Signs of life...........?

[McLOVIN]

Are things really as depressingly dead up here as the forum suggest?

Are there any meets, cruises etc where people DON'T turn up in daily drivers? For that matter, are there actually any rods/customs up here at all?

[McLOVIN]

Depressingly, the lack of responses seem to sum the scene, North of the border perfectly. Crap!

[quattrothedog]

ah, Mclovin, you must be a female ?

you asked a question, didn't get the response you wanted within 0.4 seconds, so went in a mood ?! :p

some of us have friends, and families, and other interests apart from cars, and logging on to the forum comes WAY below that in terms of importance at this time of year !!

yes, we do have cruises and meets where people take real cars, but only from april to october, basically none of us want to take our cars out with salt on the roads.
it would seem there are several little pockets of activity, rather than one big scottish scene, but that's down to the geography, not apathy.

[scotb]

wot he said:D

[Scotty]

I've been into the classic car scene for about 20 years and even before that my daily driver was my first love, so I've seen the wheels go around a few times.

Scotland to the best of my knowledge has never had a large and / or busy scene just as quattro has already mentioned. There are a few clubs who try really hard, but invariably it usually comes down to a few dedicated individuals who soldier on despite the difficulties of weather, distance and cost.

However, all that said I would love to hear what you think could make our hobby much better attended as I for one would like to see more participation? Looking forward to hearing your suggestions, its always worth hearing alternative solutions to those that have already been tried countless times before. ;)

Scotty.

[Bigmincey]

As stated above,

It is all down to priorities. Everybody has different life styles and funds.

Myself ???
I have a cracking sense of smell !!

I SMELL TROLL !! http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/bigmincey/Smileys/pounditupdated.gifhttp://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/bigmincey/Smileys/pounditupdated.gifhttp://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/bigmincey/Smileys/pounditupdated.gif

You drive what ??
You come from where (district) ?
You know who on this forum ??

Asshole!!!!!!

Sorry Admins, had to be said !!!!


Alan...............

[blackknight]

Okay mclovin, let's hear about you & your car! Hopefully the silence isn't deafening but if it is then we know where we stand.

[dbmcg]

Even if mclovin dont exist at least its got some replies so it aint so dead in here LOL

[McLOVIN]

My post was born out of frustration at the scene (or lack of it), in general up here.

Do I have solutions to everything(?), no, but starting a discussion on the matter seems a good place to start?

There are some things that we can't readily solve up here, such as crap weather, sheer lack of numbers etc. Who know's, maybe their the primary reasons.

I appreciate every one of us has different tastes, levels of income, "priorities" etc., but it seems that it's the minority up here, who are willing to invest properly in their cars. That investment doesn't necessarily equate to cash btw.

It pees me off, the sheer number of events, shows etc that go on down South. Yes, a lot of that is down to population numbers. That said, look at the quality of the cars on pics posted, then compare to what goes on up here? Is it any wonder why very few want to travel up here to attend the few shows we have? Before anyone pipes up about the Kyle show, can they honestly tell me the travelling support travel for the quality on display, rather than the social?

As far as the Central belt goes, why does the East coast seem to fair better than the west, esp when the west has by far the greater population?

Then again, most clubs in the west seem to have a lot of in-fighting, which ends up in the very few members they have, forming new 'clubs'.

Surely the east/west 'divide' is utter nonsense? With most people living in the central belt, could something not be sorted out?

As I said at the start, this is post was born out of frustration, nothing else. No i'm not a woman, just passionate about my hobby, and sick and tired having to wait until the summer months, to travel hundreds of miles down south to meet with like-minded people.

[Bigmincey]

East coast West coast divide ? The Central belt ?
Are you from up here at all ??

Again, I ask;
You drive what ??
You come from where (district) ?
You know who on this forum ??

A simple ISP check could find out where you are based ?

http://www.undercoverdetective.com/ReverseIP.htm

The majority of folks who join these on-line forums do so for several reasons.
They have an interest in forum type of choice.
They want to gain advice, knoweledge or associates in their interest.
They are either owners, or prospective owners of an article which is pertaining to the forum, ie Cars, Bikes etc.
Maybe I am being a little short sighted here, but most folks 1st post is normally an introduction, stating which area you are in, what you drive, are repairing or perhaps even advice/questions on what to lookout for, purchase etc ?

Not too say the forum looks dead, question whether anybody actually has a vehicle etc !!

If you turn out to be a genuine enthuisiast, then you are an arrogant one.
Still feel confident that you are http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/bigmincey/Smileys/pounditupdated.gif tho !!

So,
Prove me wrong !!
Pics of your car, or past cars ??
Any shows attended, at all ??

Of course, there are no rules stating you must, but you could make me eat my words, which I will do if you are genuine ??

I reckon that if you are genuine, you will appreciate my no-nonsense approach ? Apoligies for being abrupt, but, hey, What you see is what you get from me !;)

So McLovin, show us you are real ? and not a load off http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/bigmincey/piss.gif

Alan.............

[Bigmincey]

Even if mclovin dont exist at least its got some replies so it aint so dead in here LOL

Never has been dead in here mate !
Slow, and quiet compared to some forums certainly, but thats half the charm ! ;)

Only busy if members post ! Even if its only interesting links, pics etc.
Even jokes if you got any ?? :D

First post this to reach 2 pages for a while.

Alan..........

[Andy Dean]

Actually to be honest i think McLOVIN is not a troll and has raised some perfectly valid points, and i have been having similar discussions with Steve recently just not raised the question here...


A simple ISP check could find out where you are based ?

http://www.undercoverdetective.com/ReverseIP.htm (http://www.undercoverdetective.com/ReverseIP.htm)



Firstly i can vouch for McLOVIN being quite genuine, without sounding too big brotherish, everyone who registers on here has their IP address and email addy checked, failure to conform to some quite simple criteria, such as actually being in Scotland, let alone the UK and not China or Latvia (where most trolls and spammers seem to register from) results in immediate account deletion and a banned IP. The site also runs an Akismet filter which screens posts from all new members for posts by potential spammers.

