I say something like "hey man, let's walk over and check out your car."
That is usually followed by the deer in the headlights look, and well... um...uh...well
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Unpopular opinion. I'm so frustrated I hate car shows/cruises.
- Thread starter HankRearden
- Start date
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I say something like "hey man, let's walk over and check out your car."
That is usually followed by the deer in the headlights look, and well... um...uh...well
Just the modern way of "bench racing". Never cared for it. When I was younger, we'd just go out of town and see whose car was the fastest. No BS involved. Seen too much BS in horse power numbers in my little world. A 1968 396 Chevelle 4 speed that ran in the 16's, a 1970 375 hp LT1 that was a dog, a mid 70 Trans Am. I also got a healthy respect for guys that just had fast cars and never bragged. They didn't know how much horse power their engine made. Usually they had to be challenged and would accomodate the challenger. No money involved. Those are the stories I still remember today, decades later, some of them I can still see their faces. Yes, I have stories about my car, the 273, 4 speed early Barracuda.
I have only entered a "professionally judged" show once. It was a regional Mustang and Ford event, I put my 84 Mustang GT350 convertible in the modified class, and it took first place. I have won a few first and second place plaques or trophies with my 1970 Dart in the first few years after I finished it, and one for Best Pontiac with my 76 Ventura about 8 years ago, the last time I entered any show.
Any shows that are put on by clubs should not have any member's cars eligible for awards. When I was in a club several years ago that was always the rule, but some clubs don't seem to realize how much credibility they lose by allowing their own members to win awards.
Mainly I just got tired of hanging around all day in the heat, seeing so many of the same cars every time. I am sure that it is probably different in a place where the population is much larger than where we live now, only around 100,000 people here, but 2 hours north where my brother lives is well over 2 million people. I have been to a couple of cruise nights there, but it isn't easy to get there on a Wednesday or Friday after work.
Any shows that are put on by clubs should not have any member's cars eligible for awards. When I was in a club several years ago that was always the rule, but some clubs don't seem to realize how much credibility they lose by allowing their own members to win awards.
Mainly I just got tired of hanging around all day in the heat, seeing so many of the same cars every time. I am sure that it is probably different in a place where the population is much larger than where we live now, only around 100,000 people here, but 2 hours north where my brother lives is well over 2 million people. I have been to a couple of cruise nights there, but it isn't easy to get there on a Wednesday or Friday after work.
Johnny Dart
Well-Known Member
Maybe its because you have piss poor attitude. Maybe go to a show with a better attitude, or outlook ? Christ, you called someone "geriatric" when he was fighting for his life on the ground. WTF ? You complain about the people, you make fun of the people, you complain about the music, you complain about the cars, you complain about how fast they drive. Maybe this just isn't for you ? And you certainly aren't doing your son any favors with this attitude. Next time you go to a show, try being a little nicer. lower your expectations, and leave hate at the door. It just might work for you.
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68gtxman
I used to reMember
We do a few shows each year. I let kids sit in the cars and they get so excited, it’s fun to watch them enjoy the cars. We always leave before trophy time, because we do it for us - not a piece of plastic. I enjoy talking to car guys, but only if they know what they’re talking about.
Life is funny. People are funny. All of us and all of it.
When I was a kid I looked up to the "old" people that I knew had knowledge and life experiences I did not have. But........when I really a really YOUNG kid,
I wondered why the "older" ones wore funny looking old clothes usually. If I was young enough I asked why. Usually they said "because those clothes are still good and usable. New clothes cost money! New clothes look stupid. " Then I said," Mom would tell you that you need a haircut and new clothes." Then they asked IF I needed my ears boxed. Then I said "You smell old." Thump!
Today at my advanced age of 75, I still see alot of what was my mentality with people that are 40 that remind me of ME at age 7!
Want a car shw trophy, buy Chevy!!????
