Enlightenment

[GearHead_1]

Enlighten Me HAMBers

I would like to start this post with an apology for lack of a better description. I mean no offense by asking these questions but seek a better understanding. I know that many of the new members hear on GJ have come from the sister HAMB site. I've been around cars my whole life. I understand virtually all aspects of most any collective group of cars whether they be exotics, imports, muscle car, low rider, performance sports etc. I get why people enjoy building and being around these different groups of cars and think I understand the fascination of building, driving, owning, collecting or racing these cars with the exception of the HAMB style (category) of cars. I think I "get" all of these types of cars including what might be considered a sleeper and fully appreciate all of them though of course some more than others. I know that a lot of sweat and blood go into building HAMB cars not to mention serious dollars. Help me understand why people go to such great lengths to put these together to end up with a vehicle that doesn't have the final spit and polish to it. I understand that in many cases the object is to simply not have that spit and polish and $$$'s are spent making the vehicle so. I've done some reading on the HAMB site and can honestly say that even after reading up on these I don't get it. I thought about posting this question over on the HAMB site but felt like that would be like walking into the den and saying, "here kitty, kitty are you hungry?" Please share your feelings and enlighten me a little bit. Thanks

 

[gahi]

the thing about the hamb style cars is that the extra money not used for the show goes towards the go. there's also alot of innovation that goes into these, becasue they're usually one-of-a-kind. No aftermarket parts avialable. "Necessity is the mother of invention". Not to mention being able to drive the car anywhere and not worry about the paint job. Also gives it a more pissed off look that many people really like. It's like a mean looking bobber compared to a high dollar custom bike. I like all types of cars too, the paint is an insignificant part of a truly custom vehicle.
Gary

 

[bmwpower]

I think it sometimes depends on your age. I don't like the older stuff (pre muscle car) as much as the newer stuff (muscle cars years on) because I grew up when muscle cars were big. For the most part, you like what you grew up around. That's not to say I don't have respect for the older car owners, but the cars just don't do it for me.

 

[Luckydevil]

I hate to be so mainstream, but I think Jesse James put it best when he said that it comes down to character. He was talking about how he could have a new fancy metal working machine, but he chose a very old rusty machine that was used in the factory that made the Red Baron's plane. He went on to explain that the machine had gained character from being around so long and being involved in the creation of so many things.

I agree 100% and in my eyes some mechanical things really do have a soul no matter what anyone says.

My daily driver POS 99 Cavalier is a dirty ***** with STD's, but my previous car (1963 Chevy II SS) was a supermodel to me even though it was not in the best shape.

 

[hotrod66paul]

This is a subject that is brought up frequently in my circle of old cronies. As we have gone thru life some of us have changed our various intrest and hobbies and some have remained true to a certain intrest , but have always remained friends regardless of the path we went down. Over the years I've gone from 1/4 mile cars to motorcycle freak and returned to old cars both street rods and customs. Its just great to have the freedom to choose apath of intrest and pursue it without being put down for that choise.Maybe some of the younger generation will eventally see it dosen't matter what your preference is as long as the pashion is there and a respect for others remains. Boy am I an old windbag or not ? Just an old mans 2 cents. PS-My spell ck isn't working and my dictionary is leveling out the beer cooler.

 

[bmwpower]

...Maybe some of the younger generation will eventally see it dosen't matter what your preference is as long as the pashion is there and a respect for others remains...

Hopefully the same will hold true for the older generation.

 

[hotrod66paul]

BMW - Absolutely - I have found myself looking at various forms of the automotive hobby and wondering what the h*ll are the wasting their time and money for until I remember they probably think the same about me. Tolerance is needed and respect should be given to all groups but its a lot easier to say then pratice.

 

[bgarrett]

I was on the HAMB for 5 or 6 years before I found the Garage Junkie forum. I have worked on 1926 to 1960 Fords since I was a kid. I bought my 1947 Mercury in 1967 drove it 14 years and still have it. It has a 392 Hemi. I am 56.

I ONLY own old cars. I've NEVER bought a new car and never will. I drive a 31 Ford (10 years) , 35 Ford pickup(5 years) , 39 Ford pickup, (15 years) 57 Chevy (10 years) I built a 59 Ford that my son drove out of state to college, then gave it back when he graduated. I have the 66 Chrysler Convertible my mom drove for 25 years. (I've driven it for 10 years) I have other running cars, including a 1960 Ford pickup, a Flxible Bus, 3 Model As, one chopped and channeled in 1954. I have some old Harleys and Indians and a bunch of Cushmans.