Bob (quattrothedog) raised an interesting point in an earlier post about 'pockets of activity' in Scotland. It has always been the case that the scene in Scotland is fragmented and this very forum was borne out of someone's (not me) vision to unite these 'pockets of activity' with a kind of loose 'association' of Scottish clubs. Indeed the name X-Members was first mooted at a meeting of the Ill-Eagles, Tayside American Cruisers, and the Dundee Street Freaks at the Snooty Fox in Glenrothes about three years ago, the idea being it was like 'Cross members' across the various Scottish Clubs, and because it was being set up by 'Ex members' of the now defunct Fife County Cruisers. I set up this forum with the technical skills that i had at the time to support that vision, however for various reasons that 'association of clubs' idea proved unworkable (largely through lack of support)

The forum however still lives on and as i have said, i have the technical skills to improve/keep it running. But i do lack the knowledge of the Scottish scene and principle people involved to work 'front of house' so to speak, at the end of the day i'm not really a known name on the hot rod/american car scene in Scotland and i can quite see some of the well known names in the hobby coming along and thinking who the fuck is this Andy Dean guy anyway, and as a result i tend to keep a low profile and so the forum can appear at time to lack direction.

Another reason i can sympathise with what McLovin is saying is because that unlike you guys i receive a lot of statistics about how the site is visited (i'll see if i can attach a daily report for you to look at). Going back to what i said about everyone on here being genuine, we have at the last count 218 registered users, impressive you may think, but only 26 of those users have visited in the last month, thats just 12% of our user base, most of the others have not visited in more than 6 months, despite getting e-mail reminders that we're still here. And where are those users? Well most of the active users on here (but not all) are American Car owners, not hot rodders despite the two scenes being quite closely related in Scotland. The hot rodders that are registered but inactive here are all active on the NSRA forum, despite (and correct me if i'm wrong) the NSRA organising/supporting fuck all in Scotland. It just seems to me we're are own worst enemy and when anyone tries to inject any life into the scene in Scotland, only a few support it and the majority completely fail to. Certainly that is my experience of being on the periphery of trying to setup the original xmembers idea and latterly the forum.

Please bear in mind what i've said is in no way a reflection on the users we do have here - i'm eternally grateful for your support and you make all the money i spend keeping this forum going worth every penny. The forum would be nothing without you guys and what we do have going here is in my opinion still pretty good. :)

Just some of my thoughts, i have not intended to offend anyone at all so please be kind in your replies, and no flaming me - remember i'm an Admin :D

[Bigmincey]

OK Andy,

I take it McLovin is from up here ?
You cant reply directly straight out, but I get the drift.

For that one, McLovin, I apoligise. You appear to be a Jock.
Nothing worse than being considered English !! or Welsh !

Why did you make your first, and second post so objective ??
You must realise that the Yank, Rod, Custom scene up here is a little bit slower than the rest ?
Are you implying that the quality of cars up here, ie Kyle Show aint worthy of folks to travel up from South of the border ?
Or are you saying there just aint enough shows up here that match the Southern shows ?

If I am wrong, then burn me in Hell, but it aint all about shows.
I have several mates that wouldnt dream of putting there cars in a show for various reasons !
Shitty paintwork, poxy interior, wheels that have seen better days etc, etc
What do they all have in common ??
They use them every day !!!!!
Going to work, for the school run etc,
The cars are there to be used, not just to look at.

I can fully understand that some folks use there pride and joy only in the summer months, and I use the term "summer" loosely !:rolleyes:
Fair play to them. Thats their choice, and it may be down to pride, practicality, options or cost. We are all different.

Shit, I waffle on, eh ??
Guess what I was trying to say was;
Dont come on, announce yourself and down the forum.
If the scene annoys you that bad, come on and be up-beat. Try half as much as Andy does and bring some life into the Scottish scene. Nobody would love that as much as me !!:)
Been a member of this forum for a few years now, and still post now and then !!

Of course, if I am wrong, or right as I first predicted;

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j274/bigmincey/Smileys/adminwatch.gif

Alan..............

[McLOVIN]

Firstly, as I've stated, my opening posts were born out of frustration with the scene (or lack of) up here, probably more specifically, here in the West. My intention was to provoke a 'show me I'm wrong' reaction, and hopefully spark some discussion, and hopefully improvement, IF required.

In hindsight, my comments weren't the best way to introduce myself to the forum, and they definately could be construed as rude, and arrogant. For that I'd like to offer my apologies, it wasn't my intention. Also, I'm guessing I have omitted to fill in some personal info? If so, this was an omission, not some desire to anonymously cause mischief, or hide behind a keyboard as has been suggested.

Reading Andy Dean's post, I have to say that I agree completely with what he's written.

To mirror Andy, I've been into the scene since I bought my first copy of Hot Rod & Custom in '78 (slip of a lad at 11!). Attended a few meets at the Three Pigeons in Glasgow (age16) with an older mate who had a Pop. That was me hooked for life. My first love is Rods, but have had more Yanks over the years. Sold my last Yank ('74 Gran Torino), a few months ago to finance a Pop, which will hopefully be out this year. Essentially, I love Rods and American cars, as well as a healthy interest in Classics. I live in the South side of Glasgow btw. Like Andy, I'm not a known face, having always tended to do my own thing. Possibly, part of the problem, too many people doing the same?



Every now and again, I see meets going on, in and around Glasgow of things like the Strathy Cruise. The sheer number of people there, not to mention the time, effort and innovation put into their cars is astounding. I think that if we could even get something going even a fraction of the size, then it would be a start. Who know's, it might even get some of the younger generation (god I hate saying that, it reminds me of how old I am!), interested in our scene?

In reply to "Bigmincey", I've conceeded that indeed my opening posts could be taken as arrogant, and I too would probably have been a bit upset to read them, had I been a long time member. That said, your reaction was way OTT, and I have no idea why you chose to turn it into a personal attack, rather than read properly my later post, as Andy did. If, as you said, you enjoy this forum being "slow, and quiet", then you must think the scene up here is positively vibrant! I'm hoping it was me who rubbed you up the wrong way, and this isn't a typical response, otherwise I can see why there are so many people signed up, but chosing not to join in. That said, I'm willing to start over, forgive and forget, I'll leave it with you.



What do people think? Is there any chance we could become less fragmented?

