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Old 07-17-2018, 10:29 AM   #1
denis4x4
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Default Navel gazing & the future of the car hobby

When I exercise, I watch reruns of TV car shows. This morning I was watching Chasing Classic Cars and one segment was about taking Steve Jobs' BMW Z-8 with 15,000 miles to auction. Lots of documentation plus a flip phone with the BMW logo. Car sold for $295,000 plus a $35,400 premium.


There was some discussion that the demographics are such that younger people are just not interested in cars, period. The sales price of the BMW wasn't that much more than one owned by Joe Lunchbucket.


I'm well aware that there will be some "barners" that give examples of their grandchildren who were playing with wrenches in their playpens at two years old.



Last week I got my SEMA magazine with some interesting statistics indicating that from a business point of view, catering to the UTV, truck, off-road and late model imports was the profitable way to go.


Food for thought when it's time to considering selling or passing on your Model A's.
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Old 07-17-2018, 10:58 AM   #2
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Well Ford decided to stop building cars for a reason.....and I agree the younger crowd is not that interested in cars.
I was at a show a few weeks ago and the average age of participants and visitors looked to be about 60. Plus, about 2/3 of the cars were rodded up, so not much interest in the original look.
I did here a 20 year old complain once at a show about all the 50s music..lol. It's as ancient to them as flapper music from the 20s was to us.
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Old 07-17-2018, 12:10 PM   #3
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Default Re: Navel gazing & the future of the car hobby

Speaking of NAVEL GAZING, I must be gettin' OOOOLD! No matter what COLOR "T" shirt I wear, my belly button lint is ALWAYS GREY!!
IF Model As went out of fashion, we'd be STUCK with just talking to our DOGS!
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Old 07-17-2018, 01:29 PM   #4
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Default Re: Navel gazing & the future of the car hobby

Denis, my thoughts on the Steve Jobs car while he was known celebrity, he was not considered of a status that would cause most people to get excited over. On the reverse side, had that BMW been owned by the present First Lady, I would have expected the bid results to be much different.


One other thought, while many younger people today are not interested in cars, many older people today who like/own collector cars were not necessarily interested in cars during their youth. Trends & fads always seem to have cycles, and what I have learning in the 50+ years around this hobby is that collectors cars have always been enjoyed by mostly the middle-age, -and older crowd. Ironically, when the 'old people' get too old to play with their autobile any longer, a younger 'old person' seemingly is ready to buy their car and go enjoy it.
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Old 07-17-2018, 02:19 PM   #5
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it ain't just cars! hit and miss engines ,cushman scooters. and motorcycles in general. everyone interested is 50+.there once was a time when every kid wanted a dirt bike. a guy i know owned a honda dealership and told me he once had to deliver 400 minitrails by christmas time. every one from harley on down has pretty much quit making entry level small bikes. some kids now only want some new electronic gadget, not a car or bike. i am friends with a couple of local bike dealers and hear them saying the mc business has peaked out.there is an interesting video on youtube about what is happening to harley, but i see the problems across the board with all brands. kids don't want to get their hands dirty, or skinned for that matter. i wonder if all the old care , gass engines, and vintage bikes may wind up in the junk because no one wants them.
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Old 07-17-2018, 02:42 PM   #6
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I have had brass era Fords, Cadillacs, Stanley Steam Cars and the like. The only time they have sold for a break even price has been to European buyers. As a result, I now only advertise on European sites and even recently a fellow purchased a number of my spare steam car engines and parts for what would be top end prices here. He was glad to get them because they were cheaper after shipping and import than buying them in the UK. Seems especially so with Model A era speed parts. Look at Model A prices in Europe and the UK. To me it represents a good alternative and they are appreciative at a younger age, at least that has been my experience.
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Old 07-17-2018, 02:49 PM   #7
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Default Re: Navel gazing & the future of the car hobby

I would ad to that Denis, that bone stock Sedans don't bring as much interest, but something modified for performance yet 'traditional', like what Model A pep guys do here anyway, have a very good following here and abroad. Look at the Dirt Drags or Hot Rod Hill Climb, they seem to me to have attendance surpassing national club judging meets and the people their are having a ball.

