What remains to be done for the coming of the 3B people.

[Forum Master]

Hi Everybody!

As you know, we have recently made a lot of changes to our website.
I know it was long (over 5 month!!!) but it was not easy as I expected. I'm sorry.

We have installed an SSL certificate to obtain an https so the site is more secure. No more insecure links alerts in the address bar, so we now have the lock.

We have upgraded our YaBB forum to SMF to switch from Perl to PHP coding.

Our forum is now "open", meaning that guest can now post without registering to our forum. Also, the registration process is open.
However, to prevent spam, the approval of an administrator is necessary in both case.

Now, we have to move forward to accommodate CJ3B forum people.

We have to decide the name of our new forum. It's currently: "My CJ DJ 3A 3B Willys Community". Do we keep that or change it?

We had discussed reducing and revisiting the categories and boards. Some wanted to adopt the Willys index group, others simply wanted to have 4-5 categories. What do we do?

We will need a new logo as well. It will replace the "simple machine forum" image at the rigth top corner.

We plan to add link in the top of the forum to the CJ3A Page and to the CJ3B website.

It is now time to make your voice heard and to submit your ideas.

[johnrb3b]

Honestly, I don't much care what the name is. This one is pretty descriptive. What more do we need?
Meanwhile
How many forum categories do we need?
Big question.
The Old Willys Forum has one giant bucket for all the Wagon and Truck posts. It grows so fast I can't keep up with it. Most of the posts aren't something I need to follow.
So
I like the division of topics we have here, but do we need to get really complicated and have all those topics under each model - DJ, 3A, 3B? I'm thinking not.
There's so much crossover within the models - the T-90, the D-18, axles, brakes, front seats, steering wheels, on and on.
I'm thinking the only place we need to separate the models is in the Tech Faq Sections. To keep the whole thing from getting out of hand, maybe have the three models divided in each of the six major sections and let the rest of the entire board throw everything together as they aren't so technically specific.
I would hope this wouldn't get too confusing.
Or
We could simply keep the existing structure and ask posters to put the Model Name in the title of the post for easy scanning.
I feel the Old Willys Forum is too simplified but I don't want this forum to get more complicated.
What do you think?

[SteveKfl]

I'm new with a DJ, and IMHO I agree with John.  Complicated enough already, yet readable to keep up with "points of interest".  There hasn't been that much DJ posts before on Derek's site lately, so the DJ can fit in with most but the 4WD and F-head discussions, IMO.  Even with some of those I have "learned things" to apply to mine.  That to me is what helps make Willys Information so interesting, is the "overlaps".  Thanks for a place again to enjoy with my coffee.  SteveK   BTW... can anybody get rid of Dorian for me???  He's making things a little too stressful down here now.  I hope ALL have a SAFE Labor Day weekend!!!

[oldtime]

I'm really the one who's been hoping to have the Willys Group Index implemented.
3 main reasons:
 
1) It was and still remains as the original foremat by Willys Overland, Willys Motors  and Kaiser Jeep Corporation to categorize each and every part or assembly.
Implementing it will never be outdated and those with books at home can very readily reference that same material.

By the way... excepting the Military Technical Manuals; I have every Mechanics Manual, Universal Service Manual, Universal Parts List and Universal Parts Catalog that was ever published including the supplemental publications.
(!945 through 1973)

2) It's mainly an aid towards quick locating for any specific subject matter.
In essence it eliminates need for a  search engine.

3) It is fully effective regardless of your Jeeps model or vintage.
It gets all Jeep owners regardless of Jeep model or year onto the same page.

We could have done it on the 3B forum but sadly it meant going through all old post and having them categorized.

The Willys Group index has evolved and changed over the years but I have thoroughly scanned all years and recreated the Complete Willy Group index in its most complete form.
Also Modifications from standard and or optional could be added to the Willys Group index.

The only downside I see is that it does not cover anything like New Members, General Information (what kind of oil is best etc.) nor does it cover Buy Sell postings, Bantam Trailers, etc.