[Bigmincey]

Before I go any further here, I would just like to say that although I was at you like a dog eatin beetroot, I will also be the first to publicly state here that I made a mistake. No sidestepping any responsibility here, I apoligise for my demented ramblings !:o

On another Yank forum I frequent we have a few, or mainly one idiot who is just there to be a pest, pure and simple. A common factor with these people are never any details, cars they own etc
I read your first post, and then your second and thought, here we go again !! Members stop posting if there is a Troll who ridicules or takes the wee out of serious posts. I can be a wee bit on the defensive sometimes, especially where fools are concerned. You appear to be none of the above.

Must admit, I have always done my own thing as well, as you suggest, maybe folks like us are partly to blame ? Would be good to see some of the young dudes take an interest in Rods or Yanks, but they seem to go more with Body kits and large alloys fitted to hatchbacks. Although some of the slightly older ones turn their attention to Jap stuff, Turbo`s etc.

The fact that you can remember Hot Rod & Custom makes you an oldy, but probably younger than me !
As for this forum ? Probably could have worded it better the last time. The majority of posts in this forum are car related, asking advice, offering help, parts for sale etc. It is doing exactly what its meant to do. Another forum I frequent, which is car related, but not American is extremely busy. Not all car related posts tho. Folks will start posts about their newborn baby, or their pets or be it whatever. The main thing in point is the car which the forum is based on. All the random posts are in a special section. Just as an example, the post I put up here last night about the AA rescue thing has had over 100 views and 18 replies. There are over 3000 members on that forum, so it will be a lot busier than a forum of this size. What I was getting at about this forum is, its purely a specialised car forum, and it would be good if it was a wee bit busier, but the way it is, well its still our Scottish forum that without Andy and Steve wouldnt even be here.
No, the scene up here is not vibrant, which is a shame. :confused:
Weather will always be a downer I suppose. If I had invested a few years re-building an old classic of any type, I wouldnt be too keen to take it out in the salty or wet roads. Some of my past vehicles were, erm how can I put this, buckets ?:D So its easy to justify it in any weather.
Finances will be a deciding factor for folks as well. Personally, our workshop has let nearly 30 staff go just before Xmas and the overtime is at a minimum.

Dont know if it would work up here, but it would be good to have a Scottish Summer Nationals type thing ?

So, to re-cap, apoligies for being over zealous in my reply to you,
welcome to the club, any ideas you have for meetings or shows, let us know and lastly, any pics you can put up ? we all kike pics.:cool:

Alan............

[McLOVIN]

Alan, I agree 100% with your sentiments regarding the forum. I've been a member of the NSRA for years, but only post on the forum on rare occasions, as there always seems to be too many people spoiling for fights over petty things.

I wish I could come on here with solutions to everything, but all I can hope for, is at least to get some discussions going, and some people who have registered, but not posted, to enter into things too.

I think weather is a big issue up here though. I'm the first to admit to be being shy about bringing stuff out in the rain.

That said, when I see all the gatherings, breakfast meets etc that have pics posted on the NSRA, not to mention that the vast majority of pics on here being over in the East, I do think that something has to be sorted out.

What kind of interest would there be in meet up now and again, and something monthly with cars, in the'summer' months? The young ones certainly seem to be putting us to shame.

Hopefully there's a pic of the Pop below.
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p21/hutch76/Pop/DSCF1465.jpg

Calum

[Bigmincey]

Lot of work going into that bud !:worship: Front wheel looks like an Appliance 5 spoke, or similiar. Had them on my very first Camaro, they always look American somehow ? :confused: Really suit a Pop I reckon.
Used to work next door to a Re-fridgeration mob and the wee fella, Boaby used to have a black Pop, but sold it and bought an old Zephyr if I remember correctly. Havent seen him in years.

Alan..........

[Steve Wilson]

Guys n' Girls,

First off - Happy New Year to you all! Here's hoping that 2009 sees better weather than last year and more cars out there.

2008 for me was a "year out" while I did other things and whilst my car was off the road - hmm, it still is! To be honest, I've neglected visiting the forum too for quite some time but Andy was kind enough to send me this thread. Direct, thought provoking, not too abusive and a degree of commonality and apologies all 'round - what a great mannered bunch we are :)

This is my story and my tuppenceworth:

The Scottish scene has always been an interesting one and quite hard to figure. I've been taking cars to Scottish shows since 1987 after joining Fife County Cruisers in August of 1986.

During this time there are a great number of clubs and people who have come and gone - thankfully, of late, a few people have come back.

From an outside point of view, the scene seemed much more vibrant in the late 80's in terms of cars, clubs and shows and that was before the invention of mobile phones, the internet, many yank/rod businesses and suppliers and good old ebay. It's even more fragmented today despite the greater resources we now have for keeping in touch and spreading information about what's on.

I think some of this is due to there not being much "new blood" in the scene, so my age-group (I'm 42) was the last of the new blood. Many either left the scene to get married/raise a family etc or stayed in it. As I said, I know a number of people who have bought cars again after an absense of about 20years which is good but again, we're all the same age - there's no/very little new (young) blood.

The great majority of those that got driving licenses after me were seduced by the "eurocustom" look - body-kitted escorts/sierras etc. This gave your average joe the chance to customise (ie personalise) their ride without having a great deal of technical ability or tools and for their car to be kept on the road throughout. This allowed some to make the family car their custom car. Thereafter came a boom in "customising" modern cars then the birth of the fast and the furious type of thing we see today.

It's a funny thing personal taste, I myself cannot see the merit in taking a £3,000 citroen Saxo, throwing £20k (or more!) at it in engine/suspension/paint/interior mods but that's just me. I'd take the money and buy a well-sorted rod or a classic yank but that's not where the youngsters are mind-wise these days.

Another factor is time or the lack of it - Summers for me (pre wife and yougster) lasted for ages and were great - I've just had a year out and I've not missed the car-side because I've been busy elsewhere and it's flown by.

Also, most people aren't as inclined to learn wiring/welding/metal and bodywork although to be honest I'm no good at that either and I've had rods and yanks on the road these past 21 years.

The Scottish Nationals idea has been put out there many times but not enough people are interested in it.

