A shoutout for AskMe's resident car guys September 3, 2009 1:49 PM Subscribe
This is a thank-you callout for the AskMechanics - Jon-o and Brockles.
I'd say that, between them, these guys answer almost 100% of automotive related questions on AskMe.
When I see a thread that starts with "My car is making this weird noise" or "Is this dealer trying to screw me", it's a pretty safe bet that Jon-o or Brockles will pop in to offer some detailed, specific answers.
They seem to consistantly offer thoughtful, patient advice - even while faced with the typical "all mechanics are swindlers" sentiment in many of the questions.
I truly appreciate that they work with cars (on a daily basis for jon-o, not sure about brockles - he's a race car engineer of some sort) yet still take the time to come in and answer questions about what they do all day. Threads that they are both in can be particularly interesting as they think out loud and acknowledge each others contributions.
Users like this are a huge part of what makes AskMe the valuable and entertaining resource that it is. I know that they likely enjoy the mental stimulation/problem solving aspect of it, but they are truly offering a great service.
So, from this backyard mechanic, thanks for what you're doing here!
(apologies if I missed any other resident gearheads)
I'd say that, between them, these guys answer almost 100% of automotive related questions on AskMe.
When I see a thread that starts with "My car is making this weird noise" or "Is this dealer trying to screw me", it's a pretty safe bet that Jon-o or Brockles will pop in to offer some detailed, specific answers.
They seem to consistantly offer thoughtful, patient advice - even while faced with the typical "all mechanics are swindlers" sentiment in many of the questions.
I truly appreciate that they work with cars (on a daily basis for jon-o, not sure about brockles - he's a race car engineer of some sort) yet still take the time to come in and answer questions about what they do all day. Threads that they are both in can be particularly interesting as they think out loud and acknowledge each others contributions.
Users like this are a huge part of what makes AskMe the valuable and entertaining resource that it is. I know that they likely enjoy the mental stimulation/problem solving aspect of it, but they are truly offering a great service.
So, from this backyard mechanic, thanks for what you're doing here!
(apologies if I missed any other resident gearheads)
Yay hooray. I enjoy the contributions of both of these guys and in addition to a lot of the "I took my car apart and here's what I've learned" crowd, I think people get great car advice on AskMe.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:56 PM on September 3, 2009
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:56 PM on September 3, 2009
Jon-o and Brockles
MeFi's version of 'Click and Clack.'
posted by ericb at 1:57 PM on September 3, 2009 [8 favorites]
MeFi's version of 'Click and Clack.'
posted by ericb at 1:57 PM on September 3, 2009 [8 favorites]
Is this something I would have to own a car to know about?
*bans self*
posted by iconomy at 2:09 PM on September 3, 2009
*bans self*
posted by iconomy at 2:09 PM on September 3, 2009
*unbans self*
Jon-o and Brockles would make such a great name for a cartoon.
posted by iconomy at 2:10 PM on September 3, 2009 [1 favorite]
Jon-o and Brockles would make such a great name for a cartoon.
posted by iconomy at 2:10 PM on September 3, 2009 [1 favorite]
* PLAYS TAPE LOOP OF CHUCKLING, GUFFAWING
posted by boo_radley at 2:11 PM on September 3, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by boo_radley at 2:11 PM on September 3, 2009 [2 favorites]
After this thread I don't think I would have taken his advice seriously. Genuine kudos to Jon-o for making a change for the better.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:21 PM on September 3, 2009
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:21 PM on September 3, 2009
[Sprightly jingle music]
Jon-o and Brockles!
They'll warm ya to yer cockles!
Problems with yer auto?
Hey there, don't get blotto!
Just ask . . .
Brockles and Jon-o!
In stereo, not mono!
Questions about yer crankcase?
Don't sit there with yer blank face!
Just ask . . .
I have no idea why I felt the need to write this shit.
posted by Skot at 2:30 PM on September 3, 2009 [6 favorites]
Jon-o and Brockles!
They'll warm ya to yer cockles!
Problems with yer auto?
Hey there, don't get blotto!
Just ask . . .
Brockles and Jon-o!
In stereo, not mono!
Questions about yer crankcase?
Don't sit there with yer blank face!
Just ask . . .
I have no idea why I felt the need to write this shit.
posted by Skot at 2:30 PM on September 3, 2009 [6 favorites]
I agree. They're not the only people that offer good car advice, but the volume and consistent high quality is really impressive. Thanks again, fellas!
And everybody else: if you know a good tradesperson, buy them a Mefi account.
posted by box at 2:34 PM on September 3, 2009
And everybody else: if you know a good tradesperson, buy them a Mefi account.
posted by box at 2:34 PM on September 3, 2009
Can a "thank you callout" be a "thankout"?
posted by lore at 2:52 PM on September 3, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by lore at 2:52 PM on September 3, 2009 [2 favorites]
I nominate them for the next podcast interview! Is there a form I can fill out?
posted by not_on_display at 2:52 PM on September 3, 2009
posted by not_on_display at 2:52 PM on September 3, 2009
Is it possible/easy to take all the logos off of a car? I generally don't like logos and it's kind of annoying that I can avoid them on my less expensive purchases, but not so much on bigger things.
posted by ODiV at 2:53 PM on September 3, 2009
posted by ODiV at 2:53 PM on September 3, 2009
Wow!
