Are we "The last of the Mohicans ?"

Don't sweat it don. When Cybernet crashes, only inventive, handy people such as ourselves will survive. Then we will have to spend our days killing the machines, no more time for hot rodding

 

We'll have to have a hot rod something that is without electronics so we can run away and wait for a better battle to fight.

I suppose if we had a doomsday mentality we would actually be the last of the Mohicans. There would be younger more virile people whom we could teach to live and they would be the seed of the brave new world.

 

When I posted this thread I wondered how it would go, but I have to say I am really pleasantly surprised that the thread stayed so positive and open minded. All of the posts were very good and stayed on track, and I thank everyone for their input.

Every discussion like this is bound to have opinions all over the place as we all come from different backgrounds and are different ages. My perspective can't be the same as someone who is 20 years old, and his can't be the same as mine.

Great input, guys, thank you for participating.

Don

 

Not to worry, Obama is going to take care of us.........

 

I think the real steel Deuces, A's, and Pre-war Fords will still be desired and worth close to what they're worth now. I think all the 1-800 glass cars won't be desireable and will drop way off in price. Off brand cars will be worth close to nothing, nice or not. Supply is going to far exceed demand and prices will show that. Just use stock Model T's as an example. There are tons out there, but if they do they sell they go for cheap. The demand for them isn't there like it was in the 1960's and '70s..

People want the cars they saw and drove growing up. Only a few of the average young guys today want rods. Just look at the local cruise nights. I bet 60% or more of the cars are 1950 or newer driven by the 35-55 crowd. Very few stockers, but still a decent amount of rods owned by the over 65 crowd make up the rest. I'm betting that when the over 65 crowd becomes unable to drive in 10-15 years that the amount of pre-war cars seen on the street will drop very dramatically. The younger folks probably won't want them, won't know how to fix them and the cars will flood the market.

 

Look at my avatar. If they show interest they'll be wrenching. I won't push it down them. The internet has helped me with working on stuff. I can type a question on here and get help vs. getting frustrated. Its also great that when we are all talking on here then at a show or event we all meet up in person.

 

^^^^^^^^^what he said!^^^^^^^^^^^

 

The local Community College in our town had classes identified as "Auto Restoration". They was always well attended, mostly by young folks wanting to learn a trade. Subjects such as mig welding, plasma cutting, body work and painting, automotive electrical,upholstery,engine rebuilding, transmission repair, etc were taught. Things went well until a new college president took over(female, I might mention). She leaned more toward the "academic" approach. Today there are no more auto restoration classes. In their stead is a shop that teaches diesel & hybrid technology, battery maintenance on electric autos. etc. Not sure the school is headed in the right direction. I kinda liked it when classes addressed sub-framing, chopping a top, and related subjects.

 

I agree to much of what has already been said.
I'm 51, and grew up with a Father that constantly tinkered with things. Made furniture, restored cars, fixed things when they broke.
As a young boy my favorite thing to do was hang out with him in his home workshop. He'd give me a hammer, some nails, and scrap wood and I had at it.
My Wife thinks I'm a genius when I fix an appliance or what have you.
I don't always succeed, but at least have to look into it and try first.
Many of her friends have husbands that don't know what end of a screwdriver to hold.
I try to remind myself that older generations have always looked to the next generation coming up and said, "The world is going to hell in a hand basket! God help us!"
I'm sure it was said of my Dad's generation too back in 1939 when he was 20.
In the end, they turned out to be labeled the Greatest Generation.

Damn kids and their loud music! lol.

 

I was wondering what the generation, 50 - 65 yrs old, will be called? They've got "the greatest generation" and generations X and Y. Will mine be generation Q? Q for question and the question is WTF?

