Event Coverage 15 Years on the H.A.M.B.

I was 22. My interests had beens shifting away from muscle cars (my first car was a 1969 Pontiac Firebird) and into traditional hotrods and customs. I'd been lurking on the H.A.M.B. for probably a year before I actually joined up and finally took the plunge.

Based on older posts and threads I'd read, this forum used to be a lawless place, but by 2010, being a FNG wasn't nearly as rough. Went to the H.A.M.B. meet up at the Syracuse Nationals shortly after joining. Met some guys, had some laughs, made some friends, bought a 1934 Ford pickup shortly after and I've never really looked back.

I remember the first few years that I was on here, I couldn't get enough. Like a junky looking for their next fix, if I wasn't on here, I was thinking about being on here, or talking to my friends about old hotrods. I was just getting going in my career at that point, self-employed, and the H.A.M.B. was like a bad influence. I probably lost 2-3 hours every day scrolling threads instead of working. Don't regret it. I'll admit that I still log on here every weekday. This forum is a tab that is permanently open on my computer.

I read four times as much as I posted, tried to soak in the knowledge, and was selective with what I posted or contributed. Couldn't tell you now long it took, but I remember a sense of pride when I tipped over from FNG to Grenade Inspector. Same feeling of pride when I posted a thread with a topic sufficient to generate multiple pages worth of responses.

I know this is a jumble of thoughts from the past 15 years, but this place honestly changed my life. I found an interest that I'm deeply passionate about. I met lifelong friends. I learned a ton and have had experiences that I can directly trace back to being a member here. So, after 15 years, a quick thread to say thanks for the memories. I'm looking forward to the next 15!

 

Congrats on the longevity @Speedy Canuck

 

I also joined about 15 years ago. It's certainly been one of my favorite pastimes, to say the least.
Cool place to hangout!

 

you joined up on my 50th birthday

 

Happy 65th @silent rick!

 

That must be Canadian math.

 

hahahah! womp womp. It's 2025. 25 plus 50, carry the 1...

I was accounting for the conversion

 

Yup, time well wasted.

 

Congratulations on your anniversary. At my age, I doubt I'll make it to 15 years, but I wholeheartedly agree with what you've said. I've exchanged thoughts with people that I couldn't have met any other way. This place keeps me interested in living.

 

Joined in 2006, over 10,000 posts. Maybe I'm to opinionated and talk to much? I'm 80 so it doesn't make much difference what I say.

 

Congrats

 

Wow! Your old...

 

...Everyone on here owes you a debt of gratitude. There, I said it.

 

...He was just a baby when he started this thing.

 

I had to go to the public library to have internet access of any kind when Ryan started the HAMB but didn't find it until 2007.

Congrats on the milestone Speedy Canook.

 

I'm calling bullshit on this line. You've brought so many ppl together with one common interest. That's huge progress. Think of all the help ppl have received and given just because of this place. Thanks a ton!

 

I am still a newby, been here since 2006 . Made numerous lifelong friends, who we visit and stay with regularly in the USA and do road trips with, store cars and piles of parts there awaiting shipping down under. I don’t do FB at all , this place is my Fake Book haven.

 

On October 10th it'll be 16 years. Ther are some Amazing craftsmen on here and I have learned a lot from people on this board. Thanks Ryan and all who contribute.

 

I just looked at my profile and I have been a member for 17 years

This has always been my happy place to come to and learn from some of the best. I’ll have to say the HAMB of today is a kinder gentler one compared to the old but we still have our moments

 

What's a beta? Better yet, what's a Nets cape?

 

Congrats on your anniversary! Cool place to hang out and do hot rod shit!

 

Congrats “new guy”! And, yea, I’ve not been here much longer.

 

don't slow down speedy you're on a roll!

 

Everything old, is new again!
Congratulations from Dennis, on this Happy milestone, of the amount of time, that you have enjoyed this
"HOODLUM PLAYHOUSE"

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Johnnie said it best,
"Were gonna wait for CRAZY"

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Again with the irony- progress is counter to tradition.

 

I used Netscape and old Webcrawler back then, but dial up sucked so bad.

 

You’re 80 and that’s the reason what you say does make a difference. The only way to gain experience is to do something over time.
Congrats @Speedy Canuck !
Thanks for the club house @Ryan
Dan