I have told a couple of people and some of us have even talked about this guy around the campfire but when he first came on STF I had my doubts, really did. Thought we might have another problem child on our hands but wow I am proud that Lotrat has hung around because the guy has definitely helped out our forum in more ways than one.
So without further ado let’s look at where he started and what he has done.
This is where he started, cutting this upLotrat wrote:Well, I've been in stalker mode for long enough I guess... My secrete identity is Anthony, doh... Live in North County San Diego and started my first baja project a few months ago. Most of my build is used parts from some of the good folks here, so I don't trust the car one bit. Just kidding, but not really. Made it to 38, married my high school sweetheart, and have 3 kids. I had two bugs back in my college days. A 74 super and a 69 std. Gave them up for motor cycles and V8's. Moved from Chicago to SD 12 years ago and have been doing the Jeep thing for too long. Broke and bored, I decided to get another VW to work on. A buddy of mine has 2 baja's, a rail, and 2 bugs (in his stinking garage with all his other toys) and talked me into building a baja. I ran across the "How to build a baja in a day" web page and it's been his running joke ever since. A day is up to 4 months now. I had a great time looking for a donor, looking for parts, and trying to figure out how to piece this thing together. Met alot of cool people along the way. I'm down to front tires and an aircleaner on my mostly stock baja. I just sold my stock hood for $80 bucks so I got some spending money!
And after a few hours of tinkering, (we wish it only took that long)
And yes Lotrat your life will be better from now on.
Lotrat posted here and he never really committed himself until the Off-Road Forum contest for the first Give away of the serpentine belt. He was all over that contest and I am sure he learned about the forum in the process. But in the end he won the prize.
Then he started his own contest Lotrat's EASY STF ORF Contest Not much of a prize though.
Listed his name in The list of STF off roader names
And then we found out Lotrat is hooked on contests, why? Because he wins all of them. trivia contest...
And asked about the reliability of his baja he said
What percentage would you give it now?Lotrat wrote:I've only had my baja for 6 months. Every time I do some work I find something else that's past due. I was messing with the spring plates today, just trying to soften it up a little and just happened to notice this:
It's not leaking, but it's close. Time for new brake lines on all four corners. I'm the one vote for 25%, though I'm running out of stuff to replace.
He is even sticking up for guys in here, not that they deserve it though.
And another contest comes along, yup he is there Bling give awayLotrat wrote:Forgive him, he has a few screws loose. Or was that castle nuts?...Leatherneck wrote:I'm going to break his neck!motorbreath53 wrote:I'm just happy to be here Rick..... and will happily sport whatever sticker you print.
GO TEAM SAMBA!!!
.......wait.... Go STF!!!!
One thing about Lotrat, he just doesn’t hang around the dirt pile, the guy is in a lot of the other forums helping out where he can and that is highly appreciated by myself and all the STF’rs
And so we had another contest, who do you think was there? OR wheel of bling Ah but couldn’t win. But he helped to keep things interesting to say the least.
Even got him out on his first desert run Lotrat's 1st Desert Run
I know I have said it before but I am impressed with the help Lotrat gives, he knows or maybe thinks he knows how to help somebody out he is there. That is super cool!
Lotrat has one of those Baja’s that does not require a lot of work on, he does some break lines, rear arm work but it just seems to be like the Rabbit just keeps going and going and going.
He did a great “How to” How To Install a Serpentine Belt System which has really helped out a lot.
He was out with his family having a good time and that is what this is all about.
And how did you do on your Christmas list?Lotrat wrote:If Thanksgiving weekend's weather is like this weekend, get ready for pure heaven in the desert.
Here's some pics of my trip this week end with the family.
We got there about 7pm Friday Night. Holmes Camp was empty.
Five in a baja?
Saturday Morning at Holmes Camp.
Mrs. Lotrat threatens to throw one of the kids into the canyon:
Mrs. Lotrat even took the wheel for awhile:
Serpentine Belt held up to the sand. I need to RTV the crank bolt. Once my breather clogged up, oil started spitting out the sand seal:
Holmes camp filled up by the afternoon, so we moved to a quieter spot Saturday night.
The kids took a turn at driving again. Someone took an extremely rare picture of me while my 11 year old was driving.
We had a great week end. The only breakage was the crimp connector on the oil pressure sender wire. The carb won't idle for some odd reason, so time to upgrade!
I still plan on going back on the 28th. Hope to see you guys out there.
And his sense of humor shines through again.Lotrat wrote:A set of front and rear Bilstein Shocks
Roll cage
Suspension seats
5 point seatbelts
Rancho pro comp trans
Rear tires
A carb that works, even a little 34PICT-3 will bring joy to my heart.
And an official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock!
And some more pics, always glad to post these types up.Lotrat wrote:we've seen your cars....lets put a face to it?
Ok, how's this?
Wow, really comes alive.
And the ever popular name that sound/part
I have been through all 155 pages of Lotrat and I can honestly say I am glad he is here. Lotrat, thanks for being part of the Shoptalkfourms Off-Road crew. Really appreciate all you have done and helped out with.Lotrat wrote:Hammer time... what is it?
