New friends showing up...out of nowhere!

I have women stopping by a lot lately, but I haven't run any off.

 

Hey Ace---glad you got the car but listen to what the old hands are sayin'---another thing, here in the Dallas area there have been several thefts due indirectly to Google. They (thieves) get on the panoramic street stream and take note of the addresses with special interest cars at the curb and tear up the garage door later. It's a weird world we live in---not like back in the day.

 

The only time giant headlights and smaller intake runners are a good thing!

 

Damn! An aerial view of the Model A frame and 63 Belvedere probably ain't helping my cause then. I'm gonna go check out what you can see. Now im curious

 

A Google street view of my address has my car sitting in my driveway. I hate that little car driving around, taking those pics.

 

Not sure how many around here would be impressed with that statement. I, for one, am not.

I'm sure you're a badass in your own mind but if you feel the need to portray yourself like that, it's easier to just keep your garage door closed..

 

Not being sociable is how I keep my stuff. I've warned old,good friends to not bring their dipshit friends over. Garage door is never open,and there's a very large fence keeping anybody from seeing what's back there..
Come to think of it,I don't even allow many of my friends to come over,either.
My girlfriend even asked if it was Ok to let her adult sons see my shit. I said,sure,as long as I can shoot them if they tell anybody what I've got.

 

Didnt mean to offend. I'm licensed to have the weapon and follow all the rules that accompany that responsibility. Sorry if it came off like I didnt take it seriously. Thanks for the insight, I'll choose words more wisely next time.

 

I'm in Savannah (4 years) now but I lived in Miami for over 30 years and stopped and talked to lots of guys with cool rods at their house....never got a cold reception. Actually bought a few cars that way and met quite a few I've kept in touch with. I've had a few talk to me also and never had any trouble. Maybe I'm lucky or maybe they can tell I'm just genuinely interested in old cars.

 

Very interesting out here. A lot of the younger and more thuggish types will not give my car a second look, and the others who do stop by are older than me and very respectful. They look at the car, but not past it into the garage.

 

I know, I stopped by last week to say hi and you were a real Asshole! A handsome asshole, but nonetheless.

 

...............showing up interested in something you have listed on CL. LOL

 

Certainly agree that you have to be careful these days, but sometimes there is no obvious way to meet car people.

I moved to a small town two years ago, and have seen a grand total of four old cars. So I'm cleaning my garage this morning, and an older gentleman comes by on a bicycle and asks about my A rpu that I had rolled out into the driveway. I said I'm trying to build it like a guy on a short budget would have in the early '50's. Turns out he was one of those guys in the early '50's.

He lives a few blocks away , and seems to know every car person in the county.

 

He's probably harmless and friendless. Just be a dick if ya hafta and he makes ya uneasy. I are one, when needed.

 

I've met most of my tradional hot rod friends here or at a gas station. Ill tell you years ago I met my parents in a small lake community to look at a cottage. I stopped at the power wash and to clean my ot lil truck. Halfway through the wash an entire posse of lil ot trucks blocked me in and engaged in car talk. Long story short my parents bought the cottage and consider those guys some of my best friends to this day. You never who you are going to meet and how they will impact your life. Finding like minded people isnt easy. lm lucky I guess. Soliciting goofs are another story so keep your guard up.

 

That's what my brother is always saying: "It's not the 50's no more"

 

Out of sight is out of mind. In the past car guys have stopped and even sold a few things. Few years ago we had a few things "missing" with odvious more expensive stuff in the vicinity, none of this visable from the dirt road we live on. So whoever "borrowed" the items knew exactly what they were looking for. While still socialble there are no more shop or yard tours, the car or part they are interested in purchasing is arranged ahead of time and moved from storage. No more tours for the merely curious even if well intentioned and politely send them on their way. Sad state of affairs but thats the way it is.

