Vendor Spotlight: Danchuk Manufacturing

Issue
SEVEN
in this issue >>>
Vendor Spotlight: Danchuk Manufacturing
Somernites Trifive Cruise
Member Show Coverage
Reader Rides
Tech Tip: Powder Coating
A quarterly Newsletter for the members of Trifive.com
quick topic >>>
Frame-Off Restoration
on your 55-57 Chevrolet
Lifting the Body
Vendor Spotlight: Danchuk Manufacturing
The World’s Largest USA Manufacturer of 55-57 Parts!
I consider myself fortunate to live only 30 minutes away from one of the best places on earth:
Danchuk Manufacturing. Without this amazing place, with its incredible history, people and parts,
most of our trifives would not be what they are today. As part of the Tire Tracks Vendor Spotlight
series Otis had set up an interview at Danchuk and I drove the 56’ down for a tour.
Now that you have decided to start a “frame-off” for
your 55-57 Chevy you should decide on how you are
going to remove the body safely. The first thing to
decided on is a safe lifting device.
I had the opportunity to meet with Steve Brown, General Manager of Danchuk, and spend the
morning with him on a tour of the Danchuk facility. I had the chance to ask him many questions
and decided instead of the usual “marketing” type questions I would ask the ones that have always crossed my mind when purchasing trifive parts. I hope you find the questions fun and informative!
Question: Most members know your company and are familiar with the Danchuk name. Your
catalog also tells of your history and some of your manufacturing details and process. Is there
anything special or not printed that you would like to share with the trifive.com members?
Answer: “As you mentioned, our catalog says it all but we always like to stress that we’ve been
doing this for over 35 years, we pride ourselves on our American manufacturing, we’re the largest
in the industry and we ONLY focus our attention on 55-56-57 Chevrolets rather than taxing our
employees with other lines.” (interview continued on next page)
You can use:
 Garage hoist (some shops rent “lift time”)
 Portable gantry crane (rentals around $100)
 Six strong adults as shown here!
 Floor jacks and wood supports
What ever equipment you use make sure you are
safe and have a friend to help and check loads.
The next issue will talk about stands and rotisseries.
Pictured Above: Tire Tracks Editor Tim Daleo (Daleo56) with Danchuk General Manager Steve Brown.
Vendor Spotlight: Danchuk
(cont.)
Question: Most trifive members have ordered directly through you or have bought your parts through
other suppliers. How many parts do you actually offer for 55-57s?
Answer: “We have a little over 8000 different parts available. Beyond the thousands and thousands of
“hard parts”, which are parts that are original to the vehicles, we have an absolute ton of upgrade and
aftermarket parts available that are custom made for the Trifives.”
Question: You also bring in parts from other vendors like CPP, American Autowire and Be Cool. Do you
work with the vendors for new ideas and parts? Do you interact with other retailers?
Answer: “Absolutely. There are an equal number of times that a vendor will ask us for help or ideas as
us reaching out to them requesting something new or improved. We do interact with other retailers. As
long as we’ve been in the industry and as much as we value all our relationships we try to make a point
of interacting with all in the industry as much as possible whether they are a supplier, customer or dealer.”
Question: Most of us have heard of the California retail location but we are not familiar with the Indiana location you opened four years ago.
Was that location created just to help out with shipping? Is there a retail outlet at that location?
Answer: “Yeah, we started out in Indiana about six years ago actually but didn’t talk much about it until we were sure we had it wired. We
opened the facility as a shipping hub to give better service and support to our customers. Once we had it running smooth we opened a counter for
walk-ins and we even have them answer phones from 7:00-10:00 EST to help expand our hours of operation.”
Question: You are an active sponsor of www.trifive.com and even have an area dedicated to Danchuk forum posts. Do you have employees that
are active on the trifive.com web site?
Answer: “We have a number of employees that monitor it as much as possible and jump in with responses when needed. As you can imagine it is
a full time job to monitor all of the chat forums that we come up in so we do our best.”
Pictured Above: 57’ Chevrolet at Danchuk Manufacturing in Santa Ana, California.
Forums: Ask the experts >>>
Q: What size is the pitman arm nut?
A: 1-5/16 for most, some are 1-3/8.
From member Jalepeno on post: Steering box steering arm nut size
Did you know...
...that trifive.com has a Facebook page?
