Hello everyone from south central Pennsylvania. Although I've been registered on this site for a while, I haven't done much but lurk. Life has kept me very busy the last few years and will probably continue to do so for quite some time. However, that doesn't mean I can't find time for other things, it may just mean being more creative with where I spend that time. I've recently become more interested in traditional hot rods. What better place to go than The HAMB? I know none. While I feel pretty comfortable saying I'm not in the market for a car right away, I do feel comfortable saying I will be in the next few years. So here's a little about me, my thoughts, and some goals. I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you and hopefully making some new friends in the process. I'm in my mid 30's and have always enjoyed cars. I never got the exposure to working on vehicles growing up as the one person in my family (grandfather) that would have loved to teach me lived 11 hours away and died when I was 12. He loved all things mechanical and always had projects going on. One of the cooler cars he had was a '57 Triumph TR3 that he bought around '62 with a cracked cylinder for a few hundred bucks. He did a frame off restoration over the years and died before the finishing touches (paint and interior). My uncle took it and had it finished. I am now the owner of that car and think of my grandfather all the time whenever I drive it. Its an older restoration and I absolutely love that about it! While the paint still looks very good (~20 years old), the patina on all the chrome shows its age, and I love it. So I'd really like to eventually end up with a hot rod in my garage next to the TR3. I love the look of the roadsters, but already having one, makes me want something I can roll the windows up and still drive when its 35-40 outside. Also, I have children and want them involved with this so I think a tudor would be great so they can ride along in the back. While they can't all fit, turns will have to be taken. Some of my goals for the car: *Model A Tudor *Traditional all the way. I don't want a fancy chromed up rod, but not a rat rod either. I want something I'm not nervous to drive and know that each mile adds to the patina. *Small chop and light channel. From pics I see, this seems to appeal to me the most. BUT, if presented with a deal on something unchopped and not channeled, I'd go with it. *No fenders *Engine: not looking for a new crate motor. Open to ideas on this...budget might have the largest impact. I want to enjoy the sound, don't need drag race power, and want it to look good as I think that's part of the fun. While I'm not mechanically challenged, I don't know a thing about building cars, so I'm in a tough spot. Can I collect parts over time and have someone help me put it all together? I like that idea to some extent due to the nature of getting it just how I want it. But then I have enough projects on my hands and very little time to spend with the learning curve to build something. So I may have to just look for the right vehicle for sale when I'm more ready to pull the trigger. Regardless, I would love to have the opportunity to meet some of the local guys and spend some time helping with anything I can and hopefully learn a few things. Even if not local, if someone has a car similar to what I'm describing with in a few hours, let me know. I am often back in the Philadelphia area. If there are any local shows coming up, please let me know. Didn't even know about the Jalopy Showdown at Latimore. That's only a few minutes away from me. Will have to go next year! I attached some pics of my inspiration:
Welcome. I like your "inspiration" shots. All very cool cars. And yes, by all means, set aside the date for the Jalopy Showdown next yr. I think the date is usually the 3rd Sat. in May. You will get lots of inspiration there.
You are correct, 5/17/14 on their site. Stinks that its the same day as the Carlisle Import Show, which I planned to take the TR3 to next year. Oh well...heading to Latimore.
Welcome from southeastern PA. There's a lot of guys around here running the cars you described. In fact I have one coming in my shop tomorrow.
Experience is a great teacher i have a couple 235s and 216 to fool around with. You can catch em on craigslist cheap occ***ionally. Just keep looking and your project will come together. Some help will always be on this forum. Your grandpa is probably got a big grin on his face seeing you driving that car. Good luck on ur build
I would love to work on an old engine...and could probably swing that budget and space-wise right now. I'd need some help finding the right deal probably. Anyone interested in a finder's fee?
Great, that's on my way back in to town. I moved out from Malvern about 3 years ago. Will that Tudor be in the shop for a while?
This time its only gonna be in til Monday or Tuesday. I'm going to take plenty of pictures since the car is coming straight from the paint shop this time.
The Jalopy Journal
