nsra 30 year venue

just got back from mid america nationals and was glad to see a lot of activity against the 1980 venue for 2010. pe***ions against the new rule,so i thought if nsra is going to go with this ridiculas venue,what would happen if no street rods showed up at louieville next year.

 

There were for sure a lot of people upset over the change. Personally, I think they waited too long to adapt and when they did they went too far. Of course, most people think I am a radical, though.
Later,
****

 

Not sure how many poeple on this board really care about NSRA anyway. Lots of better alternatives for traditional cars.

 

The NSRA is a dinosaur with entrenched at***udes and now, suddenly finding that their membership declining, due to many of the original members dying, they are scrambling to be all things to all men. I have not attended an NSRA event for ten years and that certainly isn't going to change with a 1980 cut off. In my view, the NSRA is fading and becoming more and more irrelevant.

 

I agree that they went to far. It's all about the money, so when attendance dropped they scrambled and made a real ****ty call.
The only way to show your lack of NSRA support is to go to other events and boycott thier's.

 

There are actually alot of folks on here that attend alot of the NSRA events. It might not be the majority of the HAMB members taste but there are hundreds of HAMB folks that like a decent event to attend and depending on their location sometimes an NSRA event might be their only choice within a time frame that they want to attend a show. An NSRA event is what you make of it and I've always had a great time at L'ville, Kzoo, Knoxville, MidAmerica, Burlington, York, etc.

In any event there's lots of talk of wearing black arm bands with the date NSRA started and 2010 as the "death" of the organization. Since I am one of the memebers of NSRA that oppose the decision they made about opening up years, I too will join in wearing a black arm band to their events this year, will verbally tell the powers that be my feelings on the decision, and will not attend another NSRA event in the future if they do follow thru with this crazy decision of opening their events up to such drastic dates.

 

I don't think that the NSRA cares if a few old timers stay at home. They will have all the new members with thier Pintos, Chevettes to replace them

 

There were several people wearing T-shirts with the just say no to the 30 year deal printed on them at Springfield. The NSRA decision was too radical, too late and poorly made.
Later,
****

 

I *****ed to the NSRA at Bakersfield, they said it is a done deal but if I wanted to put it in writing here is a form to fill out (***** sheet). I filled it out handed it in and a few weeks later got a reply. I got a form letter (also called a brush off letter) which said it was a done deal and thats it. They are doing the same thing as the not so Good Guys have done, kind of Monkey See, Monkee Do. I have been a member for several years and this July will end that. I joined a pre 49 org. not a pre 80 org..

 

Guys,it's there organization,let them do it. Vote with your dollars and feet. In 1963,I got my first rod,a 1935,only 28 years old. the supply of our cars is limited unless you go to tupperware. Wouldn't you sooner have a kid in a '79 C-10 rather than a rice burner? This board is getting called a *****ING board;let's stick to our cars and info about them.

 

The NSRA is digging their own grave. Maybe literally. We've lost so many of the pioneers of hot rodding in the last few years that maybe it's finally sunk in.

Attendance at NSRA shows has been declining but so have their membership rosters. Guys that started that deal and those participated in their functions aren't young anymore. Maybe that's the wrong thing to say but they had a good run at any rate.

Last time I went to an NSRA event it looked (and sounded) more like a senior citizens function than a hot rod show. Poodle skirts and Hoola Hoops, what the ****. Apologies to the older, I mean, more experienced guys who are still about building their own **** instead of writing checks.

It also seemed like the NSRA-approved street rod crew was less than thrilled about having to share space with the younger, rowdier guys and their rough, rusty cars. NSRA has been sitting on their hands for the last ten or twelve years, pursuing an agenda of NOT welcoming younger rodders at their events, particularly at local functions, and now it's too little too late.

People got sick of getting the second-cl*** citizen treatment from the NSRA, of getting the brush-off from the gold chainers because the young guys weren't all about the 100K pro-built smoothie Boyd billetmobiles, and started their own deals with new clubs, revived old clubs, and organized new shows to go to.

It's a shame to see the NSRA backed into a corner like this, but they did pretty much do it to themselves.

 

I can,t wait to take my Pacer to york.

 

Just returned from the N.S.R.A. Mid-America event. Believe me, everyone was talking about the 30-year rule. I pretty much agree with Denise. Personnally, I am disappointed with the decision but will give it a "wait-and see" approach. As I stated in numerous discusions this past weekend, The N.S.R.A. organized the Street Rodding movement and got everyone on the same page. There wouldn't be a GoodGuys if there hadn't been an N.S.R.A. first. There might not have been a HAMB either because there might not have been a S.E.M.A. and all of this may have gone away years ago. I signed the pe***ion and got a "Just Say No" window decal this past weekend. When Goodguys Indy stretched the years to 1972 I figured we would be over-run with Pro-Street Camaro's and Nova's. That didn't happen. I have been attending these events (N.S.R.A., GoodGuys and Americruse) with a vehicle since 1991. I have gotten to know so many of you that it's no longer just about the cars-it's a social event. Often we sit and visit and spend little time actually looking at the cars. I can say that having always been in the "Fellow Pages" I don't want to give up a Sunday afternoon to work on a 76' Granada along I-44. I may not renew my name in the pages next year. While hammering home yesterday, just East of Marshfield, Mo. on I-44 I saw a mid 70's Toyotta on the side of the road. I never p*** a rodder who's out there alone. If it had been next year I'd probably have had to stop and see if they need some help. Please voice your opinion. Let's see what happens. Where do the vendors stand on this? Stop by and visit with the Junk Brothers at Indy. Sam