I've been having a lousy couple months at work (why, oh why, did I get a job at a dealership?) and this means a whole hell-of-a-lot to me.
Just the other day, I wrote to someone on this site and told them that if MeFi was a place, I'd move there and open a shop.
Anyway, I'm thrilled to be able to help and give advice! If anyone has a followup to any of their car problems, or how their question resolved itself in real life, this would be an awesome time and place to post it.
Thanks very much. My schmoopy is fully restored.
Yeah... about that thread. Let's bury that in the past and never speak of it again, if that's cool with everyone. Everyone is allowed one of those threads once, I think.
And, on preview:
ODIV: It IS possible to take all of the logos off of your car. Many body-kit suppliers can provide you with a grille that deletes the emblem, if it's popular vehicle to modify. However, removing emblems from the trunk can often be tricky. Many emblems are held on with an adhesive or double sided tape, but others have pins that go through the bodywork. The adhesive will come off with a heat-gun and a mild solvent like alcohol pretty easily, but filling in the holes left by pins can be tricky and ugly if you don't have some decent body-work skills. Check out forums for your make and model to find out if other owners are doing it and how they accomplish it.
You can also pull off the "Joe Blow Dealership" stickers the same way.
posted by Jon-o at 3:08 PM on September 3, 2009
I've been having a lousy couple months at work (why, oh why, did I get a job at a dealership?) and this means a whole hell-of-a-lot to me.
Just the other day, I wrote to someone on this site and told them that if MeFi was a place, I'd move there and open a shop.
Anyway, I'm thrilled to be able to help and give advice! If anyone has a followup to any of their car problems, or how their question resolved itself in real life, this would be an awesome time and place to post it.
Thanks very much. My schmoopy is fully restored.
Yeah... about that thread. Let's bury that in the past and never speak of it again, if that's cool with everyone. Everyone is allowed one of those threads once, I think.
And, on preview:
ODIV: It IS possible to take all of the logos off of your car. Many body-kit suppliers can provide you with a grille that deletes the emblem, if it's popular vehicle to modify. However, removing emblems from the trunk can often be tricky. Many emblems are held on with an adhesive or double sided tape, but others have pins that go through the bodywork. The adhesive will come off with a heat-gun and a mild solvent like alcohol pretty easily, but filling in the holes left by pins can be tricky and ugly if you don't have some decent body-work skills. Check out forums for your make and model to find out if other owners are doing it and how they accomplish it.
You can also pull off the "Joe Blow Dealership" stickers the same way.
posted by Jon-o at 3:08 PM on September 3, 2009
Thanks! I didn't think that was worth an AskMe, so thanks for answering it in here.
I'm in the market for a new car soon (Let's see how long I can bike/walk for this winter) and the ease of removing the logo will be considered. Probably not as much as mileage, but hey.
Hopefully there are some nice subcompacts for which logo removal is easy.
posted by ODiV at 3:13 PM on September 3, 2009
I'm in the market for a new car soon (Let's see how long I can bike/walk for this winter) and the ease of removing the logo will be considered. Probably not as much as mileage, but hey.
Hopefully there are some nice subcompacts for which logo removal is easy.
posted by ODiV at 3:13 PM on September 3, 2009
ODiV: here's a brief podcast on the topic. If you want to do further internet research, the preferred term seems to be 'debadging.' If you have a vehicle that is at all popular, there's probably a forum dedicated to it.
I did it to my pickup recently. Worked okay, but something I didn't anticipate: after ten years in the sun, the logos have left ghostly unfaded versions of themselves in the paint. It's a ten-year-old pickup, though, so this doesn't really bother me any.
posted by box at 4:02 PM on September 3, 2009
I did it to my pickup recently. Worked okay, but something I didn't anticipate: after ten years in the sun, the logos have left ghostly unfaded versions of themselves in the paint. It's a ten-year-old pickup, though, so this doesn't really bother me any.
posted by box at 4:02 PM on September 3, 2009
Nthing the thanking pileon! That's one of my asks up there -- They were both great, and will probably end up saving me a ton of change. Thanks again!
posted by cgg at 6:45 PM on September 3, 2009
posted by cgg at 6:45 PM on September 3, 2009
"Jon-o and Brockles would make such a great name for a cartoon."
I think "Brockles and Jon-O" has a better rhythm.
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey at 7:37 PM on September 3, 2009
I think "Brockles and Jon-O" has a better rhythm.