 

I'm pushin 50. Retired military. Been in the electrical field for 32 years. Still pullin wire. Spent my last years in the service as an instructor. Was sent to a tough curriculum specialty school years ago. Lost about 15 lbs at the school since there was no time to eat, only study. Barely passed, but i did. As an instructor, i inquired as to why thet revamped the curriculum from blackboard to computer based; told that today's students wouldn't be able to pass it since most can't focus. After teaching a while, i saw what they meant. Students would get shittin if you didn't all but give them the answer. Flunked out a number 'cause they wouldn't give up their electronic toys to study. Sad...When my old man came home from Korean War, he, my granfathers and uncles would pool their talents and build each others houses. Cinder block, not fancy but built like Gibralter. Still there today. Fix my own house and, most of the time, my own car if i don't need a 'Sun machine' to diagnose. Thanful that i live in the south where such talent and abilities are still appreciated.
Cruisin, drive-in theatres and drive -in eateries...all gone...
Today's youth don't know what they're missin...Bri

 

We are called boomers or baby boomers. From what I have read we are a burdon on society. Of course it is not articles written by boomers, they don't want us to work anymore either.

After the war I guess our parents were sort of prolific. They must have been real happy to see each other, or real bored.

 

Being born in '61, I hate being lumped into the Baby Boomer pigeon hole.
I have little in common as far as life experiences with someone born in 1946 for example.
I've heard the term Generation Jones used for those of us born between 1954 and 1965.
But, I digress.

 

That explains a lot.

 

I am not smart enough to comment on the state of the world. I do know that I worked corporate and sales jobs for 20 years and hated them. At the end of the day, all I had to show for it was a check. So a couple of months ago, it was time to get a new job and I couldn't find a good one. So I started doing what I love, which is building stuff. I've built a couple of boat docks, painted a few houses, and done a bunch of concrete work, and now I'm booked for the next three months for concrete alone.
What I'm finding is that while my friends continue working 60-80 hour weeks to make $60-200k a year, they have money but don't have time (or skills usually) do do any of the work around their houses. There is PLENTY of work for someone who can work with their hands. I think their always will be.
The mistake people make is calling manual labor "unskilled labor". Try welding, concrete, electrical, or plumbing, without "skills" and soon you will be calling the fire department or another "unskilled" professional and dishing out huge money to undo what you've done. If you choose a trade in labor, and apply yourself and learn like anything else, there will always be work. We're not anywhere close to being replaced by robots just yet. There is still a seat for every ass.

 

I have never heard Generation Jones before. I don't mind being a boomer I don't care for the political rhetoric but I guess it just goes with the territory.

 

Don chose a great subject. I reread all the posts and most members seem to understand the problems. I watched a three part series on TV lately of life 120+ years ago. Comparing that with my own life back in the 50's and then today, great changes have been made.
We can't expect the younger generation to live like we did in our "good ole days." After all, most of us never thought those times were actually so good. It's our job to give advice and give a hand to those young kids interested in old cars of any kind.
Remember, even a Kia is a car. Possibly that kid's next project will be a Model A or something else a little traditional.

 

Say what you will but there has never been a problem with the evolution of mechanical science. There is no doubt that everyone here appreciates the art of hand made parts, however to say that we are the last of a breed is far fetched. Had the technology been available 70 years ago, it would have been used. I work in aerospace and there is not a single "new school" machinist that does not appreciate hand made pieces and labor the traditional way. Traditional hot rodders are born every day and that will stay the same. People may be physically lazier today by some standards, however I would rather have the knowledge that we have now. High school graduation rates are up 600% today, as compared to 1952....go ahead and blame google for that. Without the modern CNC and production capabilities we have our country would not be able to thrive and kill as many ass hole terrorists as we do either.

 

I think you may be right. I build furniture, sculpt in wire, fix my own stuff, which means I don't buy anything I cannot fix. Don't do credit, either, other than house.

I work at a new car dealership, and am utterly amazed at what the new generation cannot do. Which is everything. The only thing I can see that my supervisor can do is go to church and preach about it. He has no talent whatsoever, so far as I see.

I sculpted a flower for the sec'y, and now have many offers to do more.

Built a few furniture pieces, and have demand for more.

Fix all my own stuff, and people ask why I don't buy new. They just don't get it. All they understand is buy. "Fix" is Slovak for something they do not need, as far as they know.

Gotta go make something...

Cosmo

 

Man, i think i see this thread every 2 weeks.

