Car show arrogance

[303 Mopar]

Being a participant or spectator at a show is one thing, but try being a judge.  That is at a whole new level.  We had a local annual show a couple weeks ago in the relatively small town of Parker, CO and I judged a couple of different classes.  There were no mirrors used, not checking VINs or engine stampings or DOT dates on tires or Gold standards.  Just the look of the paint, body, engine bay, interior and extra points for anything that stood out. 

Now I'm a social guy and can talk to just about anybody, and really enjoyed interacting with some of the owners to get the backstory on their car but some of the owners were bat-sh*t crazy.  They complained that I didn't spend enough time at their car that I didn't look at all the cool stuff on their car or I wasn't being impartial or whatever.  When it came time to hand out the plastic trophies I heard all kinds of negative comments for each car owner that won.

I would much rather meet up for coffee or lunch with some buddies and go for a cruise.  One of my favorite events is the Golden Supercruise that is held monthly in the summer.  You can cruise up and down South Golden Road and there are a bunch of people that come out and watch the cars go by, or you can just park and walk around. 

[318Stroker]

Good to know Im not the only one that has issues at car shows. I get a lot of: Its not a real R/T, it doesn't have the right hood. If you're going to clone it, do it right. Why didn't you do a 440 or hemi? Why are you hiding the fender tag.

I got tired of explaining that it is a factory flat hood R/T and if they knew how to read a VIN they could tell it is an R/T with the correct engine. I generally park and walk away. Let those who want to enjoy it do so, and those that want to be a$$ hats without anyone to comment to. Where I found this to be a problem is the hand prints. I came back one day to a mom standing next to her kid and he was climbing up the side of my car to see inside...shoes on the door like he was climbing a mountain. I was not happy 

Wow, never heard of a flat hood R/T myself. 70 or 71?  So what's the story on yours? Was the hood a delete option? I know you could get a non-R/T 340 with a flat hood. I'd love to hear the story on yours.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

I'm still bummed I missed that red 73 Challenger Alan found for sale.  Sent an email right away and the guy said someone was already on his way over with cash to buy it.

I don't care if the 72-74 E-Bodies don't get any love, I like them!  And someday I will join the 72-74 E-Body owner ranks.     Just can't give up my 70-71's for one.   

I think a 72-74 is a great candidate for a mild resto-mod....Think of that red Challenger, 100% stock looking on the outside, with YearOne 17" rims.....Open the hood to find a new 5.7 Hemi, 5 speed, aftermarket AC etc etc...I think it would be great!

That's how I look at my car, it still has ebody roots but is exactly the car I want.


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[1 Wild R/T]

I would much rather meet up for coffee or lunch with some buddies and go for a cruise.  One of my favorite events is the Golden Supercruise that is held monthly in the summer.  You can cruise up and down South Golden Road and there are a bunch of people that come out and watch the cars go by, or you can just park and walk around. 

I was in Golden back in 04 working at the Coors Facility caught the cruise, very nice show... Funny thing there was a second small show a couple miles away in the parking lot of a car dealer right along the 70, maybe near Miller or Independence Street....  Should have all packed up & went to Golden..  Also found a nice mid week cruise in the Morrison area....  Beautiful area around Golden...

[Sleepychallenger]

@303 Mopar I absolutely loved the Golden Supercruise. Just a good time. Some people really get tied up in the winning at shows. You, G and me all just kinda showed up and walked the show....I mean, me and G walked, you talked to every person available. 

[hawkfn18]

Some people are just tool sheds.  At a local Mopar car show here there was a guy with the 17 in rally wheels on a Challenger.  So I thought I'd ask him about fitment issues, rubbing, etc.  The guy was like "well if you can afford these wheels you won't worry about spending the money to get them to fit".  Total DB. 

[wldgtx]

Some people are just tool sheds.  At a local Mopar car show here there was a guy with the 17 in rally wheels on a Challenger.  So I thought I'd ask him about fitment issues, rubbing, etc.  The guy was like "well if you can afford these wheels you won't worry about spending the money to get them to fit".  Total DB.

I will never understand that kind of person.  First of all, they are not that expensive, and to make the point even more, no one gives a shit how much they cost.  It is even worse when you point it out like he did.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Some people are just tool sheds.  At a local Mopar car show here there was a guy with the 17 in rally wheels on a Challenger.  So I thought I'd ask him about fitment issues, rubbing, etc.  The guy was like "well if you can afford these wheels you won't worry about spending the money to get them to fit".  Total DB.

Lol, that's what, a $1,000 set of wheels?

That's about as cheap as 17s can get.


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[wldgtx]

Some people are just tool sheds.  At a local Mopar car show here there was a guy with the 17 in rally wheels on a Challenger.  So I thought I'd ask him about fitment issues, rubbing, etc.  The guy was like "well if you can afford these wheels you won't worry about spending the money to get them to fit".  Total DB.

Lol, that's what, a $1,000 set of wheels?

That's about as cheap as 17s can get.


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That was my thought exactly, throw on some expensive shoes and you may have another $1000. 

[ec_co]

this all brings to mind a sticker I saw on a classic up in Canada when I was a kid, this sticker always stood out in my mind and I'll probably get one (it would also make a great addition to the prize shop, lol)

[YellowThumper]

I truly see it as the difference between the one who did the work to get it done. Not necessarily all. Be it paint and body or the mechanicals. And the ones that just wrote the check. Not judging for either side. But if you build it there inherently becomes a deeper appreciation.

[wldgtx]

I truly see it as the difference between the one who did the work to get it done. Not necessarily all. Be it paint and body or the mechanicals. And the ones that just wrote the check. Not judging for either side. But if you build it there inherently becomes a deeper appreciation.

I was going to mention this but didn't.  I restored a Trans Am years ago and my son wanted to learn to paint a car so he was taught on that car.  Since we sprayed with BC/CC I was able to help him with understanding the importance of prep work and mistakes with the BC.   He struggled with the CC, but he also spent the time sanding and buffing to make it shine like a diamond.

He got ribbed for it a few times, but never let it bother him because he knew how much work went into making it look like it did.

[RUNCHARGER]

Not all "rich" guys are flakes. I know a few guys with very impressive collections that they mostly bought and they'll chat with anyone at a show and are as down to earth as anyone else. Some people are dick heads whether they are rich or poor.

[1 Wild R/T]

Not all "rich" guys are flakes. I know a few guys with very impressive collections that they mostly bought and they'll chat with anyone at a show and are as down to earth as anyone else. Some people are Richard Craniums whether they are rich or poor.

Fixed it for ya!! And I agree 100%

[YellowThumper]

Not all "rich" guys are flakes. I know a few guys with very impressive collections that they mostly bought and they'll chat with anyone at a show and are as down to earth as anyone else. Some people are dick heads whether they are rich or poor.

As I noted, I am not passing judgment based on check writing. (rich v/s poor). For all I know he could have been a brain surgeon. Whatever life's passion for success is fine. Point was only about what you do with your hands is always more deeply gratifying than the pen and paper.

I appreciate anyone who has an interest in this hobby.

Just like doctors with poor bedside manners, they have to get off their high horse some times. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.

I have an across the street neighbor. For 20 years they have only been casual observers of my car world as he is completely a non car guy. Recently his father passed away and he inherited a basket case 55 Thunderbird. Now all of the sudden he is interested in talking to me about the old cars which always led into talking about his. Gave him some advise on directions to go with it. He sent it out and had it restored and is taking it out all the time. BTW he did not take my advice had it restored to exacting original and is now complaining about how unsafe it is for steering and braking. Real car guy understands this and accepts it if you are going all original.
Glad he saved it and am equally glad he has some interest now for the hobby.

So now I get to listen all the time about how he restored it. I just smile and nod instead of being a dick...