Cheers,
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Old 07-17-2018, 03:14 PM   #8
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Default Re: Navel gazing & the future of the car hobby

Bought my Model A in January, I am 68. I emailed all the WA state clubs and into the lower part of BC, Canada describing what I wanted.
I received 4 replies and without doubt the emails expressed the same sentiments. I am down sizing, moving to a different location, kids don't want Dad's eccentric car or I am selling it sooner than later.
I think there will always be model A types, how ever I would not suggest putting a lot of $$$$ into one and expect to get it out. If one were to really want one, if one were to be patient and know what he / she wants they are out there or will be shortly.
Just my observation
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Old 07-17-2018, 03:43 PM   #9
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I watched a show on History Channel the other night, all about trucks in America. It was interesting and led creedence to Ford's recent announcement about cutting back on car/sedan production in America. People want SUV's, Crossover vehicles, and trucks. And Ford as we know has been #1 in truck sales for 40 years in a row.

Pickups are really strong. They talked about the Ford Raptor, how it is in a class all by itself and GM, Dodge, Toyota don't even have anything that comes close to comparing to it.

I see old truck values really climbing. Pre-war Ford-Chevy-Dodge trucks in original not rodded condition bring some good money at sale time. And the market for 60's-'70's pickups, good ones, is pretty hot. 80's pickups are getting pretty popular too.

This may be the trend for antique vehicles, following what is happening with today's vehicles that people want. I'd guess a good 1930's Chevy Suburban would be pretty desirable
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Old 07-17-2018, 04:29 PM   #10
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Default Re: Navel gazing & the future of the car hobby

It's interesting that Toyota, Honda and Hyundai can build a sedan and make a profit, but Ford can't, or doesn't want to. I say this as the owner of a 2013 Focus that is a great car, as trouble free a car as I have ever owned. I don't want my next car to be a SUV. but what do I know? I like driving 90 year old cars.
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Old 07-17-2018, 04:51 PM   #11
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It’s not just that the younger people aren’t interested in old cars, they are anti car all together. Many of them haven’t even driven a car by the time they reach 30 and don’t want to. With the change in lifestyle we are witnessing with a change to apartment living with little or no garage space, these people will never have the slightest interest in old cars and therefore, neither will their children. What deprived individuals they are!
On the apartment living, there has been action of dubious legality here by a group of inner suburban, apartment living people against what they see as the in humane treatment of hens in egg farms. They protest the living conditions of the chickens in cages stacked in rows where the chickens live, eat, sleep and work. I see it as rediculous that these people don’t realize that they have chosen to live in similar conditions in their apartments, stacked not only side by side but on top of each other as well. They live, eat, sleep and often work in their own cages.
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Old 07-17-2018, 05:58 PM   #12
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It's interesting that Toyota, Honda and Hyundai can build a sedan and make a profit, but Ford can't, or doesn't want to. I say this as the owner of a 2013 Focus that is a great car, as trouble free a car as I have ever owned. I don't want my next car to be a SUV. but what do I know? I like driving 90 year old cars.
Good point and yes there will be a lot of people who want cars not SUV's etc. My Mom was one of those.

Part of Ford's problem is the UAW. Last contract they inked they made a deal that every retiring Ford employee is paid a $75,000 cash bonus. Why Ford ever agreed to that is beyond comprehension. How many units do you have to sell, to make $75K, and then give it to an employee? On top of their regular pension and all.

The Asian car mfg. don't have all those legacy costs. Ford's only recourse is to build sedans in Mexico and China and bring them back in the US. I figured they would do that before they dumped the car lines. They are building cars in Europe and making money over there.

First time there is a hiccup in the gasoline systems like we've had before, and gas goes to $4 and $5 a gallon US, see how many trucks will get sold. Zilch.

I don't get it. Hope Ford knows what they are doing time will tell.
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Old 07-17-2018, 06:14 PM   #13
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Well Ford decided to stop building cars for a reason.....and I agree the younger crowd is not that interested in cars.
I was at a show a few weeks ago and the average age of participants and visitors looked to be about 60. Plus, about 2/3 of the cars were rodded up, so not much interest in the original look.
I did here a 20 year old complain once at a show about all the 50s music..lol. It's as ancient to them as flapper music from the 20s was to us.
Well, I'm 47 and have been going to car shows and fooling with cars for almost as long. I will say this, those DJ's at those car shows must only own 2 or 3 greatest hits of the 50's CD's for it's the same old tired songs played over and over. There is so much music from that time period, but jezz, how many times can you really hear Sixteen Candles before you never want to hear it again?

