Whether we think we're vanguards of a movement, the truth is we ain't shit. Everything we do has been done before. Should we take pride in it, perhaps? Does it bring us happiness? Probably so. But almost everything we do has been done before. There are mere differences in detail. As it stands, all we're doing is treading in the footsteps of the masters. The masters were about innovation, and the fact that to a man they were young bucks treading into uncharted territory makes what they did all the more amazing. We are diametrically opposed to innovation. What asshole wants to tell me that a Man-A-Fre 8 pack on a SBC runs better than fuel injection? We're caricatures, displaced in time. We're alone as far as the world at large is concerned. We're pathetic and pitiful souls. So what the hell are we doing? It's anachronistic at best, and damn right foolish at worst. So what is it? What's the allure? I can't put my finger on it, but it's 2004. I never thought I'd live to see 2000, nevermind 2004. So why the hell are we building shit that's a throwback to a half a century ago? I'm utterly clueless, all I know is that I'm sick and tired of sanding on my '54 Chevy. I wish I'd sold that POS when I had my chance. This hobby is really fucking stupid, it makes zero sense.
Hey Nads, sounds like you need a better dust mask kick back and open a cold something and take a look at the 50 y/old stuff v the new and it will all make sense again.....
You make some really good points Nads, but when you boil it down, we do it becuase it's cool to us, thats all that really matters.
[ QUOTE ] So why the hell are we building shit that's a throwback to a half a century ago? [/ QUOTE ] Because new cars suck thats why. Would you rather drive this?
[ QUOTE ] . So why the hell are we building shit that's a throwback to a half a century ago? I'm utterly clueless, all I know is that I'm sick and tired of sanding on my '54 Chevy. I wish I'd sold that POS when I had my chance. [/ QUOTE ] Because it makes me happy when I see something that was only in my mind turn out to be something I like. it's as simple as that. If it means sanding my ass off...I guess I'll just make out with less of an ass. I've got plenty to spare.
Hey , I love doing this stuff, but it's still dumb. The only thing traditional that ought to be adhered to stringently is procreation. Screwing never goes out of style.
[ QUOTE ] . I wish I'd sold that POS when I had my chance. [/ QUOTE ] So sell it now and put the money into a new minivan. They come with fuel injection,air conditioning,and all the latest modern convieniences.
Truer words were never spoken..."It's all been done before"...but I'm having fun doing it again....I am finding myself repeating things that I have done years ago...shoulda kept all the old stuff.
Vanguards of a movement? WTF are you thinking? Some of us who enjoyed it then still enjoy it now. When the "new popularity" of "old hot rods" wears off, the hobby will remain. And the rest of 'um will do something else. Don't get too caught up with yourself...
[ QUOTE ] Screwing never goes out of style. [/ QUOTE ] THANK GOD...............Hell I usta LIVE for that..... NOW.I'd DIE for some................. still LOVE my old piece of SHIT though........... But then........I ain't started SANDING on it yet either....
Nads, setbacks just come with the territory, weather you're building a traditional or the latest hight tech billetmobile. I'm sure you're pissed about not having the 54 done for your show but I think You'll be singing a different tune when that 54 is done. I FEEL YOUR PAIN. Now quit yer bitchin' and get back to sanding Billy
30tudor, thanks for the perspective, I feel better now. I'm listening to DeLite right now and my beautiful wife's dancing in the kitchen. Who are DeLite but a throw back to The Ohio Players? Gawd I luv music, I love R'N'B best of all. This is a great country. I'll love hot rods until the day I die, but it's still stoooopid. Now we're listening to Shaggy.
