[b-man]

There are multiple shows, cruise ins, beach cruises and cars & coffee events here in So Cal every weekend, even during the winter months.

You gotta live where the action is, out in the middle of nowhere you’re not going to find many like minded car people unfortunately.

[Formulajones]

Yeah we are packed full of events year round here. No such thing as winter projects.
They have weekly events at least 2-3 days a week here, several cars and coffee, and every weekend there are at least a dozen different cruises on Friday and Saturday nights to choose from. More than I can count scattered around the Phoenix area. Some of them actually have a "Pontiac" night if you can believe that, lol. They are all free, just hang out with friends and enjoy, pick your flavor.

[59safaricat]

Originally Posted by 82-T/A

We are also more busy today, and our lives are filled with so much more stress and unnecessary "stuff."

I have a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX, which... I realize is not really a classic. But I inherited it from my Grandfather back in 2004 when he passed away, and I just keep it in the garage. Sometimes, I'll go ~6 months without even starting it. On a rare occasion, I might take it for a drive. I hadn't driven it in almost 2 years, and took it for a spin to dinner and a movie with the family, and by the time I was on the way home, the rear-right caliper seized, haha. It has only 40k some odd miles on it, and looks pristine, but again... I just never have time to drive it.

Those are quickly receiving lots of attention since it's hard to find a rear wheel drive sedan with a V8 in good condition anymore. It's already becoming a desirable classic.

[burd]

Those were good Cabs.

[goat69SD]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

But you're in Black Hills, South Dakota.......is there even anything up there???

Correct me if I'm wrong but I can't imagine that area being a car mecca....

Well your very wrong lol there are several hot rod shops in the area as well as the hot rod institute which is a very good school. A large assortment of cars and clubs. Check out Kool Deadwood Nights show in Deadwood , S.D. But if you don't know the people your not treated like you belong. Not like old days where gear heads just loved to talk cars. I think most cars I see here are those 100K cars that were done by pros and the people didn't build them like we do. I too may be wrong but it just don't seem the same as in the day. I used to live in Cody WY. and we would get with the Billings MT. Clubs and go 100's of miles to shows. Party and just have the best of times. But as was said in the beginning of the post so many old friends are gone now and the younger generation don't hang with the old guys.

[goat69SD]

Originally Posted by goat69SD

Well your very wrong lol there are several hot rod shops in the area as well as the hot rod institute which is a very good school. A large assortment of cars and clubs. But if you don't know the people your not treated like you belong. Not like old days where gear heads just loved to talk cars. I think most cars I see here are those 100K cars that were done by pros and the people didn't build them like we do. I too may be wrong but it just don't seem the same as in the day. I used to live in Cody WY. and we would get with the Billings MT. Clubs and go 100's of miles to shows. Party and just have the best of times. But as was said in the beginning of the post so many old friends are gone now and the younger generation don't hang with the old guys.

Here was a night at the local drive-in . I drove my Superbird in and not one person even came over. They all hung together. If you said hey to anyone they just looked at you lol.
Anyways it's all good just different. I do try to take the cars out at least once. Just don't always get it done.

[Formulajones]

Wow that's a really light turnout, and odd people wont associate?? Is that generally an unfriendly town? I don't know if I could get excited enough to bother attending if only a handful of people.

I'm familiar with Deadwood nights, a popular tourist attraction spot that brings in people from all over. Great for a car event. It's something I'd like to do sometime if for nothing else but to take in the sights. Unfortunately a once a year event.

It really does sound like an area thing.
You mention you used to do cruises with groups and clubs. That's still done here very frequently. But we are in the proximity of many car related things like Route 66, Barrett Jackson and several other car auctions, Goodguys comes here twice a year, there are more car building hot rod shops than I can count in Arizona. We do a Route 66 cruise twice a year that goes as far as you care to drive. They usually go to the end in California, I've went as far as Oatman. Good times. Different clubs get together at least a couple times a month to drive the twisty mountain roads around here. Most of this is also weather related, as Arizona is pretty much year round driving weather and very rich in the car culture.

Just as an example, here's a typical Arizona cruise at the Pavilions. Happens every Saturday night all year. I attend this one usually once a month or when I have time. 220 mile round trip for me but worth it. On a busy night like auction weekends or Goodguys several hundred cars are not unusual. On a casual Saturday night 200 cars isn't unheard of. This is while there are about at least 15 or 20 other cruises around the Phoenix area going on every Saturday night at the same time. Take your pick. 4 million people live in and around the Phoenix metro area so you can imagine.... I enjoy the cars and the people. Of course you have clicks about anywhere you go, and this cruise has it's fair share. I'm there to enjoy myself with friends and family. I will say 99% of the people there are more than friendly and easy to talk to.

https://youtu.be/fHRqsn5Vidk

[kingbuzzo]

whoa that bird would get some attention around these parts...rare

SD is so nice...only went there once for the Bandit Run but I would like to go back someday

Lost a muff in AZ eons ago...pretty far but interesting

[71GP76TA]

Originally Posted by goat69SD

Here was a night at the local drive-in . I drove my Superbird in and not one person even came over. They all hung together. If you said hey to anyone they just looked at you lol.
Anyways it's all good just different.

Its like that around here. People are weird and clique.

[Formulajones]

LOL

[fyrffytr1]

With the wife's help the car is ready for the Saturday show. I might enjoy this one a little more because, in addition to the show, there will be a swap meet, vendors and entertainment. I will take my car tomorrow and put it inside the building. I wish some of you were close enough to attend. I would enjoy meeting you.

[goat69SD]

Originally Posted by fyrffytr1

With the wife's help the car is ready for the Saturday show. I might enjoy this one a little more because, in addition to the show, there will be a swap meet, vendors and entertainment. I will take my car tomorrow and put it inside the building. I wish some of you were close enough to attend. I would enjoy meeting you.

Well good luck God Bless and hope you have a great time.

[fyrffytr1]

I took my car to the show today and put it inside with some very nice automobiles. If my paint job was in better shape I think I could compete with almost all of them. But, there were already a couple there that stand out among the best. Here are some pictures of our local talent.

[fyrffytr1]

Some more. There will be a lot more cars here tomorrow.

[MUSLCAH]

Cruise nights for me....I could care less about sitting by my car at a car show . My 67 GTO is my Dailey driver from May- till First week of Nov. when the Suns out.

[Greg Reid]

Phil, your car looks great!

[fyrffytr1]

Thanks Greg. I actually enjoyed the day because a lot of people stopped to ask me about my car. I even had one guy promise me a rebuilt 65 GTO posi-traction rear end when he pulls it out of his car. He has a built 12 bolt to go back in. He doesn't think the 65 rear will hold up to 750 rear wheel horse power. Now I need to research ( post a question in the 66-67 GTO forum) to find out what it will take to put it in my car.

['ol Pinion head]

The '65 rear will bolt right in, each rear tire will be positioned in 1/2" on each side. That said, the coil spring pigtails are different, as the '64-66 style rear use the bolt on stamped steel "ears" which actually retain the coil spring.

[Greg Reid]

What ratio are you running now and what's the new one?

[goat69SD]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

The '65 rear will bolt right in, each rear tire will be positioned in 1/2" on each side. That said, the coil spring pigtails are different, as the '64-66 style rear use the bolt on stamped steel "ears" which actually retain the coil spring.

Great information! I too was just granted a posi from a 65 GTO that is 10 bolt. My buddy is putting a 12 in his 65 as well. I was just going to use the third member itself but I think it might be a lot less work to just use the whole rear end. And was about to ask the same questions.