How about some Sun-era Elvis or Howlin' Wolf or Muddy Waters? Mix it up a bit.

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Old 07-17-2018, 06:18 PM   #14
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It's interesting that Toyota, Honda and Hyundai can build a sedan and make a profit, but Ford can't, or doesn't want to. I say this as the owner of a 2013 Focus that is a great car, as trouble free a car as I have ever owned. I don't want my next car to be a SUV. but what do I know? I like driving 90 year old cars.

Ford shouldn't abandon their small car market. Most kids today who are hot rodding imports into tuner cars, could do some damage with that DOHC 4 Ford made (I forget the engine). I think they just need to market it better.

There is something to be said for a kid who can get 300+ hp out of junk yard 1.5L Honda using tons of boost and some other tricks.

Some folks just need to broaden their view. Tuner cars are no different than hot rodding an old Ford back in the day if you really think about it.
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Old 07-17-2018, 10:30 PM   #15
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it ain't just cars! hit and miss engines ,cushman scooters. and motorcycles in general. everyone interested is 50+.there once was a time when every kid wanted a dirt bike. a guy i know owned a honda dealership and told me he once had to deliver 400 minitrails by christmas time. every one from harley on down has pretty much quit making entry level small bikes. some kids now only want some new electronic gadget, not a car or bike. i am friends with a couple of local bike dealers and hear them saying the mc business has peaked out.there is an interesting video on youtube about what is happening to harley, but i see the problems across the board with all brands. kids don't want to get their hands dirty, or skinned for that matter. i wonder if all the old care , gass engines, and vintage bikes may wind up in the junk because no one wants them.
Well because harley is riduculously overpriced on new and old and your paying for a brand. They are thier own greedy demise and i dont feel bad for em. I feel bad for the line workers though and the communities they support.

This all goes back to the root cause: younger generations do not have expendable income as they dont make anywhere near what most of you on here made at thier age and have 6 figure student debt to pay off and if they dont thier credit score is ruined so a 5 figure bike makes zero sense to own. Same reason they dont eat out, get married later, have less kids, dont buy a house(aka no garage to store toys tools or parts), dont buy diamonds, dont buy paper products, etc.

Ive thought alot about getting a atv or dirtbike. Closest off road park i can drive it is 2 hours away. Then pay a fee to ride it around. IL requires seperate insurance for it and title for it So yea uterly useless for me to own one.
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Old 07-17-2018, 10:52 PM   #16
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It's interesting that Toyota, Honda and Hyundai can build a sedan and make a profit, but Ford can't, or doesn't want to. I say this as the owner of a 2013 Focus that is a great car, as trouble free a car as I have ever owned. I don't want my next car to be a SUV. but what do I know? I like driving 90 year old cars.
On my long boring drive back from IOLA the mind wanders. These crossover suvs are no different that your model a tudor or fordor. Square people compartment, no real trunk just people and cargo area, need to haul something slip in the hitch tray just like a luggage rack on an a!

The reason those 3 can make a car with a proffit is thats all theyve ever made is small compact cars. Sure toyota has made trucks but have gone virtually unchanged for 60 years and still cant handle salt. Honda is new to the truck market (i dont consider the ridgeline a truck) and hyundai used to be utter crap till they straightened thier act out in early 2000 and offering an unprececidented 10 year 100000 mile warranty as thier build quality went way up. Meanwhile thebig 3s standard warranty is 3yr 36k. Same as its been for years and building meh cars where if you want any creature comforts add 6k on the price. Last ford car i actually would buy was in the 80s. Ive driven a few foci from several generations and they are blah, no charachter or interesting features(so much road and engine noise). I absolutely cant stand my moms escape (focus underneath).
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Old 07-18-2018, 09:19 AM   #17
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Restore a Model A or any other car for the enjoyment of the hunt for parts, pleasure of working on the project and pride for the finished product......but not for the dream of making a profit on it because that rarely happens. If you buy a restored or even a daily driver Model A, don't expect it to be a money maker either. Just enjoy tinkering with it, driving it or just sitting and looking at it because that is what our hobby is all about. Lose money on your A in a declining market? So what. The pleasure you get from owning and driving is, for most of us, a willing price to pay for that enjoyment.

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Old 07-18-2018, 09:33 AM   #18
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Interesting thoughts, guys.

