Peer pressure, kids and old cars.

[Nads]

My 13 year old daughter goes to a tony private school, my parents are paying. She's a really good girl, gets good grades and is an all around super kid, I wish she was a little tidier though.
Anyway she's starting to get embarrassed about me dropping her off to school in front of her pals in my assorted heaps.
Most kids that drive, have Lexusi, Acuri etc, their parents have Lambos and Rollers, and she's starting to feel inadequate.
Now I'm not poor by any means, I'm not rich either, but she's got to deal with what we have. At the same time I'm acutely aware of what adoloscents have to go through.
It's just a little disconcerting when you go to the effort of keeping an old jalopy running and have the modern world misunderstand you every step of the way.
I just about lost my cool when I saw these poncy teenage fucks laughing at my '60 wagon last Friday.
I was really, really angry, but I understand that I have to have some decorum, therefore I resisted the urge to crack these a-holes in the head.
It just saddens me that these wankers have the audicity to openly laugh at something that takes so much effort to keep alive.
Sorry to mess up Tech Week, but I just wish that we lived in a world where we weren't judged by the value (putported) of our possessions.

[Machinos]

The only reason they laugh is because if they don't, their friends that are even RICHER than them will kick their ass.

[earl schieb]

Youth is wasted on the young.....

Don't sweat it, man. WE all know you're cool http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My old dad used to drive me to school in a 56 Ford, faded white, leaky muffler. I was so embarrassed I used to get him to let me out way short of the schoolhouse. Now all my shit looks/sounds like that.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

mid-tenn mike

[plmczy]

Hey Nads, I know what ya mean. Kids can be awfully cruel. Just wait till those little snot faced bitches get out in the real world, but then mommy and daddy probably give them everything on a silver platter. Thats the problem these days, kids don't understand what its like to earn something. later plmczy

[53_210]

Judging people by the amount of money you have is just plain stupid. You should be the one laughing at them. Kids like that usually have parents who are assholes and often grow up to be assholes. It might make you feel better knowing you'll raise your daughter better than that.

Derrick

[Nads]

Machinos, you make an excellent point. I guess that's what it is, one eggs the other one.
My daughter's been around old cars all her life, and even now if we were going to a criuse or a car show she'd be happy to hop in, but now there's a subtle change going on when it comes to her peers.
I've tried as best as I can to protect her from Nike, Britney, Christina, Korn, Belly Shirts and whatever else that's out there preventing children from being children, but I think I'm losing the battle.
If'n she was a boy and a practicing gearhead it might be different, but she's a girl and sometimes it's tough to deal with.
I'm just curious if some other HAMBers have the same issues.

I've never felt as much of an outsider as I did last Friday.

[TINGLER]

Awwww Nads...

I hear ya. But, really, those punks didn't make YOU feel bad did they? Your shit rocks man.

Check this out.....just think of how a guy in a Lexus would feel if he and his buddies accidentally rolled up into one of your club's get togethers... Who would be laughing at who???

Another story....I was cruising around the other day. This "young cool dude" rolled up beside my truck (wifes ranger) and flogged the throttle letting out an UNGODLY four banger fart can bellow. I couldn't stop laughing...... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif If I woulda been in the Fairlane, I woulda made the kid shit himself...

Hang in there Nads.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Tinbender]

My 13 yr old daughter is begging me to take her to school in my Stude. I'll be doing that next week. Maybe then the other kids will understand why she is the way she is http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[manyolcars]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6472&item=24666334 78 Nads, if you drive this, the kids wont laff at you.

[Nads]

BTW, that word was supposed to be purported, not putported, whatever the hell that means.

I'm sorry to be on such a downer, but I wish it was a easier to raise a child whilst holding true to traditional values.
I'm sure that gearheads with children in public schools must go through the same thing too.
I try to tell my daughter that it doesn't matter what people say or think but obviously it does to her.
She said that she won't mind if I drop her her off in the '54 Chevy when it's painted and done, but I have a feeling that she will. That theory will be tested soon if I ever get the POS finished.
I suppose we all lose our kids through the tumult of the teenage years, but as long as they come back it's allright.

Man it's tough being a Dad sometimes.

[plmczy]

I'll be going thru this in a couple years Nads. My daughter is 9 yrs old. Whats wrong with Korn? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I love Korn. later plmczy

[52Chief]

Nads- When I was in elementry school (late 80's) my paernts were in the same boat as you, not poor, not rich. Anyway, we had a little ranch, horses and stuff. Well we had a beat up old green Dodge pick-up with rust holes we used to pick up feed and stuff, literally a "farm truck". WEll one of the girls I was friends with at school invited me to come over after school for a while. Around the time it was getting dark, my mom came and picked me up in the farm truck, (she had just gotten back from the feed store).

The girls mom saw the truck, and told her daughter she wasn't allowed to play with me anymore. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif I didn't understand at the time, (I'm 7 or 8). I guess if she had showed up in our new car, maybe it'd have been ok? Who knows. And this wasn't even a rich town, mostly middle class stuff outside San Diego.