 

It's a shame but we live in a world where we are leery of strangers,,,paranoia strikes deep! HRP

 

you show someone but he tells someone about it and that could be the wrong one

 

A few good friends can be made here with a wealth of knowledge.
Totally agree with 95% of the above.Close friends are welcome,strangers keep the fuck out! When i'm interested in someone's ride,i'm pretty easy on the pressure thing. I'de never show up at someone's place unannounced,especially if I don't know them. Now if your show-boatin' on a busy street,playin' look at me,maybe a lil different. But just to show up and say I heard........... That's just asking for bad things,and bad words to appear.

 

A few months ago, I was wrenching on my '33 in the garage and heard a rumble coming up our long driveway. I live in the middle of nowhere upstate NY, so I immediately walked outside to see what was up. A '32 Ford roadster comes rolling up and parks outside my door. Turns out this guy "heard about some guy with old cars and trucks in the neighborhood" and finally found me. He lives about a mile from me and is an old rodder, has a lot of old cool iron and a hell of a shop. We became friends and visit on each other often now. Pretty cool that a new friendship was born because of our common passion for old tin, basically the same deal as this forum. its all good.

 

Come on over, ill put you to work!

Sent from my DROID device using the TJJ mobile app

 

People can't steal what they don't know exists, or they can't see. My garage is in the backyard behind a fence. It's not a fortress, I'm sure an experienced thief could get whatever they want, but I don't help them by advertising to the neighborhood.

 

This subject seems to pop up occasionally on here and I for one think it's a good thing. It's like a refresher course like "Keep Your stuff 101". In this day and age one can not be too careful.
Years ago I met a grizzled old hot rodder who just happened to own a security company. I asked him for a couple of recomendations about keeping my shop and house secure. He responded by asking what I wanted to accomplish and proceeded to say he could scare a potential thief, he could trap him (so I could deal with him at my convenience). he could maim him or he could kill him..........my choice. We came up with a plan that is still in use today. I just transfered everything to my new shop when it was finished and I had completed the move. I have worked hard for over 50 years to have the things I've got and I'm not willing to let some lazy, drunk,drug induced social misfit take what I've got by merely sneaking around,breaking in and helping himself to any of my stash. Fortunately, I've never had an attempt made to enter my home or shop., If it ever happens I'm going to feel terrible and in the case of the shop I'm not going to enjoy cleaning up the mess. At my age , with this battered old body, I'm in no shape to go one on one like the old days so I've got an "insurance policy" to make up the difference.

Frank

 

You guys always have good advice and cool stories.... Ill be careful who I let close. If anybody here ever wants to stop just hang a sign with your username around your neck. Thanks for all the responses!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

My shop is in my back yard hidden. The whole yard is fully fenced and my two dogs keep people out. Had a guy try to hop the fence one night and the dogs got him before I could. I don't mind if someone stops by but they ain't getting in the yard unless I tell the dogs its ok. I love to talk cars. I have met a few cool people stoping by if they are out in the yard. Other wise I drive on and try back latter.

 

I've had my shop broken into, lost a hi-po motor and the stuff necessary to load it, it was a long time ago, but a good lesson. I knew who it was, never seen him since, now I'm very picky who gets in my shop, when selling shit, its always outside, ready to go, no garage tours here. I welcome visitors, but size them up pretty fast and act accordingly, depending on their references.

 

One of the best signs that I ever saw was along the fence of IIRC the "Adams Ranch"in St Lucie county Fl.It said:
Posted No trespassing
Survivors WILL be prosecuted.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

 

I'll add that there's a proper time and place for a stranger to approach you and talk cars and it's not a cold canvas visit to your garage.
Car shows and cruise nights are the place for curious fans or fellow rodders to check out a guys car, be friendly and introduce yourself, talk cars, and maybe locate some parts you need. You'll know within 30 seconds if you want the guy to split or could bullshit for an hour.

Good advise on insisting friends not bring along a buddy to see your car/shop. While the buddy may be an honest enthusiast, chances are he'll shoot his mouth off to another guy who mentions it to someone else. Next thing the word is out and if the wrong ears hear about your stuff, you may be in for a break in.

 

Most people that stop by my garage wanna know if I can fix their @#$%%$# lawn mower and don't even notice there's a model A hot rod sitting there. At least they won't try to steal the car!