I'm now in my 40's and see my peers mimicking the mindset some of you mentioned. Some peers who live and work in cities don't even have a driver's license! They rely on public transportation and rides from services using their smartphone machines (Uber, Lyft, whatever). I live in the country and those around here learn to drive very young because it is necessary to do anything else. Different mindset from city to country living.

Also, Dave Ramsey says the rule of thumb is to not own anything with wheels or a motor that, all of their value totalled together, exceeds half of the total of your household annual gross income. Assuming the average income is $50,000 per year, you should not own more than $25,000 worth of cars (combined). My Model A 'collection' is worth more than my annual income by far. However, I am in Baby Step 7, so it doesn't matter. My peers who are in Baby Step 2 would be screwed.
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Old 07-18-2018, 01:01 PM   #19
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I did here a 20 year old complain once at a show about all the 50s music..lol.
Ever been to a hot rod show? Or a ford mustang owners club? (why isn't there a club for the cars?) Who would want to wear puffy jackets and stand around listening to mustang sally for 6 hours? Or the same 3 elvis songs.
It's cringe worthily bad.
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Old 07-18-2018, 01:09 PM   #20
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I'm 37.
My wife and I have a 1997 Land Cruiser that we take off road.
I also have a 1931 Town sedan that I daily drive to work and out on weekends.
I can also say that I love the idea of autopilot cars, electric cars, Uber, mass transit, and everything in between. But there will always be a place for us gear heads.

I think there are different types of gear heads... but any gear head is a good one in my book. I don't think the "car hobby" is in trouble or in decline. There are so many different niches even in the Model A world. Fine point judging, touring class judging, daily driver, patina, and then break down into all the models.

I do think the greatest thing a Model A owner can do the for hobby is to actually drive the car. The more they are seen the more we can talk about them, explain them to younger men and women, and talk about how relatively affordable they are compared to other cars.
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Old 07-18-2018, 01:09 PM   #21
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And Ford as we know has been #1 in truck sales for 40 years in a row.




add chevy pickups to GMC pickups and GM has outsold ford at times..........




all how you quantify it.............
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Old 07-18-2018, 01:58 PM   #22
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Well, I'm 47 and have been going to car shows and fooling with cars for almost as long. I will say this, those DJ's at those car shows must only own 2 or 3 greatest hits of the 50's CD's for it's the same old tired songs played over and over. There is so much music from that time period, but jezz, how many times can you really hear Sixteen Candles before you never want to hear it again?

How about some Sun-era Elvis or Howlin' Wolf or Muddy Waters? Mix it up a bit.
Amen glad I'm not the only one who noticed that

'Little Deuce Coupe' '409', 'Little GTO' enough is enough I too vote for a mix of era songs
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Old 07-18-2018, 02:00 PM   #23
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I'm giving up cars driving & resorting back to my 18 MPH Scooter.
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Old 07-18-2018, 02:59 PM   #24
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[QUOTE=P.S.;1652650]
Also, Dave Ramsey says the rule of thumb is to not own anything with wheels or a motor that, all of their value totalled together, exceeds half of the total of your household annual gross income. Assuming the average income is $50,000 per year, you should not own more than $25,000 worth of cars (combined). My Model A 'collection' is worth more than my annual income by far.


I heartily disagree with Mr. Ramsey's statement. You have to realize that Ramsey, Suzy Orman, and etc. make a lot of money on book sales, CD's, personal appearances, radio and TV spots, and all that telling YOU how to handle your money.

Any accountant or economist will tell you that it makes absolutely no sense to restore or own an old car. They will tell you 'Forego that daily 85 cents cup of coffee at McDonald's, put that money in a Roth IRA-401K-Mutual Fund whatever AND by the time you are 67 years old you will be wealthy. (We had a 'financial advisor' tell us this exact thing once in a meeting at Deere)

Go all thru life and never have anything considered a luxury or something that makes you happy or have fun, put that money in the bank, so that when you are an old man sitting in an adult diaper in the nursing home in your own pee and feces watching that big bank account evaporate, you can rest assured that 'But at least I used to have a bank statement that HAD a big figure on it.' Was that 'fun', looking at that quarterly statement all thru your life? Now it's too late brudder.

