Old Coots

[fantasygoat]

I've had my car "finished" (ie. drivable) for about a month now and I've been to a few of the local cruise nights.

The problem is, I can't stand a lot of the people at these nights. A good example was this past Monday - I was standing by my car and two dour-looking older guys wander up and start eyeballing my car with frowns on their faces, but I try to be friendly and say hello.

Without even responding, one of them asks if I'd done work on the quarters. The other one starts rambling on about the "Cleveland" engine I have in my car. Clevelands weren't available in '69 in Torinos and I say as much, and the guy frowns even more and tells me I'm wrong.

This is a typical story for these cruise nights - horrible 50's music blaring at full volume and cranky, sour old men who feel the need to put down your car or find some way to one up you, while looking down their nose at you as though you couldn't possibly know as much as them about your own car.

Don't get me wrong, there are tons of nice people at them, but it's these old coots who really put me off trying to make new friends in the car hobby.

Why do they even go to these things?

[bigvegan]

Try an autocross. The way the classes are set up, your car may not be remotely competitive, but you'll have a heck of a lot of fun, with some really fun people, and EVERYBODY likes to see the old cars hustle around the cones.

"Why do they even go to these things?"

Try asking them. "Hey pops, do you really think you know more about the car I just spent several months rebuilding than I do? Really?"

[69TAPoser]

This is a typical story for these cruise nights - horrible 50's music blaring at full volume and cranky, sour old men who feel the need to put down your car or find some way to one up you, while looking down their nose at you as though you couldn't possibly know as much as them about your own car.


Unfortunately, that is almost identical to many experiences that I have had here in MA and NH. And it is definitely time to mix-up the music selection a bit.

Phil

[jpdeuce]

You'll get that everywhere from both young and old. Just try to be nice and walk away. Thats what I try to do.

[Kenova]

And it is definitely time to mix-up the music selection a bit.

Phil
And a big "AMEN BROTHER" to that. Most of the people that listened to that crap while cruising have one foot in the grave.
Give me some Bob Seager, Golden Earring, Nazareth, Steve Miller Band, Alman Brothers, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac ........... and the list goes on.
But PLEASE! NO MORE BO DIDDLY CRAP!!!!

Ken

[megaladon6]

Bob Seager, Golden Earring, Nazareth, Steve Miller Band, Alman Brothers, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac
what was that about one foot in the grave? lol
seriously though, how much you wanna bet that the old coots didn't even do their own work?

[CHRIS67]

I had a few old "purists" tell me that I ruined my car after converting my 4 wheel drums to discs. I told them to remind me of that when they can't stop and total their cars.

My car with my direction I want to take it in. If you don't like it then move along and don't say anything or be ready if you do. :enguard:

[hdesign]

I hadn't been to a cruise night in years but since I bought the Camaro, I was really looking forward to it this summer. I got turned off pretty quickly by some of the know-it-alls and the people that just want to prove to their g.friend or buddy how keen of an eye they have to pick a car apart or notice something "not-stock" if they're a purist. The other thing is the 4 year olds banging their matchbox cars on the fender and the parents ignoring it.

As for the music, not that I want them to be blaring Godsmack but seriously the DooWop stuff gets pretty old when you're trying to talk to someone 3 feet away.

[Happyfunballs]

Hey FG, were you at the Mapleview Mall in Burlington last night?

[fantasygoat]

Hey FG, were you at the Mapleview Mall in Burlington last night?

No, is there a Wednesday night cruise there? Bit of a drive for me from downtown Toronto though.

I was in Thornhill on Monday night. Might check out the 400/7 cruise tomorrow night - give those old coots one more try!

I think I could tolerate the grumps if it wasn't for the do-wop!

[Kenova]

what was that about one foot in the grave? lol

LOL. I have a few years left in me yet. Really though, it's just simple math. I figure most of us have done the vast majority of our cruising during our late teens and early twenties. That would mean some one listening to the DooWopidy Doo during the late fifties would be in their late sixties or early seventies. Doesn't exactly sound like the typical cruiz night crowd, does it ?
To be perfectly honest, the music from every generation has produced some worthy road tunes.
For the record, I'm about to hit the double nickle. Older than I like, but not REALLY old.


Ken

[minendrews68]

LOL. I have a few years left in me yet. Really though, it's just simple math. I figure most of us have done the vast majority of our cruising during our late teens and early twenties. That would mean some one listening to the DooWopidy Doo during the late fifties would be in their late sixties or early seventies. Doesn't exactly sound like the typical cruiz night crowd, does it ?
To be perfectly honest, the music from every generation has produced some worthy road tunes.
For the record, I'm about to hit the double nickle. Older than I like, but not REALLY old.