I dont drive the 57, 59 or 66 much--they are too modern to excite me.

I have my grandfathers 37 and 54 Fords. My shop is 40 by 140.
I have other cars too.

My wife left when my youngest son was 3 years old. I raised my sons by myself, no babysitters.

I say all that to answer your question. None of my cars is slick, they are just old cars with a lot of history and character. Some have flames, one is flatblack (not primer) In other words, I am car crazy but theres not enough time in this life to make all these cars perfect, so I enjoy them, upgrade as I can and I let kids sit in them and no one gets mad if one gets a scratch.
I am building a 26 Ford coupe on a Model A chassis, with modern 4 cylinder power that WILL be shiny Black!
I fit in with the HAMB.

 

[Luckydevil]

I am building a 26 Ford coupe on a Model A chassis, with modern 4 cylinder power that WILL be shiny Black!
I fit in with the HAMB.

Don't do it! Flat black all the way.

 

[bgarrett]

Don't do it! Flat black all the way.

haha, Gotta have one shiny car!

I've been thinking about the guy who started this thread. He probably cant understand my approach to old cars. Of course, I cant imagine how ANYONE could have ANY interest in a BMW----but thats what makes life interesting. We all have different interests. (And I am NOT picking on BMWs--dont flame me!)

 

[bmwpower]

haha, Gotta have one shiny car!

I've been thinking about the guy who started this thread. He probably cant understand my approach to old cars. Of course, I cant imagine how ANYONE could have ANY interest in a BMW----but thats what makes life interesting. We all have different interests. (And I am NOT picking on BMWs--dont flame me!)

I assume you're referring to me although I didn't start the thread...

Ha ha, I won't try to enlighten you on BMWs... your likes are WAY on the opposite side of the spectrum. Although I can think of many reasons to justify my loyality, that's not the goal of this thread...

 

[GearHead_1]

haha, Gotta have one shiny car!

I've been thinking about the guy who started this thread. He probably cant understand my approach to old cars. Of course, I cant imagine how ANYONE could have ANY interest in a BMW----but thats what makes life interesting. We all have different interests. (And I am NOT picking on BMWs--dont flame me!)

Don't sell me short, I started the thread. I'm not into BMW's either. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate them. Muscle cars are more my scene. I've had an even dozen, 69/70 Mach 1's, a 67 Shelby GT 500 and a 70 Boss 429. I've also had a Pantera. Back in the early 80's I also built engines for and maintained 2 world record holding sand cars. I do however like something that has shiny paint. Which I guess was my whole point in starting this thread. I don't understand dropping a boat load of money into a car and not being able to enjoy the finish when I'm done. Though stealthy flat black paint isn't beautiful, that said I don't like green either, it's just my taste. I understand building a car as you can afford it and sometimes paint comes down the road but I like to think that paint is coming. When I look at HAMB cars I always get the feeling that they aren't finished, yet I know they are. As much as I like fabricating a frame or suspension or putting an engine together, I enjoy detailing a car just as much. My idea of a classic is one that not only runs strong but looks good doing it. I know this isn't the desired results of these type of cars owners. I like a good sleeper car too, it doesn't have to look like a street rocket for me to appreciate it. I'm just trying to understand what it is others enjoy about this end product.

 

[Chaz]

I've got a car that has a high dollar paint job and beautiful execution in all aspects. Then I have this 33 Plymouth coupe roughie. Its just tons of fun. If I want to change something, I can, and with a shot of rattlecan primer I'm back on the road. If something breaks, I often substitute rather than just replace. Its just a down to earth fun car. I dont worry about parking lot dings, Its cheap to license, and fun to turn heads. I guess its just the absurdity of it that makes it so much fun.
I never thought about owning a car like this, but now that I do, I'll never be without a jalopy... I'm almost 60, and I just flat out get a kick out of this car... Try it!!! You'll see what I mean.

 

[imported_banzaitoyota]

enlightenment is realizing :

I DONT NEED NO STINKING PISTONS!!!!!!