I'm sad to hear stuff like that still goes on. I'm sure your daughter will understand as she grows up. Peer pressure sucks! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[choprods]

it continues into early adulthood too Nads!I bought a nicer lookin work truck[not hi dollar or very new just nicer] because my daughter lives in a neighborhood where its a rarity to see the likes of my ol work truck...I did it for her benefit-to save 'embarrassing them in their neighborhood.....is that nuts of me?If Im going thru there on my way to or from a car event -I never stop as I drive "cool" stuff that would not be acceptable in the neighborhood..... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifI PLAN ON KEEPIN' THEM THO!!!!!!!

[TheDooWopKid13]

its just the peer pressure. probably cause everyone has a rice rocket (which are gay) and i would never drive in one. and i think it would be badass to get picked up in pre 60's car everyday.

[HOTRODPRIMER]

Nads,I can relate,,,when my twin girls were 13 I drove a chopped top 39 ford convert,,,black primered hotrod,,,kids would poke fun of them cause daddy drove old junk cars,,,, http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

My,My,,how times have changed,,,,,,now my daughter wants to drive the roadster and drop her daughter off at school! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gifHRP

[johnnygringo]

nads man i got a just turned 17 yr old girl and a 13 yr old boy both in a "blue ribbon" private school..had to send them when they got to jr high and the exclusivity is worse now than it was in public by far...

ive always drove a hoopty ride...always will...if i finish them i sell em

my kids hate me droppin em off or pickin em up in 'em now...but like i tell them...better than walkin richierich

my wife however smashes soccer moms with her expo so they love her and it

strange world

[Nads]

I also have to say that I would love to talk to these kids I was so angry at to show them my point of view.
If I sold all my old cars I could esily have the funds to buy a nice modern vehicle, but where would the fun be?
As soon as the 'Check Engine' light came on I'd be at a loss.

The thing is, I really love kids. Having two of my own, I feel like all kids are my kids.

I love their innocence but the world has a way of sucking that out of them, they become hardened and cynical before their time.

I'm really sad that we live in a world where going to a fishing pond or playing basketball in the street was more than enough fun. Now it's a world of gadgetery and fancy doodads and expensive sneakers.

Watching television was the last thing on my mind as a 13 year old.

G'dangit, I'm rambling, someone shut me up.

[kustumizer]

It was pretty kool when i first drove my comet to school. Everybody thought my car was kool and stuff. But i can see were you are coming from. Nate

[Fast Elvis]

Nads there's an old saying, "empty barrels make the most noise", look at where it's coming from, some young pussy boy's!!.. They just don't get it!! It's funny, I have a son who is 11 and is already a gearhead and proud of it. My bud's kids are also of the same mind because we live this culture and support it. To our kids this is NORMAL!! To others...well who cares! Nads your a symbol of freedom! Your a hot rodder and proud of it! Don't let those small people in life get you mad! Keep the FAITH!! I'm happy most people don't get it....means less assholes in the ranks. Years from now your daughter is going to think of her old dad was a pretty KOOL DUDE driving her to class in those jalopies!...plus anyone can drive a Lexusi/Acuri etc., but can they drive a old jalopy and look as KOOL as the NADS can....I think not!! She's a lucky girl to have such great DAD!....I'll stop my rambling....put the pedal to the metal and don't lift bro!! Cheers F.E.

[2tall2beahotrodder]

Peer presure with new cars!!!!


HELL, im getting presure to get Old shit around here!!!





Take off your headers, or put some flamethrowers on the 60's wagon, next time you pull up, light those bitches on fire...

steve-

[flying clutchman]

damn nads, i am sorry to hear that. i drove my 56 to school everyday. at my high school no one liked old cars. it wasnt cool. i didnt give a shit. i took pride knowing i built my car and didnt have my parents buy me a nice new one. i have 2 nieces, one is 7 and the other 10. they both love my 56 and love riding in it. i think your daughter will come around when she gets older and actually has to earn what she owns.

diego

[FnDIRTYGREASER]

Wow, my lil girl is only 3 years old. Hope she gets used to rolling in beaters young.
manny

[Anderson]

I know exactly what you're talking about, but from a different point of view. I went to a private high school ("Blue Ribbon" too http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) and drove junk-ish cars to school. The first was a '64 El Camino, and I took a lot of shit for that, but it didn't matter. It was still more fun than everyone elses BMW's, Volvos, and 4x4 Tahoes. School would let out and everyone would go home...they never seemed to laugh at how I was always in front of them. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[TheDooWopKid13]

[ QUOTE ]
damn nads, i am sorry to hear that. i drove my 56 to school everyday. at my high school no one liked old cars. it wasnt cool. i didnt give a shit. i took pride knowing i built my car and didnt have my parents buy me a nice new one.
diego


[/ QUOTE ]
nice, i would have pride too riding in an old car rather then a new car, and thats exactly the same thing at my school. rice rockets, i hate them.