[ QUOTE ] all I know is that I'm sick and tired of sanding on my '54 Chevy. [/ QUOTE ] I know, I know.. I wish I never started puting the bondo on, it's no fun.. I would rather start a whole nuther project than spend another minute sanding. the wrench and torch are my friends and I miss them. And you are right again, "we are standing on the shoulders of giants". My willingness to give up is only stemmed by the awe that I have for the true masters of the craft, I must see it done, even if in my crude amaturish way. Then I sell the bastard and start another, one with straight sheet metal! Paul
If you think that way Nads, you're probably in this whole hot rod thing for the wrong reasons. I think it's man's enherent nature to be challenged. The challenge of a race to see who is faster, the challenge of building something that is more "correct" by judging standars, the challenge of building a car that does everything better than the next guy with the same type of car... or the challenge of building something that is pleasing to the eye under certain rules set forth by roddings forefathers (what "traditionalists do). If you're not in it for the challenge... or if you don't see the challenge in it... it's either time to hang it up... or time to start making money at it. The diacotomy found in the types of cars that most HAMBers are building is in that the original hot rodders built theirs to try and beat each other. First it was the circle tracks, then the open dirt... then the salt and the quarter mile. But as each one of these types of cars became purpose built, the new genre of rod emerged... and the competition turned from going fast to who had the most spit and polish. While some people feel that the Nostalgia craze means that we've come full circle... in actuality... we've just gone from competing for speed and agility to competing for who can put the most "smile" on their face and the faces of others. You may do it for you... and you may do it for others... only you know for what reasons... and there's no point in trying to tell us for what reason you do it... Anywho, that "smile" that I'm talking about is a challenge... we craft, cut, weld... and then stand back and look. We're attempting to use styling cues from days gone by... and blend them into an interpretation of our own. The challenge is found in the deals we need to get to even get this thing together and running on a limited budget... or a self imposed budget. The challenge is found in the skills that we need to learn to "do it ourselves". The challenge is found in actually pulling it all off... and if you don't see a challenge in it... you begin to have the attitude that Nads wrote about... and then what we do begins to become passe... and then you move on to the next challenge... It's the circle of life, man... it's the circle of life. Sam.
If you are tired of sanding, stop... its that easy. As me and FlamedAbone like to say frequently, "Old Cars Suck" but we both know the alternative is worse and boring. Lets see, spend time in the garage or watch Oprah or American Idol...its your call.
...and Nads... I'd suggest that you ditch the '54... and maybe the coupe... and build a Roadster... one that is fast and scares the shit out of you. I did that and found many challenges in trying to do it on a budget. I succeded... and now it's the smile I get on my face every time I drive it that keeps my interest piqued... I needed another challenge so some friends and I built a drag car... it hauls ass... scares the shit out of anyone that drives it... and exceeded our expectations therefore making the challenge a complete success... My next challenge will be to build a car that hauls comperable ass... can drag race and run on the salt AND can drive on the street with all my family aboard... I'm going to find challenges in the build, in the way to pay for it all and in the way I'm going to manage my time to get it done... and then when it is done... I'm almost certain that it's going to put a big ass smile on my face... and on the face of anyone that goes for a ride or sees it in action or in person... Sam.
[ QUOTE ] Sam Straub's quoting The Lion King, we're in trouble boys. I love you Sam, keep the faith. [/ QUOTE ] Maybe you should go rent that movie tonight instead of sanding on your car! Sam Strube.
Well Nads Bro- who said any one is supposed to "LIKE" bodywork....Ive dne something like bodywork almost daily for a total of 28 years.[more if you count hobby period] so Im saying thats a perfectly natural response to an incedibly tedious,virtually boring fuckin job.
You call it a Da I know it as a mud hog. hahaha Because it knocks the bondo down like a hungry pig at the trough.
I just read an article on Fonze Carloni. I had heard of him before but never had the pleasure to meet him.That man loved his cars. Didn't give a shit who liked them because he did. Chill out Nads. I hate sanding to the point that the ends of your fingers have no prints on them anymore.TP
So either this post was a cry for some sympothy treatment, or you really dont like the hobby any more, and cant remember why you got into it in the first place. Wanna know some hobbies, past-times or sports that are truely stupid?? Try scale motor boat r/c's, bowling, basketball, D&D, playing Uno, frisbee, pinhead painting, ANY thing on TV, basket weaving or playing with your Barbie dolls. I cant think of any reason why you believe no matter what any one says on here, its still stupid(?) Who cares if its all been done before?! Whats dramatically new that anyones noticed in the last 10 years of any new car in America?? Different colored jelly beans, thats it. Feel lucky you have a car and a space to work on it. Or find some other hobby that floats your boat
been done before? so what! they said that about sex and yet we keep doing it(or at least trying) btw, sanding DOES suck, that's why my shit's in primer and also why i DON'T worry about the fuckers getting nicked up and ALSO why i can drive 'em every day! get a grip, wouldya?
Everything comes full circle about every 3rd generation. Don't believe it.....look at the rat rod movement.Billet will be your grandkids retro.... The Big Band movement. Hip Huggers Bell Bottoms Chuck Taylors Hair pomade cuffed jeans 50's furniture PT Cruisers look like 37 Fords but uglier Look at womens hair!!Betty Paige bangs...geesh. If ya really wanna analyze something...look at why we get up every day and leave our families to spend 8-12 hours with people we really don't like so that we can have STUFF.
The Jalopy Journal
