how can we get the youth to be come involed in our hobby?

[jm29henry]

I just responded to a young man post about his model headlight problem .I read all of the post and there was a link to check out his horn sound on U tube .He is so proud of his lovely four door ,so I checked out his profile he is a young man of 23 years old I would love to no how and why he got interested in a Ford Model A so we can keep our youth involved in our wonderful hobby.

[Greg liekweg]

Well, My Dad has 2 Model A's and I have a Model AA. About a mouth ago, My son (19 years old) Asked me to find him a Model A. I said " Why, to make a Hot Rod out of". His response was " NO, I don't wont to ruin it. I wont one all Original".
I think if they are around them Or just drove one they would fall in love with them.

[39portlander]

When I can, I take my nephew to the cruise-in's and carshows in the area. Talking to him I also find that various shows although not Model A related like counting cars, gas monkey garage, ect. get him to watch something car related and thinking.

The attention span is another story...the early Fords and model A's are cool, but not "flashy" enough. I keep trying

[28ACoupe]

I have given this a lot of thought lately as a lot of the people who are currently involved with antique cars in general are, frankly, dying off and there are just not many of us old school guys left who can teach the old ways.

I tend to think the best way is to get the neighborhood kids involved if you are working on your car, give rides, offer the use of the cars for birthdays, weddings, etc.

Basically, good old fashioned promotion by actually engaging the kids directly.

[Aok]

If you want to get young men interested you 1st need to get young women interested.

[ford3]

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t
i think some one from a model a club should try to get to the automotive classes in high school, take your car there show it to them and if you can take a few for a ride, ive done that in the past, and the kids really were interested, let them see the beginnigs of the automobile, make a short presentation on the history of the A and what you have done to get yours completed, it can be done in an hour

[jm29henry]

I love that idea ,BUT we have held our model a meeting in our local high school .We have been holding our meeting there since the early 70's and for over 35 years have been giving a scholarship to auto shop student a seeking a career in the automotive field ,after 2 years of no participation we opened it up to all members children, and grand children, with no one applying ?

[1930artdeco]

Unfortunately, unless you have one in your family a 'young' person of say late teens or early 20's probably won't be getting to interested due to the lack of funds. The economic realities of today's life will get in the way most of the time.

Now if you aim at someone a little older, say mid to late 30's then I think we have more of a shot at that generation. They tend to be a little more settled and have some disposable income.

Just my thoughts....

Mike

[diomed]

I'm 40 and am currently looking for a Model A. I don’t want a hot rod, just a stock A. Nobody in my circle of friends can understand why. Maybe once I get one, they'll turn, but for now I’m going at it alone.

The thing that bothers me is what happens to all the nice cars that get sold once the owner is too old to care for it? Chopping up an 80+ year old car to make some terrible "rat rod" should be criminal.

[1930artdeco]

Diomed, Welcome to the club and good luck on your search. What are you looking for? Where are you located, maybe a local club could help you find one.

Mike

[30ccpickup]

When is the last time you have seen a Model A in the junk yard. It only takes.one person to take your car. The young ones are involved, they are just not hanging out with us. Would you join a club with nothing but young kids involved. I am 53, I took my moms on one of.our club outings, she whispered to me, "Why they are my age". She was was shocked that I was hanging out with old people. (I love the stories, you old people are,cool) When I was in my twenties.the pace was faster. Outings included bear and hot girls and not pleasant drives and a salt free lunch. They will form their own bonds and when they get old, they will do what we do, complain about the youth and why they do not do it the way we do.

[Del in NE Ohio]

One of my grandson's classmates drives a '29 Tudor to school EVERYDAY. It's a driver, with a real "patina". Rain or snow, Anthony drives it!. I saw him one evening last week leaving a basketball game. The temp was 4 degrees above zero. Anthony came to have that car because someone was willing to sell it to him for a price He could afford. I see A's all the time offered for really inflated prices (you'd think it was a Barrett Jackson event) that might be able to get into the hands of a younger person, if the price were more realistic. How many "kids" (under 30 or 40) for that matter have 20K to blow on a toy? If they think they do, it's because they are making payments to the local Harley dealer. If you really care about the future of your car, be willing to sacrifice some of your "profit" to get it to the right buyer! The cars are the constant! The people come and go!

[Colonel]

I suspect that regardless of all our best efforts, the passion for the Model A, as we know it, is changing with the generations. Surely there will always be a core group of die hard Model A'ers and the car will live on. Whether the Hobby can support two National Clubs and many annual events over the long term is questionable but it will self-correct to meet the new needs of the Hobby and its Members. It may be smaller but it will always be relevant and exciting for the passionate.

Maybe our contribution is best directed to support, donate and yes expand the MAFFI Museum to assure it has the ability to house and display the Model A as we know it. Not just the show cars, but the touring cars, the daily drivers, the few that remain original along with the many unique vehicles Ford produced during those fabulous 4 years. I personally love to hear the stories of the cars that have remained in the same family for many years and generations. The story makes the car. Personally, I am hoping the Museum has control over the property just behind the Museum building to greatly expand its size and create, through donations and purchases, the best Model A's and period collection in the World for all to see forever. Surely we would want our favorite or best car to be preserved -- either by our friends or family or through a great Museum.

[JackA]

My son is typical of the younger generation. If he can buy a new car, that is what he wants. He be doesn't even change his own oil. It remains to seen what he will be like when he retires from the military this year.

[bikemaniac]

Hi,

I'm 35 and trying to do this adventure:

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=126060

Looking at my friends, NOBODY is into old cars and old junk. Thus, I am entirely on my own which is uphill somewhat. Young people are primarily interested in smartphones and travels. By smartphones I mean socializing. The social "drive" is enormous and seductive. I believe most people in this forum are not very much into modern gadgets which means they have time to dwell and not be online constantly. Young people are online constantly and need to answer their phones and messages instantly. Thus, you cannot work on your car because you get interrupted all the time.

Next, looking at my friends, they spend most of their money on housing and travel. Many people spend more than 50% of their income on the house mortgage. To me it is crazy. By travel I mean air travel to exotic destinations. Its a matter of seeing the world and disappear from the boring, everyday life. People have all kinds of conveniences in their homes and their lives are perfect - but they lack exiting experiences - and they get that by means of an aircraft traveling to remote parts of the World. Thus, they choose not to spend money on an old vintage car.

In my dormatory at university, an estimated 70% of all male guys never fixed a flat tire on their bicycle. They paid a bike shop to fix it.

My "problem" is, that I don't have a house and a workshop. If I had a workshop, I would probably have a vintage car in there right now. Actually, I could buy a house and a workshop, but with the situation over here (Denmark), there is a large risk that you cannot sell it again if you choose to move elsewhere. Many many people are stuck in their homes because nobody wants to buy their house. And I don't want to be part of that game.

My nephew is 4 years old. He wanted an Ipad Tablet for Christmas. But he didn't get it. He probably gets it next time :-/.

I truly feel that those things were much easier 20 years ago.

But to answer the original question: I don't think there is anything you can do. The online world is more tempting than greasy fingers.

Lucas

[chopo]

what we should not talk them out of is making a hotrod out of a model A. after one or two hotrods they build they will more than likely restore one later in years.. hot rods or not they are still Mr. Fords ladies

[Kevin Johns]

Money is the big thing with us young people. I got lucky and met a guy who was going to a home and had to unload his car. A nice car, but not a fine points car... anyway, I was stoaked to get it. I've seen model A cars for 12 to 15 thousand bucks, and they were nice cars don't get me wrong, but it's too much for a 21 year old. 7 years later this car came along for a great price and I snagged it up. The next gen. of Model A'ers are coming up quick and before you can realize it, you'll see us and hear the horns as we pass. Send us down some knowledge, some elbow grease and some cheep parts you have stashed in the corner that you know you will never ever use ever in a thousand years and this hobby will be just fine.

[Hicktick]

The way to get to the youth is simple .

Get your car out and let it be seen . Out of all the young people you will catch the right eye .