 

N$RA lost 16 of us from this area when they did away with camping at York.
It was fun back in the day...
Goodguys left Hershey for NY.
Small independant shows or Jalopy Showdowns starting up are our fare now.

 

What's the (real) opposition? The (stated) reasons I've heard sound kind of weak, coming from those that aren't in NSRA. I do agree, if I was in a club and my opposition to policy was really of substance, the easy/honorable/obvious alternative would be to start a club of my own.

If I had a pure STREET ROD and a guy with a RAT ROD or a DUNE BUGGY parked next to me, I would say "Hello", introduce myself, and engage in the art of verbal interaction, maybe even learn something. I might even develop a friendship with another citizen of the human race.

Boycott a car show? The only shows I have ever stayed away from were the ones that excluded me, for example a couple of years ago I tooled into the Southern Colorado Mopar event, was turned away, they wouldn't let me in with my '29 Chivvy custom. I cried all the way home My question at the time was, what are they afaid of? My question here is the same and I think it applies to those few NSRA guys that have pre-49s whining that now they will have to adapt to the rule changes For the children, coming from this man of 72 years, **** happens. Change happens. I remember when I could buy a Deuce that was only 30 years old. **** happens. Change happens.


Most that I know enjoy their cars for what they are, not for what some particular event does, rule-wise. If the rule change makes the orgination money, isn't that what it's all about? Please don't tell me you think making a profit is becoming out of style?

I would have a tough time finding a car lover that was adverse to parking his ride beside anybody elses, whatever the make/model/design/vintage, at least most of they guys I hang with don't. The mere thought of dissing somebody else's ride is distasteful to me.

Wear a black arm band and disrespect the premise of that methodoligy?
Boycott a car show? Not me.

I have always been for cars, all kinds at NSRA NATS JUNE, 26, 27, 28.

Looking forward to seeing all, expecially the 49, 50, 51 mercs at next year's NSRA shows!

 

Been thinkin, might drop out if NSRA doesn't rethink this 30 yr. ****.

 

I've been a member of NSRA for many years and will continue to do so. I've also been a car nut for a long time and will continue to be for hopefully a long time as well. I have no problem to openning up the years for cars attending the events. The more the merrier. Looking at only one dimension of the car hobby gets boring. I enjoy seeing whats new and what the future of the hobby will some day be.

 

i'm unfortunately a life member of nsra.. (thanks to my ex)

had I actually paid for the membership I'd be more pissed..

but reguardless.. I am still pissed off.. I dont care for much made after 55, so the 30 year rule seems like bull****..

nsra ruined york when they did away with camping.. and our crew overcame it, now nsra they'll destroy the entire organization

perhaps 2009 will be the final time I need to attend a nsra event

 

Well stated brother.

I think a letter of protest to the NSRA is in order. In the letter you should mention that you can not support the organization and if this rule comes to p*** you will not buy products from NSRA sponsors. Sending letters of protest to Speedway, Yogis, Parr,... and some of the other major sponsors might be better than a letter to the NSRA. It is all about money.

John

 

The NSRA really has needed to change where it is going for many years. Going to the 30 year rule seems like a pretty extreme jump. Gary Meadors was with the NSRA, and took advantage of things and started up the Goodguys. They have what is called "All American" shows. Any year accepted. So, NSRA still is trying to hold things down. But, they already lost many hard core pre-48 members. Shows are like TV, if you do not like it just change the channel and go elsewhere. Membership usually gives you little in return, unless you need another magazine mailed to you. Don't join if you do not like things. Hell, everyone is hurting-Las Vegas has lowered the inflated price of $400 bottle of wine down to a discount $150. Just don't stop driving and supporting the shows/orgs that you like.

 

Uh, don't they also support Goodguys by advertising in the Gazette?

 

This is pretty much the same reactions as the event in Knoxville, Tenn. earlier this month,,,

The National Street Rod ***ociation has this on their web site,,


What is a Street Rod?

