Pay Attention to Old Timers!!!

Here's the story. I'm 21 and I used to work at a tire shop, and one day a customer walked in and I overheard him saying something about a Model A. I quickly disregarded whatever I was doing, and ended up talking to the guy for a half hour or so. I told him I pinstriped, and did bodywork, etc... and he said he might have some fenders for me to work on. I got his phone number and gave him a call a couple days later and got to see his cars at home. He had a '30 coupe body and a '31 fordor sedan, both buried under old cat food bags and cardboard boxes for the last 40 years. Obviously it would be a while before we even got to the fenders. He said he'd take them off when he could get to them. It didn't happen.

Fast forward a year to this spring... I gave him a call again a couple of weeks ago and asked him if he still wanted the work done. "Sure", he said, "but I need help getting the fenders off of the car."
I went to his house and helped him unbolt the fenders. As I was about to leave, he mentioned that he wanted to get the coupe going, and I said I'd help him. He mentioned he had some "spare parts" he'd be willing to trade me for my work, and I said OK!

We went to go look at his "spare parts", and this is what he said he'd do. He'd give me these two '29 special coupe bodies, a set of 16x4" Ford wheels, and other A parts too if I did the bodywork on the '30 coupe and helped him put it in primer. Easy enough, as the body was nearly perfectly preserved in his garage. It still had original paint, etc....

Moral of the story- make time for Old Timers you young guns out there- You never know what you're going to get if you lend a helping hand.

 

Wow, great deal! Sooooo..... how many model A bodies does this "old timer" have laying around? looks like a few.

Flatman

 

I agree!! When i first started going to the local cruise ins, i started meeting some of the old timers, now after knowing them for a few years, i find these dudes know everyone. If you need a part, they can find it, or have it!! My buddy wrecked his 51 chevy, wrecked the whole front sheet metal, i made one call to an old guy, and within 2 hours i had access to every piece needed, a couple of weeks later i also scored a whole parts car for $600 for him, all from knowing the old guys. Plus they have tons of cool stories.

 

You were very cool and respectful with him and you deserve it...congradulations.

 

Yeah...us "old dudes" can be a wealth of knowledge...and we do know nearly everyone...it's a lifetime of making friends by building cars, going rod running and playing with cars...

Take a lesson guys...

R-

 

the old timers are part of our hot rod heritage and history,i stop by and visit some of my grand fathers buddies,could spend days talking with them

 

That is a cool story. Sounds like this gent and you get along good. I like it when a favor turns out good and I admire a 21 year old that would take time out for a so called Old Timer. Congrads>>>>.

 

I just couldn't believe it! I never doubted his knowledge- he's been tinkering with this stuff for 70 years! After he saw the look on my face he says, "You could probably make one of those Hot Rods with a body like that one."

Flatman- He's got another '29 standard coupe, a '30 tudor sedan, and the coupe I'm working on...4 or 5 extra sets of fenders, headlight bars, wheels, etc...just amazing!

 

That is cool and it is great seeing a young gun into old cars ... Thank you for keeping hot rod alive, long after we old guys are gone.

 

Just don't call him an old timer. I dunno about the rest of y'all, but oldtimer-hood seems to be catching up on me, pronto. (as is my collection of car parts...and they're all turning vintage all by themselves)

 

Cool story-

"Respect your elders" was taught to me at an early age. I use that thinking to this day, and I always listen to what they have to teach.

I would only add to that phrase..."unless they are ***holes".

 

Would you rather be called "elderly"?

 

God willing, this story can repeat itself in 50 more years. Only you will be that amazing old guy.

 

Suite , nice story ! Coupes rule !

 

Awesome!

 

good for you and good luck . now get over there and prime the thing . I dont think id leave till it was done

 

You do and I'll kick yer *** with this cane I got here!

 

That's what I was lookin' for!

 

I had an old timer rebuild my flathead for nothing. He's turned out to be one of the coolest guys I know. Respect The old Dudes there full of Knowledge!!!!

 

Would you be wanting to sell one of those coupes?
r

 

great post, respect is one of those things very few people "teach" their kids. Well at least here in socal.
hold up your end of the bargain and you deserve it.

 

I'm only 66 and I respect my elders, I think you have to be 85+ to be an old timer!

 

Last weekend I spent my time at the Southwest Mini-Nats in OKC. I was impressed by the large number of young bucks at the event. For years the participants at NSRA events have been getting grayer and grayer. Several times my friends and I have talked about the gradual death of segments of the hobby as the people that enjoyed stock model A's, stock model T's grew old and died. It was a nice surprise to see a whole new group of enthusiastic younger guys walking from car to car talking about plans for their own cars.
I've resolved to try and overlook the tat's, piercings and three foot tall model A sedans if the young guys can overlook my comb'over and forgetfullness

 

I think old fart is ok least for me
Ken

 

That's "Mr. Old Fart" if you don't mind

 

post some pic's of his cars! they sound cool also.

 

I'm an old guy, and it'd be a mistake to listen to me. !!!

 

Kharma ain't no joke. Be respectful and it'll be worth your while.

 

Exactly my thoughts RD.....good on you dude for taking the time to involve yourself with an older rodder and being respectful to him is simply something that older guys are not used to seeing from young "whippersnappers"

You my friend have been the exception to the rule...well done. The world would be a better place if more younger blokes thought and acted like you have.

Enjoy the reward !!

Rat

 

a little respect goes a long way remember dont expect to get respect if you dont give it. their is also another saying dont take my kindness as a weakness terry from the great white north