I like watching build threads. Well, most of them. Maybe it’s just me, but the threads that have dozens of pages stretching out years with hundreds of photos of a bracket, or 3” x 3” weld patch, from every conceivable angle bores me. I like seeing progress on an engine, or interior, or sections of a car, or on the car as a whole. Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate the dedication to the project and the (laser) focus on the minutiae of what I mentioned above. But I like to see overall progress. But, again, that might just be me. Anybody else feel this way?
No. I appreciate build threads. If the poster feels the need to share a/any particular task, he must feel it worthy for his thread. So often, build threads don't seem to get the attention, as some menial thread about wheel color, oil brand, spark plug choice, or any drama thread. Thanks to those who post their build threads.
No. It's the finer details that make or break a build in my book. But it does need to be shown in place and as a part of the whole build.
I've got one going in the Antiquated section right now, I've had a few in the past but most of them were poorly photographed and poorly updated. What I've learned is, it's a lot of work to do a build thread, to remember to take pictures as you go, and to spend the time to post pics and write about what you did. It really makes me appreciate the well written ones all that much more. My current one is more for me than any reader, doing something post-worthy feels like a bit more of an accomplishment, and it's nice to review how far it's come. The other thing about a build thread is, I've been saved so many times trying to figure out how to do something, or what something is supposed to look like, by doing internet searches and coming up with old forum thread posts. It's a vast wealth of knowledge that the poster got paid absolutely nothing for, and I'm always grateful when someone took the time to put their info out there, I've learned a lot that way. Some of those forum posts are very old, and the forums are not very well utilized anymore. Makes me sad and a bit worried to think a lot of that great info could evaporate in the near future if those forums can't afford to be hosted anymore and just shut down. Glad this place seems to be still pretty active, especially for an old-fashioned web forum.
I agree with having things put in the thread of specific brackets and ideas, as well as details on doing certain alterations and modifications. I also agree with squablow, sometimes you just want to get ideas to build something and seeing what others have done may not be exactly what you would do but gives you some direction of what to do. For me the search on the hamb has not always brought things up, but a google search has lead me to many things on the hamb. Unfortunately, the build threads don't seem to be as popular anymore. I have a 34 ford p.u build going on now and have gone back and forth on starting a thread. But I do get kind of tired of the what color should I paint my wheels and stuff like that.
I like the details. Threads like Marty Strode’s and Dennis Frings with the details have been a great help for me. Tim with a T and jebbeson (sorry if I spelled it wrong) also have documented their work with good detail. There’s others also but my old brain is pounding right now and the names escape me…
I suppose I am guilty of over-sharing when it comes to build threads, my roadster is over 40 pages and I think the PU thread is 90 pages long! A lot of that is having fun with the guys over the years and yes, I like sharing what I do in my garage. It is a ton of work to document and share but I enjoy it. I had a guy at a show question that I built everything in my shop, I told him to go to the HAMB and look it up. 10 years of car building in plain view of everyone. A before and after picture doesn't tell much of a story.
Negatory on the guilty, you put it out there and we responded, more than a job well done on your part in the documentation............the subject matter isn't too bad either.
Every so often ill go back through my own long winded threads with poor camera work, a boat load of similar looking good pictures and endless rambling while I try to add understandable write-ups of what my thought process was. Might not be super interesting to everyone. I do it for my own memory more than anything and i find it fun to read something from months or years past that I had completly forgotten I did. That said I also just finished completely reading through one of those slow moving threads that take years to reach major milestones (@PhilA 's 51 chieftan thread) took me a few evenings but the write-ups of whis thought processes and why hes thinking this will work vs that etc. Are very informative and interesting. Those are the types of threads that make me feel like I can do something I'd bean dreading and actually motivate me to get out in the garage and work on something. You're entitled to your opinion of course but I for one love those type of threads. Makes you feel like your actually there and not 5 states away. IMO
I envy guys who can do a build thread. Pics, explanations, etc, to me take time away from what they are doing. If I did a build thread on “how to change you oil” complete with pics and explanations, it would turn into a 12 hour day (for me). So I applaud those folks that can/ will do it. If the post revolve around something I won’t ever do, I just scroll through them. Yes, I’m guilty of asking questions and been told “refer back to post # “xx”. But my feeling is more information is better than less information.
The problem doing a build thread is that often life gets in the way. We have other things to do, forget to take pictures, and some of us aren't great editors. However, there are lots of great information being dispensed so that is good.
Someone posted a negative comment on a build thread I am deeply invested in following. I think it covers my feelings about critiques of build threads. My response was this, in part. This isn't reality TV or You tube. This site doesn't pay for views, everyone who posts is volunteering to stop, take pictures, write text and share their project. Life is more important than hobbies or entertainment. If you want something you can pick 2; Cheap, Fast or Good. (This one) is free and great.
I will be doing a build thread on my Dart, been storing pics etc. posted some threads on carburetor, manifold etc. and will incorporate info gleaned from those threads. I hope it turns out ok. I’m not a wordsmith or photographer. One thing I believe I’ll get from a build thread other than my personal satisfaction is ideas, or better mousetraps so to speak. My build thread on the OT forum is of higher caliber than what I’ll be doing with the Dart. The Dart thread will be cheap and dirty but decent. A build thread will require thought and a fair amount of effort. Some of the guys stuff is pro quality both the build and the thread. Thanks to those who do such a great job. Dan
Show the builds. Every weld tells a story. Every dent removal tells a story. We learn from those stories. We offer advice to the story tellers. Improving skills and helping each other. SHOW THE BUILDS.
The Jalopy Journal