He will come to you and have many questions about your car . He will become interested and will research on his own . He has the internet , something we never had .

We had to stop at a guys shop and pester him for help , but we did it out of love for the car /machine .


But , if this young person never sees your car , driven to the store , or just around your block , or in a parade , then they will never know about an a model Ford , and have a chance to fall in love with what you keep locked in your garage .

[christian]

You would be surprised how many young people there are in model A's, I bought my first a few years back when I was 25. I personally know of 2 other friends of mine around my age that have them as well. We were putting them together all around the same time, helping eachother, it was great, it was like the blind leading the blind. Once they were put together and roadworthy we proudly drove them to an antique car function and were treated so badly by the older folk constantly nit-picking our cars that we decided we never wanted anything more to do with clubs. With our limited money and experience we did the best we could to build our cars as decently as possible, but still not good enough. So now, we just do our own thing.

[roccaas]

Young people?

Whatever we do, it better be in the form of an App, or something to do with texting-these seem to be the ONLY things in which these folks have a strong interest!

[karasmer]

All it's going to take is some Hollywood superstar to have a huge media covered interest and the young will take note. Also I think the young ladies may find a young lad into vintage autos more appealing rather than someone glued to the I phone or video games all day, at least that's my selling point to my 3 young boys. Somebody has to make it very clear that this is a very satisfying and cool hobby because it is.

[WTSHNN]

Originally Posted by roccaas

Young people?

Whatever we do, it better be in the form of an App, or something to do with texting-these seem to be the ONLY things in which these folks have a strong interest!

Yeah. Comments like this will not help get young people involved in Model A's.

-Tim

[poweredbylincoln]

I agree with karasmer, publicity campaign from celebritys. actor or performer..note i did not say musician.

I am 28 and alot of people think they are cool,but dont understand stock cars or dont care to have a stock model a.

I suggested in a previous thread that, we have a national take them for a ride in a model a day!

Can be 4th of july or christmas ect, take a neighbor,relative,friend, ect for a ride in your model a. Have them pose with the car take video of the ride, or pictures of the adventure so they can share it with their circle of family and friends.

I also see with such groups of restorors that they are targeting very young kids which is good,but not the best! I think they are totally missing teens that are going to get their licenses!!! If they get them say 15-18 ish.. even 15-21 then they will want their first vehicle and maybe a model a!

Also there is say the late 20's in some cases or hell 30-40's those who have money, but to show them how COOL a stock car is and How fun they are to drive?

who's in?

[Logan]

If you can, do what my grandparents did. They started when we were really young, our first meet was when we were 3 months old. We grew up in the cars. Even if we wanted to go to 7/11 to get a slurpy we take the car. Even though we had to move 3 cars to get one of the model a's out. And the 7/11 is only a half mile away. Most people wouldn't go through the trouble of moving essentially 4 cars just to drive a 1/2 mile. But of course, we had to finish the slurpy at the gas station before we could get back in the car.

Every club event, meet, car show, or just an overnight trip somewhere in a model a, we were given the opportunity to go. Being that we started going to the events so young, it became a way of life for us kids. If we couldn't go to something or a tour that my grandparents were going on we got bummed out cuz we felt like we were missing out. Eventually it got to the point, as we got older, that we started asking our grandparents if we could go somewhere or to different meets, and they always agreed even if they had not planned on attending the meets or taking the trips.

At a very early age (3-4 years old) my brother and I "picked our cars". He always liked the sedan and I always liked the coupe. (The only thing we've never fought about) and because of this my grandpa knew he could never sell the cars. Although he admitted as he got older that he probably would have sold all his cars because most of his model a buddies past away about 10-12 years before he did. But he knew that he had sparked out interest early enough, that we would far exceed anything he had ever done with the cars and the hobby.

The point of my story. Start them young. If you're not part of a club, join one and start attending events and meetings as you can. And take your family with you. Make it a family event. If your kids/grandkids want to bring friends, let them. If they don't seem overly interested, but like the cars. Let them pick and choose what they want to go to, but always ask if they want to go when there is an event.

The only way to get them involved, is to physically get them involved. Take them to events, let them work on the car with you. Don't boss them around or yell if they aren't doing something correctly, just help them out and talk them through it or show them.

The people actively involved in the A world, are some of the greatest people on earth. But if no one new is introduced to them, how are they gonna know?

I'm 20 and so is my brother, and we can't hardly enough model a stuff. We use to be more active when in high school, but college and working full time has slowed us down. I have my grandpas '31 coupe, & a '28 boat tail speedster I made, my brothers got the '30 town sedan, and right now I'm restoring a '31 180A deluxe phaeton for my dad, and I also do restoration work at a well known shop here in Fort Worth. Because of my grandparents taking us so young, it's become a way of life and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.

[poweredbylincoln]

also without going political, need current and future generations to "protect" the hobby as well as keep it going

[TonyM]

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Originally Posted by diomed

I'm 40 and am currently looking for a Model A. I don’t want a hot rod, just a stock A. Nobody in my circle of friends can understand why. Maybe once I get one, they'll turn, but for now I’m going at it alone.

The thing that bothers me is what happens to all the nice cars that get sold once the owner is too old to care for it? Chopping up an 80+ year old car to make some terrible "rat rod" should be criminal.

I hope you find a nice Model A. Good luck. TM

[newshirt]

Sadly, I do not believe you can.

The biggest problem is that old guys and young guys live in different worlds. The things we think are cool seem old fashioned to them. The things they think are cool seem shallow to us. There is no bridge between us.

I've also learned that old guys have seen it all and done it all. That means they don't have that evangelistic energy that attracts others. There's no puppy-dog enthusiasm that begs others to follow. They don't line up for the next tour, and then can't keep shut about it afterwards. They don't compel others to attend that next Model A event. They don't brag about their cars on FaceBook. It's all just ho-hum, been there, done that, let's get coffee and talk about hip replacements. Why would a young kid have anything to do with that guy's hobbies?

Talking about two worlds... old guys don't hang out on the web like kids do, so there's no cross-pollination of ideas. It's like a huge chasm between generations. Most old guys don't own a smartphone or don't know how to use one. They don't upload YouTube videos. Don't have FaceBook accounts. Don't tweet or text. So how will younger kids ever know about this awesome hobby? Ahh... maybe they'll bump into an old guy some day. Who knows...

I think the hobby will dramatically shrink as the older guys age out.

But that could change if we fully embraced the younger gen's tech: YouTube, FB, Twitter, Android, iOS, Surface, Daily Texts, Skype, and twenty other things on the technology horizon today.

[jmeckel]

I go to threshing shows every year. There are many young people there. The sad part is most of the shows do not have many old cars as many do not like people touching...... their car. One way to get others interested is to bring your A were people are and be ok with it getting touched or the running boards sat on. Also stay around the car, be freindly and answer questions. Let those looking blow the horn... you would be amazed how the A horn will draw a crowd!!

[poweredbylincoln]

Originally Posted by newshirt

Sadly, I do not believe you can.

The biggest problem is that old guys and young guys live in different worlds. The things we think are cool seem old fashioned to them. The things they think are cool seem shallow to us. There is no bridge between us.

I've also learned that old guys have seen it all and done it all. That means they don't have that evangelistic energy that attracts others. There's no puppy-dog enthusiasm that begs others to follow. They don't line up for the next tour, and then can't keep shut about it afterwards. They don't compel others to attend that next Model A event. They don't brag about their cars on FaceBook. It's all just ho-hum, been there, done that, let's get coffee and talk about hip replacements. Why would a young kid have anything to do with that guy's hobbies?

Talking about two worlds... old guys don't hang out on the web like kids do, so there's no cross-pollination of ideas. It's like a huge chasm between generations. Most old guys don't own a smartphone or don't know how to use one. They don't upload YouTube videos. Don't have FaceBook accounts. Don't tweet or text. So how will younger kids ever know about this awesome hobby? Ahh... maybe they'll bump into an old guy some day. Who knows...

I think the hobby will dramatically shrink as the older guys age out.