Ken

I agree, these "young whippersnappers" ain't all that they're put up to be.......JK guys. Yeah I'm 57, I still like my cars, even my kids 22 yrs and 13 yrs can't wait until I get the Camaro done. I don't go to car shows to prove how smart I was and how dumb your car looks. I still like rock music Def Leppard is still my favorite! I usually go to car shows or get togethers to learn not to criticize, so give some of us other guys a break here..lol. Besides we were young once, any you'll be old some day.:)
Carl

[dogtag]

Hey,,,,, I resemble that!

But that's OK. I don't mind being old and I know what you mean about folks judging your car.
I've got a chev engine, transmission, and a Ford suspension. Caddie seats and Mopar stearing in my 56 Olds.
Also have aftermarket Wilwood Brakes, Vintage air and cruise control.

Yeah, it's a Frankinstine but I don't care. I love it.
I took it to an Olds only show and experienced the same thing.
I just ignored the comments and enjoyed the hot dogs and music.

I can appreciate the music issue though. I have difficulty with anything after 68 but I keep it to myself.

What I can't deal with is volume so loud it gives you a nose bleed when you walk by the speakers.

Last year my buddy Red and I went to a show and stopped to talk to a guy with a really nice Stude.

He was busy talking to some other folks so while we were waiting we started talking to this Kid who says, "Yeah, me and Grandpops drove up here together in the Stude. It was a blast and don't tell anyone but when he dies, I get the car".
Kid says he's pretty old and could go anytime.
My buddy Red asks, "Well, how old is Grandpops, anyway".

Kid says, " Pretty damn old, like 60 or somthin'.

DT

[Bow Tie 67]

I had a man on the power tour make a comment on my dented quarter panel. I told him I think I have a good chance of saving it. So he quips even a good bodyman will have problems with that. ( granted he was correct ) I told him I will try anything at least once. " In fact if you let me try brain surgury on you, I'll give it a shot. " He quietly walked away.

[BA.]

that's f'n funny Matt. :)

[dogtag]

Dead on, Bro!

[dadto2jays]

I agree with you about the loud 50's music. As far as what people think or say about my rides I wipe my butt with it because chances are that they do not own a classic vehicle and only wish they did some people's satisfaction comes from putting others down.

[The Stickman]

Try an autocross. The way the classes are set up, your car may not be remotely competitive, but you'll have a heck of a lot of fun, with some really fun people, and EVERYBODY likes to see the old cars hustle around the cones.

"Why do they even go to these things?"

Try asking them. "Hey pops, do you really think you know more about the car I just spent several months rebuilding than I do? Really?"


Yea but I had a similar experience to the one he noted at an AutoX. It was a big event and there was a Hoosier dealer there selling tires. I went up knowing I needed to step up and buy real rubber as I was running street tires. What does this guy tell me. I'm running the wrong car. At the time I was running an S-10. A truck that eventually took the ESP championship in my region. But this guy who is supposed to be there to sell tires and service his customers decides to pass judgement on what I drove. Needless to say he nor anyother Hoosier dealer will get my business.

[MonzaRacer]

What I like is when the local "fast" car owner starts runin g his mouth about his eight hunnert horsepower 350 with camel hump heads and a Quadrajet.
Oh and it would pull the wheels every shift.
I may only be 41 but dang it I have built 800hp engines and unless its all aftermarket and seriously built or pressurized or squeezed YOU AINT gonna make no 800hp on a sbc 355 or stock block 406.
Heck my buddy built a 380 in drag engine, bowtie CNCblock, 3 5/8 stroker, 18 deg heads, 14+ compression, and imperial rollercam bearings and it made 781 on dyno and takes his Pro Gas Monza run low 5.20s or better in 1/8th. His Deuce Nova has a 383 whith port NOS that made 761 on DYNO squeezin and wont turn it on on street.
Or the guy that maxed the DBL meter over 200 with big lots parts.

I am a Master Machinist and Master Tech, worked in machine shop, ported heads, built trannys, and so much more.
Its insane if you cant translate their BS from actual truth.
Local cruise in is mostly older stuff but newer car/trucks are welcome, and some of older guys even want me to bring up Monza asap.