When I was a kid I looked up to the "old" people that I knew had knowledge and life experiences I did not have. But........when I really a really YOUNG kid,
I wondered why the "older" ones wore funny looking old clothes usually. If I was young enough I asked why. Usually they said "because those clothes are still good and usable. New clothes cost money! New clothes look stupid. " Then I said," Mom would tell you that you need a haircut and new clothes." Then they asked IF I needed my ears boxed. Then I said "You smell old." Thump!
Today at my advanced age of 75, I still see alot of what was my mentality with people that are 40 that remind me of ME at age 7!
Want a car shw trophy, buy Chevy!!????
You know, all of your points is the main reason I tried so hard to keep my first-born granddaughter interested in My 67 Notch. I even promised to give it to her when she graduated high school. I dreamed that she would come pick up my old *** and drive me to cruise-ins and other events. Dreams don't all come true. She can't get her 3 car seats in that car.
You never know if those old farts you speak of actually built the car or bought it as is with a portion of their retirement funds.
I will add God bless them for finding a way to get out of the house and to somewhere besides a doctors office or the Walmart, and back home again without incident. My parents are in early 90s. Mom don't drive. Dad does when he has to but he's not good at it. Consider this, how many have knocked the passenger's side mirror off their Lincoln Towncar at the banks drive through? Yeah he did that. No guessing how many mailboxes he has damaged.
As for me and my car... I'm not allowed to drive due to the medications I'm on. The notch hasn't been moved since before the covid. I would enjoy a gathering with a crowd my own age somewhere besides a funeral.
I end with this thought; I'll pray you live long enough and healthy enough to fit in with the crowd there someday.
All I can say is try another show or cruise. I'd say there are others like you that feel the same way. There has never been a time when it was easier to organize a cruise, so do it yourself. Advertise a cruise, state your intentions and what you hope to see happen at the event.
I am super fortunate that the postCovid car culture in my area has exploded and there's lots to do. People around here are very welcoming of me in my Duster and my son in his truck. Don’t give up! Your people are out there somewhere!
Cley
I am super fortunate that the postCovid car culture in my area has exploded and there's lots to do. People around here are very welcoming of me in my Duster and my son in his truck. Don’t give up! Your people are out there somewhere!
Cley
Dartswinger70
Well-Known Member
You really have to go "for love of the cars " and not get turned off by people, people will always disappoint. If I had a nickel for every know nothing know it all who tried to talk and bench race who didn't know I wrenched for a living and was debunking every word they said in my head Id be retired early...the real phonies force their opinions in conversation and don't let you get a word in edge wise, not that they'd listen anyway. Yeah I move on from those guys politely with "thanks have a nice day..." its my escape LOL! I will add to the Pa guys, Maple Grove is still open show up at test and tune when ya can don't have to run if you don't want to but come out help keep the track going...
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You only have to go to RRR's "heartbreaker" thread to see why a lot don't drive them much, or at all. Idiots staring at their phones, usual distractions, people that seem more careless/inattentive because "newer cars are so much safer", etc...
Went to shows in SW PA in the later '80's & thru' the '90's, a few out of state, there seemed to be more variety & more laid back.
I have friends who did the Show-Comp thing & won, but it's not My bag to put up a tent & chairs, My core group went to scope out & line up competition for the street racing later.....overall it was a great time, but the "DooWop only" stuff was getting old back then, I get it...it was the music of the original Hotrodding/Cruising era....but it was "New & Fresh" at the time, the music of the Youth, not their Great Grandparents music!!!!! By all means keep it, but mix it up for crying out loud..
Went to shows in SW PA in the later '80's & thru' the '90's, a few out of state, there seemed to be more variety & more laid back.
