Event Coverage I think I'm getting numb to the hobby

Just got back from the NSRA SW Nats today.

I have to say that Solomon was right, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun."

My wife and I walked the fairgrounds all day and was pretty much uninspired. I have tried to put my finger on what it was that was gnawing at me. Something was wrong. I saw 800+ cars and took pics of 2.

They were all nice cars, with all of the checkboxes checked. They just all wreaked of the lack of originality. They all had nice paint, chrome engine pieces, nice interior etc. But they looked like 1-800 cars. Don't get me wrong, I understand why a guy would go this route, just due to convenience, but man they had no soul. My wife even commented on it.

I think this is what drew me towards the traditional car genre back in the early 90's.
I saw so many chrome pieces on engines, it made me rethink my approach towards my next build. More detailed, painted pieces with a splash of chrome.

I don't know if it's just me, but I think the lack of innovation will be the downfall of the hobby.

Sorry for the diatribe, I'm just kinda bummed. I need some inspiration. Hoping the Gathering at the Roc will be the ticket.

 

The only 2 cars I took pics of.

 

I just like banging on cars.
Looking at them is ok
Driving and building is where it’s at.
Spend that time driving or building.

 

Model A's with '32 rad shells are a turn off for me.
But I do like Buick motors.

 

That's what I do Anthony. I'm mainly a builder.

 

We go out once a week to a car gather (some weeks 2 or 3 times). I don’t even walk the cars. I go only to hang with other’s to shoot the breeze.

 

I saw probably 30 guys I haven't seen since 2020. Spent most of the day talking.

 

I've had that same experience at some bigger shows lately too. However, I usually find at least a couple cars that are different, that the owner managed to put in something extra. I'll spend a good deal of time going over something special. It does seem there are too many guys that lack any creativity or imagination. I think a big problem is, people don't build too many components these days. If they can't afford the store bought part they discover online, they just don't build. To me, that's an invitation to make a custom part, or try to adapt something unusual.

 

Hmmm, one with a hemi and one with a nailhead, at least you have good taste!

 

I didn't see one single Caddy powered rod.

 

I live in a custom/hot rod wasteland.
So I’m used to it.
But I enjoy hanging out with the newer car crowd. Kinda cleanses the pallet from the street rods. Plus the folks are younger. Those guys inspire me to work on my old crap.

 

Spoken like a true Caddy fan! Ha!

 

@anthony myrick is right, I’m passing up going to the biggest car show in the area tomorrow to work on my Chrysler, I have more fun building and driving my cars then looking at other peoples.

 

Inspiration comes from odd sources.
There is a high school across the road from our school. A kid left the parking lot in a slammed, beat up civic. Banging thru gears, loud, arm hanging out the window and hat turned backwards.
I went home and started cleaning up my nasty shop so I could get back to doing what I enjoy.
I’ve skipped almost all the shows I normally attend.
I’ll get back to em, I just need to swing a hammer for a while.

 

That 3-W is on Time!! $

 

I really like to see well thought out, practical solutions to complicated problems. Methodical and sanitary installations are things I like to see.

 

I don’t go to any NSRA, or Goodguys events, Back to the Fifties or similar events. Not enough cars of interest to make it worth fighting the crowds.

 

I get it. I'm not knocking these big shows. They have a place. I just wonder how they can get so many guys to think exactly alike......

 

Tomorrow I plan to take my car to its first car show. It is finally leaving its garage prison. Should be good for the first few minutes anyhow.

 

Yep, only spent about two hours total there today. Took four pics I think. I liked this A coupe and 56 F100. I also liked the purple nailhead powered A that @Roothawg posted. Anyway, very few traditional cars there. I did talk to lots of friends though. That is why I went. Oh, and it was a good excuse to drive about 150 miles today in the 56 by the time I also had to pick up a prescription in Mustang for my wife’s cousin.

 

Correct me if I’m wrong @Roothawg but are you saying that you are umm, comfortably numb?

 

Don’t look for inspiration from my old beaters then.
But seeing that kid drive that beater like he stole it reminded me of something I lost.
It may be hiding in my shop somewhere

 

I do like goodguys with the auto cross.
Fun to watch guys thrash high dollar rides.

 

Keep cleaning, it may turn up.

 

Yep, my inspiration came from a guy that I also took a pic of today that typically comes on our local Hot Rod Hundred event in his beater 58 vette usually with 3 guys riding in it. Can’t post that one though since it has some 70’s wheels on it.

 

You sir, are a prophet.

 

If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.........