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

well to honest its alil more sticky for me here in GA.. many of the folks around here look at me like i dont deserve to have a car like my Camaro.. let alone 2 of them... or a 69 gto.. etc..

i guess thats just life.. it dont really bother me though.. just kinda funny when i get they get all tight.

and thats why im on here, folks arent on that nonsense on here and we all get along because of common interests.

[Bow Tie 67]

well to honest its alil more sticky for me here in GA.. many of the folks around here look at me like i dont deserve to have a car like my Camaro.. let alone 2 of them... or a 69 gto.. etc..

i guess thats just life.. it dont really bother me though.. just kinda funny when i get they get all tight.

and thats why im on here, folks arent on that nonsense on here and we all get along because of common interests.


Right on bro, will you be at RTTH this year?

[minendrews68]

What I like is when the local "fast" car owner starts runin g his mouth about his eight hunnert horsepower 350 with camel hump heads and a Quadrajet.
Oh and it would pull the wheels every shift.
I may only be 41 but dang it I have built 800hp engines and unless its all aftermarket and seriously built or pressurized or squeezed YOU AINT gonna make no 800hp on a sbc 355 or stock block 406.
Heck my buddy built a 380 in drag engine, bowtie CNCblock, 3 5/8 stroker, 18 deg heads, 14+ compression, and imperial rollercam bearings and it made 781 on dyno and takes his Pro Gas Monza run low 5.20s or better in 1/8th. His Deuce Nova has a 383 whith port NOS that made 761 on DYNO squeezin and wont turn it on on street.
Or the guy that maxed the DBL meter over 200 with big lots parts.

I am a Master Machinist and Master Tech, worked in machine shop, ported heads, built trannys, and so much more.
Its insane if you cant translate their BS from actual truth.
Local cruise in is mostly older stuff but newer car/trucks are welcome, and some of older guys even want me to bring up Monza asap.

Yeah, ain't it the truth. What's really funny is that some of these people believe everything they read. " if you use my header bolts you'll gain 75 HP" the next one may read " strap on this new knipshin pin and double your horsepower" Well after you've bought all this crap your pumping out nearly 900 HP from your stock 327, quadrajet, with a powerglide and 3.33 gears. It's really funny.

[shortrack]

Yeah, ain't it the truth. What's really funny is that some of these people believe everything they read. " if you use my header bolts you'll gain 75 HP" the next one may read " strap on this new knipshin pin and double your horsepower" Well after you've bought all this crap your pumping out nearly 900 HP from your stock 327, quadrajet, with a powerglide and 3.33 gears. It's really funny.

Unfortunately its really just a GUY thing......guys.
it doesn't matter what you do but as long as its a predominantly male sport your going to have some a - holes who have never learned 'if you got nothing good to say, say nothing at all'.

muscle cars are no exception.....I ran Super bikes at a National level for years and you want to talk about a bunch of spoiled arrogant d-heads (not all of them but plenty)......I'm into offshore powerboats......no shortage there either, probably the least amount .......slot cars......same......some of these guys I swear literally think they're in the Daytona 500 the way they carry on.....

In my experiece the amount of muscle car a holes is sadly right up there near the top of the list with anything Ive ever done though

ya gotta take it with a grain of salt unfortunately...

[Pro Stock]

I'm an old fart that lost his mind back in the 60s, the only reason That I went cruisin Van Nuys Blvd then in my 12 second 65 Falcon Ranchero while listening to Zepplin was because I was looking for races. The next car that I owned in 70 was a 68Z that would probably be considered one of the first early Pro Touring Machines, it was dropped 2" front and rear, Bilsteen shocks, Halibrand true magnisium wheels and Goodyear racing tires that where aqquired from Jim Hall Racing, it ran 11 teens on 10" Gooyear slicks. My taste in music progressed to the sounds of the Eagles, Pat Benatar, Devo,more Zepplin. Then in the later 70s I turned the Camaro into a full blown NHRA D/Modified Production car with a Boss 302 Ford engine for power (Remember the brain damage ?) after blowing up the engine on the first burn out and starting a family, the funds didn't exist for my toys any longer. Long story short "HA", I'm just now getting back at it, a 68Z (again !) but this time more $ to do it right, I know that it would be better off keeping it correct from the stand point of value but my wife and I want the car to be fun and not just a trailer queen, I am now 59 and my taste in music has changed every decade but I still hate DoWop. I guess my point is that not all of us old guys are stuck in the 60s

-Dale


`

[shortrack]

and when you look around the organisers of these cruz ins are almost always guys of do-wop vintage(around here at least)......so I guess if you put on your own show you could play your music.....