There are young guys out there doing it, no its not the mainstream part of the culture it used to be. Its not the end of the world. Its an expensive hobby, hell i'm flinching at the cost and time for certain things on my project. Do i want the car? yes, do i have the time to commit considering im single and 32? Well lets just say i'd like to meet a nice girl and that isn't going to happen by spending the next 3 years in my garage every night either...

 

academics came way late in the training of people trade labor and foodproduction was first and now a good education is not gonna keep the biggest number people alive very well



way way off but i bought some pants at a garage sale for my 4 grandkids (boys) to have as spares at our house while looking one over noticed some holes and tears the owner was shocked that her daughter would try and sell rags and swiftly threw them in the garbage i said i could sew them my self as they were simple tears and she stared at me like i was from outer space
1 a man sews and take the time to do it?
2 letting some one wear a repaired article of clothing ?
3 that clothes with patches are not worn out


i bought some shirts with cars and trucks on em too so they are not all sports related know they will get used here around the go karts and old tin they play on

 

I understand and respect everyone's perspective on the matter, but I honestly think true classic/kustom/hotrodding/ext. hobbyists will stay true to the tradition of building a car for years to come. I really don't think that technology will be a flaw, but the tradition will continue to be passed down from generation to generation to those who would really want to learn the trait "hands on". Idealistically, I think the internet has been a good source to finding parts that are now very hard to find; to have them deliver and for the builder to have it tangible to adapt to their car. From what I know, traditional hotrodding and kustom seemed to have had a decade were it seemed lost and long gone. But a newer generation picked it up once more and it took off from there. I think the same will occur, some newer generations will want to do what the older ones used to do. I'm part of that newer generation now and I can personally say that I have allot of buddies who are into building traditional rides on their own. It's nice to keep that tradition going. I'm pretty sure no matter how tech savvy some one in the near future will be, if they want to learn how to build a Kustom with their own hands, they will defiantly take the time to learn.

 

I can see my fathers generation saying the same shit your all saying about us( us mohicans)(I'm 63).Except they were saying it on a front porch or over a fence in the back yard instead of on a website.
Everyone is differant!,My son in law can't fix shit, hes amazed at everything i do for him,But he works in sales for a big company makes a boat load of money & he functions in society great!Ands hes a great Husband & father!So he can't adjust Desmo valves on a Ducatti, so what.I can't sell ice in August.
Get over this shit, no ones the same & not everyone one likes the same thing.Thats why theres more then 1 station on a TV or radio.
JimV

 

Have ya looked around the jobs that have a need for using your hands are far and few between .And O if you do have one your wages aren't keeping up with inflation. So building a nice car will be a dream for the future MAYBE. I myself was lucky to be in a good wage job for this state. But the paper mills are closing and the ones still here are on there last legs.And before someone who blames labor I have this to say do alittle reading. It's not that simple! So for you older guys give a young person a helping hand . I have the tools and a little know how from years of doing it hit or miss.So thats just what I'm doing .Helping a young man with his roadster build he comes over on the weekends that he can and it's been great for me and him I hope.My point is if you don't want to see this thing die find a way to help it LIVE ON you mite like the out come. My little time on the soap box this morning.I'll get down now so the next in line can climb on up.

 

Hey Don-

I'm a "newbie" hot-rodder. Building up a '51 Chevy, and it's a huge task - and my first of this magnitude. I love it. I'm doing everything right here in my driveway- with very limited funds. I enjoy, specifically, solving the problems: fabricating brackets/parts/pieces, shaping... I love bargain hunting, and learning about the tools, skills and talents of days gone by.

My neighbours often ask "How do you know to do all that" and I answer "I do a lot of research" - as in google. I'm not arrogant - I know my limitations - and I know when to ask a question. I'm also intelligent enough to be able to google something I don't know and apply that to another circumstance.

I'm extremely proud when I build something from nothing. (We do a LOT of that at the Cottage).

I'm also The First Generation when it comes to computers and video games. In fact, that's how I earn my keep. I've been "at the keyboard" since I was 10. I am extremely tech-savvy.

The kids are not losing any skills while they're using the computer - they use it as a tool to learn, entertain, communicate, to pass along what they've learned, and to be entertained.