[Suede]

When I was teen I drove my stock flathead four banger flat fender 42 ford jeep to school everyday. Now this was in the mid 90's just to let ya know. I loved the hell out of it But everyone I knew hated it with a passion. ewww its an old, slow car with no roof and its the ugly millitary green. No one but me realized how cool it was to drive a 50 year old rig everday and I figured it was close enough to be called a 42 ford convertable. Hell its a jeep, theres no top therefore I called it a convertable.

[DrJ]

Probably a handful of class 'bullies" are picking on her and since they are bullies, they would have picked on her if you had driven her to school in a Rolls Royce.
They just use whatever is different about their prey to pick on. This time it was a "different" car.
Now that they have their material of derision to use there is no going back. They would continue to pick even if you had her chauffered to school in a limo from now on.
Best thing to do is see if you can find out the names of the bullies and tell your daughter she can defend herself if need be, but don't you turn the names in to the school unless you have already transferred her out. too dangerous for her because they will seek revenge.
Just be aware of who it is so when you get the call "Your daughter got in a fight with Bully Betty" you can tell them Bully Betty had benn picking on your daughter, and give them a history.
They probably already know the bullies.. they just ignore them (afraid of them too?) until blood is spilled, then harass everyone involved to make it look like they are doing their job...

I hated High School... Dad said to only fight anyone you couldn't out run... I was a slow runner.. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[himmelberg]

Nads, I'm sure not one to give advice, never did make father of the year. One thing my girls always knew and that was that I loved them. Nothing else mattered. We had to adjust to peer pressure... that's part of being 13. I tried not to embarass them, tried to be cool... but the love was what got us through all of it. The other thing they found out about their dad was that I never gave a shit what other people thought. As long as I knew that they loved me I was happy. They grew to be beautiful young women and each has given me a grandson. Your daughter knows you love her and that's enough... tho' it never hurts to remind her. best. himmelberg

[hatch]

Nads....paint the bike candy red...add a LONG front springer....take her to school on it....leave in a cloud of smoke, noise, and flames.....done deal.

[Sam F.]

Nads,,there are alot of snobs where i live,,, been laughed at alot, pissed me off the first 20 or so times http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif,,

...,but then i learned
"why are THEY laughing at ME?!?,...they're the ones who just paid 30K plus for a new piece of shit that wont be worth 1/3 of what they paid in 4 years...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA"

[Psychobilly Boi]

hey nads,

i've only dropped my kid off in the rod a few times...he hates it... mostly becuase he gets swamped by other kids asking him to man questions! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

seriously, i think girls are harder to deal with. i think image is alot more important for them. no easy way out of that. im sure like all child related storms it will pass.

i work in an industry where beamers and porches are the norm and where people "do" power lunches, show off thier platinum cards and attent health spas. its like fucking living in American Psycho. you should hear the shit i cop for having a rusty dirty rod.


danny

[Deyomatic]

This shit pisses me off, too. I bought my '55 over a year ago and my 19 year old cousin and her friends were there when I dragged it home they all actually "tried" to be polite by hiding their laughter.
"You bought THAT? How much did you PAY for it?"

Less than you paid for your 1985 Park Avenue.

[JimC]

Keep the faith, Nads.
We do not live in a perfect world.
She will arrive at the conclusion that the real values you are teaching her are what it is all about.
The days of adolescence will pass.
She will grow into a young lady, and make you proud.

The kids making fun of her will pass from her life and fade from memory.

Jim

[williebill]

Took my kids to KKOA and KOA type events from birth.They liked the cars,but probably didn't understand why Dad couldn't get his cars to look like the ones they saw at the shows..Or get them finished,either.Embarrassing my daughter in middle school was too easy.Picking her up in my kinda ratty crew cab horrified her.Now she likes SUVs,at age 24.My son thinks custom stuff is cool,but one of my better moments was when he brought some of his 16-17-18 year old buddies over to see my stuff,and they practically creamed themselves when they saw what I had in the garage.Gotta admit,that was a good day for me...If they keep putting cool stuff on TV,it'll be like wannabee Orange County Choppers posers,only now cool cars will be "acceptable"..Not sure I'm ready for that,rather be an outcast....

[mybeatupford]

yeah i know how it feels to get laughed at in a old car lol. i still goto high school and u should see how many kids that are younger than me and arent into hot rods and V-8's, there into them damn slant 4's or brand new cars with dubs or bigger rims. i get laughed at all the time and it pisses me off that they dont i guess have respect for building something you love and not buying it off a show room floor. but i do like it when they get scared when i rev it up drivin through them kids in the morning to park my truck in auto shop hehe http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif when i was a freshman (senior now) i made sure my dad drove me to school in his beat up primered 53 ford and let them glasspacks back fire hehe made me sure smile

[Machinos]

[ QUOTE ]
This shit pisses me off, too. I bought my '55 over a year ago and my 19 year old cousin and her friends were there when I dragged it home they all actually "tried" to be polite by hiding their laughter.
"You bought THAT? How much did you PAY for it?"