But that could change if we fully embraced the younger gen's tech: YouTube, FB, Twitter, Android, iOS, Surface, Daily Texts, Skype, and twenty other things on the technology horizon today.

I agree, well even fb ect goes hot then cold, for instance instagram is growing, used compared to fb which is dying out.

what is old becomes new again, but guess the new generation needs to see the wheel was already invented and not try to re invent it from scratch.

[poweredbylincoln]

hot rods seem cool to them but not as much as stock...how do we change this?

[karasmer]

I always point out celebrity car nuts such as Leno, Ron Howard, George Lucas when I can. American Graffiti is on the Netflix queue.

[Stretch Cab]

This forum is a great help to attract the younger crowd and a good reason to always keep it friendly. A little tolerance will help interest younger people. My son in law wanted electronic ignition in the A I gave him so we put it in together as we did with a couple other mods he wanted.

[Brobrian]

Guess I'll chime in too.

I teach at a high school. I drive an A to school often. The kids love them, but feel that owning such a car is impractical. Other needs come first. Most are on free lunch and really just want to make sure they have nice clothes and a phone. I don't expect to get these guys interested in Model A's at their age, but at least they see mine and have the chance to ride in it and check it out. Maybe someday, if it suits their lifestyle, they'll want one of their own.

Having said that, I agree with the post that suggested that the "next generation" of A enthusiasts is probably in their late 30's or 40's right now. They are secure enough to see the value of owning an A, and not likely to be too easily put off by crotchety old buggers, who just look down their noses at lesser mortals.

So, the Barn is great! All you crotchety old buggers who take the time here to answer questions and encourage everyone from drivers to restorers are keeping the hobby alive.

You dads and grand dads who are passing the hobby on to family member are doing great too.

And those of you who participate in a club that keeps the cars in front of the public are also making a difference.

And when the time comes, it would be nice if some remembered: You can't take 'em with you. Hell, you can't even drive 'em to the cemetery.

[31 Woody]

I just turned 47, so I'm not young by some of the other poster's standards, but in my club most members are my Dad's age--literally. I grew up going to Model A meets, swap meets and club events. Dad always promised us a Model A at some point. When I got close to 16, well I wanted a '69 Mach 1 Mustang, the bigger the engine the better. Well, I've owned over a dozen Mustangs and still have the sought after Mach 1.

BUT, one thing I learned through Mustang clubs is they aren't the same. I never found any Mustang club where tours were more important than shows, tech seminars were regular, and everyone worked on their own car to some degree if not extensively. Mustang club members I met paid people to repair, restore and modify their cars, they got excited about sitting behind their car in a lawn chair in a parking lot show, and a tech seminar was how to wax your car.

Last year Dad made good on his promise of a Model A, so I joined a local club. People immediately made me feel welcome, I quickly found lots of events--tours, tech seminars, people willing to help, and more. Members have loaned me tools, called me when they heard about a part they thought I may want, come over to help work on my car, taught me things about the A, etc. I'm keeping my Mach 1, but I probably won't join another Mustang club!

I think Model A owners have more fun with their cars, that is something younger people looking for a car need to know about.

[John LaVoy]

It is an interesting problem. Much of the hobby is aging and not wanting to do things that are "fun" for the younger people looking for a hobby. The comment about not being accepted and even being treated badly is sad. I have found people quite friendly when you are driving a Model A. Having driven around much of the country over the past 50+ years in a stock (OK close to stock) Model A local folks will take the time to talk to you and tell you about the local area. But because the car has a few modifications to make in more comfortable and reliable comments are made about my car...but I'm not young and can take it I guess... but we really need to be accepting and help the young folks get involved. I took my roadster to pickup my grandson at high school. I told him to check out where the girls were looking as he was walking out. He noticed that they were looking at the roadster....I couldn't convince him they were really checking out his grandfather! LOL So I told him he should think about Model As when he gets around to driving. Might be away to meet a few girls. (It worked for his grandfather, met my wife because of the Model A!)

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by Aok

If you want to get young men interested you 1st need to get young women interested.

i found one but she was serious padded cell material so i put her back on the shelf. Yuck

Originally Posted by roccaas

Young people?

Whatever we do, it better be in the form of an App, or something to do with texting-these seem to be the ONLY things in which these folks have a strong interest!

Not entirely true, only people with friends & social lives text people.

Originally Posted by poweredbylincoln

hot rods seem cool to them but not as much as stock...how do we change this?

Drive around with a tommy gun & pretend to be original gansta?

[Jordan]

It has to start on the local level. If your club is anti-mods, only sits around on Saturday mornings for coffee @ McDonalds, or has their meetings at a nursing home: you won't have any young members.

As my brother said, we grew up in the hobby. Our grandparents were changing our diapers on the running boards. I remember going around Texas Motor Speedway after it first opened sitting on my grandma's lap while my brother sat on the package tray. I remember riding in the Coupe to Victoria, TX for a Texas Tour and it being miserably hot. At one point, we had 5 people in the car. 2 up front and 3 in the rumble seat. My grandma got the car stuck in a ditch out in the middle of nowhere. How many other kids have memories like this of when they were under the age of 5?

I might not be able to tell you what to do to get young people involved, but I can surely tell you what NOT to do.

1) quit nit picking cars. 99% of the cars on the road are not show cars, and even the 1% that is- they aren't perfect either. If somebody shows up with a car that has purple fenders & the wrong wheels, smile & welcome them- don't start off by telling them how wrong their car is.

2) The younger generation is going to modify. It's as simple as that. My car is pretty heavily modified, but I could switch it back to 100% stock and nobody would know the difference. If it's not your car, don't worry about it.

3) DRIVE. Get your club out and drive. What's the point in owning a car if it's not going to do what it was built to do? Go somewhere fun and enjoyable for everyone. Young people aren't going to think taking their car to show off at a nursing home is fun. I do it all the time for my Grandma and her nursing home. But if she didn't live there, I likely wouldn't.

4) If your state has an annual meet, don't hold it during the school year. This will automatically cut out any youth attendance. I know this for a fact. In 2010 when Ft Worth club hosted Texas Tour, it was after the school year ended. We had 52 youth registered. Years that it was held on the tail end of the school year, I would of been surprised if there were 10 youth there. It makes a HUGE difference.

I could go on for days, but I figure I'll stop here.

[Skibb]

Originally Posted by Jordan

It has to start on the local level. If your club is anti-mods, only sits around on Saturday mornings for coffee @ McDonalds, or has their meetings at a nursing home: you won't have any young members.

I might not be able to tell you what to do to get young people involved, but I can surely tell you what NOT to do.

1) quit nit picking cars. 99% of the cars on the road are not show cars, and even the 1% that is- they aren't perfect either. If somebody shows up with a car that has purple fenders & the wrong wheels, smile & welcome them- don't start off by telling them how wrong their car is.

2) The younger generation is going to modify. It's as simple as that. My car is pretty heavily modified, but I could switch it back to 100% stock and nobody would know the difference. If it's not your car, don't worry about it.

3) DRIVE. Get your club out and drive. What's the point in owning a car if it's not going to do what it was built to do? Go somewhere fun and enjoyable for everyone. Young people aren't going to think taking their car to show off at a nursing home is fun. I do it all the time for my Grandma and her nursing home. But if she didn't live there, I likely wouldn't.

4) If your state has an annual meet, don't hold it during the school year. This will automatically cut out any youth attendance. I know this for a fact. In 2010 when Ft Worth club hosted Texas Tour, it was after the school year ended. We had 52 youth registered. Years that it was held on the tail end of the school year, I would of been surprised if there were 10 youth there. It makes a HUGE difference.

I could go on for days, but I figure I'll stop here.

You are right on the money Jordan.

[31 Woody]

1+++ for Jordan's item number 4, we have to take our kids out of school to attend CCRG, that took some convincing with my wife. Will we go again next year if it requires pulling the kids from school, probably not.

