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Brady McQueen (aka 1carguy) [ View ] [ bradymcqueen@comcast.net ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ] Pleasanton, California (925) 719-3200

At a recent show a friend asked a bunch of guys how many hot rod summers we had left...it got me thinking. Okay, most of us are in our late 40s and 50s, many in the low 60s, but not too many much over 70. Much after 70 and the ole body starts to give out and I heard at that age you don't give a sh_t much anyway. After going to an NSRA show this weekend, I realized that it's definitely an older crowd, most probably in their low to mid 60s. So if you are say 62, you've probably got maybe 5-8 hot rod summers left. When you think of it in terms of summers...that doesn't seem like much. So I guess what I'm saying is that you better start thinking about it in terms of "summers" left and you better get out their with your friends and hot rods every time you get a chance...and don't waste any Hot Rod summers..there might not be that many left. I didn't mention this to bum anyone out, I just thought it was a real reality check....in other words, you better start hitting the road!

Comments

Posted by tlp1968  -  10/08/2007 05:45 AM Brady, you are right, and it is depressing when you think of it in terms of summers left but then again you might be surprised how many a person gets. My in-laws are in their 70's and if they were so inclined they could easily hit the road for a wild tour of car shows and cruises without any concern for health issues. On the other hand I am attending the visitation tomorrow of a man who passed away in his 50's from disease. I think your wonderful message is to live your life to the fullest while you are still healthy enough to do so. And while you are at it don't miss the chance to spend your summer of 2008 with Al, Sandra, Eriq, Bridget, and yours truly in Springfield. This should not be my last summer but it sure will be a fun one!!! StreetRodding.com Marketing Director [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Springfield, Illinois Charter Member since August 2003   Posted by EZRodder  -  10/08/2007 01:45 PM Well, you did it. You did bum me out! EZRodder [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Bernville, Pennsylvannia   Posted by ThunderGrunt  -  10/08/2007 02:49 PM In 2001, my brother and I took a week and drove route 66 from Oklahoma to Bakersfield. CA This past spring, I suggested we do it again this year and attend the NHRA Hot Rod Reunion. He was hesitant and said "maybe NEXT year". I responded that at our age there may not be a next year. We're both in good health, but there are no guarantees to any of us - young or old. TOMORROW MORNING we're going to pound the Route 66 pavement to Bakersfield in his 36 Ford, pershaps for the last time. I'm 65 and he's 70. As we age, the Nike Ad "JUST DO IT" really has meaning! See ya in a week or so! Dale [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Jenks, Oklahoma Charter Member since December 2003   Posted by 31tudor  -  10/08/2007 03:34 PM Geez Brady, thanks for the big downer! At 36 I have a lot left... but who really knows? Can never predict what's going to happen! Have a great trip Dale! We want pictures of the drive! Eric Hibbs [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] St. George, Utah Charter Member since January 2002   Posted by tlp1968  -  10/08/2007 03:54 PM 36 you pup!! Yes you probably do have plenty of summers left to take care of us old folks....LOL Remember I am 6 years older than you so you have to listen to your elders! StreetRodding.com Marketing Director [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Springfield, Illinois Charter Member since August 2003   Posted by bigdude  -  10/08/2007 04:22 PM With any luck I'll have a few more summers,just hope their with out a car. I really want to get out of it-been tired of the same thing all the time. Dont get real enthused about spending 30$ in gas-then spending more for entry fee to have some butthead drool and touch my vehicle,after getting in for FREE! It dont make much sense to me! I might add that I dont think anybody is buying right now-had 1 responce to my ad being on 4 places! resident know it all [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Three Rivers, Michigan Charter Member since January 2004   Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  10/08/2007 04:54 PM aw come on big dude. it's about the cars. my first hot rod was my first car and every one since almost. i did not join the nsra until 1990 or so. not a member now. i would just rather drive a hot rod as anything coming out of the big three. when i was younger folks would have a show car they almost never drove or a hot rod they almost never showed. when they made a fad out of it i think they hurt it. then the restoration guys came into it with their restorods . get yourself a car that flutters your putter and drive the crap out of it. as for selling cars good luck. the nsra is dying off one rodder at a time. our state run is mostly folks in early 60's to late 70's. most are selling their cars now for one reason or another. sad but true. seems ever year we've lost a couple more. dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003   Posted by bigdude  -  10/08/2007 05:49 PM You know what--I seldom check out the cars unless its really different. Been there done that! And get real annoyed at these idiots that hang around and hi-5 each other at the awards, like most of them actually have built