WILLYS GROUP INDEX

GROUP 10 ENGINE
        10.01  Engine
        10.02  Cylinder Block 
        10.02A Cylinder Head
        10.03  Crankshaft
        10.04  Crankshaft Bearings
        10.05  Connecting Rods and Bearings
        10.06  Pistons and Pins
        10.07  Piston Rings
        10.08  Valves. Valve Guides and Springs
        10.09  Valve Tappets
        10.09A Valve Rocker Arms and Push Rods
        10.10  Valve Spring Cover - Exhaust
        10.10A Rocker Arm Cover - Inlet Valve
        10.11  Camshaft and Timing Gears
        10.12  Gear Cover
        10.13  Oil Pump
        10.14  Oil Pan
        10.15  Oil Float
        10.16  Oil Filler Tube + Level Indicator 
        10.16A Oil Filter
        10.17  Oil Distribution System
        10.18  Crankcase Ventilator System
        10.19  Manifold
        10.21  Flywheel and Ring Gear
        10.22  Flywheel Housing
        10.23  Engine Mounting

GROUP 11  CLUTCH
        11.01  Clutch Assembly
        11.02  Clutch Control Parts
        11.03  Clutch Pedal

GROUP 12  FUEL SYSTEM
        12.01  Fuel Tank
        12.02  Fuel Gauges
        12.03  Fuel Lines
        12.03C Fuel Filter
        12.04  Carburetor
        12.05  Air Cleaner - Oil Bath
        12.05A Air Cleaner - Dry Type
        12.06  Choke Control
        12.07  Throttle Control
        12.08  Accelerator and Linkage
        12.09  Fuel Pump

GROUP 13  EXHAUST SYSTEM
        13.01  Exhaust System
     
GROUP 14  COOLING SYSTEM
        14.01  Radiator
        14.02  Radiator Hose
        14.03  Radiator Guard
        14.04  Water Pump
        14.05  Fan, Fan Pulley and Fan Belt
        14.06  Thermostat
     
GROUP 15  ELECTRICAL
        15.01  Generator
        15.01A Alternator
        15.02  Starting Motor
        15.03  Distributor
        15.04  Voltage Regulator
        15.05  Ignition Coil and Wiring
        15.06  Spark Plugs and Cables
        15.07  Body and Chassis Wiring
        15.08  Sealed Beam Units and Lamps
        15.09  Headlights
        15.09A Parking Lights
        15.09B Tail and Stop Lights
        15.09E Tell-Tale Light
        15.09G Directional Signal Lights
        15.11  Instrument Panel Light
        15.12  Foot Dimmer Switch
        15.12A Lighting Switch
        15.13  Starting Switch
        15.13A Ignition Switch
        15.14  Stop Light Switch
        15.17  Horn and Bracket
        15.17A Horn Button and Wiring
        15.18 Battery Support
        15.18A  Battery Cables
        15.22  Trailer Electrical Units

GROUP 16  INSTRUMENTS
        16.01  Instruments
        16.01  Ammeter
        16.02  Heat Indicator
        16.03A Oil Gauge
        16.04  Speedometer
           
GROUP 17  TRANSMISSION
        17.01  Transmission
        17.02  Main Drive Gear
        17.03  Main Shaft and Gears
        17.04  Reverse Idler Gear
        17.05  Countershaft and Gears
        17.06  Gearshift
        17.07  Remote Control
        17.09  Speedometer Gears 

GROUP 18  TRANSFER CASE
        18.01  Transfer Case Assembly
        18.02  Transfer Case
        18.03  Drive Gear
        18.04  Gears, Shafts and Bearings
        18.05  Idler Gear, Shaft and Bearings
        18.06  Shift Lever
        18.07  Shift Rods
        18.08  Transfer Case Mounting 
       
GROUP 19  PROPELLER SHAFTS
        19.01  Propeller Shafts
        19.02  Universal Joints
   
GROUP 20  FRONT AXLE
        20.01  Front Axle
        20.01A Steering Stabilizer
        20.02  Housing
        20.03  Differential
        20.04  Pinion Bearings
        20.05  Universal Joints
        20.06  Steering Knuckle and Spindle
        20.07  King Pin and Drive Flange
       
GROUP 21  REAR AXLE
        21.01  Rear Axle
        21.02  Housing
        21.03  Differential
        21.04  Pinion Bearings
        21.05  Axle Shafts
     
GROUP 23  STEERING
        23.01  Tie Rod and Bell Crank
        23.01A Steering Connecting Rod
        23.02  Steering Gear Assembly
 
GROUP 24  BRAKE SYSTEMS
        24.01  Hand Brake
        24.02  Wheel Brake - Manual Adjust 
        24.02A Wheel Brake - Self Adjusting   
        24.03  Wheel Brake, Shoes and Linings
        24.04  Brake Mechanism - Manual  Adjust   
        24.04A Brake Mechanism - Self Adjusting   
        24 .05 Cylinder, Wheel  - Single System
        24.05A Cylinder, Wheel  - Split System   
        24 .06 Cylinder, Master - Single System
        24.06A Cylinder, Master - Split System 
        24.07  Brake Tubes - Hydraulic
        24 .07A Brake Tubes - Split System
        24 .08  Pedal - Brake
        24.09  Brake Booster
     