This Forum started because clubs were getting smaller in numbers and not communicating well. Therefore most Scottish clubs didn't have enough bodies to organise and run a show. There was a meeting held for many people from many clubs to discuss the scene/kick ideas about to see if there was strength in numbers. There was a thought that they could each have one or two members affiliated to this as a "national" club and have monthly meetings then potentially come together in the spirit of reaching more people, spreading more news re shows and cruises etc and maybe even pull together and organise something big - long story short; there just wasn't enough interest.

Then Andy Dean (bright boy that he is) came up with the idea of an on-line Forum/meeting place and the next thing you knew was he had this site up and running. IMPORTANT NOTE: Andy Dean gives up his own time to design, improve, police, administer and PAY for this site all on his own. Ironically, he's younger than most of us but he's the rare kind where his heart's in the right place. For the record Andy good on ya! :worship: We may bitch about the Scottish scene or how few people regularly use this Forum but at least it's here to BE used and it's all down to you my friend. If there were more like you the initial post would never have been neede to be posted!

I'm now of the opinion that our scene is so small and fragmented because that's how we must like it, we're a funny bunch us Scots; I feel we're less tolerant, eg:

Some have a yank/rod divide mentality
Some have a traditional rod/modern rod divide mentality
Some have a did he/she build it or buy it mentality
Some like being lone-wolfs

I think once governmental/european legislation becomes even more restrictive we may yet unite to a greater degree but that's just my opinion.

It's hard to second-guess everyone. I used to think the Forum would be busier over the Winter when most people's cars are off the road but I've rarely been back here since I took mine off.

So there you have it, my personal view of the yank and rodding scene from 1986-2008, where it goes............................... it's up to us.

I've been asked to come to a lot of Classic/Vintage/Veteran shows with my cars these past few years - previously that would never have happened so their scene is constantly changing too.

Steve

[McLOVIN]

Hi Steve. What a thought provoking post, will reply to it more tomorrow.

Meantime, I see you're a fair bit older than me (I don't reach 42 until March:D), but it got me thinking that more effort certainly used to go into meets etc. We tend to forget that life did exist before mobiles, texts, forums, ebay etc.

How easy do we have it these days! How much easier should arranging things be, with all these things at our disposal..........

[Mikey H]

First of all I'd like to take my hat off to Andy Dean who provides us all with this forum :worship:. Ive not long joined as you may have noticed, but I log on when I can.

As for young blood on the scene!!! Im now 21 and have been into the hot rodding scene since I was about 8. I helped a very close friend build a 1950 chevy pick up when I was wee, and he kinda steered me down the hot rod path. I am currently building a 1966 Singer Gazelle which was past onto me after my grandad died. Ive been working on the car for about 5 maybe 6 years now. To start with I had no money or tools so its been a long time getting everything together. The car is finally starting to develop more into a rod now, but only thanks to many friends in the hot rod scence who have been there for advice and help.

As far as rod runs go, I am a member of the Phantoms and every July we try our best as a club to put on a great hot rod/custom car show. The feedback we have had over the years just gets better and better. The Phantoms as a whole club try to make it to as many rod runs through the year as possible. Its a must, people who support our run also need as much support for their own runs.

Just thought I'd let you's know there is some young blood left. :D

[Bigmincey]

Mikeyh,
I wish I was wearing a hat, coz it would be taken off for you !!!:worship::worship:

Great story that, and the fact its your Grandads car, makes it all the more sweeter. Thanks for posting young man !

2009 is starting off well guys ?

Alan........

[McLOVIN]

Keep it up Mike, it'll all be worth it in the end.

Any hobby depends on new blood coming into it, otherwise it dies. Just today on the radio it said that Morris Dancing would probably die out within 20 years, as no young people were wanting to take part as it 'wasn't cool'. Go figure!!?? lol

A bit closer to home though, how bad would it be, if Rodding, Customs etc went the same way, because youngsters thought it 'wasn't cool'?

THE FOLLOWING IS ME BEING DEVILS ADVOCATE, AND NOT NECESSARILY MY OPINION, SO DON'T ANYONE THINK I'M HAVING A POP AT ANY TYPE OF CAR!!

When I look at the 'MaxPower' scene, which seems to be the most widely supported, with Corsa's covered in bling etc., it seems so unlikely they will ever come over to our type stuff. When I look at some of the stripped to the bones rods, rat rods etc., you just know the youngsters will never be tempted away fromr multimedia on wheels, set ups.

Steve said the last 'new blood' into the scene were all in their 40's now. I think he's probably right. What persuaded us to move away from our cars of the day? From jacked up Cortinas to Pops, from Capri's to Camaros etc?

When you look at some of the creations coming from Foose, Coddington etc, with 20" rims etc, maybe, just maybe, theses would be things to spark interest away from Corsa's or whatever's top of the pile these days?

Would it even be worth considering trying to tie some monthly meets up with theirs? Even if we had to stay up in a quiet corner away from boom boxes-lol.

Just a thought, open to the floor..................

[Kirsti]

Happy New Year :)

This thread has made me decide to make a bit more of an effort to join in since I must admit being guilty of just looking at the forum without even bothering to log in.

Just a thought....What was it that made you guys interested in yanks and rods to start with?

It is possible that some of the same things would influence the young crowd now.

I know for me it was mainly my dad who always had some kind of american car and took us kids to shows and also let us help (and hinder) him in the garage.

For others it has been TV shows or pictures in magazines, or just seeing and hearing a car, which has caught their interest.

Maybe all you who have kids now are producing the next generation of rod and american car lovers?

The idea of combining meets with the boy (and girl) racer crowds is maybe not such a bad idea if the aim is to widen the audience, but it depends how open minded people are.

I'm maybe just lazy on that part, but for me, I'm happy just to enjoy driving my car and meeting up with people who have the same interest.

Unfortunately I think keeping my car at my grandparent's house half an hours drive away often stops me taking it out, although I don't tax it for the winter months anyway since the roads are usually salted and being a student I like to save where I can ;)

I don't suppose by any chance anybody happens to have a big driveway or barn somewhere close to Inverkeithing? :rolleyes:

[blackknight]

Oh how we've discussed this topic at many a show, cruise, evening do etc. but good that it's created a healthy debate & interesting to read peoples viewpoints on the hobby up here. Most of the people that have known me for a number of years will know my previous way of thinking but times change & so have I.

