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When you don't have the money for pristine machines.

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panelman

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
When I lived in MD, people loved seeing old cars, regardless of their condition. In DE, it seems like a car has to be a show car for most to like it.

I still bring my cars and enjoy the hobby, but still have 1 kid in HS so I can't paint and chrome everything.

I keep the hobby alive in my family and am the last one. Wish I could do what others do but for me keeping them rolling is already plenty of work for me.

Please don't see me as complaining- it is simply an observation. I still have guys come up to me and tell me they no longer have one at all, so I try to remember that I've also been there as well!
 
#2 · (Edited)
I don't hear any complaints - but almost an apology, which is absolutely unnecessary. There are lots of trends, common practices, styles and themes. But outside of safety and reliability best practices (and DMV regs) there are no rules for which you owe an explanation. There are a very small number of pro builders who might be concerned that a car that is set up next to theirs is "better". All the rest of us need only notice that the one next to us is different. You have many imperatives in your life to manage - make improvements on your panel as time, funds and abilities allow. Enjoy it for what it is, was, and could become - but by all means participate, drive it, meet like minded and like motivated folks who share your passion and who may be someone who can encourage and advise. But never be intimidated. I go to events so I can enjoy the drive there and back, spend time with old friends and make new ones, and look at and be inspired by other cars, and maybe steal an idea or two. You already have everything you need to do the same!
 
#3 ·
55Madman said:
I don't hear any complaints - but almost an apology, which is absolutely unnecessary. There are lots of trends, common practices, styles and themes. But outside of safety and reliability best practices (and DMV regs) there are no rules for which you owe an explanation. There are a very small number of pro builders who might be concerned that a car that is set up next to theirs is "better". All the rest of us need only notice that the one next to us is different. You have many imperatives in your life to manage - make improvements on your panel as time, funds and abilities allow. Enjoy it for what it is, was, and could become - but by all means participate, drive it, meet like minded and like motivated folks who share your passion and who may be someone who can encourage advise. But never be intimidated. I go to events so I can enjoy the drive there and back, spend time with old friends and make new ones, and look at and be inspired by other cars, and maybe steal an idea or two. You already have everything you need to do the same!
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a person has to live within their means. I didn't get my 55 to please anyone but myself and am sure it will get a lot of criticism (maybe behind my back )
 
#6 ·
Churchkey said:
Shiny cars cause stress! Been there - done that many times.
I built my 57 (current junk) as a DD it's in primer & it will stay that way.
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mine's painted but a very "friendly" body---lots of waves :LOL:--if it gets a ding or scratch no biggie. Interior is nice and comfy and will be a great driver.
 
#8 ·
panelman said:
When I lived in MD, people loved seeing old cars, regardless of their condition. In DE, it seems like a car has to be a show car for most to like it.

I still bring my cars and enjoy the hobby, but still have 1 kid in HS so I can't paint and chrome everything.

I keep the hobby alive in my family and am the last one. Wish I could do what others do but for me keeping them rolling is already plenty of work for me.

Please don't see me as complaining- it is simply an observation. I still have guys come up to me and tell me they no longer have one at all, so I try to remember that I've also been there as well!
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The only thing you need to remember is that they are your cars and you are the ONLY one that has to be happy with them, Nobody else's opinions or comments matter.
 
#10 ·
A few years back I was at the Dead Mans Curve show in Mahwah and a guy had on display a rough, Marina blue, 1968 Camaro SS396/375. The story was something along the lines of the car being bought new, street raced, the BBC blown up, and then a radical small block was built that put the car into the 10's. The current owner had just bought it out of a backyard in (I think) Philly where it had sat for many years. That car had so many guys around it at times I almost couldn't get a picture. The funny thing was, just a ways down the row, there were three 1969 Camaro SS396's lined up next to each other, all completely restored right down to the chalk marks on the firewalls and yet not one drew a crowd. I guess the point being, there's certainly a place for a less than perfect hot rod on the show field.
 
