Art & Inspiration Build threads. We need more of them

I just checked it out. I love backyard builds. I'm only on page 3 but I'll catch up on it in the next couple of days

 

I have three on topic cars currently and I'm always working on them. The problem is I never take pictures or not enough pictures to make a good build thread I don't think.
I guess technically I could start with the hup/model A because currently it's a bunch of parts other than I put the front axle assembly together and I've sanded and painted the 1935 wire wheels with good old rustoleum.

I have some questions where should I post the build thread at, meaning what section? Should I post a lot of small details or just the larger things? Also does a time frame really matter, sometimes I really crank on something for 5 or 6 months and then I wash my hands of it for a few months then I come back to it. Again I have no problem with making a build thread I just don't know what I'm doing.

 

I'll mention that a good title will attract and hold attention.
A description of the car and style (1929 Gasser Coupe) that is easily searched rather than something personal (My Dream Realized) will help too. The search engine here doesn't recognize 2-digit info, so all the 23, 29, 32, 34 titles are not easily found even though it is common.

I've noticed that many here feel that way, even some who do stuff that is top notch.
There are very few who can sustain a constant build between time and money. There are also parts that really aren't quick to show progress (5 trips to the hardware store to select the right fasteners, sanding).

Sometimes I've had Watched Threads drop. It is tough to keep up with all the different threads and I'm on here a lot.
How often have you referenced your own thread for old info or to see progress? It takes time, but hopefully is valuable just for your own viewing.

 

I find a ton of good threads regardless of topic with horrible titles lol. Sometimes I just click on everything to see if there’s anything new to see.

titles like “here it is” “shocks” “does anyone know?”

shit sounds like half of Google search and half the time you click on it and the thread titled “does anyone?” Is a full on 55 chevy gasser that never once references the question starting the title lol

 

I do too, but then if I don't click on Watch Thread, I remember some thread that was cool from 2 months back and can't remember where it is!

 

When you accomplish something just tell us about it and yea, pictures are a must. Even when you find parts you can use. It's part of the story. My template was Jeff Norwell's 57 Ford #2 build.

 

Here are my two versions of build threads, not a template to follow, it is what it is.......... I know, one is OT.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/my-nova.1316319/#post-15236074

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/cripes-not-another-32-roadster.963108/

 

I started my build thread in 2014 and just finished it this year (although you never finish them) My posts on the HAMB are the only picture record I have of it. I found it incredibly useful from Feed back, advice and meeting similar like minded chaps. I am about to start another for the same purposes.

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/me-to-a-t.859578/

 

I think this hits the nail on the head for alot of people I talk too, cause people think if its not "nicely finished" you can't (or shouldn't) post it.

hell a couple of my build threads are just for sections of the build that I am handling. I'll never get to finish them.

@J.Ukrop gentle but persistent nudging is what pushed me to start posting build threads again.

all of mine are easily found in links on my profile page.
nothing is worse than having to search for a guys build thread.

I feel like that proves his point more than not, why does every 153 views only result in 1 comment?

I think the like button, more than anything, killed the good build thread.

I'll bet I get 10-15 likes to each single comment that gets placed on my thread.

my personal build diary on my roadster has a 1/96 coment to view ratio.
but that's just cause I post a lot.

I can say, having a build thread that is fairly detailed and up to date has helped me more than once fix stuff on the road.

so.. DO IT if you haven't, and if you have UPDATE IT even if its just better pictures of what you already have done.

.

 

I also love the build threads. Even at my age and years involved with hands on car building/thrashing/fixing/thrashing again, I still learn. Not to mention being entertained.
My own build thread got bumped over to the off -topic section. Which is OK because I could then mention what was unmentionable in this section. Without that, I'm afraid I would have most likely let the thread languish since a lot of the more recent updates had to do with unmentionable stuff.
Even seeing how others push the build quality up has been beneficial, perhaps encouraging some to go the extra mile.

 

I think the members that do full-builds are in the minority, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just an observation that I think the majority of people will buy a car that is either running and driving or damn close, and make changes to it from there. I would group myself in that demographic, though my next project will be a complete tear-down to nothing and build back up again.

For those reasons, I think that's why we see more technical posts, because it involves one system or issue, as opposed to an entire build. Or at least that's been my reason.

Anyway, here's a few contributions I've made for projects.

Here's a thread from my '61 Olds project
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-consolation-prize-61-olds-super-88.1267254/

Here's a '55 Ford 2 door sedan I bought, messed around with, and sold to my Father-in-law
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/needed-like-a-hole-in-my-head-55-ford-mainline.1273763/

Here's the best impulse purchase I've ever made, my '56 Olds Holiday 98 coupe
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...to-myself-1956-olds-holiday-98-coupe.1198953/

And here's my next project, a '57 Nomad, that will probably end up on the OT forum because even though it will have a decidedly traditional style, I'm probably going to put it on an aftermarket chassis.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/at-long-last-57joe-gets-his-57-chevy.1299653/

 

I too love build threads. For me, the HAMB build threads are the replacement for the old school magazines. I say old school magazine, meaning a time when a tech article contained tech and some old school enginuity. Not just how to screw on an advertising manufacturers part or kit (that's what assembly instructions are for).

I follow many of the builds, but am guilty of using the "like" button rather than commenting on them all. I know that I appreciate seeing the red lightening flag lit up on my HAMB profile feed indicating that others have "liked" something I've said, or an update I've added to my own build thread.

All that said, I feel lucky and pleased that so many years ago, @Ryan had a vision and the drive to create and continually improve this place. I'm happy that the moderators are able to keep it (and us) mostly on track.

 

Here's one of mine from a while back
40 Tudor "The Varmit"
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...cessfully-completed-a-reliability-run.732471/

And, rebuilding my dad's 38 Chevy coupe
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-family-heirloom-38-chevy-coupe.1316177/

 

I’m guilty of not doing build threads (I’ve done a handful of 32s in the past few years) and my excuse is a combo of not remembering to take enough photos along the way (I blame CRS) and a big bit of laziness. Another excuse is that my stuff is pretty vanilla and many on here would be bored silly with my builds (even the two I’m just finishing as they are cookie cutter stuff).

As a side note: I do try to add value to the site by providing my experiences and lessons learned to those that ‘ask’ for comments/help on their 32 projects. I try to provide input and pics in a positive fashion, especially if I see something risky or that will cause rework later on, but often my suggestions get perceived as offensive (based on the reactions they illicit). People can be very defensive, and I get it, but if someone chirps back, I just think ‘suit yourself’ and move on. I’m sure they will learn the lesson down the road.

 

I have to agree with this as well. My goal is to document my project while demonstrating what one guy can do in a small garage with limited tools, some patience, and relentless determination.

My project updates are not as frequent as I would like as progress is slow mainly due to other priorities and the fact that it takes money, a lot of time to plan, get parts, design parts, get materials, and then fabricate parts without a machine shop at my disposal. Of course when I screw something up, or don't like the results , the do over’s stretch the time out even more.

There's a ton of great content here on the H.A.M.B. but like everything in life there's a fair bit of B.S. too. All of these things can bury a build thread 40 pages down.

My build thread gets some likes, quite a few views, and some very nice comments to which I always take the time to reply. I have noticed some threads do get a lot of comments and some, including mine, do not. It might be the presentation or maybe the project just doesn't ring the viewers bell. Who knows. There’s a lot of diversity among the members here and the cars they like or build. That's a good thing.

There are some amazing build threads on here that are not only educational but a great source of inspiration. The other build threads on the H.A.M.B help keep me motivated.