[bikejunk]

I find myself at a lot of flea markets antique shops and the like 30 years ago young people were rare at these kind of places ,but latley im noticing a lot of young kids (not just draged along) but their with a real interest in old stuff I see it more and more -and think its due to TV shows like pawnstars and american pickers just my 3 cents

[larrys40]

To you younger guys... I'm glad you're here and out there, modified cars or not. I am 53 now and joined our group when I was 18 just out of high school. I was fortunate enough to have a mentor ( my friend and since past Terry Oberer) in our group... but one of the other long time members then told me... "son, this isn't for you.... you need to go someplace else"..... I will never forget that I thought... you know... I might outlive him... and of course I did. I had to have a little bit of a hard shell but then keep the focus on the desire of the love of the cars and enjoying them and getting my '30 Tudor done. That was 36 years ago. We all have to keep in mind, young or old, we are just caretakers of these fine cars, parts, tools, whatever the case may be. It's up to us to keep the interest alive to others so we have someone to pass it too that will long for it and appreciate them and care for them (and someone to sell them too).

I have thoroughly enjoyed working on them, driving them, and touring with friends I've met all over the country. The Model A folks are the best..... and a breed of their own. It's universal comradere anywhere to just talk about them.

What to do about getting more your involved:
1. I think both the national clubs have done a great job. Ever attended a V8 National... there are no youth.... so trust me.. the "A" folks have always been working at it. I think we need to do more from the local club perspectives to get kids invlolved in the schools. Like some have said, visits.. even Cub & Boy scout troops are good sources to visit.

2. Get your local club to do car shows in force... and hand out membership applications

3. Stockers might not feel like they fit in the local hot rod car cruise but guess what...
I found a young fellow close to me that came in with a '
31 Tudor..... he had a problem... and I said I'm 5-minutes away..... we've been friends since and I am always glad to help him. By the way.. he is mechanically awesome and better at it than many of the other guys in our group.

4. Drive your cars.... the more they are out, the more they are seen. You will enjoy them more as well.

5. I think the national groups should have reduced " Youth Registration costs" for those under 21. Like no registration fee and reduced accomodations if possible for those who may need some assistance. Do something special to get them to the meets. Recognize all those under 35 at the meets...

6. Set a goal for each local region to recruit 2 youth members each year. Of course more is better.


These are just a few suggestions... there are many more..... It is incumbent upon us as caretakers to do our part. Model A folks are friendly by nature... so a little extra here and there should be easy. Get creative, individually and as your local groups.

Larry Shepard

[Barber31]

I feel there are a lot of young guys interested in our hobby. The thing is, it's so damn expensive it really thins the herd on what us young guys can afford. My first car at 17 would of been a whole lot nicer if the funds allowed but they didnt. I think thats the biggest hurdle for the younger generation, affording money/time/space for the hobby. I've always loved A's but they were never in my price range. It just so happened that I finally found a decent one for a price I could afford. And every time I see it in my garage I still cant believe i actually own one. I also know a lot of guys older than me that either can't afford a classic/antique vehicle or do have one but can't afford to fix her up. Fortunately For me i've been blessed to be able to work on my own classic cars, afford to buy whats needed and enjoy them with my two young boys.

Doing the club thing has never worked out for me either. I tried hanging out with some clubs but being that they were all pretty much 30 years older than me they never really acknowledged me in anyway. I never took it personal but it was so off putting that I don't think ill ever do a club type thing. I have met really awesome guys that have helped me out when I needed it. That's prably been the best PR for me so that's what I would say would be the best way to encourage young guys. Just being there for them when they need it no matter what kind of car they are doing and not discriminating against them if they are doing a car you are not particularly fond of.

[Ted Duke]

Part of the problem is that modern automobiles are almost impossible for the average person to work on other than changing the oil. WE worked on ours because we didn't have the money to pay someone to tune them, change a water pump, etc. A few tools and little knowledge and we dug in to whatever didn't work. Modern kids never get started into unless YOU or someone gets them into it.
Why do they not get into Model A's when they do get into cars? Several reasons, but IMHO it is mostly because you can buy a 10 to 20 year old pickup for a lot less than a Model A.

[jhowes]

I just have to post this. My grandson 23 years old. Had an intrest in my model a. I drove him all over the place when he was in his teens. Then i bought a 30 rpu which was in really rough shape and gave it to him. He is now rebuilding the engine, but over the past 3 years or so he has used it as a daily driver and taken girls on dates even. They were thrilled. But we both stay away from most shows and clubs because of the treatment and critcism that the members subject us to. We are having fun and that is what counts. I wish his friends were more interested but they don't seem to be at this point.

[modelAtony]

Logan and Jordan hit it right square in the head, could not have put it any better. This is the way we started touring with our kids and grand kids , less than 1 year old and touring in 31 tudor in the hill country of Texas in June, July and sometimes August . Hot,Hot and Hot , but the kids always had a ball. Thanks Logan and Jordan for putting it in the right words. You've made your GRANDPA AND GRANDMOTHER PROUD. Have fun modelAtony Lafayette,LA

[springerpete]

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Go to the local schools in the fall and have the club offer cars for the Homecoming parade. Usually late Sept or October. Do the same for the Memorial Day parade when many school bands get involved. Folks will see the A's and interest will follow. I do that here in my town with good results.

[ryanheacox]

jm29henry , I'm pretty sure that first post was about me so I'll tell you how I got into this hobby.

In 2001, my grandparents bought a 1930 Fordor, I was 7 years old at the time. Between then and when I graduated high school, I probably spend half my time over the summer with my grandfather, and a good deal of that time was spent helping him work on the A. For 18 years I tried to learn all I could from him. In 2012 when he passed away, the responsibility of keeping the car maintained fell to me.

Even without the Model A, I still like older technology, when things were mechanical and made of metal.

It might also have something to do with where I grew up. My best friend and his father are currently getting the rear end on their 1912 Buick buttoned up and his father just bought a 1930 Ford frame and drivetrain that he plans to make a pickup out of. I also helped them get a Model T running in October of last year that hadn't run in 60 years.

My uncle (same side as my grandfather) is also an excellent mechanic and works at a small private airport restoring antique planes. I guess I've just been exposed more than most.

To those that have been commenting on the younger people getting criticism from older owners, it is true. I got to a big show once and an older couple pulled in next to me in a Model A hot rod. All they said was, "aren't you a little young for this?" in a condescending tone.

However, for all the criticism, there are probably twice as many older people that get a big kick out of seeing a kid pull up to a show in a stock Model A. I got behind a 1911 REO on the way to another show, when we got there, I started talking to the owner who was ecstatic about a young guy in the old car hobby. We stuck together for most of the day talking and looking at cars (it was mostly him telling stories but that was fine by me).

Here's a link to that Model T we got going, some of the best fun I had in awhile.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emwDmQ0XBoY

[Logan]

Originally Posted by modelAtony

Logan and Jordan hit it right square in the head, could not have put it any better. This is the way we started touring with our kids and grand kids , less than 1 year old and touring in 31 tudor in the hill country of Texas in June, July and sometimes August . Hot,Hot and Hot , but the kids always had a ball. Thanks Logan and Jordan for putting it in the right words. You've made your GRANDPA AND GRANDMOTHER PROUD. Have fun modelAtony Lafayette,LA

Thank you Tony.

[Lyn in Atlanta]

If you want to catch fish you have to throw your lure in the right place. So... if we want younger folks we'll need to take our cars to where they are, not expect them to come to us. If I want to interact with my daughter and her High School age friends, I go to Starbucks, the Mexican Restaurant, Pizza shop, Chic-Fil-A, donut store, and the mall. Drive 'em to where they are.... then bait the hook by letting them get their pictures behind the wheel, blow the horn, or give them a ride around the block. They will post those pictures on Facebook and text pictures to their friends. Last resort: tell your daughter or son they can't date anyone who isn't interested in owning a Model A Ford.

[CarlG]

I think I could get my 30's something son interested, if I could ever get my PU "fixed" so that he could get his 6-ft+ frame inside without having to double himself up. I'm working on that!