I do wonder what future the hobby has but more in relation to things like "will petrol still be available in 30yrs time or will the petrol engine be allowed to exist in 30yrs time?" It probably will be because I do remember being told at school in the 70's that north sea oil would run out in 20yrs time. And it's still being extracted. And now laugh at being told back then that if we didn't stick in at school we'd end up being binmen or "scaffies" lol !

As for how I got into the scene it was all down to my American Uncle & watching great TV programmes such as Starsky & Hutch, Kojack & CHiPS.

[McLOVIN]

watching great TV programmes such as Starsky & Hutch, Kojack & CHiPS.

I sold my Torino, a few months back, it might've been perfect for you!:)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p21/hutch76/Gran%20Toriono%202/DSC00470.jpg


I just think, that if some of us were to arrange something, for example at a Strathycruise night, and show them that hot rods are not all:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p21/hutch76/pic094.jpg


But, can be like this:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p21/hutch76/DSCN0961-1.jpg


It might just be a bit more acceptable to some, and spark enough of an interest to make them explore what rods, customs, yanks etc are all about.

[quattrothedog]

FWIW i prefer the first rod !!

personally i don't think a tie up with the "doof doof stereo" brigade is a good idea.

it's all about image.

while i'm as keen on a little burnout as the next man, or opening the v8 up to let everyone hear it, normally i get a smile, or a round of applause from whoever's around.

when the boy racers (i'm reluctant to use that word, makes me sound old !!) try the same, they are resoundly greeted by the use of the work "prick", and wa**ing gestures from the sidelines !!

now i'm not saying they're all bad folks, i know a few modifiers, and they're no different to us, they love their cars, and love to show them off.

they aren't the problem.

it's the wannabe modder !! the one who can't quite afford it. who has a set of lexus lights, an exhaust so big you can see the valves, and led lights in the doorhandles ! they also drive everywhere 2 gears lower than they should be !!

they ruin it for everyone. they've tarnished the image of modified cars, and i'm leaning towards staying away, lest we be tarred with the same brush.

our cruises/meets are largely trouble, and police free.

most modifier cruises are still heavily policed, and regularly broken up, down to the behaviour of a few tits with more testosterone than sense !!

i'm not saying no, but i admit to being hugely sceptical !!

[gordonbradford]

Ahh mclovin unfortunately scotland is a cold SALTY place!
So we just hibernate till bout' march april, or when the salt goes away!

[McLOVIN]

Ahh mclovin unfortunately scotland is a cold SALTY place!
So we just hibernate till bout' march april, or when the salt goes away!

I'm sure all this rain and gale force winds will have taken care of the salt. :D

[Bigmincey]

I'm sure all this rain and gale force winds will have taken care of the salt. :D

Certainly taken care of part of my back fence !:mad:

Another job for the summer ! :(


Alan...

[exitwound]

McLovin raised a few good points back there.. Yes we do have a fragmented car scene up here, but as pointed out, the weather and geography have a lot to answer for.

My gripe about car shows, is just that, ..they are just shows. Rows of static and silent cars behind a rope do little to inspire others to follow, especially when the owners are either absent for most of the day, or sitting around the disposable bbq in the deck chair oblivious to the enquiring minds looking on.

The biggest turn-off for the public has to be the 'americana' aspect. Cowboy hats, rebel flags, relentless rockabilly and Burt Reynolds wannabes only re-inforce the public opinion that this is an odd sub-culture. We need more moving type events, where the cars get used, raced etc. Even the Kyle event was better in the '80's when they had the mini drag strip at Ayr Racecourse.. btw..anyone remember the superb Hot Rod shows at the Kelvin Hall and Ingliston??

Lets have proper shows on tarmac, not wet grass, with races, even little ones, burnouts, lets hear the cars for a change. How about an event at East Fortune, acres of lovely tarmac. How about a track day at Knockhill purely for yank/rod owners? We need more events specific to us, not added on to a classic car/max power event. Can you still race at Alford?

There's no east/west divide that I'm aware of but there's definately much more to do in the east. I live in Ayrshire where a yank/rod is a very rare sight and people think me mad for driving my 'gas guzzler' vette. For me its always about the car being No.1, not the socialising or the 'scene'. Kids on BMX's giving me the thumbs up at Tescos mean way more to me than the rear panel pressers and constant questions about mpg at the car shows (Kyle/Culzean).

Driving is where its definately at.. and if that means on salty roads, so be it..

[quattrothedog]

i'm all for the burnout box !!

kyle should have one !! maybe on the approach road !!

i think it'd be nicer if we could go for a cruise when we meet at dunfermline. maybe go thru to kirkcaldy, and go through dunfermline town centre.

we normally try to go for a cruise on the edinburgh meets, but we don't seem to get much support, some saturdays last year there was only 1 or 2 cars there !!

can't say i'm particularly bothered for drag racing, but maybe the best i could suggest is that if loads of you were interested, just turn up early one sunday and book all the slots at crail !!

[McLOVIN]

Must agree with a few of exitwounds points. For me, it's all about the cars, but for many, it's also about the whole Americana thing. I'm all for live and let live, but I can see how people can be put off. I always imagine "Mondeo-man" popping along to a show with his wife and 2.4 kids, with a strong notion for buying a yank/rod etc. He then see's the Willie Nelson wannabees etc and runs a mile thinking he'd be tarred with the same brush if he bought the car of his dreams.

Just to clarify btw, when I mentioned the east/west thing in an earlier post, it was only my way of pointing out that more seems to go on in the east, nothing else.

Quite seperate from any shows etc, I would just like to see some kind of monthly meetings on the go, not necessarily the formation of a new club or anything, just like minded people getting together as friends, and a bit of a cruise in the summer months. Bit like the old Three Pigeon Days (for those old enough to remember!)

[exitwound]

Amen bro!!

There's no rivalry existing over the east or west, its just that in the west there's sod all going on, car (any type) wise, compared with the east. I do envy the range of events and clubs in the east. Maybe I'd be a bit more up for it if the west was the same, but I've still no time for checking out roped up cars and convoy driving. where I live I have 12 miles of curvy blacktop practically all to myself, to thrash the vette, so I'm happy, but I wouldn't mind the chance to mix it trackwise sometime..