Check it out HERE!
Vendor Spotlight : Danchuk
“We’ll actually have a full set of
American made body stainless
available by the years end!”
Question: Chevrolet made approximately
Answer: “I guess I went into that a bit above
Answer: “I’m glad you brought it up. Since
1.7M cars in 1955, 1.6M cars in 1956 and
but the answer is an absolute yes.
Four
the beginning this has been the gossip and
1.5M in 1957. Although that seems like a lot,
doors aren’t just being used as a cheap way
debate. What about the ’56? What about
we all know that many were crushed and
to enter the hobby, people are finally realiz-
the four doors, etc? The main reason that
destroyed over the years or left to rot in
ing how convenient they are for taking fami-
things were slow for them was that as much
fields and barns. Have you seen the pool
ly and friends for rides or to shows, they are
as you and I know that the ’56 is one of the
drying up over the last few years or have
at least as good looking all around in my
most beautiful cars and would probably be
more been coming out of the woodwork?
opinion and more and more parts are being
my first choice as it has obviously been yours,
produced specific to them so they are becom-
they were real slow to take off on popularity.
ing just as easy to restore. We’ll actually
The ’57 was always the most popular then
have a full set of American made body stain-
the ’55 and then the ’56. Not just Danchuk
less available by the years end!”
but virtually everybody that got in this industry in the early to mid-1970’s were dirt poor
Answer: “Back in the late 80’s and even in
the early 90’s there was rumblings in the
industry about things slowing down due to
the availability of cars left that were salvageable but thanks to many factors it’s only
gotten better. As popular and valuable as
the cars are we see cars being restored nu-
but hard working enthusiasts with a dream.
Question: Ok, now for a little bit more on
Dan and Art were a slight exception since
the parts side of the interview. I have a few
they are tool and die makers and could
56’s and one thing a 56’ owner always wants
afford slightly more complex projects than
to know is why was it left out of the fender,
most but still if a tooling investment didn’t
inner fender and hood repro choice? Is there
have a strong chance of a fairly quick return
anything in the works?
it was just to hard on the budget and survival
of the company. So, as you can imagine we
merous times over the decades. Also, car
were forced to start with the projects that
type popularity has favorably shifted to in-
would be most popular and allow us to con-
clude all styles like four-doors, sedans, 150’s,
tinue to grow and expand. But let’s be clear ;
you name it. And one of the biggest things
-), that was then and this is now. 1956 Chev-
that have really added to our industry is the
rolets, four door cars and all the rest are not
availability of good sheet metal. The days of
only right where they need to be in relation
finding three beat up cars that can be cut up
to popularity but we’ve finally gotten to the
to save one are gone. You can now go back
point that we can justify most projects even
to the barn and resurrect the other two no
if the return on investment will drag out for
problem, we have entire one piece floors,
many years, which it often does. As I men-
hoods, fenders, quarters you name it.”
tioned above, we are in the process of manufacturing 100% in-house all side stainless for
Question: Out of all of the trifives made
all three cars but we are starting with the
about 40% were four doors. Many of us are
1956 and including all the four door stainless
turning to these “crew cabs” as a less expen-
that hasn’t been available since GM did it
sive way to get a second car or into the sport
back in the 50’s!”
for the first time. They all look the same
from the driver seat, right? Are you seeing
an increase in requests for four door parts?
http://www.danchuk.com
Vendor Spotlight : Danchuk
“The beauty of our business is that it’s
not just a product you need it’s a hobby, passion and even an investment ”
Question: What is the difference between
People widely thought that all the metal was
Answer: “Yes, it was a bit of both. We’ve
the Danchuk “Good” and “Best” when pur-
the same and that we were just price goug-
been producing the rubber gasket for dec-
chasing parts? Some parts like the sending
ing on ours. That obviously wasn’t true and
ades and everyone seemed to love it and
unit and rear window seals also are sold in
we found that when we made the import
have no problems but then people started
Good and Best. What is the difference on
metal available it turned out to be a huge
asking about whether rubber impregnated
parts like that?
educational tool for both us and our custom-
cork was better. We did our research based
ers that has helped all of us to achieve what
on those customer questions and determined
we want. Now our customers realize the
that for our application, as GM decided back
difference and can make the choice that
in ’55, rubber impregnated was best. We
works for them, we have over 100 new appli-
offer both in case a customer feels differently
cations available in sheet metal and if a cus-
but the cork gasket is the one we give with a
tomer is dead set on only American metal he
sending unit now.