At no time in history have Americans been as interested in specialty automobiles as they are today. Be it a rebuilt old car or a newly constructed, limited production, special interest vehicle, this is the era of the unique to anyone interested in automobiles.
One of the fastest growing groups of enthusiasts interested in the older cars are street rodders; the owners and builders of street rods. A street rod is the most practical type of old car. By definition a street rod is: An automobile of 1948 or earlier manufacture which has undergone some type of modernization, to include any of the following; engine, transmission, interior refinements, and any other modifications the builder desires. A street rod is to be driven to events under its own power and is to be used as a safe, non-racing vehicle for total family enjoyment.
In addition, a street rod is a means of self expression for the creator. The builder of a street rod is not confined to guidelines set down by someone else...he can be his own man, and the street rod can be whatever he wants it to be, as long as the basic vehicle was manufactured prior to 1949. The street rod builder has the option of adding a late model engine and drive train from any make of car, he can modify the suspension to give better ride and handling characteristics, and he can incorporate whatever creature comforts he wants. Air conditioning, cruise control, AM-FM stereo radios and CD players, power steering and brakes, and automatic transmissions are common. The end result is an automobile tailored to the owner’s wants, and yet it is a car that has the looks and charm of a vehicle 50, 60 or even 70 years old. And, as the builder has options when it comes to adding the type of equipment he wants, he can also use as mild or as wild a paint theme as he cares to, or he can modify the lines of the body to suit his own design. The sky is the limit, and he can do whatever he wants without worrying about standards set down by someone else.

This is the NSRA I joined in the late 70's,,I don't think my membership will be renewed or missed. HRP

 

I tried to talk to every NSRA official, including Bubba Bugg and Vernon Walker. I actually handed Bubba a letter explaining my position, gave recommendations that I would rather see them consider, and said that should they go forward, I am more than likely dropping from their membership.

Sunday afternoon, as Bubba and Vernon were walking out of the main building, both asked if I had reconsidered and would I be back next year, and I told them that I highly doubted it. I advised both of them that the NSRA that I joined was about pre-49 vehicles, and that had I wanted to be a member of Goodguys, I would have joined them.

I had a long conversation with the guys that were getting the "Just Say No" pe***ions signed. My StreetRodder.com domain has been sitting dormant for the last year, and I told them that we could use it to help them with their message.

I am done griping about their decision. I have decided that I will log a ton of miles in my '40 and just have fun with that.

 

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think that sums it up.
Later,
****

 

I attend the local NSRA show in OKC but don't enter as a few years ago ('05) I drove up in my just running '31 Phaeton and in it's unfinished rust body they were not recepetive on my entry and I told them then, " Do you smell that? Thats the smell of the living dead and your not smart enough to know it!"

 

i have owned over the years, cars from the 20s threw the 70s stockers threw the hot rod , and street strip cars , and race cars. i like them all. but the 48 and older are just my preference. i joined the nsra for this reason. i have enjoyed seeing the young guys coming in with there traditional stuff. young and old i have enjoyed the nsra. some dont care for it, thats your right. but i have to agree with many that 1980 is off the mark. i understand it takes the money to put it on. but does the nsra really think that there are a lot of people out there as spectators that are going to come in to see the cars of 1980? take the year cut off to 55 or 64 but 1980? i would like to know who came up with that idea.

 

I certainly understand the need to enlarge the potential member base of the NSRA Unfortunately the NSRA decided if a little is good, too much would be great. A step up to include cars to 1954 would have thrown a net over a large number of customs and shoebox cars that I think would have been welcomed and accepted by the membership.
Unfortunately the NSRA is using the same argument that they have voiced in the past in dealing with other controversies. "It ain't a club, and you don't have a vote". NSRA is a privately held company that operates for profit.
The only real recourse you have is to make "the company" aware of your opinion and then decide for yourself if you are going to continue to attend their events.

 

It seems like a repeat of what NHRA did years ago. I remember when we had a garage built car, wrecking yard parts, worked hard , and we could compete, and if you were good, some days you could win...But then the money became more important than the reason. NSRA is following the same path, and soon it will just be billet cars, and fat checkbooks.

Just like the rest of the corporate car world..They forget why we do this, or they just don't care....

 

It seems to me as if they have already made a rod for their own back. Having been so forceful and absolute about the 30 year rule or 1980 and earlier rule - pick one - how can they do a U turn and recant when their membership renewals fall off dramatically, and without this happening?

 

As the closest event is 632 miles down the road to the south from the end of my driveway I can't get all that excited even if I really am a bit disgruntled about the whole thing.

I think that is probably their biggest problem. they have dropped pretty good events in a lot of regions simply because they wern't able to line their pockets at those events in the maner they felt they wanted to.

Face it, for most of us working stiffs who have to rathole the cash to go out of town to a major event along with using up several days of vacation time we tend to get pretty selective where we go.

For me the closest event (Sacramento in Oct) is out because that is the month several of my coworkers go hunting and their hunting in Oct leaves Augest wide open for me to go out on my boat or to Bonneville or both.

I've got exactly 4 and a half years before I can be one of the *old retired guys* and don't have to punch a clock or at least the one I punch now. If and when that Happens you might see this old fart at a few events around the country.