GROUP 25  WHEELS
        25.01  Wheel and Attaching Parts
        25.02  Hubs, Drums and Hub Caps
        25.03  Bearings, Seals + Attaching Parts

GROUP 26  FRAME
        26.01  Frame
        26.03  Pintle Hook
        26.04  Draw Bar

GROUP 27  SPRINGS
        27.01  Front Springs
        27.02  Rear Springs
        27.03  Spring Attaching Parts
        27.04  Shock Absorbers
   
GROUP 28  BUMPERS
        28.01  Bumper Front
        28.03  License Tag Bracket
 
GROUP 29  FENDERS
        29.01  Front Fenders
        29.04  Body Steps
   
GROUP 30  HOOD
        30.01  Hood
   
GROUP 31 BODY
        31.01  Body Assembly
        31.02  Hood Hold-Down Attaching Parts   
        31.03  Windshield
        31.03A  Windshield Wiper
        31.03B  Rear View Mirror ( Outside )
        31.03C  Sun Visor
        31.04  Cowl, Dash + Instrument Panel
        31.06  Body Sides
        31.07 Seats
        31.07A Drivers Seat
        31.07B Front Passenger Seat
        31.07F Rear Passenger Seat
        31.08  Rear Body
        31.09  Floor and Underbody
        31.10  Tailgate
        31.13  Spare Wheel Carrier
        31.14  Plates, Seals and Covers

GROUP 32 TOOLS
        32.01  Tools
        32.02  Tool Box

GROUP 33  PAINT
        33 .01  Paint
   
GROUP 35  SPECIAL EQUIPMENT + ACCESSORIES
        35.02A Power Take-Off - Complete Kit
        35.02B Power Take-Off - Control Unit
        35.02C Power Take-Off - Rear Unit
        35.02D Power Take-Off - Propeller Shaft 
        35.03  Power Take-Off - Pulley Drive
        35.05 Hydraulic Pump and Implement Lift
        35.08  Governor, Belt Driven
        35.11A Body Steps
        35.12  Chaff Screen and Brush Guard
        35.13  Bumper Bar Weight
        35.17  Full Body Top Kit
        35.18  Heater ( Harrison )
        35.21  Heater and Defroster
        35.21A Heater and Defroster - Fresh Air 
        35.23A Reflex Reflector
        35.24  Rear View Mirror ( Inside )
        35.26A Propeller Shaft Guard
        35.27A Starting Crank
        35.29  Fuel Tank Cap - Lock On Type
        35.31  Dual Tail and Stop Lights
        35.33  Spare Wheel Lock
        35.34  Dual Windshield Wiper
        35.35  Fuel Tank Cap - Lock-on Type
        35.40  Fuel Filter
        35.40A Water Filter
        35.43  Spot Light
        35.44  Back-up Light
        35.45A Fog Lights
        35.46  Under Hood Compartment Light
        35.47  Fire Extinguisher
        35.51  Windshield Washer - Automatic
        35.54  Miscellaneous Accessories
        35.56  Insect Screen
        35.59  Directional Signal Lights
        35.86  Enclosure
        35.86A Enclosure, Hinged + Sliding Doors
        35.86B Enclosure, Rear Door
        35.93  Safety Strap
        35.99  Exhaust Emission Control System
        35.100 Roll Bar Kit
        35.102 Roll Bar Padding[/b]

I'd really like to know what all of you think about this possibility.

[Rus Curtis]

As mentioned too much all jumbled and folded together will be unmanageable. 

I don't want to suggest going, "Copy Cat," but the 2A Forum is fairly well organized. 

I agree that relisting every section separately for each model would be overkill.  Many sections already overlap and shouldn't be duplicated.  Some things will be specific to the model and could be highlighted in the title or description of the post, maybe if possible a 2nd title line with instructions for model year, etc. One example could be Engines.

I see a bit of duplication on the "FAQ" and "Tech" usage describing multiple sections.  This may cause confusion on where to post or search.

Typically, I see FAQ being used as a library of "Frequently Asked Questions" where a new member, visitor, or me - 'cause I can't remember, can go and search for an answer before asking about something for the 10th or 20th time. I saw a "Sticky" by FBill on this.  If there's just one FAQ section then all the "already covered" info could be there. 


Tech is broad and can cover a large scope.  Within it can be specific sections i.e. axles, body etc. 

Just an example:

Technical Knowledge
General
Modifications
From the Factory
Specifics
   Body/Trim
   Chassis, Brakes, etc
   Electrical
   Engine
   Gears
   etc.

I noticed posts under "Everything Else" could fit in most of the other sections and could maybe be incorporated into "General."