East Fortune has always intrigued me. What a great venue, loads of space, and on tarmac, easy access for us Scots and its atop the A1 for our English brothers to attend. If I had the contacts, knowledge and resources, I'd definately put East Fortune on the map. Its just begging for a great event!!

Cheers...

[mowerwizard]

Firstly a big hello to everyone and a huge thanks to Andy Dean for this great site.:worship:

As I've been registered as a member of this site for over a year now I have been shamed into joining in the forum by McLovin's (signs of life) and finally put finger to keyboard.

I believe that a lot of people join and enjoy what has been written and empathise with what has gone into the forums thus feeling it has all been said by other people and don't bother to add their bit.

I personally have always had an interest in hot rods and American cars and have encouraged my two young children to the point they are also daft about all cars and desperate to join in. That said I am not a member of any local club as I enjoy secretly working on my own ideas and complete before it is ever shown. Young blood is mentioned in a few writters replies and it is this that I feel needs addressed as there are loads of tot rods to be bought but nothing that wee bit bigger as far as I can find. Tot rods are fine upto about age 10 but beyond this there is only full sized cars or legends which personally feel are too expensive for what is there. Perhaps the future is within the 10 and above age group before total speed enters their heads.

Champagne tastes on a meths income.

[exitwound]

I'm 54, and I was reading Rod and Custom (the US one) behind my school jotters (it was a handy size) back in the '60's and HOTROD magazine too.

Never was interested in anything else, ever. My cousin would take me to the races at Crystal Place in his '66 Buick Electra, where I got my first taste of the sound of a V8 racing motor (..apart from the USAF personnel cruising Ayr seafront) watching guys like Frank Gardner in his Camaro and playing in the yank wrecks at Sandyford Toll breakers yard near Ayr. I would trip to Blythswood Motors and the Yank dealer in the wee shop at Pollokshaws (..not Billy Alexander, Albany Cars next to the Colloseum, ok?) to check out the cars... From an early age, I developed a deep and profound interest in Detroit iron, which on reflection, wasn't so good as it overtook everything else in my life. Best show I ever attended was an underground car park event in London with original steel rods and customs back in the '60's...

Now I can relax about it all and enjoy what I like, but have never really been able to fit into the American car social scene, had a couple of shots at it with local (Paraffin Lamp and Butlins) AACUK events, but found it all so incredibly cliquey as to give up (..my BOSS302 Pinto would run 13sec dead, probably quicker than a GNX, which seemed to upset one or two..) on that as a bad idea.

The show scene in England is way different to up here, I've attended several English shows in the past, and always enjoyed the day, felt welcome and came away with new friends, ...probably if I had email and a mobile phone back then, I'd have kept in touch. Never felt this at Scottish events, I feel we're all a bit more guarded, stick to our buddies and don't welcome new blood so readily.

In 2007, I attended the 'Gone in 60 secs' event at the Goodwood breakfast and was blown away at the welcome I received. My vette is simply modified although very loud and with Laurel and Hardy tyres, but nonetheless it attracted a lot of attention and bench racing despite being parked up with top notch Yanks.

There are differences North and South, nobodys fault, its just how we are..

[Scotty]

, but have never really been able to fit into the American car social scene, had a couple of shots at it with local (Paraffin Lamp and Butlins) AACUK events, but found it all so incredibly cliquey as to give up .....


I think that's the principal reason why the West has never really got its arse into gear, because just like you two visits to the Paraffin Lamp was enough to convince me I had nothing in common with those guys except an American car.

There's no doubt that the East in all my years of owning old cars has had a much bigger scene, don't ask me why because as you probably know there's plenty of American cars this side - but we just don't seem to have the desire to do anything.

(All I can think of why the "other side" does it better is there must be something in their water! :rolleyes: :) )

(Cool animated avatar by the way - could you tell me where to find it as I'd like to use it on another site I go to, if that's ok with you?)

Scotty. ;)

[McLOVIN]

I guess it all comes down to a couple of simple questions.

1/ How many people are on here from the west or central with cars (or an interest)?

2/ Would an informal get together (maybe monthly) thru the sommer months be of any interest to you?

For me, it would be yes and yes.

What does everyone else think?

[Bigmincey]

I guess it all comes down to a couple of simple questions.

1/ How many people are on here from the west or central with cars (or an interest)?

2/ Would an informal get together (maybe monthly) thru the sommer months be of any interest to you?

For me, it would be yes and yes.

What does everyone else think?

Airdrie for me, so I am Central.

Yeah, mark me down for a monthly get together. :)

Alan..............

[Scotty]

I'm up for it as long as someone reminds me - I've got a memory like a hen's as blackknight only too well knows! :rolleyes:

Scotty.

[exitwound]

[QUOTE
(Cool animated avatar by the way - could you tell me where to find it as I'd like to use it on another site I go to, if that's ok with you?)

Scotty. ;)[/QUOTE]

Scotty, Just right-click on it and save it to your pc.. I just blagged it from the Corvette forum ages ago!!

Cheers,

Steve..

[exitwound]

I guess it all comes down to a couple of simple questions.

1/ How many people are on here from the west or central with cars (or an interest)?

2/ Would an informal get together (maybe monthly) thru the sommer months be of any interest to you?

For me, it would be yes and yes.

What does everyone else think?

Sounds ok, but we already have that via the regular monthly yank/vette meetings and subsequent convoy drive from the Showcase Cinema on the M8.

I'd rather have a couple of days a year at Knockhill purely for yanks and rods to have a bit of a thrash on the track without any jap/eurocrap to hassle me while I totally lose it at every corner on my very slippery 295/50x16's!!! :eek:

[quattrothedog]

knockhill is quite expensive.

you'd need prolly 30-50 cars before it would be even remotely viable.

then you need to be sure that they'll all turn of, the cost of cry-offs would need to be covered by everyone else there.

i suspect you'd have more chance if you were to approach crail. they might be able to accomodate cars at one of the bigger events.


your big problem is that many members aren't interested in either drag racing, or roundy round.

IMHO one of the big problems is finding that unified interest which will draw folks together. i don't think racing is that interest.

[McLOVIN]

Not being negative to any suggestions, but can't see any rods taking to the track at Knockhill. Just not what they're designed for.

When does the meet at the Showcase take place, and where does the 'convoy' head for?