I have friends who did the Show-Comp thing & won, but it's not My bag to put up a tent & chairs, My core group went to scope out & line up competition for the street racing later.....overall it was a great time, but the "DooWop only" stuff was getting old back then, I get it...it was the music of the original Hotrodding/Cruising era....but it was "New & Fresh" at the time, the music of the Youth, not their Great Grandparents music!!!!! By all means keep it, but mix it up for crying out loud..
diymirage
HP@idle > hondaHP@redline
Only car shows I go to is when I drive my duster to wherever I'm going and it gets parked there
Usually the people that flock to it are much more amiable then what you would find at a organized show
Usually the people that flock to it are much more amiable then what you would find at a organized show
Hank, I had to think a bit before I wanted to address your specific statement that you posted. I get where your coming from and I really think that the older gents are a group of been there and done that in and with there cars for an amount of time up to and possibly longer than 20-25 years. Their older age has reduced vigor and less willingness to hear anything outside of their established knowledge base. They’re getting into their twilight years and have more pressing issues on their mind that other of only their age can contend with. Hence the topics of health and such.
I’m 11 years older than you and can easily say we could talk a bunch on MoPars alone but!!!! Things like health care (because I’m retired) and weaning wealth, become more so important in retirement and beyond years than the latest cylinder head, engine build and dyno test.
Look at it this way. How much in common do you have with a 22-25 snot nose console game playing kid that has no care or concern that you have or will for for 2 decades to come?
When I was 22-28, attending cars shows and meets, the older guys never minded answering questions. But conversations were limited. Friendly they were, 100%! Just not a lot in common besides the cars.
The older gents are going away. They’re baby boomers and the last of the silent generation (after the greatest generation) that are leaving the earth. There numbers are dropping fast & accelerating.
Being born in ‘66, technically a Gen X’er, we still have time, so stop on in on us and have a chat. Don’t mind some of the old man talk a few of us have.
I was trying to be nice about it, but you kinda nailed it. lol
I had another response all typed out, but I said feck it and erased it. LOL
mopar head
Well-Known Member
Yep, their is an older guy that comes to our cruise in, that has to be in his early 80`s.
Gets around fine without any aids, still sharp as a tac, has quite a collection, one is a early 30`s 4 dr. Packard. Man what a beautiful huge car. He recently found out his Allstate "picture henry J" was the only one on the road in the nation, bone stock, said he was heading up to Buffalo in it, from Va.
How cool is that! Rock on Olé boy.
Be pleasant to the old guys, you never know, they may have no family and choose you as the next care taker of their car at a great discount. In your end days it might not be all about the money, you won`t be alive to spend it any way. You`ll want them to go to a person you like and know they have the passion to take care of it.
Gets around fine without any aids, still sharp as a tac, has quite a collection, one is a early 30`s 4 dr. Packard. Man what a beautiful huge car. He recently found out his Allstate "picture henry J" was the only one on the road in the nation, bone stock, said he was heading up to Buffalo in it, from Va.
How cool is that! Rock on Olé boy.
Be pleasant to the old guys, you never know, they may have no family and choose you as the next care taker of their car at a great discount. In your end days it might not be all about the money, you won`t be alive to spend it any way. You`ll want them to go to a person you like and know they have the passion to take care of it.
Dartswinger70
Well-Known Member
I have an "Old guy story" I was at test and tune with my Fox Body 86 Mustang 5.0 convertible basically totally stock. In stock form its a high 14 or 15 sec car but I was having fun with it. In the staging lanes I get to talking with a white haired guy in his 70s he's like "is that an 85...?" I'm like "no 86,looks the same but first year for Fuel Injection, I wouldn't mind an 85 though they had 10 more HO with the 4 barrel..." anyway he's in a newer vette. We line up at the tree and I launch my car start shifting gears and we are neck and neck till mid track and the "old man " just dusts me and is gone.. i think he did a 13 second pass. I though what the hell an old man with an automatic in a vette cleaned my clock...
This topic has me wanting to search the film American Graffiti and watch it again. We didn't go to cruise-ins and park. We cruised up and down Main Street as long and late as fuel and/or parents would allow.