[cheapta]

DogTag-that Olds is GAWGEOUS!!! I agree about the ear-bleeding do-wop crap. Give it a rest. I was born in the fifties,my music is 70s-80s classic rock.I usually just ignore the idiots that have to impress everybody within earshot about their knowledge of....whatever. I've found that most of these a-holes don't even have a car at the cruise! I had a guy ask me many years ago about the 350 in my (real) 69 Z/28. I told him it wasn't the original motor and he said "But is it number-matching?" I just walked away. What else am I gonna do-get in an argument with a total stranger and ruin my night? Nah.

[Scott Parkhurst]

What else am I gonna do-get in an argument with a total stranger and ruin my night? Nah.


That's me- right there. Just don't care that much what someone else says. I know what I'm talking about. That's all that really matters.

Oh- and I don't mind do-wop, but how about some [I]different[I] do wop? Why the same 30 songs? Maybe dig a little deeper Mr. DJ?

[dogtag]

Perhaps this might help.
I've been doing the DJ bit for a few years and have a listing of what's in my collection.
Perhaps you can do a Google on most of them.
If you went to school in the 60's I'll bet you know 80 percent of them or better.

Dogtag

[formula]

I always get the "tell your daddy he's got a nice car" at cruise-ins. I just respond with "yeah, tell yours the same".:machine:

[dogtag]

Last year my buddy Red and I went to a show and stopped to look at an old Stude.
It was perfect.
I wanted to talk to the guy but his kid kept chatting us up since the old guy was talking to
someone else.
Kid says, "Yeah, me and Grandpops drove up this morning to the show and we really had a fun time
on the trip"....Kid goes on to say, "Don't tell anybody but when Grandpops croaks, I get the Stude and
since he's an old guy it could be anytime".

Red says, "no kidding!! And how old is your Grandpops".
Kid says, "Oh, pretty old, 60 or somethin'."
We look at each other and start laughing. Then I stopped and wonder what I'm laughing at since im
66 and so is Red.

Guess I better have fun while I still can.

DT

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

that right there is facked up man... ida busted the kids ass and said..

"Hey pops.. kiddo said when you croak that the stude would be his..and thats any day now.."



Right on bro, will you be at RTTH this year?

nah ill prolly miss it.. Its hustle time here in ATL.. alot of work i have to do.

[rebelgtp]

Heck I'm glad that I have never had an experience like that at any of the shows I have gone to. Though normally I know several people at the shows or the people that built the cars.

I remember back when I was 18 I was the youngest member of the local PCA chapter. Every year we had our cars at the Zupan's (Now Baxters) Historic Races in Portland. We were part of the concourse and everyone had a blast and included me in things. I even lead our group on the parade lap, and a second at speed lap we took because the BMW club had not cleared off the track totally yet lol. Though with that I had also driven most of their cars and knew more about them then some because I worked at a local Porsche shop at the time.

I just took photos at a local street show the other weekend and everyone was real nice and loved BSing about cars. Heck one guy had an old '31 4 door cut down to a 2 door, still had bullet holes in it from when he pulled it out of the rock quarry. Built the whole thing in his garage.

[Toadman]

Sounds like a nationwide epidemic! The fact that I was disappointed with the local cruise nights is the reason that I got into pro-touring. When you break it down, the cruise nights here in NW Indiana/NE Illinois are basically sitting in a lawn chair in some fast food joint's parking lot (Doo Wop music included, no charge.). Truly boring!! I want to DRIVE my car!

Anyone get the pro-street guys that trailer their cars to the lot across the street then drive it the last 200 feet to the "cruise" night?? WTF??

[79-TA]

I'm really not understanding the arbitrary hatred of 50's music . . . as a side note, some research would reveal that a lot of that is probably from the 60's, though I cannot know for sure what they play in your neck of the woods.

However, most weekly cruises do need to mix up their playlists more.


One thing that I find irritating and almost impossible to ignore is when you hear someone else's conversation and they're information is dead wrong. This happens most often with a non-car guy trying to show off to his girlfriend. When asked a question that the boyfriend doesn't know the answer to, the trying-to-look smart boyfriend will just wing it. About 1/8 times the guy will say something so off that I'll offer a brief correction (while trying to keep it polite as to not come off as a smug jerk) and nothing more, ie, "That would be a '69 Camaro" after the guy told his gf it was a Cougar . . .

Or the worst example I have is when a guy mistook a Shelby Daytona Coupe replica for a Nissan 280Z and began to tell his buddies about how some friend of his had one back in the day.