them. I need more prozac I guess-I just want to go off on them and usually leave before the awards. resident know it all [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Three Rivers, Michigan Charter Member since January 2004   Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  10/08/2007 06:10 PM dont feel alone. the whole bunch i go with leaves right before the back patting starts. we stick one of my cards over our entry number so they cant see it. i absolutely hate the awards thing unless it is clubs giving out one. i use to give a road warrior award away. but it was made by me out of a cedar root usually 4 ft or better. any time people vote it just means you had more friends there than the others. i've seen cars in the top 10 at our state run that were only there because of that. i know one that will try to make 2 shows a weekend and gets all upset if he does not get a plaque. dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003   Posted by 31tudor  -  10/08/2007 06:14 PM Yeah, been to too many car shows that are just popularity contests! Eric Hibbs [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] St. George, Utah Charter Member since January 2002   Posted by TxLumpy  -  10/08/2007 06:36 PM Hey Shine, I had to laugh when I read Ya'lls post. Bigdude I actually saw a bunch of guys hi 5 each other at the Goodguys show in Ft. Worth Sat. evening. Some pretty funny stuff. I. personally don't give a fat rats you know what about the awards......I go to have a good time and let me tell you...I generally have a good time. I left Ft. Worth sat evening at 5:00 P.M. when the show was over. I never go to any NSRA shows are Goodguys on Sun. to see who wins. I don't care who wins. It's like you say...the guy who wins is the guy who generally has the most friends present. I will be leaving next Fri. morning for the Boerne show.....it's one of my favorites. Ya'll have fun. Carl....... Carl M. Johnson [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Conroe, Texas   Posted by brian41chevy  -  10/08/2007 06:36 PM Bigdude pack up that truck and head to Quincy in two weeks. We're going to drive down 66 to Springfield and then turn right. C'mon see the country. There is a fine line between hobby and mental illness [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] New Lenox, Illinois Charter Member since November 2004   Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  10/08/2007 06:44 PM if i had a car i'd see you there lumpy. i always like boerne run. we went for about 10 years .i'm making a hard effort to get something built this winter. may be the 54 ford pu but i'll go anyway. dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003   Posted by tlp1968  -  10/08/2007 08:55 PM Hey Brian if you get to "Springpatch" in the morning and make a pit stop give me a call. I can run up and meet you if you have time. Quincy is a great show and I hope Sunday morning there are still cars around. StreetRodding.com Marketing Director [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Springfield, Illinois Charter Member since August 2003   Posted by brian41chevy  -  10/08/2007 08:59 PM Will do. And the actual show is Sunday so there are always a bunch of cars there, about 700. There is a fine line between hobby and mental illness [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] New Lenox, Illinois Charter Member since November 2004   Posted by tlp1968  -  10/08/2007 09:53 PM That is great news because Al was worried I would miss those folks heading back home. StreetRodding.com Marketing Director [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Springfield, Illinois Charter Member since August 2003   Posted by orphans2  -  10/08/2007 10:23 PM Damn Brady you sure know how to cheer up us geezers don't ya! Man, you talk about depressing discussions!! Geez, just as I was planning some major work to the cars, you come along and make feel like I am in the winter of my life and I need to move into the nearest rest haven. I may only have a few summers left in me, but damn I'm going to try to make the best of each of them. And when I'm ready to pass over to the other side, I'm going to jump in the 34 for that one last big ride. orphans2 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Stewartstown, Pennsylvannia Charter Member since November 2001   Posted by REBORN55  -  10/08/2007 11:09 PM Oh well-so much for building another car. Ken [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] De soto, Illinois   Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  10/08/2007 11:15 PM what better way to go than out in the garage doing what you love............................. well there is one other way but we wont go there. dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003   Posted by DavyJ  -  10/09/2007 12:13 AM C'mon its supposed to be a day of remembering the good things and giving thanks to those who make our lives fun................... To all the Canadians and all the rest Happy Thanksgiving! I know it is just Columbus Day" to most of you, but up here in the north country we got to eat turkey and relax today.Of course my cousins from NY, figured out that we have been going down there for years and all showed up to eat this weekend. Now i have to restock the fridge. oh well.. As for the number of summers left in us.........I wish all to have an endless quantity of time to play. Still driving the wife's car, cause I am slow. [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Niagara Falls, Canada Charter Member since February 2005   Posted by