Probably should have done this at Thankgiving, but here goes. Oh, first, before anybody immediately goes for "I learned that ****X is a big homo" please don't This thread could actually be helpful to some people, a condensed version of what can be learned if you stick around and keep the HAMB what it's supposed to be. So please stay On topic. I'll start. Don't laugh, but I didn't know there were so many difference in flatheads from 32-53. I thought they were all the same 2 years ago. heads - Center outlet early, front outlet late, 21 stud, 24 stud. Distrubutors - front or crab Different variations of water pumps - many, some with mounts, some not, and Pulleys - wide or narrow Bellhousings - early integrated, late separate Intakes - late and early Carbs- the differences between 94's, 97's, 81's, 48's. Bearings - Floating or not Cranks - Mercury and otherwise, late and early. Lifters - Adjustable or not V8-60s And most important of all, buy one that runs already!
Most importantly: There IS a whole bunch of "COOL" people with a SUPER VAST wealth of knowledge and experience that like the same cool stuff I do. THANK YOU ALL!!!!!!!! overspray
It has taught me that no matter how esoteric the subject, no matter how unlikely you think someone will see your rant, that it's best not to bad mouth someone on the internet. It WILL come back to haunt you.
It's taught me that no matter how many times I think I'm the only one that believes one way, there are ten (or more) people that think just the opposite of me...and I get to see their point of view in an adult sort of way...and they see mine. R-
Having been around a few years you begin to think ya have most of the answers,,,,then along comes a friend that turns ya on to the HAMB,,a group of like minded hot rod and custom guys & gals that think like me,,,, The lesson to be learned with me is,,,,I didn't know everything and a perk of belonging to a group such as the HAMB,,,is the knowledge of experience that is here for the asking! I have recieved help and encouragement on every task that has tried to blow up in my face! Thank you Ryan,,,,,and thanks to all the people here that make the HAMB more than just a message board,,,,,I have made a lotta friends that I have never even met! A special thanks to Deuce Roadster ,,,cause he told me about the HAMB and Denise,,,cause I want some COOKIES !!! HRP
It's taught me that 6 cylinder 4-door station wagons with primer are hotrods. It's the people that count...
I've used a lot of the Tech. The first one that comes to mind is the open banjo conversion. I can't even mention all the questions I've asked and got an answer right away. ThanksRyan! Clark
Everything I need to know I learned on the HAMB. I've learned a lot of stupid little things that you don't find in the shop manuals, plus a lot of really cool, creative stuff that you won't find anywhere. Probably the most important thing I've learned is that you won't learn anything if you don't try to do it.
One of the many things I have learned on the HAMB is how to properly adjust the front brakes on my modified (40 Ford). I was driving it with marginal brakes on the front and someone posted how to do it correctly and now I have damn good front brakes. Several other things come to mind, but this is ths one that really sticks with me. Something so simple, but if you do not know the proper way, you drive around with less than perfect brakes.
[ QUOTE ] It's taught me that 6 cylinder 4-door station wagons with primer are hotrods. [/ QUOTE ] Only if you take off the air cleaner and run "twice pipes" [ QUOTE ] It's the people that count... [/ QUOTE ] Ya got that right! It's just a hobby to spend some of life happy, hopefully...
Bein stuck at home for the last few days with a cold, I've been perusing a few other boards. One thing I notice with most of them is that they do not have the expertise pool that the HAMB does. Aside from all the fun and games and at times interesting OT posts, it's the tech stuff and the history that comes from the HAMB participants that makes it what it is. I don't know how Ryan pulled off this little bit of magic, but he did. Maybe part of it is simply standing aside and letting the HAMB take it's natural course with only a kick in the tail once in a while. The best Captains do the least steering....
Its taught me that about 6,000 people are still willing to help a complete stranger. Its taught me that there are 100 ways to do the same thing and 99 of them are better than my idea. I am happy this place is around.
[ QUOTE ] Probably the most important thing I've learned is that you won't learn anything if you don't try to do it. [/ QUOTE ] ...and don't be afraid of doing it. Even if you totally **** it up, just tear it apart and try again- this time armed with valuable experience that you'll never get if you farm it out to the "professionals".