#11 ·
I put a 100 miles on my 55 on Saturday. Got it covered in bugs and road grime. Parked it on the street in Delaware City to get a bite at Crabby Dick's. If you want a pristine show car, have at it. They've never appealed to me. I like stuff that looks like it gets used more than a rolling testament to one's wealth.
 
Discussion starter · #12 · (Edited)
Mr. Sinister said:
I put a 100 miles on my 55 on Saturday. Got it covered in bugs and road grime. Parked it on the street in Delaware City to get a bite at Crabby Dick's. If you want a pristine show car, have at it. They've never appealed to me. I like stuff that looks like it gets used more than a rolling testament to one's wealth.
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I wondered where you were going :) I was coming up to the intersection at 72 and Porter Road when I saw you on 72 :)
 
#13 ·
I build my cars to make me happy, not everyone else. I enjoy the run to the show as much or more than the show itself. Del Mar is over 400 miles away, Laughlin is almost 400. I use my cars.
When I'm at a show, I like to chat with old friends, make new ones, talk to people about their car (or mine). I'm happy to answer anyone's questions. Not every spectator stops at my car, but lots of them do. I don't car if they walk by. Maybe they don't like my car, but I don't like their Prius either.
I wouldn't have been doing this stuff for decades if I didn't like it.
I'm looking so forward to the Good Guys show in Scottsdale in November. I'll be there with either my 56 210 or my 66 Chevelle. My son in law will have his 67 Chevelle and for the first time, my 16 year old Grandson will have his 82 El Camino on display. Happy times!
 
#14 ·
I do enjoy and admire seeing the craftsmanship that goes into creating some of these pristine machines. I know I don't have the skills or money to create one - but that isn't what I enjoy about this "hobby" (more like passion). I am now a 67 year old kid that is learning a ton about car restoration (thanks mostly to this site :)). I enjoy every small accomplishment (down to a good flat weld). I know I will have a long list of things that didn't come out perfect and new shiny parts I won't be able to afford, but I will take pride in knowing what was done was done by me. I don't have any issue with those individuals that purchase pristine machines, but I have a great appreciation for those turning wrenches on their own to bring their cars to life - pristine or not.

Art
 
#15 ·
55Madman said:
On my travels it seems the 'seasoned' bikers appreciate the old iron going down the road more than the average traveler.
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Yep, I get waves, nods of the head at redlights, and the two fingers down sign a lot. After I googled what the two fingers down meant, I started doing it to them. It means, for bikes anyway, to keep 2 wheels on the road.
 
#16 ·
Slightly late to the party, but...

If you wanted to snap your fingers and have a really nice panel truck, you could take a road trip to NC and buy this:

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.
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OTOH, if people point at your truck and ask why it doesn't look like the above truck, hand them a card that has a link to your Go Fund Me page that funds further work on your truck. :)
 
#17 ·
#18 ·
panelman said:
When I lived in MD, people loved seeing old cars, regardless of their condition. In DE, it seems like a car has to be a show car for most to like it.

I still bring my cars and enjoy the hobby, but still have 1 kid in HS so I can't paint and chrome everything.

I keep the hobby alive in my family and am the last one. Wish I could do what others do but for me keeping them rolling is already plenty of work for me.

Please don't see me as complaining- it is simply an observation. I still have guys come up to me and tell me they no longer have one at all, so I try to remember that I've also been there as well!
Click to expand...
Not everyone has deep pocket's, I for one look at trailer Queen's, but have more respect for the guy's that build and work on the car's themselves. Mine by no means is a show car, but I have fun driving them. Do not care weather you like it or not.
 
#20 ·
Hey, I have discovered that the only person I have to please is ME! As long as I am happy with my '55, I could care less what other people think or say. Mine is a "work in Progress" and I am happy with it. Besides, I win trophies and some of the "nice" cars don't, so stick your chrome up..........anyways, I like my car!
 
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