February 2007 LXOM fnkychkn

**DMAG** · 02-01-2007, 08:23 AM

Written by fnkychkn

How can I possibly thank all of you for this great honour?

I knew someday not finishing high school was going to come back and bite me in the a$$. Creative writing is tough. Well, here goes…

The story of fnkychkn
A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…………sorry, wrong story.

Let’s see, born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1960 (that’s right, I’m no spring chkn). Second oldest of four kids (and best looking of the bunch, I might add). Went to French grade school and English high school (last two years spent mostly in a pool hall).

I started pumping gas for a friend’s corner garage in 1977. I registered as an apprentice in 1978 and started on my way to the most thankless career I could think of. Although we specialized in Volkswagen and Toyota repairs, for the next five years I learned how to fix pretty much anything that came through our shop, including lawn mowers and washing machines.

When I got my mechanic’s license in 1982, I was ready to move on to bigger and better things. So in 1983, I got hired by a local AMC/Jeep/Renault dealer and I was on my way to riches beyond my imagination. Yeah, right. My first taste of the flat rate system was somewhat of a rude awakening. Let’s just say I learned how to work faster and smarter. Pretty soon, I found I had a strong tendency towards drivability and electrical problems.

In 1986, Widow Hen (Mrs. chkn) and I got married in Las Vegas and began the wonderful journey that has lasted over twenty years. In 1988, Egghead Jr. (my son) was born and life as I knew it, ended. Who would have thought offspring could be so much fun, not to mention time-consuming and expensive?

When Chrysler bought out Renault’s controlling interests in AMC Jeep in 1987, we started seeing more and more Chrysler product. Although my father had been driving Chryslers for as long as I could remember, I had no preference of make.

In 1991, I changed dealerships to the one I am presently employed by. In 1994, I started doing all the transmission work. This lasted for seven years. Back then, there was plenty to keep me busy. I still did all the drivability and electrical diagnosis that the other guys had trouble with. After complaining of back pain for three years, they finally hired a transmission tech and I went back to doing what I enjoyed on a full-time basis.

In November 2003, a Chrysler bigwig happened to stop by our dealership with his pre-production magnesium 300C. He parked it in the shop for everyone to ogle. While everyone was checking out the hemi under the hood, I decided to check out the inside. Sitting in the driver’s seat, what do I see? The silly goose had left the key in the ignition. So I asked them to close the hood for a minute so I could check out forward visibility to the edge of the fenders. As soon as the hood was closed, I locked the doors, fired it up and proceeded to back out of the shop. I turned up the radio so I couldn’t hear them yelling. I couldn’t believe how smooth it was. The ride, the brakes, the acceleration, the shifting (yes, I like the way it shifts stock), made this the smoothest car I’d ever driven. Needless to say I had to test out the ESP. I was suitably impressed at how it kept the a$$ end from passing me, even on snow-covered roads. When I got back 45 minutes later, the Chrysler bigwig and the owner were waiting for me in the shop, apparently late for a lunch meeting. The owner was none too pleased, but the Chrysler dude, after seeing the big grin on my face, understood perfectly. As I got out of the car and handed him the keys, I said “I’m gonna own one of these some day.”

Late November 2004, Mrs. chkn’s car got crunched by an inexperienced driver’s Toyota. With her car out of commission for nearly a month, we rented an inferno red SXT Magnum. Mrs. chkn was apprehensive about driving a new RWD car with no snow tires in winter, so she chose to drive my mule while I drove the Magnum. It didn’t take very long ‘til I was in love with the car. I didn’t want to give it back.

Around Christmas 2004, I started looking for info and pics of the yet-to-be-unveiled Charger. This brought me to Allpar, where I found a tremendous amount of information. Having never been on an online forum, I didn’t know what to expect. I started reading a few threads about people having trouble with their cars and thought, “I know how to fix that.” Soon I was registered and posting. Needless to say, most of my posts were replies to help wanted threads. After six months and 1000 posts, I fell prey to the evil side of online forums, the flame war. I couldn’t believe how worked up I got arguing with my monitor screen. Next day I decided it was time for a change, and followed a link to LXforums. I haven’t looked back since. From day one, I’ve felt welcome and knew this was the place for me. You guys are the most giving, unselfish bunch I’ve ever had the pleasure to share experiences with.

Although I know you’re breaking the rules in order to recognize me, I feel I’ve ducked you long enough and will graciously accept this tremendous honour.

I would also like to take this time to give special thanks to DMAG, all the admins and moderators. Without your efforts and sense of fair play, this place wouldn’t be nearly as much fun. Keep up the great work guys!

And now, for your viewing pleasure, I’d like to show you some of my favorite pics.

Mrs. chkn & I at lake Mead, 20 years ago.

Egghead jr.'s high school graduation. pic taken by the proudest papa ever.

Egghead jr. & I. move-in day at university.

My pets:
Daisy the wonder dog...

& Cleo the trained attack cat.

My first meet & greet with NorthernRider.

My first LXforums swag.

My happy place.

What i do to relax.

November fishing in lake Ontario.

and last but not least, what i could have been, had i stayed in school.

if you are reading this last sentence, i thank you for staying awake.

**DMAG** · 02-01-2007, 08:24 AM

Congrats to an absolute asset to this website! Pete, you are the man!!!

**FloridaRT** · 02-01-2007, 08:32 AM

Well done, sorry I missed you in Orlando...............my loss.

Bob

**Token** · 02-01-2007, 08:39 AM

Well it's about bloody time. j/k

CONGRATS PETE!!!!!

You have certainly earned it my friend.

Your contribution to this communty goes far beyond your technical knowledge.

The kindness and respect for everyone comes through in all of your posts, from the most technical to the funnies.

I've even worked hard to keep the fnkyfunny thread alive.

Enjoy this little token (no pun intended) and as I've said many times in the past...

oh and a

too

**06SilverSteel** · 02-01-2007, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by fnkychkn

I started pumping gas for a friend’s corner garage in 1977.

Wow, we have something in common.....that's the year I was born!!

LOL....j/k happy for ya man, you do deserve this honor for all the help you provide to the people on this board!!!!

**CANDYAPPLE** · 02-01-2007, 08:56 AM

Way to go Pete!!!!!!!!!!! Well deserved. It only took an act of Congress!!!

Cheers CANDYAPPLE

**PHANTZM** · 02-01-2007, 09:06 AM

CONGRATS !!

You've helped many, and will help many more. I'm glad they made the rule change to give recognition where true recognition is due.

~Sui

**XKWIZIT** · 02-01-2007, 09:07 AM

WOW!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Pete and thanks for all your hard work in posting the informative threads that everyone reads.....!!!
Once again, I am proud to be a Canadian, just knowing that there is a man like you out there helping others, without a second thought.
All the best to you and your wonderful family.... they should be so proud of you! We all are!

(the Chicken is now in the Forum!)

**monty1269** · 02-01-2007, 09:20 AM

A well deserved congrats!! Since I missed you in Orlando, doing a bit of "relaxing" myself, I look forward to meeting you at the S.E. Shindig!!

**fullofit_** · 02-01-2007, 09:25 AM

congrats Pete,
all the best,
now advise on
full

**Fondy** · 02-01-2007, 09:26 AM

PETE Congratz on the LXOM you earned it. to bad you only get 28 days to enjoy it. Keep doin what you do, we enjoy every min of it.

catch ya in chat some time.

Matt