1) The world is a small place and there are hot rodders everywhere 2) There ARE some good people on the internet and 3) My cars don't HAVE to be painted, nice, or finished to have fun with them. mid-tenn mike Poor Boys CC TN
This is where I learned about and became a Rocketeer. Just as sure as everyone has to EARN respect when you first meet them, HAMBers get respect from me until they show they deserve otherwise. Also, this board lets us see each other as car folks before we consider how we dress, what music we listen to or how old we are. I've met the coolest peeps here. A Tip of the Top Hat to Ryan and all the moderators here. If all Americans treated each other like HAMBers do, the country would be better off for it. We don't have to agree in order to respect each other.
That there are literally thousands of people who love to see any rod or cl***ic get on the road. And in doing so, share their wealth of knowledge to absolute strangers in an instant. That we as a group are thankful to all those who are managing this site. And most of us put our money where our mouth is when trying to maintain this exchange of information, friendship and true concern for all that is good in the world. I never get tired of saying this. Thanks Ryan!
It's Good to know what I was doing 40+ years ago is still OK. What I've done and built in the past for customeres hasn't changed my roots and Primer is Fine, just ask any H.A.M.Ber. I don't get out much and so this place makes up for it. Thanks for a place to go. The Wizzard
I have learned that there are like minded people in a ll parts of the world. That not everyone in this hobby is out to make a buck of ya, and that car people (as sick as we are) are some of the best people going. oh yeah, I have also learned about a billion technical things that have helped me while working on my car as well as friends' cars. FONZI
Nothing, I know it all. Seriously though, this is hands down the best site on the net for Hot Rod stuff, but you guys already knew that.
Good God ! I can't list all the help or people that have helped me w my toys over the last 3-4 years, just plain to much too count, met some fine people and sent some here as well, even an old shoe like me can still learn, even from the younger set I find.Got restorit's 40 4 dr here and am looking for parts,sold much of my back stock of old parts here , all in all a very good experiance, even the squabbling is entertaining at times lol
Not to mention the 1000's of things I have learned on here that were either new to me or just a different way of doing something I have done 100 times, but that the hamb was the first message board I have ever looked at and still the only one i am registed on.
It got my Photoshop addiction started...with some help from Hambers who are light years ahead of me with what they can create artistically with a computer...thanks!!!
I think C9's absolutely right. Other car boards don't have the first-hand expertise or experience that the HAMB does. There's a LOT more hearsay, rumor and opinions parading around as knowledge on other boards. That stuff isn't tolerated here, which I really like.
I've learned, even though I live in a relative vacuum (rod & custom-wise, at least), I actually have lots of people out there, willing to tell me I'm (a) a jenius (2) a ***** (III) not alone in my twisted way of looking at things. I actually have had quite a few HAMBers agree with me on a couple ideas I had. I don't get a lot of feedback around here, so it's great to be able to bounce stuff off others,and learn stuff I want to learn by shutting up and listening. This is a great resource, and I'm grateful for the chance to hang out!
It's taught me many things about cars, engines and anything Hotrod related that i never knew about before i signed on and started lurking and also that there many people on this board that are hella cool and willing to share their knowledge and ideas with others because of their same love for their Hotrod p***ion they all care about. I know there are many who have been doing this for years and years....and there's ones just getting into it ( like me) but it seems like a close nit family that really cares about this forum and the hotrod way of life and i'm hooked now! I'm proud to be a Hamber and to keep learning from you guys. There's so much fricken talent on this board it's crazy and i can spend hours ( I do) just reading and looking at post after post on hotrods and all the art related stuff... I also like seeing your British two wheel rides as well since i'm an avid fan of those also keep the info coming guys... it's great! CAB
I've learned that you don't have to spend big $$$ to make a great rod or custom, in fact spending too much money can ruin a project. I have also learned numerous tech tips and have found that "traditional" hot rodders are generally cool people and very generous.
I found myself nodding and agreeing with everyone's statements. The HAMB is more then just an internet message board to me. The HAMB is people, real people that have a strong desire to do things their way, no matter what the rest of the world thinks. The HAMB has taught me that it's OK to do things my way and has given me the strengh and courage to stand up for my beliefs and ideas. It has also taught me that doing for others is alot more fun and rewarding then I could have ever imagined. Although I haven't met each and every HAMB member yet, I feel a strong bond with everyone and feel I have made some deep, life long lasting friendships here. The HAMB isn't about the cars for me, it's about the people. The cars are just the common thread that brought us all together. VIVA LA HAMB