Less than you paid for your 1985 Park Avenue.

[/ QUOTE ]

Haha...when I bought my '55 (when it looked a lot better than it does now, too) the first time my 18-year-old sister saw it she said that she would be totally embarassed to drive it. Even my dad thought that was a stupid remark. Of course, there is no way I could possibly care less about her opinion. Her first car when she was 16 was a blue '87 VW Jetta four-door that she paid $800 over blue book value for because she just HAD TO HAVE IT. Less than two years later and many hundreds of dollars in repairs later, she bought a silver Honda Civic coupe with the little fake spoiler on the trunk lid for $6000, because "the Jetta is a lame grocery getter anyway".

[burndup]

Nads, explain to her the difference between "cool" and "conceited."

[ QUOTE ]
probably cause everyone has a rice rocket (which are gay) and i would never drive in one.

[/ QUOTE ]

Mr. Doowop13yearold, You're just as bad as one of those kids who gave Nads shit, just you're on the other side.

[JamesG]

Damn I guess I was lucky . We had a shit load of gearheads at my old school. I think there were more guys and gals into them than there was other shit.

Now my kids love to get dropped off and picked up in Daddys "cool ol' hot rod" as they call it. And I dig the hell out of it too!

[Cad Carver]

I grew up being driven around in my dad's 65 chevy truck (he bought in 81, I was born in 85). Arizona rust, former farm truck, beat up, with the occasional stake bed. Finally got it when I was 16, the truck looks basically the same, it's a little straighter and partially black. This heap has cost me countless dollars and more women than I know, but I wouldn't have it any other way(except for one of my Caddys). Take pride in what you drive (despite the way it looks) and know that those little fucks with their crumple zone flashy pos's have nothing on you. Know that you are a God and keep doing what you love.

[El Caballo]

Nadnik, take solace in the fact that 99 and 44/100 percent of their parents could not find the dipstick in their engine compartments. I went to a private high school as well and I despised the preppy fucks that were there, not for their wealth, but the paucity of their depth, about as deep as the piss puddle below the urinal at the Conoco. I don't feel sorry for you, but your daughter, kids can be so cruel. You could convince those other little shits that the should not laugh at your '60 by impaling one or two on your tailfins, or you can try to convince your daughter that those people are in her life for a short time and that their opinion is worth the value SHE places on it. Fuck 'em.

[Vagrant]

Nads, I know what you're saying man. Peer pressure is just fuckin evil ....I remember in elementary school (early 80's ) my "friends" gave me shit for wearing Vans. I loved wearin Vans. The lowtop lace ups...so comfortable...so good for skatin and ridin the BMX bike around....and fairly inexpensive too. Sadly I succombed to the presure and got what they though was cool....Fortunately I realized not long after that I was selling out to these fellas and ...well..I got some more Vans and my skateboard and went on my happy way without em ....(all this over shoes) Anyway, .you get the idea....and the way the world is going now.... yeah, I understand your concerns. But you remember how it was being young. This will all pass. And your daughter will end up thinkin you and that "jalopy" 54 Chev are just as cool as Bugs Bunny.....or wait...Power Puff Girls.....or....something.
Have faith. Maybe she'll be a master welder... or hell, even a pinstriper... You never know.

[4t64rd]

Simple solution, a bottle of white shoe polish, write on the side windows:

Rare collector vehicle for sale, 60 Chevrolet wagon, $75,000 or best offer.

This is what they are taught, the only measure of anything or anybody is money.

[REJ]

Nads, I had the same problem about 4 years ago with my youngest son. Oldest son was driving wife's hand me down car, youngest son needed a car to drive to school. I made a deal with him on my 65 Mustang. Help me fix it up the way you want it, without a V-8 in it, run the 200 ci six and auto, and we will modify it. We ended up putting a cam, headers and Holley carb with electronic ignition. He was proud to drive it to school and park side of brand new Trans Am' s that their daddy bought for them.
Some of these punks were so jealous of the looks and comments that the Mustang brought, they keyed the side of the car and the trunk.
Some of the kids at that school do not know my son, but they remember the kid who drove the 65 Mustang.
Now he is in the military and has bought a 55 Chevy that he is working on.
I realize that a daughter is different that a son, but she will come around after a while and realize what it is that you are into and why.
Just my 2 cents worth.

[Paul]

looking back, it's amazing some of us made it through early adolesence,

let alone watch our kids go through it.

I feel for ya man, just listen to her and support her, it is her world right now.

Paul

[Donzie]

Kids (and adults) make fun of what they don't understand. It's all about education.
Here is my suggestion. Get in touch with the school principal or one of your daughter's teachers. Have a day that you and some of your frineds can bring some of your cars around for the class to view and maybe even take rides in (check the liability factor here). Talk to them about how much work goes into building these cars and a little history lesson on hot rodding. You might be surprised how they'll "come around" and your daughter may become the class hero.