That is no way to live. Go out and but another old car now, that's MY advice.
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Old 07-18-2018, 03:40 PM   #25
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"It all depends," is what my Dad used to say and he wasn't talking about diapers. Reading what each of you wrote above, it depends on WHERE you live, what millennial's you know, etc. For example, I have two young men who on occasion help me around the yard and farm. One (21) has a $25k "wild" street rod, a car and a pickup truck, the second (23) is married, has a "big modern truck" and they all work on them. Those brothers bought Dad's cabinet business and work on all of their own vehicles. They once each had a jeep they "resurrected" and used on trail rides.
One of them drove my 1970 VW Karmann Ghia today and loved it.


My three sons all have antique autos and all of my 17 grandchildren are interested in my 29 Ford, my 61 Corvair, my K-H and my wife's 65 Mustang.


It all depends ...
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Old 07-18-2018, 05:39 PM   #26
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It’s not just that the younger people aren’t interested in old cars, they are anti car all together. Many of them haven’t even driven a car by the time they reach 30 and don’t want to.:
The generational difference has always been there, but a large percentage of today's youth have no interest in cars. Many never get a drivers license, a far cry from most of us old farts. When I turned 16, I couldn't wait to get my license. Freedom! My first escape vehicle was a $75.00 53 Chevy.
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Old 07-18-2018, 05:43 PM   #27
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Also, Dave Ramsey says the rule of thumb is to not own anything with wheels or a motor that, all of their value totalled together, exceeds half of the total of your household annual gross income. Assuming the average income is $50,000 per year, you should not own more than $25,000 worth of cars (combined). My Model A 'collection' is worth more than my annual income by far.

I heartily disagree with Mr. Ramsey's statement. You have to realize that Ramsey, Suzy Orman, and etc. make a lot of money on book sales, CD's, personal appearances, radio and TV spots, and all that telling YOU how to handle your money.

Any accountant or economist will tell you that it makes absolutely no sense to restore or own an old car. They will tell you 'Forego that daily 85 cents cup of coffee at McDonald's, put that money in a Roth IRA-401K-Mutual Fund whatever AND by the time you are 67 years old you will be wealthy. (We had a 'financial advisor' tell us this exact thing once in a meeting at Deere)

Go all thru life and never have anything considered a luxury or something that makes you happy or have fun, put that money in the bank, so that when you are an old man sitting in an adult diaper in the nursing home in your own pee and feces watching that big bank account evaporate, you can rest assured that 'But at least I used to have a bank statement that HAD a big figure on it.' Was that 'fun', looking at that quarterly statement all thru your life? Now it's too late brudder.

That is no way to live. Go out and but another old car now, that's MY advice.
Ha !! You crack me up, Jeff!! Your last part is absolutely spot on!!

The point I was making is that the generation listening to Dave Ramsey, and heeding his advice, would be talked out of owning a collector or classic car. Come to find out, Dave Ramsey's show is the 3rd most listened-to radio show in the country. One would have to assume that means a LOT of people are taking his advice as well.

I have to admit, Ramsey did help me rein in my spend-a-holic wife when I needed someone to back me up. I'm a saver, always have been. She had to learn how to be a saver. Jeff's analogy about later in life does cross my mind from time to time. However, being debt-free and a net worth over $1M in my 40's gives me assurance that I will still get to play with Model A's (and antique radios, model airplanes, etc.) when I reach my golden years.
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Old 07-18-2018, 06:15 PM   #28
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Its art,not money.Building cars is an expression of yourself,writing checks to do it cheapens the satisfaction

The big push for net worth derives from the creation of the IRA,the brokers are the best advertisers in the world,they convinced you to slave and save for your 'golden years' using one of their funds,which they profit nicely from.Im a real dinosaur,I have a defined benefit pension..the operators of that skim it as well as the brokers.
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Old 07-18-2018, 06:57 PM   #29
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I'm giving up cars driving & resorting back to my 18 MPH Scooter.
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DUI's will make that decision for you in South Carolina.

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Old 07-18-2018, 07:56 PM   #30
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I'm giving up cars driving & resorting back to my 18 MPH Scooter.
Bill Fleetfoot
I guess you haven't been watching the scooter market. Some of them are nicer than my car. Where are all these pimped out golf carts coming from?
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Old 07-18-2018, 08:09 PM   #31
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[QUOTE=Jeff/Illinois;1652734]
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Also, Dave Ramsey says the rule of thumb is to not own anything with wheels or a motor that, all of their value totalled together, exceeds half of the total of your household annual gross income. Assuming the average income is $50,000 per year, you should not own more than $25,000 worth of cars (combined). My Model A 'collection' is worth more than my annual income by far.


