I love visiting this site and chatting on the forum, have made some great forum friends, but has it ever been considered to make this into a proper international club, one that anyone would be proud to say they are a member of? Or is it already and I've missed something? What are peoples thoughts?
Cheers, Steve.
we used to be a paying club, but it just became too much work for one or two people. My wife and I did almost all of the work. Later on, Tom Drummond began helping with the Ohio meet we had, and Bob Lee and Rick Crawford took care of the west coast meet. But the day to day running and newsletter was all on me and my wife. It was a tremendous amount of work and expense printing and mailing every couple months. When it got to be too much, we decided to just pack it in and make a free internet based club of it. The problem with most clubs, car or otherwise, is that everyone wants the perks and stuff that goes with it, but no one wants to do or at least help out with the work. After 5 years or so, my family had grown a great deal, my job was moving to another state, I was having to look for another home, etc, and so we just made the call to let it go. Since then, i havent really looked back. Eventually, when I get everything taken care of with 1957ford.com, I can add weekly or monthly posts, blog style, to the main page, as well as the news page.I set it up to sort of mimic a newsletter. I had invested in high end software to produce a newsletter that really does look like a magazine. It is the software that most mazazines use,and it has a steep learning curve. I can still use it, but it doesnt lend itself to web publishing very easily, not easy to convert to pdf, etc. It is mainly to use for setting up to print at a print shop. The last newsletter we put out looked professional, full color, adn would have made a killer print copy. It was almost 30 pages, and I thought it was my best work ever.I put it up for download on the old site, where it was downloaded about 20 times. At that point, I decided not to bother anymore, if no more than 20 people or so was going to download it. Now, we just mainly use this forum. I was able to get 1957ford.com from John Gambill last winter, and will be putting a ton more pictures on it next week. As soon as that is complete, 1957ford.com will basically be back to its former glory, as the best single source of 57 Ford information on the internet.
So, in summary, unless we combine with another established club, like the Galaxie Club of America,or Fairlane CLub of America, who knows the ins and outs of and pitfalls of running a club this size (500 plus members), it is probably not going to happen. If someone else wants to step up and take the reins, of the club portion at least, they are welcome, just PM me. Believe me, it is a lot of work, and a lot of it goes unnoticed. Lots of folks say they want to help out, but when it really comes time to get own to business, its like the little red hen story. So for now, I am happy and content with the state of this group as it is. No muss, no fuss, we come and go as we like. We meet up as we like. We try to have scheduled meets in Ohio and the West coast, but participation is sparse and erratic at best. I am on the Mississippi Gulf coast, so I am a long way from either of those events. I have asked members to meet up with me at our largest event, Cruisin the Coast, which takes place in October, and has now grown to over 10,000 cars for the whole week. It is my favorite car event of the year, and I am out and about every day of the event. This year, my 57 will make its debut, ready or not.. It is running and almost driving now, so as soon as my interior is assembled, I can drive it. This september I will again start making the call for folks to drop in and hang out with me. I figure, like the last 8 or 10 years, it will be me, two of my boys, and my dad hanging out. Just like a real car club function..:(
I fit the " the little red hen story". I lurk about, join, and lurk about some more. I don't usually join of large groups. This is more like family to me.
Thanks, James for the work you do in keeping this site up and running!
Just putting on one annual car show is a huge commitment. I was on a successful, established two-day car show committee. After nearly thirty years, the staff was getting old and thinning. Changes were discouraged because change could cause extra work and getting volunteers was tough. Finally, the committee just couldn't do it anymore and closed the show. No matter show or club, expectations are high and resources are thin. James is doing a super job. Magazines or newsletters are expensive to produce. Anything I need to know is here in the forum. I also have wanted to attend a 'club' event but most have been too far away or too far away for my current '57. But I am needing a road trip fix.
ditto on what both said. Everything I need is here, except I do really enjoy meeting forum members, and luckily I can say I've probably shook hands with '57 forum members more than most others. James, all the work you do is very appreciated......thanks again.