[52Chief]

My kid likes it when I take him to school in the Pontiac, but he is a boy, and he's only five. I hope he never grows out of it! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[repoguy]

I'm sure everyone will want to castrate me for saying this because it isn't the "cool hot rod thing to do", but I don't give a shit.

Nads, if this really bothers you (which it obviously does) maybe you should consider selling one (not all, just one) of your rides & using the money to put a downpayment on a newer car for your wife & children. Shit, you've got like 4 or 5 cars, plus at least one bike that I know of.

This is just me, but if I had a wife & kides they would be rolling in a brand new ride with A/C, air bags, and all that shit, even if it meant that I had to sell every cool car I owned & drive a beater.

[porknbeaner]

Nads
If it makes you feel any better, the wife and I were cruising the Galaxie a couple of weeks back and we pulled into a trendy restaurant to grab a bite.
Granted the Galaxie aint no prize but it is what it is.
Anyway, we were dressed clean (not trendy) and jumped out to go eat. Literally everyone treated us like Poor White Trash. We loved it.
I guess when we are in the beater we should stick to the restaurant called EATS, at least there we can get Martian Cigeretts. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
We blow it off, when we came up Hot Rodders weren't really welcome anywhere. Its still about the same unless you own one of those High Zoot Rods, and just drive the Jalopy so you can be a Psuedo Rebel.
On the other hand I can see it being pretty hard on the daughter, especially if she's trying to fit in and the crowd she's with doesn't appreciate the same values as us.
Only goes to show that money can't buy you class.
Personaly I never fit in, and still don't. Well except with you guys, and I'm not sure about that.
My girl is grown, but I still try real hard not to embarrass her. I still manage to do it once in awhile, but she just laughs it off.
Just lucky I guess.

[TINGLER]

Repoguy,

You are right, thats not the popular suggestion.

Here is why. Nads is lamenting the attitude of these kids. Buy it, charge it, tear it up and throw it away.....

That is NOT the attitude of most of us. Buying new cars to "fit in" just caters to the "Buy it/throw it away" attitude.
I don't speak for Nads, and I DON'T have any children, but I would think that a STRONG father figure who sticks to his beliefs and values is far more important than any sort of "fitting in". A child will not respect weak parents....

Now having said that, I can also see your point, REPOGUY. The comfort of one's family should be high on the list. Sure, maybe in this case make a compromise....If it would help.

Personally though, the only way I would sell one of my cars to make someone else happy is if they needed the money because of an illness (and the illness had better be life threatening)

My kids will most likely hate me.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Petejoe]

14 yrs ago, My daughter was wild about Mustangs. I found a 68 with a 6 cylinder, got it drivable and safe. She drove that car for the remainder of her school years and loved it.
She still has the her very first car. Your daughters age of 13 does play a part about fitting in. I'm sure she really doesn't like you dropping her off at all, even if you have driven a Jaguar.
Ask her what type of old car she likes, Find a fixerupper.
Let her help you get it ready for the big 16 and tell her its her birthday present.
Fight that peer pressure with the good old carrot on the stick. Dad, keep with her, You will beat out any peer pressure that comes along.

[Samantha]

Hey Nads...I totally identify with what you are saying! When I was about your daughter's age, my poor dad had an accident at work which mangled his hands and put him on disability for a few months. Due to finances, my mom sold her corvette (which I was driven to school in) & replaced it with a beat-up old Ranchero...boy, did the kids at school get a kick out of that! I still can't believe some of the mean things they actually had the audacity to say to me. haha

My dad recovered, and went on to get a 57' Chevy Wagon...and man, was this thing ROUGH! He came to pick me up from school one day...and you could hear the laughter and snickers as he pulled up in front of the school. Well...like a spineless jerk...I ducked behind a bush, and hitched a ride home with a friend...problem was, my dad SAW me do that...and it really hurt his feelings. Boy...did I feel like a total a**hole!

Funny thing though...as I started getting closer to getting my driver's license..that old 57' Wagon started lookin' pretty good. It only took getting behind the wheel ONCE...and I was hooked! I drove that dang car to school EVERY day for my junior and senior year, and was PROUD to do so! It stuck out like a sore thumb in a sea of brand new Toyota 4-Runners and the like...I still got laughter and snickers from some as I walked out to the parking lot...but for some reason it no longer bothered me.

I ended up blowing most of those jerks off the road anyway! HAHA Anyway...I guess I caught the FEVER...and it just didn't matter anymore what anyone else thought. Sorry so long...I just really empathized with your daughter, and wanted to tell you that she will grow out of it and not to worry.

I STILL feel guilty even now, and apologize to my Dad for being embarrassed on that long ago day...

[porknbeaner]

Tingler,

I'm feeling a little ill right this minute and there's a '38 Ford truck for sale that would really brighten my world. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Actually you're right to a point. I've never been a people pleaser and never really cared what anyone else thinks.

Its hard for kids, and always has been. When my girl was comeing up I never backed off my beliefs. But I did try to remain low key at those times when it was necessary. And she dearly loves me to this day.

I can still think of some things that I might have done different, but hindsight is 20/20.