I heartily disagree with Mr. Ramsey's statement. You have to realize that Ramsey, Suzy Orman, and etc. make a lot of money on book sales, CD's, personal appearances, radio and TV spots, and all that telling YOU how to handle your money.

Any accountant or economist will tell you that it makes absolutely no sense to restore or own an old car. They will tell you 'Forego that daily 85 cents cup of coffee at McDonald's, put that money in a Roth IRA-401K-Mutual Fund whatever AND by the time you are 67 years old you will be wealthy. (We had a 'financial advisor' tell us this exact thing once in a meeting at Deere)

Go all thru life and never have anything considered a luxury or something that makes you happy or have fun, put that money in the bank, so that when you are an old man sitting in an adult diaper in the nursing home in your own pee and feces watching that big bank account evaporate, you can rest assured that 'But at least I used to have a bank statement that HAD a big figure on it.' Was that 'fun', looking at that quarterly statement all thru your life? Now it's too late brudder.

That is no way to live. Go out and but another old car now, that's MY advice.
Whole hardily agree. Nowhere in any law, religion, doctor say you will make it to 95 in good health. Do what makes you happy, sure its smart to save for the future but i have seen people come and go and never make it to retirement age due to car accident, cancer, natural disaster, etc. You can never have too many hobbies or collections. Gotta find somethin in life to keep you going. I think everyone should sit down at any age you are now and write out a bucket list. Doesnt have to be elaborate things or destinations.

I developed a love of model a's as they are super simplistic yet engineered so every part is absolutely necessary with extreme tolerances. I also have a love of anything from that era when everything from a frying pan to a car was designed to last 100 years. I hate the way the world has become a throw away society due to cooporate greed making awful products designed to break.

Be interesting to go back in time around 1920 when cars were taking over by young people and the horse and buggy by the old. Probably claiming dont know how to put on a horseshoe or run a plow. There is an old article floating around from a 1800s book about a school principal complaining kids these days dont know how to write on slate without smearing it nor how to clean a slate tablet- thier all using paper - what will they do when paper runs out?
So yea the older generation will continue to complain about thw generations behind them. I feel im only a few years away from complaining about kids playin on my lawn myself haha. Every year at IOLA it amazes me to see young kids buying vintage tonka trucks and such and learning the art of haggiling from the old generations. This year i couldt help but watch listen to a kid maybe all of 7 haggiling over the price of a tonka fire engine with a easily 85 year old guy.
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Old 07-18-2018, 08:45 PM   #32
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I think the old car hobby will be okay; the old car investment phenomenon may be in trouble.
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Old 07-18-2018, 09:08 PM   #33
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I think the old car hobby will be okay; the old car investment phenomenon may be in trouble.
Well said!

P.S. I listen to Dave Ramsey from time to time, he does have a good radio show..... I guess I feel that you have to have a balance, you have to have hobbies and not be afraid to spend a little money on your hobby! The Financial people argue differently.

I just went thru a deadly Lymphoma cancer, I'm OK now but it sure reminds you about just how life can change on you in a heartbeat. Ain't nobody guaranteed tomorrow. 4 of my best friends, all about my age, have died from cancer in the last couple years.

You are sitting in good shape my friend, good for you! Go out and buy another antique car!!

Later
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Old 07-18-2018, 09:36 PM   #34
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Well said!

P.S. I listen to Dave Ramsey from time to time, he does have a good radio show..... I guess I feel that you have to have a balance, you have to have hobbies and not be afraid to spend a little money on your hobby! The Financial people argue differently.

I just went thru a deadly Lymphoma cancer, I'm OK now but it sure reminds you about just how life can change on you in a heartbeat. Ain't nobody guaranteed tomorrow. 4 of my best friends, all about my age, have died from cancer in the last couple years.

You are sitting in good shape my friend, good for you! Go out and buy another antique car!!

Later
Thanks, Jeff, but my "shape" is tenuous too: having DBS surgery for Parkinson's in two days.

This same angst is troubling another of my hobbies, Lionel trains, and I feel the same about it. Ever since my wonderful wife, years ago, suggested I quit my real job and become a fishing guide, I've been adamant about not making my hobby into a job. It's a personal thing, to be sure, but I just don't want to add an additional layer of financial stress to the things I do for fun, whether it's playing with cars or trains or guitars, or fishing, or tying flies, or ballroom dancing, or yard work, or just reading. Life is short.