[Andy Dean]

Not being negative to any suggestions, but can't see any rods taking to the track at Knockhill. Just not what they're designed for.

When does the meet at the Showcase take place, and where does the 'convoy' head for?

Details here:

http://www.xmembers.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=404

a.

[Mikey H]

Not being negative to any suggestions, but can't see any rods taking to the track at Knockhill. Just not what they're designed for.

When does the meet at the Showcase take place, and where does the 'convoy' head for?

Im going to agree with Mc Lovin there, not sure about a knockhill track day, but I know if my car was finished I'd attend a drag event of some kind and give it a thrashing. We need a scottish hot rod drags!!! was at the drags in september, what a weekend! :) shame about the 6 hour drive to get there!

[Phase4]

Sorry to hear a couple of folk had 'bad' experiences with the Parrafin Lamp.

We tried our best.

It is the usual Scottish thing. Folk hear that there is a American car club in the local area, and they head on down there expecting the car park to look like a mini-Billing (or insert name of any American car show in England that features in magazines). And that just doesn't happen up here because there aren't the numbers. And what happens then is that what numbers there are break down into smaller groups that naturally, more through personality that anything else, get on better with some than others. The problem with this is that with our smaller numbers to start with in Scotland, there are only so many smaller groups you can have. With bigger clubs and greater numbers, it is easier to bond with others. Eventually, the bonding reaches a point where one group or another decides that they can form a 'better' club.

It is interesting that there was a comment about the west not getting its arse in gear. What did anyone do to try and overcome that by starting a nice, happy all inclusive club ? If they did, I missed it.

The reason the east coast scene has always been 'stronger' is that that was where the 'big' cruise was. The old Princes Street cruise was a great leveller, as it was well known and brought folk out from all over the place. But, despite best efforts, it didn't seem to survive the move to West Maitland Street.

It seemed to me that the American car owners and hot rodders just gave up on cruising and handed it over to the kids in their modern musclecars and customs. I guess we just got old.

BTW, I never saw a GNX in Scotland, but the GN ran 12.72 at 109mph on 235 street tyres and drove 380 miles to Santa Pod and 380 miles home at 35mpg. ;)

[exitwound]

[QUOTE
your big problem is that many members aren't interested in either drag racing, or roundy round.

IMHO one of the big problems is finding that unified interest which will draw folks together. i don't think racing is that interest.[/QUOTE]




..obviously its just me, but I feel there's something basically wrong with that. Its what rods and muscle cars are all about, ...its all they're about, If there's no interest in off road, moving type events, what is there? :(

Seems we're doomed to be parked up, standing around with our hands in our pockets as per usual. Not me, I have my own bit of tarmac to play on and the occasional track day to keep me amused. :D

Culzean was fun last year, much better than I expected, what with the race/muscle/sportscar, fast, smoky, launches on the bit of tarmac strip. Hope I can try this out myself this year!! :eek:

[Kirsti]

The reason the east coast scene has always been 'stronger' is that that was where the 'big' cruise was. The old Princes Street cruise was a great leveller, as it was well known and brought folk out from all over the place. But, despite best efforts, it didn't seem to survive the move to West Maitland Street.

It seemed to me that the American car owners and hot rodders just gave up on cruising and handed it over to the kids in their modern musclecars and customs. I guess we just got old.



We usually go for a cruise round Edinburgh (and Princes Street) when we meet for the Edinburgh cruise at KFC Craigleith the last saturday of the month (about 7-8pm). It would be nice to see more people attend, but despite trying to get the word out that we actually CRUISE, there's not that many new faces turn up.

Is it because it's a sat night? Would a friday or a sunday evening suit better?

If you're interested in seeing what it's like then you will always be made very welcome, so please come along :) Mind it's only April-October tho'

[exitwound]

Sorry to hear a couple of folk had 'bad' experiences with the Parrafin Lamp.

We tried our best.





I joined the AACUK and turned out for a meeting at The Paraffin Lamp. I introduced myself, to several people there, but didn't get a lot of response apart from one guy who asked " ..that your Pinto out there?" "..looks fast, what'll it run?" I replied, "..we timed it at 13 dead, could maybe do better." "..what?, ..nah, noway, ..it'd never beat Bruce's Buick"

I asked about the Buick, but got nowhere. You could have cut the air with a knife that night after that, so I headed out after a couple of hours vainly trying to ingratiate myself.

Weeks later at a Butlins show I turned out for, and parked up close to the same AACUK members, I went over said, hi, and was hit with the comment "..hey, why don't you just park over there with the other rods!"

Can't think of a time when I was ever made so unwelcome... I suspect I wasn't the only one either. ..tried your best? ...don't think so!!

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i183/exitwound308/pinto.jpg
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i183/exitwound308/Pintoo.jpg

[Phase4]

Still, sorry to hear that.

As I said, the snag with small Scottish clubs is that, for better or worse, they tend to be made up of groups of friends, rather than groups of enthusiasts, hence it can be difficult for folk to 'break in' to the group. Down south, where clubs are bigger, and you get 50 cars and 80 folk showing up at meetings, there will always be someone who you can find with common interest.

I can talk American cars till the cows come home, but if there are only five cars at a meeting, even I can run out of things to say, whereas with 50, you can always find something interesting. I recently spent a very pleasant evening at the Preston cruise with a nice mix of cars and some great folk. Just enough to keep things interesting and fresh.

Princes St died when they closed off parking on Princes St, and, in truth, it was slowly dying after the night the motorcyclist was killed anyway. It was fun though, especially during the Tatoo and the fireworks, and even the bikers were cool. The big thing though was that it was well known as the place to cruise, hence it was always busy.

The Butlins shows were organised by the Ill-Eagles and one of the Irish clubs, weren't they ?

Your Pinto looks interesting. Was it originally a 2.3 and blue with wood trim ? That is the only Pinto I can really remember in Scotland from years back.

When you say it was timed at 13 dead, was this at a drag strip ? Back in the nineties, few folk, especially in Scotland, actually raced their cars on a proper drag strip (Crail doesn't count). I can remember going through to the Princes St cruise, leaving at 0100, driving overnight to Avon Park, racing all day, then coming back up the road on Sunday evening.

Oh to be young and indestructable again.