[Wick]

My kids (30ish now) come over,bring friends and even my friends in there 50's.they look at the A's ...cool. When I open the door to the Trailer and they see the old 68 Bug they get all wound up!

As someone told me...there's been old guys who knew about Model A's with piles of parts Passing on for the last 80 years.

[28ACoupe]

One thing that I do is post Model A pictures and talk about the cars on occasion on the various Social Media venues out there. Particularly Facebook.

A lot of people have asked me about the cars. It is a great way to make the connections.

[stainless steve]

Ive restored many cars and built a few hot rods ,This is my first Model A ,but with all of them Ive included many generations of the neighbor hood kids helping alongside,Even paying a few as they got older and WANTED to help.Some have learned a lot some not so much but it puts the old car BUG into them.They have also learned whats worth restoring and whats something you can hot rod..Even a car-shows if some kid wants to stand on the running board of my 50 F-1 or maybe even sit in it I encourage it but also telling them most people don't want them doing it to their car and always to ask first..But they enjoy it ...to me thats what they are for ...my two cents anyhow
Steve

[Tiny]

As a young guy in this hobby. I'm 40, I would say Jordan nailed it. I think clubs spend a disproportionate amount of time courting little kids and retirment/rest homes. I also grew up with A's but unlike him I strayed for about 25 years. I got into VW's followed by hot rods. I did finally join my local club last month and boy have I messed up their average age. My A is a hobby/stupid car. When I was younger I couldn't have afforded a 2nd car just for play. All my old cars up till this one have had to double as transportation. Nothing like quite like pulling a motor friday and having to drive that car to work monday.

I would say the things that would help real in the young guys is:

1 Make sure your club has a web site and update it often. If your site hasn't been updated in a couple years it no good anymore.

2 Hold meetings and tours with the working guy in mind, we are not available during the day or during the week.

3 Hold some tech seminars, you old guys have tons of knowledge, please share that knowledge with us.

4 Try to get us involved. Ask us to lead a tour, do a seminar on a tech thing or something. Old guys like to complain that young guys are only into tech, maybe the young guys could help bring the old guys up to speed.

I think what finally got me into the A's again was my Dads renewed enthusisum in A's. His cars restoration was started 30 years ago and never finished. Over the last few years he has gotten it almost completed. I also really enjoy hanging out with my Dad which helps. It just came to a point where I wanted my own, first I thought about building my own but after I bought a Tudor body I decided it would be cheaper and more instant fun to buy an older restoration that ran and drove but I could still tinker with. Thats how I ended up with my Coupe

[spdway1]

I am 40 also. I own two Model A's now. I have owed 9 different ones over the years. Our club does NOTHING to get younger guys involved, heck a few about run me off. I see our club going away one by one, it appears our membership renewals are down a bit this year too.
A member recently brought up going to technical schools in the area and that was shot down so fast.
Every chance I get, I let people of all ages sit in my pick up and even let them "AHOOGA". With cell phones now a days, every one has a camera and they take pictures, I even grab the camera so the whole family/group is in the picture. If they ask questions I will get a bit more technical showing them the engine and such. Most people ask "Why two radiator caps". Everyone walks away so happy.
You just never know who you are dealing with...It got me in a TV commercial for a local store!!

On another note, the older guys love to hoard parts...Give them up to the younger guys that you know are going to something worth while with. When your gone your family is just going to get a scrap dumpster and toss the rusty gold or have an auction.

[Tiny]

[QUOTE=spdway1;832121]I am 40 also. I own two Model A's now. I have owed 9 different ones over the years. Our club does NOTHING to get younger guys involved, heck a few about run me off. I see our club going away one by one, it appears our membership renewals are down a bit this year too.

QUOTE]

Thats sad I guess they would rather have them crushed when they are gone, than intrest a new generation

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by 1930artdeco

Unfortunately, unless you have one in your family a 'young' person of say late teens or early 20's probably won't be getting to interested due to the lack of funds. The economic realities of today's life will get in the way most of the time.

Now if you aim at someone a little older, say mid to late 30's then I think we have more of a shot at that generation. They tend to be a little more settled and have some disposable income.

Just my thoughts....

Mike

This is exactly the reason: lack of funds or space, takes years to restore a car and not many people have a spare bay or shed to have their kid take apart a car.

My dads always had a mechanical ability so id see him working on the car or help him change the oil. Ive inherited this ability and always want to see how stuff works.

I blame that take-apart train when i was really little (been around forever - my dads was wooden, mine plastic but its a steam locomotive that is all held together with one long threaded rod thru the "boiler" but comes apart in like 20 pieces you have to interlock and hold in place to reassemble/assemble it)

My model AA intrest came from a forum post about old cars in weeds and what people have drug out and restored on an s10 forum. Just seeing those pictures reminded me my grandpa had an old ford truck at his farm down in the weeds. My dad was just finishing up his VW Ghia restoration and loved helping him with that and seeing how many reproduction parts there are for it it got the ball rolling for me to want to do the same. I poked around a bit to see what is even available parts wise, i thought id have to scour the country and spend thousands to find parts for something as old as a model A. Once i learned that most parts are available and huge amounts of stuff that isnt i decided to walk down the path to the truck and see what condition it was in. Kinda re fell in love with it again:

its nest:




i asked my grandpa about it and told him id like to restore it to what it once was and his eyes lit up and thought it was a wonderful idea and gave it to me with a 1967 title and a ww2 ration card (found 2 more later on).

Currently frame is pretty much bare but painted, need to do all 3 leafs and rear axle before i can put the axles under her.

I have been helped in more ways than you guys can imagine by you guys and am forever grateful you've taken me under your wing so to speak to learn about these.

[mramc1]

I'm 36 and have a hot rod '29 A truck I built from just a cowl, a '40s style '31 A coupe, a bone stock '37 Ford V8-60, and a resto-mod '46 Studebaker M5 pickup. Aside from the '37 (I just bought it at Hershey) I have hand built the rest of my vehicles. I work at a university and drive my old rides to work almost every day, 40 miles round trip, 8 months out of the year. I go to 3-4 cruise nights a week, every week.

My observations:
1. Probably the oldest car out of 15,000 or so student cars I see at my work is mid-'90s.
2. At cruise night I am usually the youngest person there with a car that is over 30 years old. Once in a while a kid will show up in a '85 El Camino. Most of the guys are now into muscle cars and are roughly 45-55 years old. The 55+ crowd is into street rods and stockers.

I think that kids want what they see growing up. Right now those "kids" are boomers and want '50s cars and muscle cars. Pre-war cars are for the older folks. The T guys are all but gone and I never ever see a stock T out except for the AACA show.

The current generation of kids 16-25 doesn't seem to be interested in even driving or living on their own much less owning an old car. There are always exceptions, but they are fewer in number each year. I grew up in the '80s so you would think an IROC-Z would be my dream car, but it's not, a pre-war Ford is.

The kids these days are going to want to cruise an old '05 WRX in a few years. I predict in the next 20-30 years that most of the "car guys" now will be either gone or too old to drive anymore. There is going to be a huge supply of old iron and very little demand. Sure, Deuces and As will always be special, but they too will wain in popularity. Any fiberglass car is going to be worthless as there will be so many real steel cars up for grabs why would you want a 'glass one?

It's sad, but I think you guys (anyone over 50) are going to be the last big hoorah in terms of car culture. I hope that I am wrong! I think the world is changing too much away from good old cool American iron to computers, phones, and vanity to make this thing last forever. I know I won't be hanging out at cruise nights with my Model A in 30 years if it's nothing but 2014 Mustangs and Camaros and vintage cell phones.

[Ted Duke]

Being friendly to new members OF ANY AGE is very important. My wife and I joined the local MARC-MAFCA club last year and have never met a friendlier group. We're old timers, but this group does lots of "out in the community" stuff and is open to anyone interested in old cars. We had the same experience years ago in another area.

However, I got ridiculed on another forum for another type automobile and decided I didn't need abuse when I asked a question, and I guarantee you young folks won't stay around if you ridicule them or don't make the move to get acquainted.