Answer: “It’s quite simple. For decades we
would only carry what we considered to be
the best part available for a given application. It worked great for many years but as
more competition started to enter the industry the lines started becoming very blurry
and since we can’t be everywhere answering
every question we found that our customers
were becoming more and more confused
can choose from the hundreds of pieces we
have available and then figure out what to
do if any areas are left un-addressed.”
about what their choices were or if there
actually were choices. So now we offer the
same part that we have always offered labeled “Best” and whatever else is available
labeled “Good”.
These are our opinions
based on installing and testing the parts
ourselves. The good parts have been tested
and do work, you may just find that occa-
We do get a lot of feedback from customers.
sionally there is a slight difference in the
The beauty of our business is that it’s not just
appearance like our American chrome versus
a product you need it’s a hobby, passion and
imported or very slightly different metal
even an investment so our customers love to
thicknesses or something.
Question: Speaking of sending units, there
One example in particular was the sheet
has always been mixed thoughts on the gas-
metal battle. For years we only carried sheet
ket. I see that Danchuk now is making a cork
metal that was made in the USA regardless
gasket #195D. Was this in response to your
of whether the import metal was “just as
customers? Do you get a lot of feedback
good”, better or completely unique.
We
from customers and how do you weigh
allowed our American pride and mission
which feedback to act on with parts? How do
statement, if you will, to get in the way of
you collect customer requests and sugges-
taking the best care of our customers and
tions for changes like that?
ourselves.
give us help and suggestions. We attempt to
look into all suggestions, questions or concerns but if I had to answer how we “weigh”
there importance I would say that possible
problems get number one priority, need or
demand get number two and then we do our
best to look into some of the fun but not
critical ideas.
We use the forums, our email system, the
phones through Customer Service, the US
mail etc. to monitor needs and concerns. We
have a full time employee in Quality Control
that his main job is to look into all issues and
http://www.danchuk.com
Vendor Spotlight : Danchuk
“We will continue to make all bumpers.”
Question: You now actually make a replace-
Question: I come down every other week-
Answer: “Finally someone asked! Back in
ment roof panel now for hardtops? What
end for parts and always look at the con-
the very early nineties when we did the dis-
was involved making an actual roof replace-
vertibles while I am there. You have four of
play all the day glow colors like hot pink etc.
ment? Is there actually a market for new
the most beautiful trifives in the museum
were just dying out or perhaps had actually
roofs?
part of your So Cal location. Many people
died but one of the owners was dead set that
saw them on Wheeler Dealers when we saw
it was still the cool thing to do so he won the
the 57 apart for test fitting front end
fight ;-). We’ve been threatening to update
chrome. Do these cars still run and ever get
some of the items and switch to a bright blue
outside?
or something.”
Answer: “Good question. The roof panel is
actually being produced by one of our sheet
metal suppliers and was done mostly out of
necessity for their future needs. They are
making entire bodies so they need to make
everything whether there is a strong restora-
Question: Most members cannot get to the
tion demand or not. It has really been work-
SoCal location but I did see that you have
ing out well for us because that is one of
trailers that go to shows. How many shows
those pieces that the tooling would cost way
do you go to and where is the schedule
too much to justify the project but since it’s
listed?
been made we do have customers that have
a decent hard top with a severely rotted roof
that can now take advantage of it being
available.”
Answer: “Yes, they all run and we attempt to
get them out every couple of years or so for
Question: I do know there is a market for
maintenance and usually a photo shoot or
nice bumpers. The rumor is your bumper line
show appearance.”
up is changing. Some members have been
told the one piece bumper is no longer available. Is that true? If so, what was the rea-
Question: I also see in the 57 demo frame
son?
inside while I am waiting for Joe to get my
Answer: “We attend over 40 shows a year
parts. It is neat to see the original and ex-
between our smaller “West Coast” rig pic-
haust side by side and even a transmission
tured below and our full blown show rig that
split in half but what’s up with the pink?
stays mostly in the mid-west and back east.