Did yall know Henry Ford didn't want people to have a love affair with the automobile. He expected them all to look and drive exactly the same. Just an appliance, more like a toaster than a horse. That's not what happened. In early 1900s there were about 200 different car brands. Nearly everyone who produced anything took a shot at automobiles. Alas, the majority failed or were bought out by the big three automakers.
With the coming of electric cars and so many domestic and imports looking all the same, plus the dying of NASCAR, etc.., I can foresee the vehicle becoming just another appliance.
Did yall know Henry Ford didn't want people to have a love affair with the automobile. He expected them all to look and drive exactly the same. Just an appliance, more like a toaster than a horse. That's not what happened. In early 1900s there were about 200 different car brands. Nearly everyone who produced anything took a shot at automobiles. Alas, the majority failed or were bought out by the big three automakers.
With the coming of electric cars and so many domestic and imports looking all the same, plus the dying of NASCAR, etc.., I can foresee the vehicle becoming just another appliance.
Dartswinger70
Well-Known Member
Yes at one time it was part of your identity "John Milner the guy in the Piss yellow deuce coupe, Bob Falfa in the bad as "55" etc. people knew it was you driving down the street because they knew your car.
I love car events but there are parts of them that are SO overdone.
The stupid stuffed dolls people put out next to their cars are one thing. Crying babies leaning on a fender are the worst. What the heck are those supposed to be, anyway?
I do like the big stuffed Road Runner dolls though. They are clearly representative of the cartoon association with the Plymouth Road Runner car.
I do like to see photo albums of the car during restoration.
The easel with storyboards are fine if the information is correct. 500 HP stock 340? Uhh, no.
At the higher end shows, some dudes put out the polished gas can with an oil can too. What is the purpose of this? Might as well put out tools, a floor jack and jack stand, hand cleaner, Band-Aids, empty beer cans, an old pizza carton.....
The stupid stuffed dolls people put out next to their cars are one thing. Crying babies leaning on a fender are the worst. What the heck are those supposed to be, anyway?
I do like the big stuffed Road Runner dolls though. They are clearly representative of the cartoon association with the Plymouth Road Runner car.
I do like to see photo albums of the car during restoration.
The easel with storyboards are fine if the information is correct. 500 HP stock 340? Uhh, no.
At the higher end shows, some dudes put out the polished gas can with an oil can too. What is the purpose of this? Might as well put out tools, a floor jack and jack stand, hand cleaner, Band-Aids, empty beer cans, an old pizza carton.....
abodyjoe
Well-Known Member
the big road runner doll is just as stupid and over done as the other dolls you are talking about
Dartswinger70
Well-Known Member
My wife's uncle is 85 I'm helping him with his 49 Plymouth. Age is getting to him he wants to do it though, hell put the car up on stands and crawl around under it I'm like " take it easy man..." he don't wanna hear it LOL! He did say "I wanna do some car shows, I'm 85 don't have many seasons left..." I just nodded its strange when people know their days are numbered. The thing is I know how he feels he's a car guy whether he's old or not he lives it and loves it.
This is your opinion and from what I read from you, I don't like much of what you post anyway.
Crying dolls have zero association with classic cars. 30" stuffed figures leaning against a bumper or fender? WTF ??
The Road Runner bird was in new car showrooms as a promotional gimmick for the car. It HAS a valid connection to these cars.
Like it or not, it is a legitimate part of the history of these cars.
I just walk away when I run into that
well, last time I looked in the mirror I’m one of those gray haired guys. Hopefully you are not complaining in front your kid. That’s a quick way to lose him to other, mote unsavory hobbies. I have to agree. Take the bull by the nads and start your own events. You would be surprised of the other like minded guys and gals who will follow. Even some of us gray haired guys.
In addition to the engine comments, the mopar restoration Nazis are damn near unbearable.
Yes, I know my car isn't a numbers matching restoration. Move along if that bothers you. I don't need yet another asshole stopping by to tell me what they think I did wrong.
Problem was easily solved though- no more showing my car in any car shows.
Maybe it is a Gault's gulch thing?
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