WE the older folks need to make the move to get youngsters interested. All three of my sons have antique autos and I show my A (in pieces and in work) to the youngsters - make and female every chance I get. Can't wait to get it on the road. (They love my wife's Mustang too)
Ted

[Vanspeed]

I am 35 and have owned 7 Model A's now, only keeping my jewel that I bought from Neil Mylar who is a member here and passing on the rest as I get them finished. Neil sold me my 29 coupe back in 09 and aside from putting 35 wire wheels on it and a 39 transmission, it is bone stock. I drive it everywhere. I like them stock and I like them as a hot rod but I would never take an original car and tear it apart. If I was going to build a rod, I would start with something that has been passed on by restorers because it is too rough.

Simply put, most kids these days do not want to do slow. There are a few though like myself that are around but the number is small. I do agree however that the prices for A's seems to be going up or atleast the people trying to sell them are asking way too much. I looked at a 31 coupe this past fall and it was a bone stocker but both rear wheel wells were cut out and it needed a fair bit of work. 12k was the lowest he would go.

Just because it is an 85 year old model A does not mean it is worth gold and I think more younger guys would get involved if they could afford it. I was lucky and Neil sold me a great car for a great price. I actually get made fun of often by younger people, asking me if it will go over 40 miles an hour and things of that nature. I think there will always be a following but it is getting smaller.

[SeaSlugs]

Originally Posted by mramc1

I'm 36 and have a hot rod '29 A truck I built from just a cowl, a '40s style '31 A coupe, a bone stock '37 Ford V8-60, and a resto-mod '46 Studebaker M5 pickup. Aside from the '37 (I just bought it at Hershey) I have hand built the rest of my vehicles. I work at a university and drive my old rides to work almost every day, 40 miles round trip, 8 months out of the year. I go to 3-4 cruise nights a week, every week.

My observations:
1. Probably the oldest car out of 15,000 or so student cars I see at my work is mid-'90s.
2. At cruise night I am usually the youngest person there with a car that is over 30 years old. Once in a while a kid will show up in a '85 El Camino. Most of the guys are now into muscle cars and are roughly 45-55 years old. The 55+ crowd is into street rods and stockers.

I think that kids want what they see growing up. Right now those "kids" are boomers and want '50s cars and muscle cars. Prewar cars are for the older folks. The T guys are all but gone and I never ever see a stock T out except for the AACA show.

The current generation of kids 16-25 doesn't even seem to be interested in even driving or living on their own much less owning an old car. There are always exceptions. I grew up in the '80s so you would think an IROC-Z would be my dream car, but it's not.

The kids these days are going to want to cruise an old '05 WRX in a few years. I predict in the next 20 years that most of the "car guys" now will be either gone or too old to drive anymore. There is going to be a huge supply of old iron and very little demand. Sure, Deuces and As will always be special, but they too will wain in popularity. Any fiberglass car is going to be worthless as there will be so many real steel cars up for grabs why would you want a 'glass one?

It's sad, but I think you guys (anyone over 50) are going to be the last big hoorah in terms of car culture. I hope that I am wrong! I think the world is changing too much away from good old cool American iron to computers, phones, and vanity to make this thing last forever. I know I won't be hanging out at cruise nights with my Model A in 30 years if it's nothing but 2014 Mustangs and Camaros and vintage cell phones.

yea those are good points, i can go out and buy a early 90's pickup for $500-$1000 and drive it home. Sure its got rust but plenty of aftermarket parts available and new bedsides, cab corners, rocker panels, fenders, etc.

Ive wondered what cruise ins are going to be like in 30 years with all these plastic cars and computer controlled this and that. cant wait to see what 40 year old PCM, ICM, BCM boards are going to be like. or spending days fixing or installing a wiring harness. I wonder what a 40 year old airbag is gonna be like...

[Tiny]

I do know that here in Northern California a couple of MAFCA chapters went together and bought an A pickup and donated it to a hs auto shop to restore. I believe it was the Diablo A's and the lake county A's. Too bad there is not more of this happening

[oliverguy]

There is plenty of interest. What I see though in my club is mostly grandfathers giving their car to their grandsons, in addition to young guys buying cars from "the great generation" for a reasonable price. I really don't think their is anything to worry about.

[BrianBurkert]

Oliverguy and I have some "young" people in our club (late 20's, 30's, early 40's). I think the time and monetary requirements that are needed to be active in the old car hobby are difficult for people with young families. Of all the people I know, I don't think older people are necessarily more interested in Model A's than younger people. It's just that a certain type of person is going to be interested in Model A's. Is that person interested enough to dedicate the time and resources to own and maintain one?

[BrianBurkert]

Plus, I think peoples' interest in hobbies is waning. With 5,000 channels on TV, smartphones, and all sorts of other "virtual" experiences, hands-on hobbies have suffered.

[cradlescyth]

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my thoughts on this subject might not mean much,

it is a thought. When I go to cruse nights , I do not see many

model A's If more of A owners would go to mixed cruse nights

we might get the younger people into Model A's. I like events that

are all Model A's, but these events are attended by A lovers. We as

model A people should go to events that are mixed, open to all.

This would expose Model A's to car lovers and could serve to bring

them on board.

So much for my thoughts

[Jim Huseby]

I agree that it takes exposure and an explanation of the thrill, satisfaction, challenge, do-ability and nostalgia of Model A-ing to initiate anyone, young or old to the hobby. So, as mentioned, showing up at HS events, and shop class would be essential to the indoctrination. Maybe we should develop a program or guide lines for it. My dad had his first Model A when he was 16, and like the string of "T"s he'd owned before then, had to start with (affordable) junk. That's him standing by his '29 phaeton in front of Paseo high school in 1935 or 36 as shown in my web site. Lots of kids had fascinating cars back then and up into the late '70s (my guess) when kids finally were so baby sat by popular culture and youth programs, that a very large percentage of them forfieted their individuality, drive and vision. It's worse today, but not all youth are brain dead yet. I don't think that it necessarily took, then or now, the coolness or popularity of gear heading to motivate a young person to engage in an endeavor that would take up the major portion of his time and vitality. It did and does take a personal vision and determination, largely un-influenced by peer pressure or popular culture. Those types must still be out there. I would probably turn off HS kids, so I'll have my youngest son take the CCPU to the local shop class. We WILL do it. Thanks for the idea. www.olympic-speedsters.com

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by Lyn in Atlanta

Last resort: tell your daughter they can't date anyone who isn't interested in owning a Model A Ford.

i can fake interest in a model A ford, should not be that hard..

[Fdohnke]

Originally Posted by Tiny

I do know that here in Northern California a couple of MAFCA chapters went together and bought an A pickup and donated it to a hs auto shop to restore. I believe it was the Diablo A's and the lake county A's. Too bad there is not more of this happening

Tiny is onto it.

Its exposure, exposure, exposure. The challenge is that hot-rodding is easy, there is not form or mold to follow and is seen as "cool". While restoration to original can be challenging, expensive and finding right part can take time.

I've learned to enjoy the searching.

Somebody needs to do a History channel short series on original restorations.

[al's28/33]

I'm gonna be 45 this year and I have just ALWAYS liked the sounds and looks of old time cars. I never wanted a mustang or camaro or VW but I ALWAYS wanted an "A" or a "T". A's are much easier to drive and stop on today's roads even though parts are easily available for both models. Anyway, I think it's just the mentality of the generations and from what I have seen at shows it helps to know people in your neighborhood willing to share their time and knowledge. Motorshop is gone from High Schools these days, no funding. The internet and social media have taken a stronghold on the nations youths to distract them from getting dirty underneath a classic car. Needless to mention who has $$$$$ to spend or a place to work on these old jalopies.
I think it's just personnal preference and to each his/her own.
I am always willing to share a ride or explain details about my cars to anyone who asks, but I also think it's EXPOSURE and public interest that needs to be perpetuated.

Just my honest opinion!

