GM is a business first and foremost. A business that right now is under huge pressure from the government. A government that seems hell bent on pushing auto makers into providing nothing but gas sipping FWD 4 CYL vehicles that probable wont get more then about 130 HP max. Our current government seems intent on STOMPING down the enthustiast and hobbiest. Seeing to it that there are no choices with any passion or HP for that matter. Anyway back to my point. GM being a business with investors will look for products or services they feel they can make money with. If we continually show support and desire for the Pontiac brand, maybe just maybe they might bring it back sometime down the road.

Again I know this is very unlikely. And dont think that we can stop Pontiac from going away at this time. I dont think any amount of letters will stop that from happening. We can only TRY to get GM to bring Pontiac back down the road.

Now if you believe in this write GM and for now Pontiac a letter. Post this idea up on any other forums that are for Pontiacs or where you think it might get someone to write GM. Remember, be polite and just let them know the brand means so much to you. If you dont believe simply dont do it. But please dont try to pour more salt into the wound by bad mouthing this idea.  

Now there's an intelligent way of looking at it, no name calling and verbal abuse. I like this format. I might even be swayed to participate in such a campaign.
Steve  
Trying to help... 'cause we don't all have to learn the hard way!

I already did that, and have done that a couple of times since mt initial letter. It's a good idea, but I still would like enough letters to crash the servers.  

Werewolf if their servers get crashed, great! So be it. Organize a selected day for everyone that cares to send their letter then. Maybe that would be enough to crash their server. Just one person trying to do it by sending them the same letter over and over will not do much. If anything it is going to make the person looking at them less likely to LISTEN to what people are saying. They must realize that the people have PASSION for the product and arent simply just venting at them because a product choice was taken away. They must be lead to believe there is a following for the product and one person sending them something over and over does not prove that. And am I afraid that is how some people may take your crash their server comment. And right now anything damaging is not what us Pontiac people need.