I think the difference is logical, reasonable and justified.

A 20's - 30's hot rod has a totally different look 'n feel than the 40's - 50's.

I have seen more than a few shows that allow or are built on recognition of "Fat Fender" hot rods. I think that's a fair way of handling it. As far as Hot rods are concerned, I think they already move the line a bunch when they let in fat fender cars, those from the mid to late 30's up to 48/49. that was a real big change. Personally, I hope they don't go any further. Just like I, personally don't see the reasoning behind bad mouthing "finished" rods, wanting to keep some kind of separation between them and the current "authentic" rod movement. Different purpose, should be in different clubs - I see nothing wrong with it.

What is comes down to is what are we trying to do? If I start a car club that is based on Galaxies, Mustangs, Corvettes or Pintos, that's what identifies our membership.

Just because someone has a nice Ambulance or Fire Truck, doesn't mean he should expect to come to our shows. Sure he can join, he can be another fan of the clubs cars, sooner or later he may get his own car as he learns more about how to build, maintain one.

I've noticed that biker clubs don't seem to have this problem. Harley riders may have a Kawaski or dirt bike at home, but you don't hear them complaining about it not being eligalble to be in Hog shows. They repect that fact that the club is about Harleys, and is based on appreciation for that particular band only. Waht you build, ride on your own is a totally different thing.

So, in my way of thinking - full participation or membership with another model or brand of car, outside of the selected years is not an option. Nor should it be. If you want to start your own club, then have at it. If you want to be in the show and they won't let you in, then start your own show circuit.

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..."The truth is that there is nothing noble in being superior to somebody else. The only real nobility is in being superior to your former self...” --Whitney Young