[DrinkMan]

Go to cruise-ins where the younger car folks are. Ask about their cars. Show a genuine appreciation for what they do. They will then be open to asking about the Model A. Don't react negatively when they want to drop in an K24 (that's a Honda engine). Laugh, remind them the rest of the car could not handle the power. Then show up over and over again. Soon they will come around.

I have made friends with a young guy that has over 500 hp in his Honda Civic. He now asks me about how the progress on the "old school Ford" is coming. At one of the cruise ins he saved a parking space for me next to his Honda.

These guys are incredibly talented and just because they currently have their Ricers, as they can afford more both financially and space, some will go "Old School Ford". But first, we need to show up to shows that are open to all, not just original Model A.

[4118truck]

How many of us wanted a Model A when we were 20-30? I didn't. I had a family and a job that kept me busy. Even when I hit 60, I wanted a car that I couldn't have when I was 30, so I bought my 67 Porsche. I had no intention of buying a Model A, because I never had sn interest in them when I was younger. Them I came across a pickup. That is all it took, because my first vehicle that I had was a pickup (1946). What I sm saying is that the younger people will want, as the get older and have the disposable income, that which reminded them of their youth. Unfortunately, probably not an A Model.

[Rex_A_Lott]

I agree with the starting off young, on a personal level. I give the grandkids a ride when I get a chance.
On a different note, here's a thought:
Reach out to the older ones in a way they prefer...
If you have a build thread ( I dont) make a little placard with the link to it and something like : " Learn more about my car here : www... "
Maybe even the links to Marco's , Vince's or Steve Plucker's" site.
Who knows, you may see somebody poking around on their I-phone, trying to find out how you put that jewel together. Maybe one in a hundred might actually ask you about it, just dont hold your breath.
Its just pretty much a given, that as a whole, society doesnt care ( because its not a necessity) about fixing things the way we had to when we were younger. Most mornings when I get up I'm thankful for that!

[jhowes]

I posted on here yesterday. Where did it go? Jack

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by jhowes

I posted on here yesterday. Where did it go? Jack

The same thing has happened to me a few times. I just assumed it was because I was posting late at night, and tired, and may have forgotten to hit "SUBMIT REPLY".

[norway]

this is my history.
I saw one very Nice original ford model a fordor 1930 here i norway, so i searched the license number on the car, and track down the owner, and i bought the car. i sold my Dodge Dakota 2006 to buy it, this was when I was 19 year old in 2011. the main reason i bought the ford model a was to build hot rod. just put in Chevrolet 350 engine, and drop axle, and new rear axle ++ and keep the body original. but after I drove the car. i just love this Stock model a engine, and it is easy to get parts to this good 4cyl flathead engine. so I went away from the plan to build hot rod.
later In 2012 i bought ford model a 1929 pickup project from usa, and shipped it to norway. today this ford model a 1929 pickup is almost finished. this is one of 2 ford model a 1929 pickup With original engine that i know that is original here in norway. we have alot of ford model a 28-29 pickup here in norway but all is hot rod.

here's a picture of both my ford model a.

[SeaSlugs]

wow neat garage, whats on the floor? I bet it cost alot of money to get things shipped that far!

[norway]

Originally Posted by SeaSlugs

wow neat garage, whats on the floor? I bet it cost alot of money to get things shipped that far!

it is only temporary wooden boards on the floor. I'll make a better floor later.

[realsteel 1934]

I got involved with model A Fords at the age of 10 and had my first one restored and was showing it at 13.My father was the one that got me to old cars as I was hanging out with the wrong guys early-- Drag Racers! --They lived in house next store.Well all in all it was very positive and I am still at it 50 years later.

My wife and I are suporters of the AACA and this past Hershey we decided to donate a vehical to start a childrens program to get youth involved in the hobby.I raced go carts and quater midgets from 9 years old till about 11--then the model A took over.
Anyway I collect carts and quater midgets. My stepkids want nothing to do with my hobby -- lucky for me there mom loves our cars. So we gave the AACA a mint Rice quater midget to get young kids into a program of restoring and racing then showing historic race vehicals ( the one we donated has great history ) The program is just getting going so look for more on it down the road.

The AACA has also teamed up with Hagerty youth program and gets kids involved in juging programs.

All any of us can do is try our best to pass on the knowlage as we are just custodians of our antiques till the next guy gets it!

Kevin

[jhowes]

My post have disappeared, why?

[Hitchhiker]

30 years old here. I've had various model A's since about 24. I've got a few buddies that have them too. Hot rods and stock. but they don't post them here.

We're out there. But keep silent, as our cars will usually chase you "purist" off.

Like my 1931 Pickup. lowered 4 inches with reverse eye springs and a dropped axle. v8 wire wheels. Juice brakes. Powered by a 6:1 winfield equipped banger. v8 trans. stock rear. still has a stock generator and wiring. It's fenders and no chop. Nothing crazy, all bolt ons.

So it's still a model A, right? everything could go back to stock. But it's also a hot rod....not something you guys approve of.

But it's my daily driver and I like it, so that's all that matters.

Maybe being more accepting of what we are into, would help.

How do you know that the A coupe I built with a 3 inch chop wasn't already bound for the scrap heap when I saved it. No restorer had stepped up to save it. The roof had been cut poorly and just left there to rot in a farmers field for longer than I have been alive. I found a rough frame...also junk to a restorer, and built it from there. All Ford parts. flathead v8, 39 trans. etc...

Did I save that car? or did I ruin it?

What I am getting at is, like the couple, in their stock model A vicki, that told me I ruined my truck.

You don't know who we are or what we are into. or That we may have a stocker at home. You are chasing us off by being rude, regardless of if you like our cars, try being more diplomatic.

(:disclaimer: this rant has nothing to do with fordbarn or any of the members specifically. as I respect that it is about stock fords. which I think are awesome, and an important part of history, just not for me, until I can afford a large collection.)

[jm29henry]

I just wanted to thank all of the members who have responded to my post .There are some great ideas to ponder . There is no perfect answer but we can all try to do our own part to keep the love for the Model A .[Remember we are only care takers of these fine cars ]and " one day some one else will own them!!!!!

[Ted Duke]

Matt,

Excellent points. I bought my scrap heap 1929 Roadster PU in 1970. Started on a restoration, which was delayed 35+ years, but is on-going now. I am not "rodding" it, but it won't be "pure". It's mine, and it would have been scrap if I had not suckered in to the deal (oops, I mean saved it), and will look like a Model A, sound like a Model A and whatever deviations I make are my business.

I love "Correct Model A's", but I love all old cars that have been saved. All of us can not afford to pay someone multiple thou to get it done. All of us don't have the talent to make it "perfect". Bless those who can and do.

I think most people on here agree with me, the silent majority. Less criticism would likely encourage more people, young and old, to participate.

There, I've said it and will likely be banned.

Ted

[John Duden]

Give them a copy of the judging standards, and or a car or parts to work on, WORKED FOR ME!

[Tiny]

Originally Posted by Ted Duke

Matt,

Excellent points. I bought my scrap heap 1929 Roadster PU in 1970. Started on a restoration, which was delayed 35+ years, but is on-going now.

There, I've said it and will likely be banned.

Glad your finally getting around to it. So many save cars for that long and never do anything with them and won't let them go to anyone else who could save them. In the end more time than not when dad is gone his scrap gets sold off.
I dont think you'll get banned it sounds like you have the right attitude.

[Allanw]

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Well said Matt!

(I'm 35 BTW)

If the picky so-and-so's telling you what's wrong with your car realised how much they make themselves look like complete pratts, the whole hobby would be far better off. I bet they'd be really miffed if you pointed out their faults!

Some of that kind are in our local Vintage Car Club, and moan and grumble about any changes made in the club, but never even show up to meetings, working bee's or events!

[dumb person]

Originally Posted by Allanw

Well said Matt!

(I'm 35 BTW)

If the picky so-and-so's telling you what's wrong with your car realised how much they make themselves look like complete pratts, the whole hobby would be far better off. I bet they'd be really miffed if you pointed out their faults!