[exitwound]

Your Pinto looks interesting. Was it originally a 2.3 and blue with wood trim ? That is the only Pinto I can really remember in Scotland from years back.

When you say it was timed at 13 dead, was this at a drag strip ? Back in the nineties, few folk, especially in Scotland, actually raced their cars on a proper drag strip (Crail doesn't count). I can remember going through to the Princes St cruise, leaving at 0100, driving overnight to Avon Park, racing all day, then coming back up the road on Sunday evening.

Oh to be young and indestructable again.

The Pinto ran a Boss 302 (..acquired with the motor fitted from an ill-eagle back in 1996 inside was a collection of coloured NSRA rod run metal stickers down the ally shifter cover. I believe it originated from Essex) which I believe is a 302 with bigger valve 351 heads. The motor was way too heavy for the front end and it wouldn't stop or turn too well, but it did run well even with lots of wheelspin that I couldn't sort out. The (consistant) 13's were timed at Ayrshires only decent strip (Dundonald crossroads into Drybridge) which was used for many years for late night fun. I bet on a proper strip with real traction, and decent fuel etc, it would have been into the 12's. It was deep blue, but it had no interior apart from the dash and two Corbeau GT8 buckets. I chucked away as much as I could to save weight, The steel inside was just painted white. I sold it to a mate who spun and wrecked it (suprise! surprise!) and the bits were acquired for a Cobra kit car. :eek:

Once in my Consul Capri at Dundonald one night, the coppers turned up as were ready to go so I turn it off and pretended to be up for a jumpstart off the other guy! The copper freaked and said that's no way to be positioned for a jumpstart, and took the jump leads off me and showed us how it was done. Amazing, since we still had a guy with the torch and the obvious appearance of the standing cars side by side! They were good days and I've since had a few runs in the vette, but its nowhere near as fast or wild as what the Pinto was... :eek:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i183/exitwound308/1964Capri.jpg

The wee label under the pic says, 'Clandestine Racing Champion 1976)

As far as cruising goes, I'm not surprised the interest eventually wanes, ...its totally BORING!! :cool:

[Phase4]

I've done the racing thing too. Over 600 runs, never had the engine apart (except valve springs), fun times.

[McLOVIN]

[QUOTE=exitwound;1806]II turned out for, and parked up close to the same AACUK members, I went over said, hi, and was hit with the comment "..hey, why don't you just park over there with the other rods!"

I must admit, whoever made that comment, calling it a rod, obviously doesn't know his arse from his elbow! Better off, not getting involved with clowns like that!

From the various comments, it does seem that as soon as you try and call a get together of like-minded people, a CLUB, that's when the trouble starts.

Personally, I think the informal, everybody welcome, type meet, is the way to go up here.

[fandab3473]

Well I for one drive my car as much as possible just swapped my old 88 firebird for a 96 mustang(strange swap I know). Most of the people here would drive there cars every day if they could also.


I live 50 miles north of Aberdeen and have several members in our club driving there cars daily. Hi boyd not spotted you yet but heard of you floating about buckie.

[exitwound]

[QUOTE=exitwound;1806]II turned out for, and parked up close to the same AACUK members, I went over said, hi, and was hit with the comment "..hey, why don't you just park over there with the other rods!"

I must admit, whoever made that comment, calling it a rod, obviously doesn't know his arse from his elbow! Better off, not getting involved with clowns like that!
.


Oh, ..I don't know...

When I mentioned this to a mate years later, he said "..well it was a '72 Ford 5-window coop, wasn't it??" :rolleyes:

Not quite a real deuce, but it was a nice thought!! :D

Maybe I should have taken the guys advice! :)

[exitwound]

[QUOTE
Exitwound, we could compare mental scars -and come up with a plan?
[/QUOTE]

Ha, ..maybe!! Do we have a club counselling service?

..btw, ..I ADORE that truck of yours, I love my vette, but if I ever had to change it, it'd be for a fire engine red, '56, 'down in the weeds', F100 like that one... :worship:

..y'all take good care of that bad boy now, y'here!! :cool:

[Andy Dean]

Exitwound, we could compare mental scars -and come up with a plan?


Ha, ..maybe!! Do we have a club counselling service?

..btw, ..I ADORE that truck of yours, I love my vette, but if I ever had to change it, it'd be for a fire engine red, '56, 'down in the weeds', F100 like that one... :worship:

..y'all take good care of that bad boy now, y'here!! :cool:

Yeah, it's a beaut aint it? Was looking out for it last summer but i never bumped into Andrew last year :rolleyes:, maybe this summer!

[Kirsti]

I can't even remember what this thread is about anymore, it's got that long :p

But i can confirm that Andrew's truck is lovely!!

Oh, and turning up at a club for the first time............... I went to KFC all by myself one saturday night and asked the people in the corner if they were the guys with the nice cars. I almost ran out the door before i got that far, but once I'd said it and my face had gone beetroot, it was too late to run. When they didn't bite or start laughing hysterically at me, I realised that it wasn't so bad and scary as I had imagined it would be.

Two years later I've got an american car, lots of new friends and also a brilliant boyfriend :D

[McLOVIN]

[QUOTE=Kirsti;1824]I can't even remember what this thread is about anymore, it's got that long :p

Think it started with me and Alan (Bigmincey) squaring up about general apathy, especially here in the west, and if there was enough interest to do anything about it. :D

[Bigmincey]

[QUOTE=Kirsti;1824]I can't even remember what this thread is about anymore, it's got that long :p

Think it started with me and Alan (Bigmincey) squaring up about general apathy, especially here in the west, and if there was enough interest to do anything about it. :D

This is maybe up there as the longest thread in the forums history maybe ??

Deviated a wee bit from the start, but thats a good thing !:o
Maybe stick my neck out here, but I reckon this could be the year that faces are put to the names, hopefully !

I run my yank on a daily basis, but my mate only does his for 6 months, during the middle of the year, so as there will be folks like us both on the forum, it might be an idea if we toss some ideas around for a wee informal get-together ? New thread perhaps ?:p

Alan............

[quattrothedog]

the members aren't pleasant either !! :p

hmmm, see the club thing.

I had to do the "turn up and say hi" with the ill-eagles --and, to be honest, it wasn't pleasant. Not the members