Answer: “Bumpers have been a great line for
us and nothing is changing except that we
are going to finish up with the 1956’s since
We post our schedule on our quarterly news-
those are the only one’s left that we don’t
letters and the internet.”
have some control over the quality of. The
1957 one piece front was looking like they
were going to be put on hold for a while
because the company that we had partnered
with to produce them had gone out of business without giving us any notice. Luckily,
the tooling and availability has resurfaced
and we should be just fine. We will continue
to make all bumpers.”
http://www.danchuk.com
Vendor Spotlight: Danchuk
(cont.)
Question: Are there any new Danchuk parts or vendors in the pipeline that you can tell us about?
Answer: “We always seem to have a couple of dozen in the works between new parts, improving products etc., but the most notable upcoming
new parts are the side stainless.”
Question: I bought some parts at your Annual Blem Sale. Can you tell me a
little about how that works? I had heard a rumor you can ask about availability outside of the annual sale. Is that true?
Answer: “Well, the blem sale is the bulk of the flawed products that we
manufacture. We only put them on the sale if there are enough of them to
handle the demand for a respectable amount of time. Back in the beginning
of the annual sale we would put everything out we had and customers were
very dissatisfied if they call 20 minutes into the sale and we were already
out of something, so now we list what we have adequate stock on and also
have others available but not listed. If there is a part number you are hoping for in a flawed and discounted condition just ad a “B” to the front and
ask a representative to check for you.
The way it works is that we start answering phones and California walk-ins
at 7:00 PST sharp and it’s first come first serve. Most people the first day
will get everything they want and then stock will start to run out as the week or weeks drag on.
Yes, that is true. We don’t advertise or remind people very often but anytime throughout the year is you are interested in a Blemished part you
can ask and if available purchase.”
Question: In closing, where do you see the trifive industry going? With over 25,000 members the trifive.com site shows no sign of slowing down.
Where do you see Danchuk’s business going in the next 5-10 years?
Answer: “Trust me when I say that it is not and will not slow down. We’ve been at it over 35 years and I’ve been here for 27 of it and between the
passion and love for these cars and companies like us they will live on forever. Our business will go where the economy and industry allows us as it
always has. It will remain family owned and operated, driven on American pride and stable. The founders and still owners Dan and Art Danchuk
have no desire to drastically change their proven formula so we will keep plugging away.”
I would like to say thank you to Steve Brown and to Danchuk for answering all of my questions, clearing up some rumors and showing me
around their beautiful Southern California facility!
Timothy Daleo, Tire Tracks Editor
Pictured Above: Tire Tracks Editor Tim Daleo (Daleo56) with Danchuk General Manager Steve Brown discussing the 57’ Demo Vehicle at Danchuk.
CRUISE WEEKEND
October 25th-26th-27th!
To All Members of Trifive.com
Last year Julie & I made the cruise to Somerset Ky. for the special Trifive Event. We had a wonderful time; it was like being back in
the fifties, with people setting in lawn chairs on both sides of the street to watch all the classic cars cruise by. I was cruising when a
yellow 32 Ford street rod pulled up on my left side at a streetlight. It was just like in the movie American Graffiti. Of course you cannot race on the main street, (so I think the street rod got to Save Face)

The Friday night block party was great with live music, plenty of vendors, lots of cool cars and lots of food. The cruise the next
morning to the falls was a great deal of fun for those that went and we have photos at the link below. Then on Saturday was the
main show where everyone gathered around the town square to share found memories and show off their cars. We even got to
see Hotrod Joe's Hemi in his 55 Chevy. Later in the day they had a raffle drawing and gave away a Camaro and a beautiful enclosed
trailer. This year's raffle they are giving away a 74 Challenger and an enclosed trailer. We ate dinner a couple of times with other
members of Trifive.com at a great barbeque place and a buffet.
We are excited about going this year again, and look forward to seeing many Trifivers there.
Below is a link to some photos from last Year's Cruise, taken by - HotRodJoe
http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71131
I also have a link to more photos from the Cumberland fall's fun run cruise, taken by - 1PDQ55 Shawn
http://www.trifive.com/forums/album.php?albumid=3182
Here is the Info for this year's Cruise. Hope to see you there.
Otis :)
For more information go to: http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91486
CRUISE WEEKEND
October 25th-26th-27th!