I'm sure that playing the investment game must be fun for some folks. Maybe what the world needs is a separate forum where they can share their problems like the rest of us share our car problems here.

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Old 07-19-2018, 07:26 AM   #35
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Default Re: Navel gazing & the future of the car hobby

The future car restorer

https://i.amz.mshcdn.com/ohLaeiUydi_...triccar-11.jpg
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Old 07-19-2018, 08:17 AM   #36
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Default Re: Navel gazing & the future of the car hobby

Chiming in a little late... I'm a less-regular visitor these days because of school and life...

Anecdotally, there are plenty of kids who are interested in cars. In a class this Spring I saw a presentation by a guy in his 20's who buys late model cars that were wrecked and then fixes them up and sells them for a significant profit. Another young guy, just a college senior, is working on his 50's Cadillac in his dad's garage. There are at least 200 students who are in the Auto Restoration program who are interested in pre-70's cars. It might surprise some here to see the number who are interested in pre-war cars. Of course, that's one school in one small town in Kansas, so perhaps not a completely representative sample.

But look on youtube and there are plenty of videos of younger guys wrenching on classic cars or driving them. The 365 Days of A guy wasn't all that much older than me at the time (40). And when I travel to car shows here in mid-Kansas there's a good mix of older guys, younger families, and kids.

The biggest problem, IMO, is the perceived cost of entry. When you have so many car TV shows focused on the $3 million dollar one-of-a-kind classics, there's a perception that the hobby is just for those with deep pockets. And to some extent that's true: you're not going to find a Model T for $1000 that you can just drive away and then fix up as you have time. But it's not out of reach of people of modest means. The kids I'm going to school with are a case in point: there are a good number who drive a classic to class every day, so they must have afforded them somehow.

Like a lot of old things, there is interest out there. Likely enough interest to keep the hobby humming along for the foreseeable future. So don't fret...
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Old 07-20-2018, 08:16 PM   #37
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"It all depends," is what my Dad used to say and he wasn't talking about diapers. Reading what each of you wrote above, it depends on WHERE you live, what millennial's you know, etc. For example, I have two young men who on occasion help me around the yard and farm. One (21) has a $25k "wild" street rod, a car and a pickup truck, the second (23) is married, has a "big modern truck" and they all work on them. Those brothers bought Dad's cabinet business and work on all of their own vehicles. They once each had a jeep they "resurrected" and used on trail rides.
One of them drove my 1970 VW Karmann Ghia today and loved it.


My three sons all have antique autos and all of my 17 grandchildren are interested in my 29 Ford, my 61 Corvair, my K-H and my wife's 65 Mustang.


It all depends ...
One of my granddaughter's (15 years old this week) was here to help me with some work today and backed my 1970 Karmann Ghia out of the shop so we could "extract" my wife's 65 Mustang and then re-parked the KG. Grinned the whole time. I pointed out it was 48 years old and the grin got bigger.
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Old 07-20-2018, 09:45 PM   #38
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Default Re: Navel gazing & the future of the car hobby

As I said in my original post, there will be ‘barners that have grandchildren that have used 5/8” combination wrenches to teeth on in their play pens. That said, the millinials, are not picking up on the old car hobby like we did in the fifties and sixties.
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Old 07-20-2018, 10:44 PM   #39
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[QUOTE=SeaSlugs;1652816]
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Be interesting to go back in time around 1920 when cars were taking over by young people and the horse and buggy by the old. Probably claiming dont know how to put on a horseshoe or run a plow. There is an old article floating around from a 1800s book about a school principal complaining kids these days dont know how to write on slate without smearing it nor how to clean a slate tablet- thier all using paper - what will they do when paper runs out?
So yea the older generation will continue to complain about thw generations behind them. I feel im only a few years away from complaining about kids playin on my lawn myself haha. Every year at IOLA it amazes me to see young kids buying vintage tonka trucks and such and learning the art of haggiling from the old generations. This year i couldt help but watch listen to a kid maybe all of 7 haggiling over the price of a tonka fire engine with a easily 85 year old guy.
I recall reading at about the turn of the last century about the head of the US Patents Office being asked in 1899 (just before the turn of that century) what he thought might be invented in the next 100 years. He said he thought the office would be quiet because just about everything that could be invented had already been invented.
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