James, I really do appreciate where you are coming from. After being in an administrative role in hot rod clubs for over 30 years, I know exactly how it works and you are dead right. I also find I get whatever I need from this site, and I enjoy conversing via this forum, so on that basis I am happy to say I am a member of this "club", and if anyone asks what club I am in, I proudly say "57 Fords International" and have the sticker in my back window to say so.
If any "club members" are ever downunder in this part of the world I'd be more than happy to meet up and show you around.
The most practical means, logistically anyway, of getting together is to have meetups inside other established events and shows. That is the best way to do it, as you are not going to be just 8 or 20 57 Fords in a parking lot somewhere. You will be 8 or 10 57 Fords parking together in a group around 1500-10000 cars...I really want to gather up a bunch of 57s for Cruisin the Coast some year, because I think it would be incredible to see 25 or 30 57 Fords cruising the beach boulevard together, parking together, etc..The last time I personally saw that many 57s together was our first gathering at the Ohio Ford Expo. We had 27 57 Fords in one place at one time, and it made for an awesome picture. That was our first mini-meet, and we had almost as many cars as the biggest group, which of course was the Mustang guys...it was great. Id like to do that again, except down South. If anyone has never been to Cruisin the Coast in Gulfport and Biloxi, I encourage you to try it out. There are usually in the neighborhood of 10-12k old cars cruising on 26 miles of beachfront highway. There are carshows in virtually every parking lot, as well as gast stations, restaurants, motels, etc. Anywhere that can be parked at, turns into a show. There are literally more cars than you can look at, and it takes a week to get around to all of the venues. There is a big swao meet at the Coliseum from Thursday through Saturday...Traffic is usually pretty heavy on Friday and Saturday nights, so be sure your cooling system is up for sitting in traffic with thousands of old cars, with 10s of thousands of spectators asking question after question about your ride..Ive done Power Tour two or three times, and this event is still my favorite. And yes, for those interested, there is a year cutoff, I tink 1975 or so is the newest that can register and get into the show areas of the venues, the rest have to park in the spectator areas.. PM me if youre interested in meeting up..My loud and nasty bright red 57 will be making its big debut during the opening days of CTC this year. I am thinking about registering it now, so that I will HAVE to finish it, or be out the $100...
James:
Coming to the South's Crusin the Coast is one of those things that is on my "bucket list." I'm not sure when or how I'll get 57 AGIN out there, but some day I'll be there.
I agree with you there are very few shows or events that have a reasonable gathering of 57 Fords. Out West we were able to get a pretty good gathering of them at the 2004 Fun Ford Weekend held at the Auto Club's drag strip in Fontana. A photo of that event was featured in one of your news letters. Then in 2007, Rick and I were able to get a good gathering of 57's at both the Fabulous Fords Forever show at Knott's, when the 57 Ford was selected as one of the "Milestone" cars featured in a special display area. Then later that same year at the John Force Holiday Show the 57 Fords and Chevys were asked to show up and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 57's. We actually were able to gather more 57 Fords to attend that show than were the Chevy guys. Hoo Rah!!! But since then it's been just a few 57's at each event we go to. Based on my research for organizing the Fontana and Knott's events and attending events like The Cruise for a Cure, I figure there must must be somewhere around 150 to 200 57's in the Southern California Counties of LA, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernadino and San Diego. But, we can't interest them in coming to car shows or cruises. Too darn bad!!!
Bob
57 AGIN
Cruising the Coast is actually my motivational goal, ...2018. Plan to drive it there, do it up, and drive it back.
It's a tight timeline.