Thursday, October 25th, 7PM-????:
Tune Up Cruise-in at Dairy Queen on US 27 (stoplight #6)
If you live locally or are planning on getting to town early, join as we relax and tell some cruising' tales while enjoying some tasty ice cream! This is
a very relaxing way to kick off the cruisin’ weekend.
Friday, October 26th, Noon-2PM:
Early Bird Meet & Greet/Q97 Live Remote from Danny's Rod Shop!
Announcing a new home for the Friday Meet & Greet! Danny's Rod Shop, approx. 2.5 miles north of Somerset on US 27 will host the Pepsi Meet &
Greet each Friday, Noon-2pm on Cruise weekends! Danny's shop will be open for business during the event and ready to fill your performance
and dress up parts needs. Be sure to come by and see us!
Friday, October 26th, 6PM-10PM:
Rock & Roll Block Party sponsored by Wal-Mart in Downtown Somerset! Bring your classic or hotrod and enjoy this fun for the entire family! Door
prizes, contests, food, live bands and dancing! Over 300 show cars attend this event each month, don't miss it! Feel free to cruise the strip on
Friday night as well! Cruise weekend is just getting started!
Saturday, October 27th, 8:00AM:
Saturday Morning Fun Run at Hardee's South, stoplight #22 on south US 27! Fun Run participants will receive a FREE breakfast before departing.
We will depart at 9:00AM promptly for the October destination...Cumberland Falls State Park! Known as the Niagara of the South, Cumberland
Falls forms a 125 foot wide curtain of water that plunges 60 feet into a gorge below, making it the 2nd largest waterfall in North America. This
breathtaking scenic wonder is nestled in the rolling hills of south central KY and is definitely our most popular Fun Run of the year!
Saturday, October 27th, 1PM:
Entrance Gates Open in Downtown Somerset for the Show & Shine!!! It’s the Big Show!!! Blocks and blocks of show cars and trucks! Stroll thru
the downtown area admiring all the chrome and horsepower, talk to car owners and enjoy the family oriented atmosphere! Don't forget to visit
our official merchandise trailer for the brand new 2012 t-shirts for adults and kids. In the Vendor Alley, you can sample great food, check out vendor displays and shop for new performance and restoration parts. There is plenty to see and do at Somernites Cruise and always a few surprises!
You will enjoy the great cruisin’ tunes all over town too! We offer a Car Corral and a FREE hourly shuttle bus to local shopping centers!
Specialty Area for October is Chevy Tri-fives!!!
Bel-Air's™, Nomad's™, 210 Coupes, wagons and more! We are rolling out the red carpet for 55-56-57 Chevy owners in our popular show-within-ashow specialty area this month! So, shine up that chrome, armor-all the tires and bring those beauties out! What says a cruising’ better than a
sharp Tri-Five Chevy rolling down the boulevard? If you are a member of a Tri-Five Chevy club, we encourage you to use this event as a mini-meet
or group outing. We will gladly park your group together! Let's see all those Tri-Five cruisers!
Due to a scheduling conflict Danchuk will not be able to attend the 2012 October show. They remain the October event sponsor.
2012 Rafflecar and Car Trailer drawings!!!
We just love giving stuff away! So, starting at approx. 6:00PM on the Square in Downtown Somerset it's time to draw out some lucky winners! We
have been selling tickets all year long on that sweet 1974 Dodge Challenger sponsored by Don Marshall dealership located between stoplights 10
and 11. AND on the super Enclosed Car Trailer courtesy of GatorMade Trailers! Drawing for the trailer will be at approx. 6pm and will be closely
followed by the Mustang drawing around 6:30pm. Hopefully you already have
your tickets on both fantastic prizes! If not, get them today! Remember, you do
NOT need to be present to win, don’t worry, we will call you!
Kids Kruze Zone!!!
Kids gotta have fun too right??? Located right in the heart of the Somernites Show
& Shine is the Kids Kruze. Zone with fun inflatables sure to put a smile on the faces
of the entire family! This area is monitored and safe. Inflatables provided by Jumping Jacks. Wristbands for unlimited play time are $6. Individual tickets are $1 each.
You will find the Kids Kruze Zone at Judicial Center Plaza.
Member Car Shows >>>
2012 Northwest Classic Chevy Club Car Show
“Here a few shots from the Northwest Classic Chevy Club's 13th Annual 1955-56-57 Chevy Show in August. This was another awesome one day show
with 176 Trifives registered. There were a lot of beautiful cars, trucks and Corvettes. The Triple XXX Drive In is covered floor to ceiling with automobile
memorabilia...interesting place. Fun to browse while drinking a tall frosty Root Beer float!”
Next years show is scheduled for Sunday August 14, 2013.
Wanda
Cliff's Classic Chevrolet, Portland OR
Member car shows >>>
DACC Fall Classic Chevy Show
“The Dallas Area Classic Chevy Club car show had a nice showing of Tri-5's at Reliable Chevrolet in
Richardson, Texas. The weather was wonderful for this time of year in Texas. The club has a DJ that
played 50's music and we had a great time kickin' tires and shootin' bull. This is a non-judged event,
except the Club sponsors pick a favorite. Forty three tri-5's registered and there were so many real
Will Tucker (ChevyWT) driving my 1956 Chevrolet 150 Sedan
in Azusa, California while on a visit to Southern California.
On Location!
I had a chance to meet with Will Tucker for
the evening in September and we had a
nice cars, that I would not want to choose a favorite. Larry from Heritage Insurance, a sponsor of our
club as well as TriFive.com, was nice enough to pick my car as the Heritage Insurance favorite,
thanks Larry. I was always at the wrong place, as I wanted to visit with several Tri-5 members that I
missed completely.”
Don (acardon)
great time talking about our Chevys and
driving around in the 56’s having fun.
If you are going to be in the Los Angeles
area let me know and maybe we can meet!
Have a picture of you at a trifive vendor or a picture of
you car next to something unique? Send us a jpg and we
might just feature it in an upcoming issue.
For more information on DACC check out their website at: http://www.dallasclassicchevy.com/
READER RIDES
In each issue we will showcase pictures of
our trifive.com members rides. If you
would like to see your Chevrolet in the
newsletter please send your pictures to:
READER RIDES
[email protected]
1957 Nomad - joninomader
1955 Bel Air - mickeywestsr
1956 Bel Air - belairv8
1957 Bel Air - 57borntorun
1955 Bel Air - ChevsRUs
1956 Bel Air - belairv8
editors thoughts...
Finding
An
That’s
For the
You
I finally settled
intoAgent
a groove that
balancesRight
work, restoring
56’s and publishing Tire Tracks
once a quarter. I was in twelve shows in three different states this season and met a lot of great
people and quite a few members. I hope next years car show season is even better!
Please feel to contact me at [email protected] for any comments, car show links, future article
requests or suggestions!
We are always looking for coverage for local shows
and event schedules so let us know and we will put
your show dates in a future issue. All we need is a
short paragraph and a few pictures to mention
your show or event in the newsletter!
Tim Daleo - Daleo 56, Tire Tracks Editor
From the Archives
coming soon >>>
In The Next Issue
Vendor Spotlight : Ciadella Interiors
Restoration >>>
Restoration Tech Tip by Tim
Powder coating parts can be a quick and easy way to
make an old part look new again. Instead of buying new
control arms, rims or even a fan pulley, take the part
down to your local powder coater and see what they
would charge to strip and repaint the part. Often times
the price is cheaper than if you painted it yourself.
55-57 Chevrolets had most parts in gloss and semi-gloss
black so no special colors are needed. You can also get
creative with the part colors to match your restoration.
My wife decided she wanted “silver” for her frame so
almost everything including the frame itself was powder
coated silver. It costs us about $500 for the frame alone.
A picture of a 1956 Bel Air Two Door Hardtop and a 1970 Super
Bird at a Hot August Nights cruise that my sister took during our
second time in 2002. Our 56 was in pieces back then but we
always loved the look of the red and white!
An original part that came off of your Chevrolet
will usually fit better and gives you the satisfaction
of knowing the history of the parts on your car.
Courtesy member Daleo56.
A few hints for powder coating:
Each issue we will select an original picture from a

Find a local place if possible with references
member submission that shows a trifive picture

Check for prices before you leave your parts

Ask for samples or to see current jobs

For lower cost, try to choose standard colors

Plan you color scheme ahead of time

Keep your freshly painted parts clean

Drill and grind (if needed) BEFORE painting
from the days of old. Please send your picture and
description to [email protected]
For more information go to
Have fun and make sure you post your progress!