I went to my first Early V8 Club meeting tonight (Columbia River Regional Group) and it went great. They were into Hot Rods as well as stock cars and seemed like a good bunch of older guys. I figured they would have a shit fit when they saw my primered and louvered 35 pickup. They even had a body guy showing us how to fix a dent w/o bondo or lead at the break. I signed up for free bodywork lessons that he was teaching on weekends. It is pretty amazing what some guys can do with the right tools. Anyway, if you get a chance go to one of their meetings. These guys know a lot about flatheads and are willing to share their knowledge and parts sources. Just goes to show you that car guys are car guys!
I've had the same experience, both in the SF Bay area and in the San Fernando Valley (LA). Many of the guys have one or more restored cars, and have modified cars as drivers. They've welcomed my wife and me and shown definite interest in our cars. The only downside is that the format for V-8 Club shows is strongly anti-hot rod. You're welcome to a place in the parking lot.
I belong to the High Country Regional group in Colorado. It a great way to meet the guys with parts and knowledge that teach you how to do it the right way. There have been several times when I started with flatheads that I couldn't figure something out and with a few simple phone calls got everything straight. Guys who have been there and done that are alot better than any book. Our club was very resotoration oriented with the average age of about 60. I met some like minded individuals, we did some networking, got voted onto the board and now are making some good changes.
I'm not a member of an Early V-8 club, because there aren't any close to me. I am a member of an antique auto club (stuffy old bunch) and a musclecar club (narrow minded 60's or nothing bunch). One thing I have noticed about folks who frequent HAMB is they are willing to buy a POS worthless body and make something out of it. Us old geezers (I'm 47) wouldn't think of tackling such an uncharted project like the RPU's or other cars I've seen pics of here (but I love them). We are interested in a complete car in need of resto, or an already done driver. I commend the younger generation for the enthusiam and drive! Keep up the good work, you might even convince me to rod my all-orig '34 coupe.......nah!
Some Early Ford V-8 trivia for you - one of it's founders was the pattern maker who made most of the 7000+ patterns for the Chicago Metal Craft plaque company in the 50's. He still owns his hot rod that he showed in the early GNRS.
The Jalopy Journal