I guess its just a sign of the times. The car culture is with us, the last generation I believe, that will care about these old cars. When we're all gone, I believe the car culture will die with us, and that is sad. Newer generations only care about video games and such stuff. Heck for the most part, boys dont even chase after girls anymore, which was a main reason for cruising back in our youth. They'd rather shoot at pixels on a tv screen. My reason for keeping it alive now, is that I can remember a better time, before bills, politics, world events etc, cluttered my life and pushed fun to the backburner. I love the freedom my old car gives me. I love the thumbs up I get from other old farts like myself. I love telling stories about my misadventures as a teen, and hearing other similar stories from my friends. It all about memories and what they meant to each of us. I may have waited too late, but I am working on instilling that love for old cars in my boys so that it doesnt die with me. My 17 year old doesnt have any interest but my 14 year old and my 12 and 8 year old boys are helping me work on my newest project, another 57 Ford Custom 300, this time a gasser drag car. They have done most of the work stripping all the paint from it. We have the fenders radiused out, and will be installing the straight axle in a couple weeks, after I get home from my work trip anyway. My 8 year old boy is exactly like me, and lives, breathes, drinks, sleeps, dreams cars, ALL the time. He has his own subscription to Car Craft, mainly for Krass and Bernie, but he reads the entire magazine, and can bash Chevies with the best of us. He gives this dude at church a hard time every time he sees him, lol. I have a little spark of hope for the future of our hobby with this little guy...My 14 year old was the one that surprised me..I've come home from work and he is already out there working on it, which is a huge deal for him, because it is freaking hot down here this time of year. But hes out there working on it. He's learning. He will be learning to weld when we get ready to put floors in, rocker panels, finish up the rear quarters, etc. WHen it comes time to seal and paint, he will be learning to do that as well. We will be building the 427 for it together when we get all the parts gathered up. Yep, his first engine build will be an FE. It is my plan, for his first pass down the track to be in this car. We should have it running with a 351 Cleveland by spring, so we can start working bugs out of it. We're hoping to participate, at least on a limited scale, next season. I have 90% of the parts to complete it, just have to keep us all after it, as well as finishing up my red car, which is almost there. Putting the interior in it now, finishing up the fenders and painting them when I get home from Portland. So, I am doing my part. If nothing else, at least they wont be wasting their time on that stupid xbox.
x2
Once in a while, I get to see a spark. It is usually more in the 'rat rod' or rock-a-billy arena. Last year a friend invited me to cruise to a Panty Raid Club event. It was not really a show but more of a fair. The attendees were mostly young, family guys AND girls. Many costumes and kid friendly environment. Many cars were work-in-progress and most unusual, vintage and often overlooked vehicles. Most were young family types with tight budgets but the whole family participated. Most were camping over night with campfires, outdoor cooking, dancing, and live music way later than I'm use to. I left with a good feeling and hope.
I agree, the last Hot Rodder has already been born! You see it in the declining resale prices of Model T's, and Model A's, and Muscle cars will be the last of the hobby cars. I think it could also be why you see only 35,000 people show up for a NASCAR race at Indy! All the old car guys are over the hump, and just slowing down.
Kids todays are not interested in the same things that we were doing in the 1960's. I loved going to the sprint car races at Manzanita, or the drag races at Beeline growing up in Arizona. I counted the days until I could take my driving test and get my license to "legally" drive. I already had a '58 Bel Air, I bought "before" I got my license. But today, it's very expensive to have, and maintain a car for a teenager.
We just had this conversation last weekend. Our family is into Water Polo in a big way, and we attended the National Jr. Olympic meet last weekend. Hardly any of the kids on my grand daughters team even care about getting their drivers license when they turn 16. They graduate high school, then go away to college, and never even get a drivers license today, driving is no big deal to them anymore.
I have been working on getting a (off topic) "extra car" we have had in our family ready for my soon to be 16 year old grand daughter to use for her driving test next week. She will then take over the car for school and sports practice transportation. Unlike all of her friends, she's really pumped to get her license. She has been taking driving lessons, and drove her grand parents to dinner for their 50th wedding anniversary. She's actually a very good driver. She has a summer job teaching kids to swim to raise money for "her car". I know she is going to be a "car guy" because she has already NAMED her car!
Sometimes clubs/groups grow and lose their identity, this place has always had a very friendly atmosphere (and has helped me no-end!) and I do wonder if it expanded to become an official club, it might lose some of that "family" touch?
Quote from: John Palmer on 2017-08-02 12:46
I agree, the last Hot Rodder has already been born! You see it in the declining resale prices of Model T's, and Model A's, and Muscle cars will be the last of the hobby cars. I think it could also be why you see only 35,000 people show up for a NASCAR race at Indy! All the old car guys are over the hump, and just slowing down.