I can say this for sure, she's her own self, and won't give an inch to anyone. I don't always approve of her choice in vehicles (late '70s early 80s Elkos) but she's just like her old man. What can I say.

Family does come first, I've never owned a car or bike that I cared more about than my family. But I've always managed to find a way to have both.

I'm fortunate I guess, there's not a soul in my family that isn't a Hot Rodder, in some fasion or another.

Now back to the truck... man I'm feelin' poor today.http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[repoguy]

Von,

Yes, you did see my point. The comfort and safety of one's family should be the priority.

There are a lot of guys around here who have the attitude of "hey, tell your kids to shut up and deal with it, it'll teach them a lesson". I think that's bullshit.

And you're right, kids don't respect weak parents, but they also don't respect parents who obviously have selfish motivations & don't put their families first.

Understand, my dad was a very selfish guy. We (my mother & I) always did what he wanted to do, went where he wanted to go, etc. He didn't really care what we wanted, it was all about him. Fast-forward 20 years, and now he's divorced with a son who could give a shit if he ever saw him again. Having seen things from that perspective I guess I have a different view.

And if I had a family, and thought that selling one of my cars would truly give my wife or child happiness, they'd be in the trader tomorrow. I could always buy or build new ones.

[daign]

Not to be a dick, but if you stopped referring to your cars as 'heaps' and finished them in a manner that makes them lexii and mercedes look bad, you'd be pleasently surprised to find that all those kids and parents would appreciate your work and attention to detail on your beautiful custom or rod. Making a classic look better than a 2004 mercedes is easier than shit. Thats why you own them right? They have sleek styling, shiny chrome, timeless lines?

Finish them 'heaps' and make your daughter feel like the coolest kid in school cause dad has a badass ride instead of a 'heap'.

Maybe its time to consolidate some projects... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

In all fairness your daughter is also at an age where kids can be pretty judgemental and they'll mess with each other regardless. They'll make fun of a family because they have an e-class and not an s-class mercedes. Its a private school thing and they often never grow out of it. Their loss....

-Dane

[TINGLER]

Repoguy,

Very true.
I just want to point out that I stressed the word STRONG

In agreement with what you have stated....
Selfish does NOT equal STRONG....

[Bumpstick]

Why would you send your kid to a school where making fun of anyone for any reason is considered cool? Even if someone else is paying for it. Get your kid out of there and into a school where respect, tolerence are the first rule of the school. You get the education you pay for. These are the values they learn for life.-stick

[mercury Bill]

We have all been looked down on at one time or another, and by who? No one who is any beter than any of the rest of us. Just TEACH your daughter how to change oil, tires, plugs and that kind of stuff. I have 4 girls all but 1 are into cars the youngest is going to start her second year in metals / welding class, Hell she is going to be a beter welder than me. Hang in there Nads theirs always going to be another asshole.

[zman]

[ QUOTE ]
Why would you send your kid to a school where making fun of anyone for any reason is considered cool? Even if someone else is paying for it. Get your kid out of there and into a school where respect, tolerence are the first rule of the school. You get the education you pay for. These are the values they learn for life.-stick

[/ QUOTE ]

Dude, cause Mars is a longer commute. I guess you haven't been paying attention. The school you talk of doesn't exist. Kids are kids wether it's private or public school. Idealism is a great thing but falls on its face in front of reality.

[Deyomatic]

Daign, I like your idea, but I don't think it WOULD matter to kids these days. As far as they are concerned, we drive old cars because we can't afford new ones, whether it is a 1922 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, or a 1975 AMC Eagle, it's all the same to them, it isn't a brand new Escalade or a Benz, it's still a "used" car.
That's why MTV and everything associated with it should be destroyed post haste.
How's that song go?
"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got the 'BLING BLING.'"

[Kilroy]

It wouldn't matter what you drive. Kids just want to be more indipendent at that age. The kids getting out of the Lexus probably want their parents to drop them off down the street.

When they can actually drive, they'll start digging you're old cars.

Unless they're a couple-a south-beach HOMOS in training! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

And even if they aren't, doesn't it feel better to think of them that way? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

You could always teach your kid to "use her words..."

Use your infinite gift of gab to make the little losers feel lower than whale shit. I find it's pretty easy to do.

Park you car and walk back by them and say "...so that's what the young, hip, gay kids are wearing this year? I gotta get a gift for my boss' homo son. Can you tell me where you bought those far 'OUT' (insert limp-wristed gesture here) duds?"

Or maybe not... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

It's stupid to let what a couple of teen-agers think get to you. I mean you can tell by their music, they're a bunch of mindless, talentless, styleless drones. It actually makes me think you're the one who may be embarassed about not dropping your kid off in a bimmer? If you don't care, your daughter will eventually think it's stupid to care also. Let her know it's a choice to drive what you do and you do it because, despite what her retarded, immature friends might think, it is in fact, Cool. And when they mature enough to develop a style other than what they get force fed by the mainstream media, they'll think it's cool too.

[DrJ]

[ QUOTE ]
Why would you send your kid to a school where making fun of anyone for any reason is considered cool? Even if someone else is paying for it. Get your kid out of there and into a school where respect, tolerence are the first rule of the school. You get the education you pay for. These are the values they learn for life.-stick

[/ QUOTE ]

And which school might that be?
You must mean home schooling, right?

[porknbeaner]

[ QUOTE ]

Dude, cause Mars is a longer commute. I guess you haven't been paying attention. The school you talk of doesn't exist. Kids are kids wether it's private or public school. Idealism is a great thing but falls on its face in front of reality.



[/ QUOTE ]

zman

There are times that I don't much agree with you but you got it this time.
Kids are kids, they are gonna be buttholes, and sometimes they grow up.
A parent can only teach them what is right, and how to buck up. That's the bottom line.
If you can get your kid into a school where they will get a decent education so they can go on and amount to something then more power to ya.
It should work this way, that each generation goes farther in life, not backwards. Unfortunatly in the public school system that just isn't happening. At least not here in the midwest.

[Bumpstick]

The school my son goes to. We searched far and wide but found a school thats based on this ideal. You just gotta' look harder. My kids only in the 4th grade but if he turns out like the teenagers in the school then I can die a happy man. 'Bit of a "hippy" school, but that kind of stuff just doesn't fly with these kids. They know better, they set the agenda. Now lets get back to hot rods. -stick

[Tiny]

I can understand you kid being emberesed. But why do you give a FUCK if some pimple faced booger pickers laugh at you?

[Flatdog]

Nads I dont always agree with you but I know you got heart man.Plastic people might make you question your values some times but I know you get over it soon.Next time you drop her off use you bike,

[MercMan1951]

Nads, that's nothing.

Try showing up at a 'nice' restaurant in a '96 Impala SS that looks like a cop car, or a weathered '79 Thunderbird with loud flowmasters; with a bi-racial girlfriend in a "white" neighborhood. You think kids can be cruel? How about adults? There's real cruelty in action there, because they don't change their minds with time easily.


Does your car have "shiny" paint? "Shiny" paint will go a long way. If you show up in a good running older car, that has patina, to a lot of people, it's a P.O.S...add a $500 earl Schieb Job, and all of a sudden it's a "cool old car"...people are very superficial, especially if they don't understand things...and "shiny" goes a long way with non-believers...

Some day the kids that are laughing now will find out how much it really costs to be in our hobby, and they won't laugh anymore. They'll go buy their Hondas (if they decided to not persue old cars) and be done with it. They move on.
If they don't get it, don't sweat it, some people just won't understand. And never will. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[Missing Link]

Oh C'mon Nads...you have showed me my evilness and generated a gravitational pull to the undarkside my wonderful leader! Seriously man, piss on them. Who cares if they dissed your ride. I've had my ride dissed many times cuz it's not a "street rod" and in my area all that people know are "street rods." I have many comments made about my car and I take with a grain of salt and say "Lick my Sack!" You do half of what I did (which wasn't much mind you) and then make a statement. I don't have a $40K car and I never will, but to some people that is what is important. I say this, if your daughter is made fun of JUST because of the car you drive, consider yourself lucky. I can put myself in her shoes...if they were bigger, cuz i was always the outsider growing up and got picked on so much it was horrible. I was one of the biggest kids around and still got my ballz busted every day just because I wasn't into what was hip. Not that I condone violence, but it was amazing how that changed after a few douche bags wound up in the hospital. Oh, and I did get my ass kicked a few times prior. Fuck it. But es'plain to your daughter that it is not a money thing, it is what you enjoy. Working on and driving old cars makes you happy and everyone else can piss up a rope. Holding onto the automotive history that has made our country great is not, and should not be a hinderance. You, me, we all do a great justice to the automotive world regardless of what anyone says. I agree with the monetary involvment being a bunch of bullshit. People like to think money is all that is important. The kids want the bling-bling cuz they saw it on mtv, not because they really thought for themselves. I understand where the girl is coming from because that age is really tough in general. I barely made it passed that age. The problem is not that your daughter doesn't like your cars, it's just that at that age it is hard for her to relate to your heaps because of what someone else has instilled as the "coolness.". One of the saddest things is that in 5 years the punk asses that laughed at your car will want one just like it.
...I ramble...
sorry.

[Hot Rod To Hell]

Seriously... I know that when I take my car to billetproof Detroit, they'll all hate it cuz it doesn't have red steelies http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif(I wanted strong/light/safe!), and they'll hate the fact that I spent money on ACCURATE gauges (instead of trusting some 40+ yr old gauges) to monitor the beast, but who cares!!! I sure don't! I love it, and every "REAL" car guy that's checked it out has loved it, so Fuck all the rest!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[bufordtjustice]

Nads, Screw those little pieces of trash, if you want an accomplice to kick their asses lemme know http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I always looked forward to the days my dad would drop me off or pick me up in our 57, I had more people ask about my "pimp ride" than I ever would have expected, of course then there were the jackasses that asked why not sell it and buy a mercedes? they were the idiots saggin there pants and saying yo-yo dawg homey G of course....kids like you described are lame and dont give dudes like you credit because they have never had to work to make their vehicles work like real dudes like you......simply hope they turn out like this.... http://www.directimported.com.au/down/570000.htm this dude got owned! just my 2c, dont sweat the snobby biotches...Greg

[KIRK!]

[ QUOTE ]
Seriously... I know that when I take my car to billetproof Detroit, they'll all hate it cuz it doesn't have red steelies :

[/ QUOTE ]

I bet everybody will dig it!

[Hot Rod To Hell]

Yeah, I figured so, I just like to harass the "traditional" Nazis a little!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

note: I meant "Nazis about rules of traditional hot rods", not "traditional mass murdering german Nazis"! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[Nads]

I haven't been on the HAMB in a few days and I really appreciate all your responses.
I'm glad to see I'm not the only parent who's going through this.
Samantha your story was than one that really hit home. It's not so much the kids laughing at me that hurts, it's the fact that my daughter's embarrassed by being seen in my car. Up until a few months ago this wasn't an issue with her. The idiom about kids growing up before your eyes is so true.
Daign, your point was well taken. I call my cars 'heaps' somewhat affectionately, they're by no means two steps away from the junkyard, but they're not finished either.
Time and lack of garage space means that I can't get any of them in a state that I'm pleased with. And truthfully I don't think it will matter one iota to these kids that yell "Ghostbusters" at me.
BTW we do have a modern car, it's a '96 Honda Accord station wagon and believe me it's fodder for ridicule too.

I suppose in the big picture I hold those moms driving those giant unmanageable SUVs with equal derision, but I'm old enough to say nothing.

Every generation thinks the current one's ruder than theirs, but I honestly can't recall children as nasty as the ones I see at my kid's school.

I'm just angry because respect, or even the illusion of respect, has gone out the window.

[dixiedog]

Nads -
Just tell them little rich fucks that you are Jesse James with a tan and wear your hat with the bill turned up all stupid and the car is going to be in the next AutoZone commercialhttp://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

My wife tells me that as a businessman I need to drive something more modern than the 61 for my contracting business and bigger than the Nissan P/U I have now - I guess she's right - damn it

[dixiedog]

[ QUOTE ]
Every generation thinks the current one's ruder than theirs, but I honestly can't recall children as nasty as the ones I see at my kid's school.

I'm just angry because respect, or even the illusion of respect, has gone out the window.

[/ QUOTE ]

The middle school years (grades 7-9) were the absolute worst, esp. since i was a fat kid (wait-still am)
In those years the more you are condescending, rude, non-helpful and vulgar you act, the higher you go in social standing. And you my friend, are a step for this cretin, which is truly unfortunate as you are a nice guy with values.


Just remember "thyne ownself be true" (Shakespear I think)

[345window]

It's all relative to environment...they are exposed to class differeneces by thier parents and thats why so much predjudice lives in the world...people looking for differences. I get a kick out of it, looking through the glasses in the other direction, those lexus mercedes dudes I roll past in the coupe dont get it, and good thing...coz who needs anyone else close by judgeing what we do. I do not know you Nads, except for the HAMB...but my guess is that you really dont care, but for the fact that it bugs your daughter a little...and any father with a daughter knows what I'm talking about. When she graduates college, and you throw the title to one of those beaters at her as a gift, she will be the happiest kid from her "class"...mark my words.

[38Chevy4door]

Nads,

Don't sweat it. Just know you're you, and they're them, so you win. Don't know if it'll help, 'cause talk is cheap...

My 7-year-old has been told by her friends she reads too much; her picture has been ripped off the 'Accelerated Reader' board at school, where they post kids in the points clubs (get points for taking tests on books she reads), because she's highest in the school. She said she saw older kids laughing and joking about it, too. Gee, should we tell her to slow down on the learning, so she'll fit in better?

She heard through the rumor mill who did it, and went and asked him about it. We were proud of her for being strong enough to not only not let it bother her, but to face the kid down.

If it's not your dad's old car, it's you read too much, you have a goofy accent, you don't go to the right church, you eat THAT for lunch?, you suck up to the English teacher, your outfit is SO last week, whatever. Blow'em off, and let her know she needs to do the same. Also, tell her if you ever catch her sharpening her claws on a classmate, you'll be giving her so much grief her head'll spin. That way, she learns it's just not right.

Good luck on it,
Steve

[Hot Rod To Hell]

[ QUOTE ]
And truthfully I don't think it will matter one iota to these kids that yell "Ghostbusters" at me.


[/ QUOTE ]

THAT'S the insults you're talking about?????
I'd take it as a compliment!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
The ghostbusters car RULED!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[the duke]

hey man if any of my friends laughed at an old car i'd punch them in the arm then come and talk to you about how bad ass your car is so, i mean hey some of these kids drive shitty tiempos and mudders so just ignore them or do a burn out.