dixie  -  10/09/2007 01:30 AM Dam i don't know what to say ya'll about said it all ,guess i better cancel tampa. char.n.c. an springfield il just go out to the garage an lay down hell i'm to old to drive my wife foot all messed up operation,so what do i do now,darn Brady you make me feel awful. one old man just waiting down south. DIXIE jim grace [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dade city, Florida Charter Member since January 2006   Posted by 1carguy  -  10/09/2007 06:48 AM Jeeze...didn't mean to crap anyone out. "Years" seem so long but when you look at in "summers" it seems so short. I really only meant to build a fire under some of your butts to get out there and enjoy this wonderful hobby while you can. Hot rodding is one of the few hobbies that lets you re-live your youth without physically killing yourself, keeps you socially involved, and is still exciting at times. God bless if I live to 100, I know I'd still love to hear the sound of Flowmasters behind a pumped up small block. By counting your "Hot Rod Summers" maybe it might inspire more of us to get out there and enjoy ourselves more often. 1carguy [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Pleasanton, California   Posted by Crazyhorse Rod Shop  -  10/09/2007 01:27 PM i hear you brady. when we moved to the farm i built the shop and a small 1 room house to live in. i built a building pad up on the hill for the house. well the 1 room house is now a 1 bedroom with 1600 sq ft. no house on the hill yet and we've been here 10 years. anglet bought a place down here at the same time. we've both talked about how we need to get with it as we aint getting no younger. i was 46 when we moved here. at 56 i just dont have any time to spend " thinking about it "anymore. thats why i'm trying to get my car built. i closed my shop so i could have time to do my own. if we're going to do anything it we best get to it huh. dont poke the porchdog........he bites [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] BLUFF DALE, Texas Charter Member since March 2003   Posted by jimmothershead  -  10/09/2007 03:04 PM Hey, Brady.......we average 21 Rod Runs annually. I am 66, Rosina has been 39 for 20 plus years, he, he. Last time we counted, about 100 more summers !! Life is good...... Keep kroozen, Jim & Rosina Jim [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Huntingtown, Maryland   Posted by hotrodgene  -  10/10/2007 01:47 AM I am 72 and wife is 74 and we go to Knoxville each year for 17 years,always Tampa,Goodguys in Charlotte and on to West Va for vist with family.Each trip is in a streetrod.Both had the Cancer thing,and one major stroke but still doing what we love and hope to contiue for few more years.So don't let age stop you from what you enjoy. Gene Riffe [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Saint Petersburg, Florida   Posted by 32Canuck  -  10/10/2007 02:54 AM Summers? Has summer arrived yet?? Here it is almost six weeks to Christmas and your talking summers left. Ha, I'm pushing 69 this March and my wife won't let me sit down until I am 85. As long as there is a nocturnal erec---- every morning there are a lot of summers left :o) 32Canuck [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Victoria BC, Canada Charter Member since December 2006   Posted by Jaybird  -  10/10/2007 02:56 AM Brady. You hit the nail on the head actually. I've used that same argument to motivate many of my friends to finish their cars. You only have so much time...and if you are sitting there with a garage full of projects, year after year, it might be time to cashem in for one that is finished and driveable so you can enjoy them more. (unless your enjoyment comes from working on projects...then you are doing the right thing for yourself). Enjoy rodding while you can & get it all in. It can all change in a flash. Jaybird [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Cincinnati, Ohio Charter Member since December 2003   Posted by dixie  -  10/10/2007 03:24 AM HEY you ant no older than you act,so i want even tell you how old i am .but i hope i have a hell alot of em left,because my rides sure ant wore out yet. But dam brady the way you put it us old grey beards may as well throw it in,at least that the way you made it sound. let me tell you that you'll b there before you know it,so you better get out there an putt putt around,i live in florida so i do it all the tme year around anytme anywhere hammer down. An {old }man playing with hotrods in the deep south. {Dixie} jim grace [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] dade city, Florida Charter Member since January 2006   Posted by Rods & Customs by Leon  -  10/10/2007 03:35 AM I might be a little younger than most so I see it like Jim......I have quite a few left .... Life is good Baring any intervention beyond my control...... On average I get out to 5 or 6 events a year, But. I would love to do lots more. Hopefully when I finish my 55 I'll get to take the time off and travel the country for one full summer and make all of the major events in one season. Thats one thing I havn't had the chance to do yet. Iv'e never been one to be out for awards, but it would be nice to make one good trip to all the major events and see what kind of awards I could collect if I tried.....Oh yea....without a trailer!! Rods & Customs by Leon [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Highlands, Texas Charter Member since May 2004   Posted by RiverRat  -  10/10/2007 04:46 AM Right Brady. Ya never know. The wife and I are in