I started reading this thinking it was a new thread. Then when I saw where the young man was from I thought "Wow, what a coincidence that there is another unfortunate person in Frazee wiht the same problem as Tyler". Then went further into the thread and saw that it WAS our lost but definitely not forgotten young hero Tyler.
For those who didn't know hiw, I'm told he was one of the best young men one could know. I never got the change to meet him personally, but got to know of him through this board.
May God take special notice of you Tyler, you touched many in a very short amount of time...
Before Tyler's story and the wonderful response from the great people on this forum, I admit I was a little embarrassed to admit that my replica was based on a Fiero - Now I tell folks with pride. RIP Tyler, and Thank you.
It's hard to believe Tyler will have been gone a year next month. I'm just glad he was able to enjoy that car to its fullest potential before he was taken so young. Thank you Tyler for inspiring us to be better people.
When I started to read this forum a month ago or so, accidentaly this topic was alive, and I was strongly hit by all circumstances, situation and response... I told my wife all story immediately, and trust me, its not every day or week we told about any forums stuff... but this time it was STUFF. Great stuff about people here, and their souls.
Cancer is a thief that steals life. Too many good people and more than a few that were close to me were felled by the thief. So hard on the families too as they endure the pain. A cure can not come fast enough. Preserve the memories of Tyler.
This is a reminder to all on this forum, members and surfers both, of why this is a special place. This is the thread that grew into something very meaningful to a lot of lives for a lot of reasons. For those of us around when it began this is a good time to review, re-read and remember. For those who are new this site, this is an excellent time to learn about a great example of a group of people, from almost everywhere, coming together to do the right thing simply, because it was the right thing to do. Where will you be on July 29th?
------------------ 1988 GT Manual Medium Red Metallic Gray Leather
Definately a wonderful thing you guys did for Tyler. Shows there is still compassion in the world. That is hard to see in a lot of folks here in the recent years.
You don't know exactly how much your loved until something like Cancer comes into your life. God bless you all.
------------------ 86 Fiero 2M4 Silver, bought for electric conversion. Currently just fixing all the old stuff
I'm a long way from Minnesota - I'm not even in the USA. I read this story, and the threads which started the project off and carried it through, and it made me feel very humble.
We all think Fieros are special in one way or another. This story showed that Fiero people are special too. The generosity, commitment and dedication of all who got involved in this project is truly astonishing.
In his life, and in his passing, Tyler reminded us of our own humanity - and the joy that the kindness of strangers can bring.
Less than 5 weeks until the 2nd Annual Tyler Shipman Show in Frazee. This is a bump to the top for all those who may not be not be aware and a reminder to those who are. that this is THE thread. Time is not slowing down and you're not getting any younger. You can't put it off any more. It's time to make plans, time to donate if you can, it time to get involved with the legacy. Check out: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/083997.html and https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/084681.html for details of whats happening and how to donate.
As some others have said, it is amazing how the very first post in this thread has changed so many, many lives. Tyler did get to see his wish come true, and then some. Daneele (Tyler's mom) told me on more than one occasion that all the activity and excitement of the build kept Tyler's mind off of his health, and was a kinda therapy in itself.
As for how it touched my life? It was one of the most spontaneous and fulfilling things that I have ever done.
Spontaneous: Yes! Not knowing a single person, hopping on a plane, and hoping that someone stranger that I had never met, actually picked me up at the airport as planned. Then to drive 3 hours to a small town out in the middle of nowhere, not knowing anyone, or even a true plan on what needed done or how. That is about as spontaneous as you get!
Fulfilling: Getting to see a young man happy, smiling and excited, when he had been given the worst news any person could be given, just a few months to live. That "stranger" that picked me up at the airport was DIY_Stu (Stuart). We have become good friends through this, and I am actually flying out to visit him in just a few weeks in Texas.
I have been back to Frazee a total of 3 times now, for each of the Tyler Shipman Memorial car shows. I have such the strong feeling of attending a family reunion when I return. That is the only way I can describe it, I am closer to some of the people I have met there, than I am with some of my own family.
Oh.... another of those "strangers" from the build weekend is 1984WhiteSE (Andrew). We also became friends, and he and his partner are flying down at the end of February to spend a week at my house.
The loss of Tyler was a tragedy beyond words and comprehension. At the same time so much good came from it as well, for so many people. Tyler Shipman, you and your memory live on strong in so many, many people. Bookmark this thread, and check back now and then, do not let it go to the archives......
It is important this Christmas season to focus on and remember the acts of compassion and kindness that others have shown for Tyler and for those less fortunate. Things like this improve one's life and provide an inspiration for living and enjoying a better more joyful life. Be it acts of charity, assistance, simple prayers or kindness; if you give them they will return to you, for what goes around comes around. If you do not give to those in need, you will not receive, if you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven and so forth. The people who helped Tyler are truly blessed and their lives will be enriched by our heavenly father.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
My first time back on the forums in almost 5yrs sense my 86 fastback was taken from me and sold on ebay by an ex-g/f...Grrr. I somehow came across Tyler story. I watched all the youtube vids and read every post in this and all the other threads. Everyone that came together and helped Tyler and his family out are true heros.
Thank you Hulki U. My-BFF and anyone else in the armed forces for your service.
What you guys did for Tyler makes me proud to be a car guy. I cant think of a better example that I have seen in my life of the good that humans are capable of. Spending time, energy and money on a total stranger far away....... If that don't help get you into heaven some day then heaven is a very empty place. Thank you for doing that!!!
5 Years later, remembering Tyler and looking forward to seeing his family and our friends coming up in July.
Looking forward to seeing you and Shannon and the rest of the Frazee family in a few weeks!
Dr. W.
------------------ Is your Fastback GT's trunk seal shot? My Gen IV replacement GT trunk seals with miter double bonded corners are now in production. $95 shipped to the US (contact me for international shipping rates) More info can be found here GT Trunk Seal Project
I've read this story and now confirm that the people on this site are like a huge family. I'm very proud to be a member here. A big thank you to all the people who helped on this project. It's nice to see that there are still good people in this world. Thank you Cliff for PFF. God bless each and every one of you.
I've read this story and now confirm that the people on this site are like a huge family. I'm very proud to be a member here. A big thank you to all the people who helped on this project. It's nice to see that there are still good people in this world. Thank you Cliff for PFF. God bless each and every one of you.
The Best, but the most dysfunctional family you will ever meet. We will argue about things but never not help when help is needed and disserved. And I don't think there was ever a more disserving member than Tyler and his family.
Steve
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't
The Best, but the most dysfunctional family you will ever meet. We will argue about things but never not help when help is needed and disserved. And I don't think there was ever a more disserving member than Tyler and his family.
Steve
When help is needed, indeed, we always step up to the bar. I choose not believe that this is not a dysfunctional group but one with a fervent passion for their car hobby. If this were a Mercedes, BMW, Corvette or Lamborghini forum we would be discussing how the local dealer fixed the car and how the performance shop did some mods. We also might not be concerned about a dying member but we are. Fieros owners are different. We are not an affluent elite group but a down-to-earth group that rolls up their sleeves, does their own work and doesn't mind getting dirty. The creativity, knowledge base, know how and concern for each other is rather amazing in todays day and age. We may debate, disagree, bicker and argue at times but my garage is open to every Fiero forum member at all times and that includes those that have rated me negatively.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
When help is needed, indeed, we always step up to the bar. I choose not believe that this is not a dysfunctional group but one with a fervent passion for their car hobby. If this were a Mercedes, BMW, Corvette or Lamborghini forum we would be discussing how the local dealer fixed the car and how the performance shop did some mods. We also might not be concerned about a dying member but we are. Fieros owners are different. We are not an affluent elite group but a down-to-earth group that rolls up their sleeves, does their own work and doesn't mind getting dirty. The creativity, knowledge base, know how and concern for each other is rather amazing in todays day and age. We may debate, disagree, bicker and argue at times but my garage is open to every Fiero forum member at all times and that includes those that have rated me negatively.
Christmas will soon be upon us .... as I re-read this thread I remember all the goodness that came out of this forum for a very special young man.. Tyler. In these times of happiness and cheers I have special thoughts going out to Daneele, Jay, Carter and Cassie. In my heart many thanks to all my brothers and sisters of the build team. It reminds me that no matter where you are from and personal beliefs ..."The Right Thing" can be done... Please take a minute and lets gets Tylers Rating Bar (2.5fierose) over the 500 mark IN MEMORY OF....
I challenge the complete build team to be there in 2019 for the 10th Annual !!
Regards and Merry Christmas to all from a guy just south of Santa Claus base camp Danyel
I'm kinda shocked at myself for not already giving a + rating.. but it is done now.
Rereading this thread, and associated threads makes me proud to be a part of this community, and saddens me that such a young life can be taken. I have the utmost respect for everyone would participated in this. Y'all are awesome people.
I was browsing the TD&Q section for 3.4 TDC info and saw this thread posted up near the top. I just got sucker punched in the heart seeing it on the first page, as everyone has kept the post alive, and by extension, Tyler's influence on this community.
There are so many people I'm still good friends with because of this build alone... It was a hugely influential part of my life, a major piece of who I am now.
This video was aired seven years ago...
[This message has been edited by Synthesis (edited 12-22-2016).]
In times like these, it is nice to be reminded that there are still good and kind hearted people out there. My hat goes off to all of you that participated in that event. Undoubtedly he changed all your lives, but you made a dream come true for him also. Thank you to everyone.
... RIP to keep this out of archives