Asking if their car steers alright & noting that the king pins are in upside down & it would work better if they were up the other way is possibly helpful (or if they use grease instead of oil in the engine or something crazy it might be helpful to question that choice). Telling people they should take their car to the dump because the paint has runs in it is somewhat less helpful.

[Tom Endy]

There are lots of young folk out there who are interested in the Model A Ford and would like to own one. My advice to them is to hook up with the local Model A club. Most Model A clubs will not be something that will interest them because most have become a social club for older people and there is nothing they do that will interest them. However somewhere within the club group will be one or two people who will take notice and quietly step forward and become a mentor. From the mentor, or mentors, will come the pass down of the enthusiasm of the Model A Ford.

A few years ago a young fellow in my neighborhood just out of high school approached me one day and told me how much he admired the Model A he had seen me driving around the neighborhood. We talked for quite a while about the Model A hobby and I explained the culture to him and told him I would help find a car for him.

During the next year we looked at one car and he spent time with me working on Model A's. I could tell he was hooked. The process was interrupted when his younger brother graduated from high school intent on joining the Marine Corps. Before long they both joined. They went through boot camp at San Diego and advanced training at Camp Pendleton together. Before we knew it they were both in the war in Afghanistan.
Nine months later they both came home unscathed and as veterans.

We immediately resumed the task of finding him a Model A. Before long we found a very suitable 1930 Tudor. It had a nice body, paint job, and interior. However everything else was compromised, but the price was right. I encouraged him to join the local Model A club, which he did. He was not able to attend the monthly meetings, but since he was stationed at Camp Pendleton he was able to attend a number of seminars on week ends. At the seminars he met several people who quietly stepped out of the crowd to be a mentor.

Over the next couple of years these mentors and myself helped him go completely through the car. Today it is a very fine car with all of the mechanics completely rebuilt. It even sports a Mitchell overdrive. Since our young Marine was under 22 we got him signed up for the youth restoration award, which helped with the finances. His pay that he had saved up when he was in Afghanistan also helped.

He loves that Model A and drives it everywhere. He has become very visible at Camp Pendleton. Before long his father was hooked on Model A's and we found him a dandy unrestored 1930 town sedan and in the past year and a half we have gone completely through this car as well. His father is also considered a young person.

Sad to say the local Model A club as an organization has taken little notice of this young fellow. However the benefit from joining was that a few dedicated Model A'ers stepped up and offered their mentoring. And that is the benefit of a young person joining a Model A club.

More than four years have gone by since the first encounter, and my young Marine friend, Sam Thompson, and his brother Mark will both be discharged in a few months. Both are sergeants as well as veterans and both are young men to be proud of. They both will be off to college in the fall on the GI Bill and Sam will be taking his Model A Ford with him to college.

Semper Fi
Tom Endy

[apbright]

In a separate post, I mentioned what I call 'the dirty little secret' of the Model A. While I am happily married and don't do any 'Don Draper' fooling around, I have to say I am regularly surprised at how many spicy young ladies will spontaneously exclaim "I love your car!" while in my brown roadster.

So, I challenge any 20-25 year-old hipster to find any modern car that at any price - even a gosh darn $1 Million Bugatti - that will turn as many heads as what was once our humble old Model A.

P. S. Mr. Endy: I salute the service of your young friends Mr. & Mr. Thompson. They look like quite fine gentlemen.

[P.S.]

God bless you, Tom. Excellent work!

[fords]

Diomed, I got my A when I was 49 - that was ten years ago - I still have it and just got a '13 T. Glad to see you are in the A mode. There are still good deals and not knowing your mechanical ability you will find an A that will fit your GIG! Be willing to have the A you want delivered and hope you are able to touch and feel the A before you buy.

[stouchton]

Alright - I am trying to do my part. Take a look at my avatar - look real close. You can just see his head peaking thru the windshield! That's my son. Although my other car is the show car, we tend to take the Model A to more shows.

My A is in good shape, looks great from 5 to 10 feet, and I let the kids crawl all over it! I want them to enjoy it. At car shows I tell the kids to crawl in so Mom and Dad can get a picture.

One kid wanted to start if up and drive away - so I handed him the crank to start it! You should have seen the look on his face.....

[Pete]

" How can we get the youth to be come involved in our hobby? "

That is a good question and sadly, no one can.
The seed is planted randomly and any young person from 3 up to any age can pick it up, BUT, they have to do it themselves. THE DESIRE HAS TO COME FROM THE INDIVIDUAL. You can attempt to plant the seed but it can only grow if there is a desire.
You can't take the typical kid of nowadays families that is only interested in video games, rock music and cargo pants and convert him to model A's.
As much as you would like it to, it AIN"T GONNA HAPPEN.
This isn't just with models A's, it holds true to any hobby or profession, in fact anything in life. There has to be a basic desire.
This is something that is covered in philosophy 101.

[ronn]

Be approachable-both you and your car...................

when a car has a 15k paint job and ropes all around it at a show, how is a broke young feller to become interested? Likewise, are you friendly to the youth or grumpy?

think that sums it up...........

[CAPE A]

I second that !

[Allanw]

Originally Posted by Pete

THE DESIRE HAS TO COME FROM THE INDIVIDUAL. You can attempt to plant the seed but it can only grow if there is a desire.

You can't argue with that.

However the growing can be hard work. The attitude of some people in "the hobby" is the Herbicide that repeatedly knocks back the sprout, until it withers and dies.

Happens practically every day on here!

[Allanw]

Originally Posted by Tom Endy

Sad to say the local Model A club as an organization has taken little notice of this young fellow. However the benefit from joining was that a few dedicated Model A'ers stepped up and offered their mentoring. And that is the benefit of a young person joining a Model A club.

Cool story!

If everyone had tarred the young guy with the same brush (like most of the club seemingly did), that result would never have happened.

If you and your friends hadn't stepped up, chances are he'd be driving something VERY different - like a hot rod, or a completely different brand - whatever club was most accepting and welcoming.

YOUR input was the fertiliser for the seed

[LopezCarguy]

It us only my opinion, but who cares about youth..I will be dead and they will be selling my collection to highest bidder...

[bart78]

From what Lopez says. Is a reason I have allways compared a lot of Model A owners to Corvette owners. I know a few that are real good guys. But I know more that are pretty useless when it comes to sharing any knowledge. And some that don't know a thing about them. But have a real pretty car.

[montanafordman]

Originally Posted by LopezCarguy

It us only my opinion, but who cares about youth..I will be dead and they will be selling my collection to highest bidder...

These cars are material things, and you can't take it with you when you leave this world, however respect for history, respecting your elders, and respecting one another are in many ways intertwined. I learned a lot from my grandfather and loved and respected him a great deal. I also feel this way about my parents because they took the time to share and educate me on their passions, and their values. My grandparents and parents also shared hard lessons learned, mistakes etc. hoping I would learn from them without experiencing those hardships, or to serve as encouragement when I was encountering my own difficulties. One of the many things my grandfather shared with me was his model A which I now own. I enjoy the car and take care of it in a sense as an homage and testament to the relationship we had. In fact my avatar picture is me driving his car the day of his funeral.

For all the work I have put into my grandfathers Model A as a labor of love I'd hate to see the car simply crushed or cut up into a sloppy, ill conceived attempt at fitting a popular image of that time. Sure its only a material thing and some day long from now it will return to dust like I will, but inspiring others to care for it and learn about the past is a noble thing IMO. In the end there is more at stake than just a car, but the relationships you might form along the way. THAT is a good reason to get youth involved. I'm considered a youngster around most of these circles at 33 and I'm grateful for the friendships I've already made with my local club and the help they've shown me. The journey with my Model A has turned into much more than I ever imagined.

As a side note Tomorrow is our annual Hubley Derby between our club (Gallopin Gerties in Tacoma WA) Vs. our neighbors to the north - The Evergreen A's. This has been one way to get youth involved but its also entertaining to see the inner 8 year old come out of grown men.