I have tried to post using the Group Index System but without a comprehensive list, like what's posted above, and without a Parts Manual, its cumbersome.  Many don't know what to use and sometimes use different names for the same part - making it challenging to even categorize.  And as mentioned, a big task to go back through old posts.


Projects could be separated into models like it is now.

The rest seems pretty good.

Is it possible to approach this with changes along the way ( a refinement from time to time, if you will) as we all get more comfortable?

[athawk11]

In my view, the index as described would sterilize the social aspect of a discussion forum.  I personally prefer the Tech and Specs conversations too, but there has to be a balance.  Sharing our experiences, tips, tricks, projects and adventures keeps a forum interesting and fun to visit.  If we don't include this aspect in our forum, it will surely die a lonely death.  Simply stated, if we only offer broccoli for sustenance, people will go somewhere else for desert...and may not come back.

I have never liked the multiple category FAQs.  These can all be combined into one big FAQ board...as long as the search feature works well.

We can combine. Buy/Sell/Trade into one board that includes all exchanges.

I like the individual Projects boards.  It gives everyone a real, labeled place to show their specific Flat Fender.  It was my way of not minimizing any particular version that might otherwise get treated
like a red headed step child.

We can have one board for Events. New, past, small, big...it shouldn't matter.

[Forum Master]

The new software give us other option as well.

1- We can create different membergroup with different viewing permissions. Ex: a member in cj3a group would see only CJ3A board related.  But i don’t see this as a great solution.

2- Everyone can minimize the category section they don’t want to see.

3- We can create a new forum within the existing forum.

We have 9 category with more than 30 boards right now.

Remember that a category is a group of boards. It’s possible to have one level of child board under a board.

Ex:  Category 1
              Board 1
              Board 2
                  Child board 1
              Board 3
       Category 2
              Board 4
...

[aboyandhisdog]

I've gotta say, Pascal, I am liking the way it is set up now.  I guess it would be nice to streamline things a bit to make it more clear as to where to post topics as there does seem to be a fair amount of duplication.  But that said, I think you have done a stellar job here.  The "child board" thing makes no sense to me at all.

[Rus Curtis]

The new software give us other option as well.

My opinions:
1.  While simplifying for sure, I also feel not a good solution.  I learn a lot from others and you never know where that information will come from (this is THE main reason I have registered with the 2A Forum, the 3A Forum and the G503 Forum too).  Also, what if a there's a question posed to DJ owners but a 3B reader has the answer?  It may not be seen.  I like seeing all the posts.

2. Could be an option to streamline for the user but again, one might minimize a category that would be helpful and would have to remember to go back and review.

3. Hmm.  Interesting.

The Child board I believe is what I was describing above - and displayed in Pascal's post.

The "child board" thing makes no sense to me at all.

If I understand it, it's just a sub category within a category.  Similar to what I posted as a suggestion.   There is already a Child category on display (see:  "Your 3A Project" and note underneath is the "Modified" board).  My confusion is can the Admins rename it to make sense or will it always be displayed as "Child"?

[oldtime]

I think the CHILD is merely another subdivision and that may be very useful under certain BOARDS which are merely subdivisions of CATEGORIES.
Different forums use different names to describe the various subdivisions.
In other words this Forum calls it a CATEGORY while another Forums may call it a TOPIC.

Pascal.... I really like the name "Willys Community"
The CJ DJ 3A and 3B designators can always be upgraded to include other Jeep models if need be.

How about we just start making a few slow changes to the board that are rather basic.
Changes that virtually everyone will or can agree upon.
 
We could feasibly vote on each and every board change for those who like to have input.
A Democracy By and For the Willys Community  members .

I not familiar with voting on this new forum but....
Here's a voting example   ....

Proposed changes coming to the existing  "Classifieds Section".
Here I propose we join all current classifieds into a single category with no subdivisions.

Jeep BUY/SELL related posts

These postings  will automatically be deleted after 4 weeks of dormancy.

Please vote yes or no.

[Forum Master]

Thank for those feedbacks.

I will work on the categories and boards tomorrow.

Derek made this logo:



Slide it to see it full length.

What do you think?

[johnrb3b]

I like it.
Make it so.

[Rus Curtis]

Very cool!!

[Bob W]

I like the header illustration!!! I'm in agreement with Russ Curtis and athawk11 on the format of the boards. Thanks to everyone involved for all your time working on this project!!!

[Forum Master]

The logo is now at the top of the forum, in the header part.

It work only there, if we try to put it somewhere else then the resize ratio get screwd.

If you click on the 3A on the left then you will be redirected to the cj3apage website.

If you click on the 3B on the right  then you will be redirected to the cj3B website.