Kids todays are not interested in the same things that we were doing in the 1960's. I loved going to the sprint car races at Manzanita, or the drag races at Beeline growing up in Arizona. I counted the days until I could take my driving test and get my license to "legally" drive. I already had a '58 Bel Air, I bought "before" I got my license. But today, it's very expensive to have, and maintain a car for a teenager.
We just had this conversation last weekend. Our family is into Water Polo in a big way, and we attended the National Jr. Olympic meet last weekend. Hardly any of the kids on my grand daughters team even care about getting their drivers license when they turn 16. They graduate high school, then go away to college, and never even get a drivers license today, driving is no big deal to them anymore.
I have been working on getting a (off topic) "extra car" we have had in our family ready for my soon to be 16 year old grand daughter to use for her driving test next week. She will then take over the car for school and sports practice transportation. Unlike all of her friends, she's really pumped to get her license. She has been taking driving lessons, and drove her grand parents to dinner for their 50th wedding anniversary. She's actually a very good driver. She has a summer job teaching kids to swim to raise money for "her car". I know she is going to be a "car guy" because she has already NAMED her car!
Hit the nail on the head John.
Very little interest in cars today amongst the younger crowd.And the ones that truly are interested just can't afford it.Model A coupe bodies are now going for(a good one) are now selling in the range of $7500-$12000..... add a frame,running gear ,etc,etc.... your into a pile of money.I had a conversation with a 23 year old that was doing some modern sports car with a LS engine and an aftermarket 6 six speed with all the electronic computer modules.The kid had just dropped another 3K into the transmission and clutch package.He can barely afford to keep going.I see a ton of 25-40 year olds into a lot of 4 door brand X 50's and 60's cars.... stuff that was never popular back in the day.... The reason they buy because it's the only thing they can budget for.
My daughters male friends come by and they just stare at my projects like a deer in the headlights... they have ZERO interest in any of it.
Go to any big event and the average age is 55+....
Still... they are a few young guys that are into an old car.. but todays cost of housing,food,getting a decent job make owing and working on an old car prohibitive.Add the cost of insurance to a young driver.... it's just not gonna happen.Any driver under 25 around here with any kind of modified automobile or even an old car... has a very hard time finding insurance.
They are many many other factors.. but..... those are a few examples that i have seen in the past 20 years.
Quote from: gasman826 on 2017-08-02 10:38
x2
Once in a while, I get to see a spark. It is usually more in the 'rat rod' or rock-a-billy arena. Last year a friend invited me to cruise to a Panty Raid Club event. It was not really a show but more of a fair. The attendees were mostly young, family guys AND girls. Many costumes and kid friendly environment. Many cars were work-in-progress and most unusual, vintage and often overlooked vehicles. Most were young family types with tight budgets but the whole family participated. Most were camping over night with campfires, outdoor cooking, dancing, and live music way later than I'm use to. I left with a good feeling and hope.
Many of my friends Gary go to the Panty Raid.... again.. you have hit the nail on the head.We put on a show up here..the Jalopy Jam Up that is very similar... 2 day event...a weekender.This has stemmed from the over bloated shows from the NSRA and Goodguys... Not many want to attend those shows because of cost and .... well.....they are boring.For many years they have excluded young folks....Trailer queens and egos abound at those shows... personally, some of those events did harm,rather than good for this hobby.The shows like the Panty Raid,Torque-fest,Sins of Steel,The Jam Up and The Gas Axe Garage parties are where you will find most young folks.They tend to engage young guys and gals.. young families and a very modest budget.We allow any pre-64 car to attend,have 4 bands,tons of free giveaways,camp for free and its small and Quaint.
Again..... we try to keep the flame lit with your guys... we even encourage young people to trailer up their unfinished projects to get feedback and help.... to encourage a community of sorts.
I really want to attend the Meltdown Drags... it's on my list.... I would much rather go to the Meltdown than ANY NHRA event..... Looks like a Killer show....I really could care less about seeing The Matco funny Car square off against the Mcdonalds funny car.....(just an example)..... or even seeing antique top fuel cars "Cackle" stationary on the trackside........ a show like the Meltdown is where you see homebuilt race cars run on a realistic budget..... I know Tom Drummond goes and i believe there is a class for 57 Fords(correct me if i am wrong guys)......