If these kids delve into software development - and many do, even if it's just lightly - then they are taught the fundamentals of logic and problem solving- which is the heart of development itself - regardless of what you're 'developing' - a barn, a car, or the next great iPad app.

Your breed is not going extinct.

It's evolving.

 

PS:

By the way... That PBS programme is citing unconducted research? I believe that's actually called "speculation"- and should be treated as such. I love public radio- I listen to the CBC all the time - but usually listen carefully when it's an op-ed piece like that...

 

http://hackaday.com/

Young people are still thinking creatively, modifying stuff, and creating new, wonderful products. They just might not be making cars go fast...
I'm 28 and work with high school students to build robots for a yearly competition. There was one student who had created his own 3D printer which he programmed to make different prototype parts.

Kids aren't getting dumber, the "technology of the day" is just changing.

There are always dumb kids.

 

I used to worry about these things but I think people will always tend to be lazy. I'm 40 this year and most guys my age don't know how to change there own oil but I know many that do. Most people used to have to be handy to survive in life. 10 years ago I would have said the hotrod cars thing would end with my generation but my daughter is 9 years old now and yes she does use the computer, play a Wii, and watch TV, but when it's nice outside she is out playing with her friends. Riding bikes, building tree forts, looking for frogs and snakes, she is kinda a tom boy (tank God) she loves to ride horses and likes to help me build stuff. Doesn't matter what it is she likes to watch me fix it, yes she has a short attention span but so did I at 9YO. Funny thing last year when her friends bikes would brake down she would have them bring them down to me to fix the chain or patch a tire. After patching the tire on one of the kids bikes, he said to me "my dad said it needed a new tire and we had to take it to the bike shop" and before I could respond my girl said "Oh my dad can fix ANYTHING", that made me feel good. This summer I have seen her putting the cain back on a boys bike that lives down the street, that made me feel even better because I know the things I was tought by my old man are being absorboed by her. The 31 Plymouth is going to be our first family build. She is already wanting to learn to mig weld and use a tourch. I love it. All I can say guys is fan the flame whenever you find it weather it is your kid or someone elses. Don't turn into sinical old bastards becouse then it will surely die.

 

Well, I'll add this. I'm one of thse "old farts" that "know how" when it comes to older generation engines and cars of the past. I know little about todays electronic gadgets.

However, no way in hell could I have re-created the Gizzle Hopper without the internet or this site. Even those hard to get along with "old farts" helped out a lot.

Thank you Ryan.............you da man dude

 

David,
Just so you know you have something to look forward to, I have been doing this on my own for about 40 years give or take. Building a car from the ground up is always a daunting task.

It seems that no matter what the OP is trying to say, these threads always end up young against old or vice versa. Part of it is because some of us young or old don't think about what we are saying prior to saying it. Part of it is because the reader doesn't spend the time to actually read what is written and think critically or objectively, and really doesn't understand what is being said, and part of it is because some of us just have a chip on our shoulder, that would young to old inclusive.

We live in an ever changing world, that is a fact. If one of us is writing about the world in general and the idea is that the world is something that is bad or undesirable, common sense would be that the author of said words just might be excluding this little niche we call the HAMB.

If someone reads something on the HAMB about people not working with their hands or having the knowledge or desire to obtain the knowledge, and they are on the HAMB either using their hands to create a rod or custom or trying to obtain the knowledge, common sense would say that the author of said words was not talking about them. No need to get shook up over the original statement.

The HAMB is a niche, it is dedicated to the niche that has a love for traditional rods and customs. Another way to say that is that HAMBers are the exception to the rule. We are few in comparison to what is the world. Hell we are actually few in the world of custom cars and hot rods. There is no reason to get upset when someone says something derrogatory or what one may deem derrogatory about the world. We are not the rest of the world we are a select few.

If you are young or old or anywhere in between and you are on the HAMB with the express purpose of sharing information or learning from those who do, you cannot count yourself with the masses. You have taken a step away from them and should be counting yourself among the elite, or maybe the obsolete.

Ok enough rambling. What I started out to say was to David.

You have taken a big bite son, and it is going to be rough, sometimes it may bring you down and you are going to learn that what some make sound easy is not. It will always be a task as long as you live. I applaud you my friend.