Now out to the shop to replace more broken apex seals

 

[atch]

well, gearhead_1, i've been a hamber for a long time and come here often. i like both, as well as a cycle board and a chevelle/el camino board that i hang out on.

i didn't know that there was/is a "hamb style". it's true that many hambers have primered or patina'd cars, but it's also true that hambers probably own more shiney cars than "dull" cars.

but i'm assuming that you're referring to the cars that don't have shiney paint.

clarence, my '48 ford panel truck, has shiney white paint. not show quality, but it looked nice many years ago when we shot it (i bought clarence in 1973). i've driven the wheels off of this thing for 33 years and plan to for another 33 years, Lord willin'.

the plan for the T roadster i'm in the process of building calls for either metalflake or candy paint. something reminescent of what would have been seen in the mid-60's. it probably won't fit into the category of show stoppers, but i want it to catch your eye. and i plan to have nice detailing included. there probably won't be any "store-bought" pieces other than i might have to have a radiator made for it. it will be nearly all hand made or hand modified. there just aren't any parts commercially available to accomplish what i want to do.

i think that just about every hamber would like to have a car like the vic edlebrock roadster, the frank mack T, anything alex xydias built, any doan spencer car, tony nancy's 22jr drag car, etc., etc.

these were the epitome of the craft. i think we all aspire to do that kind of work, even though most of us will never have skills on the level required to build anything of that quality.

but all this said, i still think you're referring to the paint/finish. what someone above said is true: a car that you aren't afraid to drive down a gravel road and/or in the rain is just plain fun. and if the neighbor kid wants to sit on the fender or stand on the running board you let him/her 'cause you enjoy the smile and eye twinkle that just automatically happens. and maybe another youngster will get hooked on cars. it's a kind of fun that you probably won't get with a big-buck muscle car or exotic, or even a high dollar street rod. it might be the care-free attitude that these cars evoke. most folks aren't going to run down to the local burger drive-in on saturday night in a ferrari or hemi-cuda. someone might drip their ice cream cone on the paint and that would ruin the evening.

anyway, it just surprised me to see the term "hamb style". i'd like to think that hambers take as much pride in their cars as any other group. maybe i'm wrong about that.

another thing that may be happening with what is seen on the hamb is that most of the cars that are pictured on the site are under construction. you don't see many pix of the "finished" hot rods. their owners are too busy out putting miles on them to worry about posting pictures. or at least that's my take on the situation. having met a LOT of hambers at various events around the country and seen the cars they were driving i can honestly say that most of the hambers' cars on the road are fairly nice. not all of them by any means, but most of them. and there are some stunning show-stoppers, too. but, as i said, you seldom see pix of these cars.

maybe i hit on it in that last paragraph: most people who hang out on the hamb would rather be driving their cars than worrying about whether they were going to get best of show or were going to have to settle for "just" first place in their class.

i'm not knocking trophies, i'm not ranting; nor am i posting a "defense" of cars belonging to hambers; just expressing my viewpoint.

hope this answers more questions than it raises.

 

[GearHead_1]

i'm not knocking trophies, i'm not ranting; nor am i posting a "defense" of cars belonging to hambers; just expressing my viewpoint.

Certainly no reason to post a defense. I'm not attacking anything here.

 

[atch]

* A "good shot" means never having to say I missed you ! - Life Member of the Rusty Barrel Club *

your signature reminds me of the old bumper sticker: gun control means hitting what you aim at

 

[Roadstar]

"HAMB Style" cars!

You're killin' me

Yeah this is what we do to guys that have the nerve to paint there cars

Ok, I feel better now

 

[GearHead_1]

"HAMB Style" cars!

You're killin' me

And you would classify, identify or describe these cars as....??? Sorry, I don't know the terminology, apparently you do. Do I call them an unfinished piece of art, a work in progress, a dream in the making? I'm asking here because I don't know. I'm betting I'm not the only one in this category. If I were given one of these cars I'm not sure I would know what to do with thousands of dollars in detailing tools/supplies I've acquired.

 

[Der Bugmeister]

Personally, I group them under "Rat rods" or "Hoodrides". I don't know that I'd consider them unfinished art, as part of the art is knowing when you've done enough and stopping there.

Unfortunately (?) for me, I fall into the category of person who feels this unstoppable urge to fix rust, pop dents and paint my cars nice and shiny. Doesn't mean that I can't enjoy a wide variety of customizing styles, and even admire a lot of the Rats out there.