our 60's and are on the road just about every weekend in the Summer going to a show or cruising and working on the project thru the week. Making the most of it while we still can. We make a couple of major shows, but local shows mainly. RiverRat [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Leadwood, Missouri   Posted by TYCHOOCHOO  -  10/10/2007 01:42 PM I just got started, and now you tell me it's almost over. Geeeee thanks. Tommy choo choo [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] MT. SINAI, New York Charter Member since June 2007   Posted by PurpleFlameGuy  -  10/10/2007 06:05 PM Guys and Gals Remember " Aging is mandatory, But Matureing is optional" Let's drive em. Hey, Everyone needs to keep going. We all know it's the cars and our hot rod friends that keep us young. Den DRIVE'EM!!!!!!!!!! [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Boyertown, Pennsylvannia Charter Member since April 2001   Posted by hotrod_man_2000  -  10/10/2007 07:39 PM I found this very interesting. A couple of years ago, I had a series of heart attacks while under my Corvair coupe. A couple of weeks ago, I decided that maybe I should treat myself to a hot rod because : 1. The corvair is not a hotrod 2. because I have never had a rod. So the 26 T you see here is now sitting where the Corvair used to sit. Big difference is the T drives...maybe 5 or 6 more hot rod summers......what a bummer hotrod_man_2000 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Parkville, Maryland   Posted by bigdude  -  10/10/2007 07:50 PM awesome ride! resident know it all [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Three Rivers, Michigan Charter Member since January 2004   Posted by 31tudor  -  10/10/2007 07:51 PM Cool hot rod man! Welcome to the site! Brady, this has turned out to be a great thread! I'm guessing Don (da34guy) showed you his tape measure trick??? Eric Hibbs [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] St. George, Utah Charter Member since January 2002   Posted by 32Canuck  -  10/10/2007 08:51 PM Hey Hotrodman I think my friend in WA State would argue the point about the Corvair but we all have to remember that life is not a dress rehersal.........what we put into it is what we get out of it. Your new ride looks awsome and I hope you enjoy driving it as much as I did looking at it. 31Tudor how is the house move going ? We have 5 more days to go and we are gone. 32Canuck [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Victoria BC, Canada Charter Member since December 2006   Posted by 29robert  -  10/11/2007 12:48 AM What Brady failed to mention is that he lives in California and summer is about 11 months long. I think we are all trying to live our dream by being a part of the hot rod community. How many folks only wish they could do what we're doin, but never stop long enough to actually participate. I hear it all the time at cruise nights "I'd like to have a hot rod, but don't have the time". Too bad for them! Eric - Don did the tape measure thing with me a while back and that's part of the reason you're seein more progress on my Tudor. Speaking of enjoying your time. I had dinner with Don last night and he helped me get my frame to the powder coater's today. He just left to pick up his newest roadster from Mangus. Can you believe he brought that car to Ron yesterday morning and it's finished this afternoon. Oh, by the way, I helped Don load two more chassis into his truck today. Now that guy isn't wasting any of his time. As somebody here says "Fun with hot rods" 29robert [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] La Verne, California Charter Member since November 2004   Posted by hotrod37  -  10/11/2007 10:18 PM I felt bad when I first read this thread. But after a few of you answered and gave your ages, I don't fell so bad. I just turned 60. I built my flathead roadster in 1972 and I have had my coupe for about 25, I think I still have a few summers left! And I am driving it somewhere this weekend! Hope you all are out on the Street in your this weekend! Strert is neat and fun with hot rods, hotrod37 hotrod37 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Morgantown, Indiana   Posted by 31tudor  -  10/11/2007 11:03 PM Gerry, we're in the process of moving. Need to be out of the old house and have it cleaned by Sunday night. And here I sit at work.... GRRR! Yep Robert, ol' Don is going to need to stop and take a breath sometime! I've said if before, he's old enough to be my dad but could work circles around me, and I NEVER EVER STOP! Just wish I could NEVER EVER STOP working on the cars and get my A-bone on the road!!! Eric Hibbs [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] St. George, Utah Charter Member since January 2002   Posted by orphans2  -  10/11/2007 11:59 PM Brady, off the subject of endless summers coming to an end, I just saw your previous ride in the NSRA 2007 Yearbook (page 118) that I got in Tampa. Didn't see it in the one I got in York in May. First time seeing your car in a large photo, man really looked good when not an avatar. Classy car, had to be hard to part with. Also found a terrific photo of Steve Sellers 40 Ford on page 84, another great looking flamed beauty. As for the number of summers left, every one should be concern regardless if you are 70 or 36. Anyone's summers (and life) can come to a sudden and abrupt end. So regardless of how many you think you have left, go about enjoying them all as if they will be your last. orphans2 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ]