I'm also a member of the 52-59 Ford Group and hope it can be saved. I joined it, last Nov, when I made up my mind to get a '54, I then got mine last Jan. I'm relatively new to HAMB (about 2 yrs) and I found HAMB hard to navigate, especially the Social Groups. I had heard about them but, it took me 3 try's to find it. I think that might have been a problem with them staying active. I join 2 others and asked questions but, they were dead. There is a wealth of info on the 52-59 forum, it has helped me, a lot and for those that own these cars, it will be a great loss! Yes, I know, not everyone owns one The following is fairly long so, you may want to skip it but, it pertains to the HOT ROD era. I'll be 77 in Nov and come from a true hot rod era. There isn't much in the 52-59 forum, that is OT. In '63, my best friend had a '32 chopped and channeled 5 window, with a '56 Olds and 471 on top and a Herbert roller cam. It was fairly state of the art, at that time and all we wanted were up grades to make it faster. ANYTHING new! It had a 37 LaSalle trans with a 4200 lb Hays clutch and a stock rear end. The trans was nearly impossible to speed shift and sheared axle keys. We went to a 4 speed hydro and 56 Olds rear after it finally broke the axle. Problem solved! But with much newer parts. Had the 727 trans been available, we would have gone there. In '69, I put my '64 427 LR in it. Each step, put it in another decade. My point hear, is the '64 cut off date. Hot rods were about progress and not standing still. I'm NOT advocating for EFI or any other electronic devises but, I think the cut off could be moved up, in maybe a separate area.
To many this may not matter but the HAMB is a pre 66 format meaning 1965 and earlier vehicles, although some 1966 vehicles are grandfathered in if they are the same basic vehicle as its 65 production twin.
The point being not the argument that no hot rods were built after 1966 but rather that this website is only for hot rods built in the style of pre-1966. Start rolling out the cutoff date and it'll end up like NSRA.
No argument from me, I'm just clarifying the rules on allowed vehicles on the HAMB as has been established by management (as I understand them).
Another vote to keep the axe from coming down on the 52-59 Ford group. Theres such a wealth of information accumulated over time, it'll be a shame to lose all that. I check on it regularly as well as reference the builds and how to's for my current build.
I would bet my left nut that @Ryan is sorry he brought this up......................... I don't think he was after opinions. It was just a 'heads up' about it happening.
Well, since it's looking like there's a good chance I may not be a member too much longer, here's my 2 cents that a bunch of you are not gonna like: First, the use of the word "traditional" is so miss-used here. "Old school" fits much better. "Traditional build" to me means how it was built, not the components. Look at the big picture.......back in the 50's and 60's, most hot rodders were using the best components available at the time to improve their rides. According to the Hamb, we can't do that anymore. Traditional, as viewed here, is a dying breed......not too hard to see that when you go to car shows. Maybe to keep the Hamb alive for many years to come, "traditional old school builds" needs to be a side social club. I don't feel the need to apologize for getting my ride as safe and reliable as I can on a budget. I spent 10 years building it in a one car garage using components I had to save and scrape-by for. I love the Hamb, I really appreciate the talent/knowledge and willingness to share here. Thank you Ryan for building that. Frankly, I'm a bit confused. In your opening statement, I believe something was mentioned about the expense of the social forums, but in your last statement, you said it was not a factor, so, is joining the alliance going to make a difference? I live on retirement, so money is always tight, but I will join in 10 days when I get "paid" if it helps. In my ignorance, I was not aware the side groups added expense to your operation. Admitably, a lot of my car is off-topic, but beside the point. I'm a member of the 52-59 forum, and not just because of my OT stuff. It's active, and Jeff has done a wonderful job managing it. It does not need outside moderators, imho. For the guys wondering why we need social forums: the Hamb mainboard is big. Pages and pages every day. The side forums separate and consolidate their interests, so there are not hours of wading thru unrelated threads. It's the consolidation that makes the difference, and smaller groups are so much friendlier.
I know my main point is going to be missed here, that being, as long as Ryan is contemplating changes, it seems to me he has a wonderful opportunity here to make the Hamb sooooo much healthier by taking advantage of the wealth of talent, and making the Hamb bigger (and more profitable) by expanding it's scope. The world is changing, we all know the usual results with resistance to change. The deletion of social clubs is a mistake I feel, as "traditional builds" as the Hamb sees it would fit the bill for one of those, if not now, for sure later. I apologize for my lack of correct wording, my brain doesn't function like it use to. It's really frustrating for the majority of guys like me who built their cars with blood and sweat the traditional way to be told we don't belong here because we used newer parts. How "traditional" was it back pre-65 to have gold chainers have their cars built for them......not in my neighborhood.
Just a thought, if the social clubs do have to be eliminated, can the "prefixes" be expanded to include things like "52-59 Ford" so we can still group our related threads with a simple search?
I must have missed something, so I'll ask again. If the social clubs all disappeared what's keeping people from still being active contributing members on the HAMB? I know I'm not alone on this but why is the plain old unadulterated HAMB not enough for people, a very large segment of us don't seem to be missing out on anything by not belonging to these (how do I put this) "splinter groups". Signed confused.
Please correct me if I'm wrong but, the way I read the rules, if I want to put a T-5 trans, in my '54 or a T-19 (post '74) in my '48 truck, I can't ask about how to do it or any problems that I might encounter, right? I'm also toying with the idea of putting in a car with a 2.74 rear gear and using 4th as a OD. The point, with regard to car groups, is that you will get a better, more accurate info in response to a question. I don't ever go on the main board because I have to wade through way to much unrelated info for what I'm interested in. It's TO active, in that regard for me.
I think you are totally missing what this place is about. It is about HISTORY and not about modern street rodding. When the word traditional is used around here it is in reference to the way cars were traditionally built prior to 1966 (65 and older) . There are plenty of members here that have modern parts on their builds. Things that are "invisible" like Transmissions are given a pass. and other aspects are not photographed or talked about. Many have tried in the past to lobby for change here and believe me it will not happen. I would like someone to explain to me why any effort should be made to provide a "hiding place" for a bunch of "off topic" cars?
I haven't missed anything sir. I totally understand what the Hamb is about. I and others are just suggesting, or asking, why it can't be both and separated from within. The assemblage here makes it the best place on earth to get questions answered, it just seems it would be a shame to ignore what is inevitably taking over. You just said it yourself....."it is in reference to the way cars were traditionally built prior to 1966". The words "the way" being the key here. As I previously said, the way cars were traditionally built back then was using the best upgrades available/affordable at the time. It is not untraditional to keep that thinking alive. These are not "hiding places for off topic cars". They are groups of people with similar vehicle interests and off topic stuff doesn't come up as often as many here think it does. If you were trying to explain traditional hot rods to an alien, would you show him a picture of the Futurian. I think not. It wasn't my intention to start an arguement with you, sir, but maybe you could explain how gokarts, dune buggies, lawnmowers, etc are traditional hot rods and customs. Glass houses.....I don't have an issue with your off-topic stuff. With all that said, your work here is appreciated.
Because it is not a traditional hot rod, It is however a traditional "show rod" which makes it fit the custom forum here. There are zero modern parts on it.... and again you are not using the word traditional correctly as it applies to this forum. and that will not change.... and if what you say is true about mostly on topic content in your group then, why not use the main board???
In my 3k+ posts, I've used (as many others have), the main board many times when it's a generalized question, such as painting, etc, when it is not specific to our make and vintage. As said many times above, it's the consolidation of similar interests into one area without having to wade thru pages of unrelated threads. We're getting really redundant. In my 3k+ posts, only one or two have been deleted, so I do have an understanding of what the Hamb is about. It probably won't happen, but it can and will change if Ryan wants it to.
It's been a long time since I read the rules and as they are laid out I would say the vast majority doesn't fit the definition of Traditional Hot Rod or Custom, In the last major update many of us thought our days on the hamb were few but I remember asking a question about cars and trucks not fitting the definition, like my old beater Deuce was built to appear original but certainly not totally original, and it was build before Ryan started the Hamb . At the time the most recent update took place I questioned where do guys like me fit in and the consensus was to post in the Hookey Ass Message Board section. I for one am a avid supporter of the Hamb and if all the social groups suddenly vanish I will still be a supporting member, I will still participate to the best of my ability and with my 50 dollar Alliance Membership, to me it's all worth it and I appreciate Ryan's conviction to stay true to his original dream of a traditional hot rod & custom site, I just hope there remains a place for don't quiet meet the traditional mark. HRP
The Rules, we all read them and agreed with them. HRP Last edited: Aug 28, 2013 From The Desk Of Ryan Cochran The HAMB is dedicated to spreading the gospel of traditional hot rods and kustoms to hoodlums world wide. That's right; TRADITIONAL. If you've come here to discuss anything other than Hot Rods or Customs built in a style representative of 1965 or before, you've come to the wrong forum. Even if you have come here for all the right reasons, don't expect posting to be easy. We don't cater to new fellas unless they show a dedication to spreading this tradition of ours first. We welcome young, old, foreign, and all; but our original members and our staff expect a certain level of respect and an effort to keep things true and on topic. Maybe you are an old fart with a past. Maybe you are one of the guys that started this tradition we cherish. We built this place for you and your posts mean the world to us. Hop on and introduce yourself. This is your board. Still reading? Then you must be cut out for this, right? We recommend you read some more. Check out all the forums, develop an understanding for how things work around here, learn the "do's"; and "dont's"; The key to a happy HAMB newbie is to understand the joint BEFORE you begin posting. We have very few written rules here on the HAMB and that's the way we like it, but we won't hesitate to dump disruptive posters, ego freaks, or shit talkers. We are all here to learn and teach - please keep your other prerogatives on the sidelines. ................................ Rules: 1. No profanity in subject lines. 2. No political/religious/racial posts at all. No exceptions. 3. No Porn. 4. We cover traditional '65 and older American cars only. All other threads will be deleted. We don't cover rat rods, muscle cars, mustangs, or VWs. 5. No commercial posts. ................................ Guidelines: 1. If in doubt, don't post it. 2. Stay on-topic and relevant with your posts; OT posts aren't generally appreciated by our membership. 3. Gotta easy question? Try using the search function first. 4. While we don't require "introductions," some members do appreciate them so it might be a good idea for you to do one here. Just introduce yourself and let folks know what you are all about. 5. As mentioned throughout these guidelines, the H.A.M.B. focuses on TRADITIONAL hot rods and customs. Posts pertaining to traditionally inspired, but not quite period perfect belong on the main forum found here. Please note that we don't focus on things such as modern fuel injected motors, big-inch wheels, frame clips, after market independent suspensions, etc... at all on the H.A.M.B.. As such, posts that stray away from the "traditional inspired" will be deleted. 6. Posts about period correct hot rods should go here. 7. Posts about period correct customs should go here. ................................ Why Was My Post Deleted? 1. Did you confuse the H.A.M.B. with Facebook? That we are not... Save your personal strife for your choice of social media - it doesn't belong here. 2. Did you post a "pray for me" thread? We don't do religion here. Join this group instead. 3. Did you disrespect another user? We believe verbal battles through the internet are bullshit and as such, we delete all that we can. Further more, if you can't express an opinion without bagging someone else's, maybe you should rethink the validity of your opinion? 4. Did you disrespect the H.A.M.B. or a member of its staff? Feel lucky that all you walked away with is a deleted thread or post. This is the quickest way to get your account deleted. 5. Was your thread something that has been covered over and over again? Try searching next time. We've had countless threads through the years on bias tires vs. radials, the definition of "traditional," and many other topics. We don't need to rehash what the bulk of us already know. And, most importantly: 6. Was your thread about something other than traditional hot rods and customs? Aside from a few "sidebar" topics that interest the staff here, we don't allow off topic posts. Your definition of "traditional" might differ from ours. That's fine. However, this is our forum and it's our definition that the forum is run off of.
Lets see...not an Alliance Member (and I'm assuming never an Alliance Member) and a total of 26 posts on the HAMB forum in 9 YEARS. And your 3K+ posts are basically worthless to 99% of HAMBers because we never see/learn anything from them. I'd say your contribution to the HAMB community gets a big F !!! If I were you guys, while the Social Forums are still here, I'd be working together (scrambling) to develop a web site and forum for yourselves...and figuring out a way to save/archive the old forum info. Sure it would probably be expensive and time consuming, but it would be on YOUR DIME, not @Ryan 's. ...and maybe Ryan would be generous enough to archive the old info so you could link to it from your NEW WEBSITE.
You owe me a nut homie... I actually don't really care. That sounds bad, but that's transparency. I don't like letting people down. If I can help them within reason, I do it. It's really that simple. People are different. Everyone of us has different priorities. My priorities are no more important than anyone else's... They are just mine. I think I have a solution. I'll update when I get it all figured.
The H.A.M.B. keeps going no matter what. The reason I discounted the social forums was pure math - so little page views and a total pain in the ass. This thread helped me realize that there is a very small number of people that really values the social forums with content that is actually relevant. I'd certainly rather have that content on the main forum... BUT, if I can make some changes to make social forums less of a pain in the ass... I'm gonna make them and keep them around. Anyways and like I said, we are months out from dealing with any of this. As of right now, if you value a social forum - you are safe unless something unexpected jumps up...
I have been a member long enough to know that Ryan has put his heart & soul into the Jalopy Journal & the Hamb and does his best to try and accommodate it's members ,whether alliance members or not! BTW Ryan, what you gonna do with that extra nut? HRP
No... Thank you fellas... *** Also, a lot of talk about the Alliance. I appreciate the support on the matter, but keep this in mind: The H.A.M.B. is free. The Alliance has two main goals: 1. Bring value to guys by harnessing the market power of this joint to get good deals. 2. Give guys a way to support the forum financially. One of the things I've feared since day one of starting the alliance was that people would feel obligated to join. I never want people to feel that way. Making money is just as important to me as anyone else... BUT keeping these old, pain-in-the-ass cars alive is FAR more important to me.
I didn't feel obligated to join the Alliance at all. If something I use is of value to me I will wholeheartedly support it. I however have been called a procrastinator and apparently, it's true! My apologies for putting it off and waiting so long to join. You and your staff have done, and continue to do an exemplary job! Thank you for taking our '52-'59 Ford forum into consideration!
The Jalopy Journal