 

[GearHead_1]

Doesn't mean that I can't enjoy a wide variety of customizing styles, and even admire a lot of the Rats out there.

Same here, just trying to understand this part of the game a little better.

 

[Roadstar]

Have you guys ever seen Ryans car?


Ever seen the Two Magizine feature cars that Plowboy built.

Ever seen my Award winning '40 Ford Coupe.

Ever Seen how nice the paint and bodywork and many details on HRLC Big Olds?

Ever Seen some of the Cars from the Tardels?

There are WAY more than just Primered Jalopys on the HAMB.

I Hate to be so defensive but I think you have just skimmed the serface of that board and are making assumtions from you have seen.

And what does any of this even have to do with a message board about Garages, Lets see your workbench or something

 

[SuperKid]

I like old things. I listen to old music, I watch old TV shows and old movies, and I absolutely love old cars. Don't get me wrong, I like new cars as well. But, I like them differently than how I like old cars. I like the technology of newer cars, and I like the history and mechanical-ness of the older cars.

If you think about it, how many project cars do you have that are actually 100% finished? For most people, it seems that a project is actually finished when they get rid of it. Most people I know that modify or build cars, never stop working on them. They're always changing something, modifying something, etc. So, it's not really that there's something wrong with the car, it's just that it's not finished and probably will never actually be "finished" in the true sense of the word.

 

[GearHead_1]

I Hate to be so defensive but I think you have just skimmed the serface of that board and are making assumtions from you have seen.

And what does any of this even have to do with a message board about Garages, Lets see your workbench or something

If you don't like the topic you don't have to respond to it. Go play somewhere else and be happy. I've approached this topic in a very civil manner and I've said nothing disparaging about these cars. So why be defensive? If that's not the tone you've picked up you haven't read the thread completely.

You have no idea what I've looked at or what I haven't. I'm not making any assumptions here either. I see what I see both on line and on T.V. Some people don't intend to end up with a shiny painted car. You may not be in that group of owners, I've seen the types of the cars you've referenced. My questions aren't geared towards those cars or their owners.

You're not the police, don't jump in on a thread and tell me what I should or should not be posting. I guess I could have started this thread in the free parking area but I don't see it as a big deal. Cars are very much general garage discussion, that's what most people put in theirs. Since you're stepping in as a moderator go ahead and move it there if you would like. If you want a thread on work benches go start one.

 

[Roadstar]

Sorry dude, trust me I'm not a trouble maker.

I'll go read something else

 

[Winmon]

And what does any of this even have to do with a message board about Garages, Lets see your workbench or something

trust me I'm not a trouble maker.

Hmmmmmm

 

[SCOOTER]

Personally, I group them under "Rat rods" or "Hoodrides". I don't know that I'd consider them unfinished art, as part of the art is knowing when you've done enough and stopping there.

Unfortunately (?) for me, I fall into the category of person who feels this unstoppable urge to fix rust, pop dents and paint my cars nice and shiny. Doesn't mean that I can't enjoy a wide variety of customizing styles, and even admire a lot of the Rats out there.

UTTTT OH he said "RATS"....qwik duck here comes a flying hammer..err or is that "HAMBER"...they are called "Traditional Hotrods" most traditional guys hate the tearm "RAT" they feel that this is a negitive term...I too like most all forms of the automotive hobby..just some more than others..I like the traditional but my main focus is 60'z era cause when I was a kid (like BMW stated) it's what I grew up with......Like Rodney sayz "can't we all just get along''

 

[rodwerkz]

i'm a relatively young guy (although i feel old) who happens to be in to these HAMB style cars.. Why? I guess old pre-war cars just appeal to me. Always have. I just don't like muscle cars, just seem kinda tacky to me. Don't dig "street rods" because they seem like a ****** interpretation of what old cars should look like (kind tasteless if you ask me).

I don't have anything against shiny, trust me. A nicely painted traditonal styled hotrod is cool with me.. hell shiny is even better in most cases. But there is something damn appealing to me about a well built, well patina'd hotrod as well.

Hey, when it comes down to it. My T was alot of fun to build, tons more fun to drive. Will it get paint one day, maybe.. but is sure love having fun with it in the meantime...



[img=http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/7076/tprofilern6.jpg]

 

[Hotrodladycrusr]

Re: Enlighten Me HAMBers

I would like to start this post with an apology for lack of a better description. I mean no offense by asking these questions but seek a better understanding. I know that many of the new members hear on GJ have come from the sister HAMB site. I've been around cars my whole life. I understand virtually all aspects of most any collective group of cars whether they be exotics, imports, muscle car, low rider, performance sports etc. I get why people enjoy building and being around these different groups of cars and think I understand the fascination of building, driving, owning, collecting or racing these cars with the exception of the HAMB style (category) of cars.

What is "HAMB style" that you are referring too?? My '47 Olds convert? Are you lumping the THOUSANDS of cars the HAMB members own into one "category??


I think I "get" all of these types of cars including what might be considered a sleeper and fully appreciate all of them though of course some more than others. I know that a lot of sweat and blood go into building HAMB cars not to mention serious dollars. Help me understand why people go to such great lengths to put these together to end up with a vehicle that doesn't have the final spit and polish to it.

Mine doesn't have the final spit and polish??? Really?? Lumping ALL "HAMB style" cars into the same pot again?............well I guess I shouldn't use MY car as an example cuz it really isn't a spit and polish "finished" car yet.....but it certainly isn't a "rat rod" either. ****, what catagory should YOU put my car in???? I'm so confused.....

I understand that in many cases the object is to simply not have that spit and polish and $$$'s are spent making the vehicle so. I've done some reading on the HAMB site and can honestly say that even after reading up on these I don't get it.

and probley never will but thats OK. The HAMB and it's traditional styled cars are not for everyone.

I thought about posting this question over on the HAMB site but felt like that would be like walking into the den and saying, "here kitty, kitty are you hungry?"

You are correct, some would have eaten you alive. Others would have tried to enlighten you like some here already have. In other words, the HAMB's "style/category" is that of traditional style and that covers the spectrum from dare I say "rat rods" that are poorly built to the finest crafted hot rods and customs on this planet.

Please share your feelings and enlighten me a little bit. Thanks

Why you used the HAMB name is beyond me when just the term "rat rod" would have done just fine for the type of car you are asking clarification about.

Oh yeah, some of those so called "rat rods" are some of the safest, well built, iingeniously engineered cars on the road. You just have to look beyond the surface.....and yes, of course, there are pieces of s*@t over there as well.

 

[Mootz]

Re: Enlighten Me HAMBers

"Help me understand why people go to such great lengths to put these together to end up with a vehicle that doesn't have the final spit and polish to it."

I think that maybe the part that you are missing is the fact that most of the cars you are referring to aren't finished, period. There are two sides to this. Most of us are workin' folks buying the pieces as we go. Being able to drive and enjoy these cars in the process is part of the fun. Should we not have pride and want to show these off just because they are lacking a little finishing? These cars take a lot of time to build while juggling a family, friends, and work-this is our outlet. The second side (in my opinion) is the cars "soul". To come upon a car in it's original glory (although in some cases faded and rusted glory) is something that can't be explained. The car will never have this again if you start cutting and grinding. Once finished, the car will have a new,different "soul" but never to return to its original again. So, drive it as is for a while, then when bored in need of a change, take the plunge and begin the process of given' her back the shine.

A little more rambling...exposure of traditional hot rods has skyrocketed in the past few years which brought with it the good and the bad. But not all bad (rusty deathtraps) by any means. The HAMB has been around long before it was cool to have a traditional styled hotrod. The HAMB was also around long before myself and many others over there ever stumbled upon it. People have been doin this for years, workin to make it better, faster, and nicer, but drivin and enjoyin in the process. So, there you have it, I think.

Mootz

 

[Hotrodladycrusr]

Very well said Mootz.

 

[rodwerkz]

Very well said Mootz.

Definitely well put..

 

[thecarfarmer]

With me, it all comes down to simple economics.

I ain't got a lot o' money for pretty. It took most of what I had to make it run, and whatever was left over got spent on fast.

And, it's been my experience that that evil *****, entropy, has her way with everything under the sun. Whatever is going to be kept nice requires energy put into it to do so. Lacquer checks, oxidation, door dings, scratches, etc., ya' know.

A $3000 paint job becomes worth $300 pretty fast in day-to-day use.

But a beater with 'patina' doesn't really lose value for another scratch or ding. Which means my stuff increases in value with time, as opposed to requiring an influx of time/money/energy to maintain value.

Just my .02.

-bill