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey at 7:37 PM on September 3, 2009
Sorry for the extraneous capitalization, Jon-o.
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey at 7:39 PM on September 3, 2009
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey at 7:39 PM on September 3, 2009
After this thread I don't think I would have taken his advice seriously. Genuine kudos to Jon-o for making a change for the better.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:21 PM
Actually, whether or not you agree with his opinion on a law, that thread makes him look like he really knows his stuff.
posted by ignignokt at 7:54 PM on September 3, 2009
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:21 PM
Actually, whether or not you agree with his opinion on a law, that thread makes him look like he really knows his stuff.
posted by ignignokt at 7:54 PM on September 3, 2009
IS
YOUR
CAR
Running like guano?
Call Brockles and Jon-o!
They've got the wrenches and the gears
To wipe away your auto fears
From evening to dawn, oh!
Call Brockles and Jon-o!
If your engine's going click click click
Or making a stink that makes you sick
Necesitas el baño?
Call Brockles and Jon-o!
Let's give 'em a call!
Come one come all!
The Brockles and Jon-o show is taped in front of a live MetaTalk audience, and is brought to you by Miracle Whip Zing. Miracle Whip Zing: When you want to fatten up your sandwich and be a huge dick about it. Promotional consideration also provided by Evony. Evony: HEY LOOK! A LADY! PLAY OUR CRAPPY GAME!
posted by SpiffyRob at 4:43 AM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
YOUR
CAR
Running like guano?
Call Brockles and Jon-o!
They've got the wrenches and the gears
To wipe away your auto fears
From evening to dawn, oh!
Call Brockles and Jon-o!
If your engine's going click click click
Or making a stink that makes you sick
Necesitas el baño?
Call Brockles and Jon-o!
Let's give 'em a call!
Come one come all!
The Brockles and Jon-o show is taped in front of a live MetaTalk audience, and is brought to you by Miracle Whip Zing. Miracle Whip Zing: When you want to fatten up your sandwich and be a huge dick about it. Promotional consideration also provided by Evony. Evony: HEY LOOK! A LADY! PLAY OUR CRAPPY GAME!
posted by SpiffyRob at 4:43 AM on September 4, 2009 [4 favorites]
Adding more thanks to Brockles and Jon-o for their service to all Mefi shade-tree mechanics.
posted by wabashbdw at 9:36 AM on September 4, 2009
posted by wabashbdw at 9:36 AM on September 4, 2009
if MeFi was a place, I'd move there and open a shop.
Amen. I call dibs on the first used bookstore.
Also, I'd love to see more MeTa threads like this. I totally missed this subset of the AskMe action, and really appreciate you pushing it to the front, davey_darling. Thanks.
posted by mediareport at 10:48 AM on September 4, 2009
Amen. I call dibs on the first used bookstore.
Also, I'd love to see more MeTa threads like this. I totally missed this subset of the AskMe action, and really appreciate you pushing it to the front, davey_darling. Thanks.
posted by mediareport at 10:48 AM on September 4, 2009
Um. Yeah. Thanks, all. I'm torn between the nice feeling of being appreciated and feeling like that kid that is being pointed at by teacher while everyone stares at you.
/childhood flashbacks
I would, however, like to confirm that the shock-jock KER-AZYYY!!!!!!! Breakfast show concept from "Jon-o and Brockles" (Honk-honk!! Whiiizzzz!) was canned at a very early stage. Like before anyone seriously considered it.
You are all richer as a result...
posted by Brockles at 11:10 AM on September 4, 2009
/childhood flashbacks
I would, however, like to confirm that the shock-jock KER-AZYYY!!!!!!! Breakfast show concept from "Jon-o and Brockles" (Honk-honk!! Whiiizzzz!) was canned at a very early stage. Like before anyone seriously considered it.
You are all richer as a result...
posted by Brockles at 11:10 AM on September 4, 2009
Jon-o and Brockles, consider my hat tipped to you each. Your prompt responses to queries about my little neon have been valuable and I do appreciate your taking the time to help.
posted by longsleeves at 2:27 PM on September 4, 2009
posted by longsleeves at 2:27 PM on September 4, 2009
Jon-o: if MeFi was a place, I'd move there and open a shop.
mediareport: Amen. I call dibs on the first used bookstore.
I'll hang up a shingle too --- MetaMassages for everyone!
posted by headnsouth at 3:30 PM on September 4, 2009
mediareport: Amen. I call dibs on the first used bookstore.
I'll hang up a shingle too --- MetaMassages for everyone!
posted by headnsouth at 3:30 PM on September 4, 2009
Can a "thank you callout" be a "thankout"?
I know it's a namespace collision with meetup jargon, but I've always thought of these as "shoutouts".
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:28 PM on September 4, 2009
I know it's a namespace collision with meetup jargon, but I've always thought of these as "shoutouts".
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:28 PM on September 4, 2009
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posted by spaltavian at 1:54 PM on September 3, 2009