The biggest problem with cruise nights is that they don't even involve much cruising, just sitting. Still, I check the local weekly one out a few times a years.

[PT Sportwagon]

Well I have gotten used to the comments at cruise nights. When I had my 70 GS Stage1 I would bearly get any looks and the negative comments too.
It really got worse when I was showing my 90 Aerostar van. it was for the most part stock but I had quite a bit of hi end audio installed, mostly hidden when I wanted it. people wouldn't even give it the time of day.

I however did love walking around car shows while holding my middle son upside down by one leg. people thought I was crazy, he on the other hand loved it, he would have a big grin on his face. unfortunately it was a long time ago. he is now 14 and almost as tall as me.

Tim

[MIGOAT]

well to honest its alil more sticky for me here in GA.. many of the folks around here look at me like i dont deserve to have a car like my Camaro.. let alone 2 of them... or a 69 gto.. etc..

.

Yeah I get the same thing sometimes when I have a 65 and a 69 GTO, Esp. when they see the drip rails cut, no door handles , satin black paint, black wheels. Oh well I live a little I don't do things to my car for value or for their approval. I drive mine and I love my "Ely"
You never know when your gonna go.

The biggest problem with cruise nights is that they don't even involve much cruising, just sitting. 79 TA Amen man.

[COMP]

I had a man on the power tour make a comment on my dented quarter panel. I told him I think I have a good chance of saving it. So he quips even a good bodyman will have problems with that. ( granted he was correct ) I told him I will try anything at least once. " In fact if you let me try brain surgury on you, I'll give it a shot. " He quietly walked away.
good one

[twosaturns]

I don't go to shows/cruises anymore. tired of seeing the same old chrap; chrome moroso valve covers, 14" cragars, front drum brakes. and how many chevys do we need w/ 'heartbeat of America' pinstriped on them?

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

Yeah I get the same thing sometimes when I have a 65 and a 69 GTO, Esp. when they see the drip rails cut, no door handles , satin black paint, black wheels.


Id like to see that!!

got any pics?

but yea.. theres this donut shop near my home that all the "old coots" meet up for breakfast here on sunday mornings in their cars.. nothing really special.. probably the most special ive seen up there is maybe a 69 camaro prostreeted in yellow.. and a 79 camaro with a blower..

I came up there with my 69 GTO and came up to the group of them "Hey guys!.. how often a month do you meet up here?"

and i got..

"..................."

and god bless the guy who just happen to come up there with his son just getting a donut and didnt have a car..

"hey i think they meet up here every first Sunday of the month.."

ah!... thanks alot for the info... i said.

so i came up there again.. hoping that it would be a little different vibe the next time.. i came up to the guy with the 79 Camaro. Skinny golf clubbed legged decrepit monkey skeleton of a man..

"Hey man.. very nice car!.. what all did you do to the motor?" looking at the blower and such..

"Its just a regular ol 350... snickers.."

"ah.. thats wonderful..." i said..
and i was going to ask him after he said that..
Do you have a job working as the main character for the movie "Night before Christmas" in the evenings?

damn.. i wasnt asking to race, or does it have NAWS! or anything like that.. just admiring and inquiring.

then i show up there with a camaro..


that was the end after that... you could really tell that they didnt like the fact i was there and even more that i had something they felt i shouldnt possess.

i guess thats how it goes.. i still laugh at them when i pass by time to time..

I think its mainly because of their super ripped abs hanging over their belts and jean shorts.. plus the stained white hanes tshirts..

ahhah!

[BonzoHansen]

Were these the 2 old coots?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

lol

I don’t do the local cruise nights that often. A few times a year, maybe, basically if I have time. A few monthly ones I try to make time for but they are easily bumped. We try to go to ones a good ride away (an hour+) just to have a destination to drive to, plus see some different cars. Most people don’t care too much about a 77 Z28, but whatever. She’s no show winner but she’s still better than half the crap I see, and I drive it. Chips, bugs and all.


Old guys are funny. Sometimes they are very nice, sometimes they are as standoffish as described here. Too bad, that turns off the young guys. Then the old guys complain the young guys are not into 'hot rods'. :rolleyes:

[mc84_zz4]

I'd rather have 1 set of music playing whatever, rahter than have everybody on their own; blasting their own tunes and/or boomboxes all over the place.
About the volume? they're probably got hearing loss, and to them it isn't that loud.
HEY! I resemble that remark...lol