NSRA's New 30 Year Cut Off For Shows:

What do you all think of the National Street Rod Association's new cut off date? It basically states that starting in 2010, cars that are at least 30 years old will be allowed at all the NSRA shows where only 1949 and older cars had been allowed before. This has caused quite a controversy with alot of the die hards with many of them quitting the NSRA altogether.

Wow, it would be ridiculous for any old die hard to hold that line. I support opening up the model years. Those who oppose it are not seeing the big picture, not welcoming newer cars is a sure way to smother this hobby.

I was going through the gears in my 85 Tbird today and got a thumbs up from a dude in a 56 F-100 at the next light. That's how it should be. If it's American and you believe it's a Hot Rod or a Street Rod, then it is.

It's time to stick together, there are bigger forces out there (US Govt) that will do away with all older performance cars if we don't align ourselves in fundamental purpose.

i am all for allowing later stuff in. but the cutoff should be 72 newer than that is kinda pushing it

I am strongly against it, and I have one Street Rod and 7 other Fords from 70 to 79 that will now be elligible for their shows next year.

I really feel the NSRA is shooting themselves in the foot, they are destroying their uniqueness. Fun Ford Weekend announced their expansion last fall to include GM & Mopar and managed to fold before the first new event. While this will not happen to the NSRA, they have diminished themselves. If their shows are no different than Goodguys, Syracuse Nats, Back to the 50's, Etc. -I know have a huge list of shows I can attend rather Nats South (Knoxville), Nats East (York), and Louisville.

I haven't spoken to a single long time rodder that approves. Its taken a lot of sweat, bucks, education, trials, and errors to re-do my 32 Roadster and literally build a car from a collection of parts. Now my stock 78 Fairmont counts as an equal?

I hope the protest some are talking about is more than just idle chatter. The thought is to find some 70's survivor, slap a set of 20's on it and take up the prime parking spaces at the shows next year. I laugh just thinking about it.

I think this is a nice debate.

Yes, I don't get Baby Boomer Hot Rod culture. I respect the car owners and the work they do to build them but this may be why I can't "connect" with them as a low budget 30-something Ford gearhead.

"take up the prime parking spaces at the shows next year"

Is that mindset pervasive? Sounds like something on the level of Desperate Housewives. Generally people will gravitate to where they fit in. I really don't see the "20's" on a 70's survivor scenario happening. Open up the range incrementally over time for the sake of perpetuating the hobby. Really, this group will not live forever and believe me... most of their offspring are not automatically enthused about dad's hot rod.

I can see both side here. The uniqueness needs to be preserved, however most 'old-timers' are taking their hobby with them as they die-off. It's a cold, hard fact that a narrow view will be received narrowly. By the same token, a rare and prime example of historical rod cannot be overshadowed by any '78 Fairmont, with 20's or otherwise. Indeed, they do nothing but make the good ones look even better.

Many of the local rodders here have opened their horizons and found much new support and admiration for their skills and the art required to create them. They are no longer viewed as myopic bigoted leftovers of the past - but skilled and respected holders of knowledge and wisdom. I personally feel the extreme jump to -30 years may be a bit much for some to take, and a gradual expansion would perhaps cause less stress, but it's what they've done.

If you're going to live in a bubble, it is bound to pop sometime, and with devastating results. The Experimental Aircraft Association was originally and only about home-built aircraft. They now accept any and all things that fly to join with them in their proper rightful places, and are the largest single flying organization, with the largest airshow on planet Earth. The home-builders still hold their unique position and focus, but not at their own ultimate expense. A good lesson to be leaned there.

One last thing I have noticed - there is a distinct difference in attitude displayed along with the various opinions. I firmly believe the tones of care and concern will always rival the opinions that carry tones of bitterness and spite - no matter who may actually be 'right'.

David

i quote--from radchero-- Its taken a lot of sweat, bucks, education, trials, and errors to re-do my 32 Roadster and literally build a car from a collection of parts

i might add- Its taken a lot of sweat, bucks, education, trials, and errors to re-do my 66 galaxie and literally build a car from a collection of parts so because my car wasent made befor 1949 it should not be counted -- ??

it should be remembered --its a street rod show-- --street rods not better than factory cocourse eat fish eggs and drink wine on the lawn party -street rods - built as the builder sees his car in his mind --and hopes some one will enjoy saeeing the hard work that went into it--

Not to ruffle any feathers, but I grew up riding to car shows with my dad. He quit going to them because of the strange "cliche" mentality that seems to carry one to this day. He warned me of this when I got my 65' and I thought, "No way old man, your crazy." So I cruised to the local sunday cruise in, and found him to be correct. So now, besides the swap meets, I'll cruise my car and enjoy it with the family and leave the attitudes to the other guy.
I should mention however, I can see the point here. There were more brand new mustangs and vettes at the "cruise in" spot than real vintage iron. The NSRA shows aren't the only shows out there, so newer car owners have plenty of options.

On a side note: 20s on a classic car look good if chosen in good taste, IMHO.

The NSRA was founded in 1970. In 1970 those guys that were rodders were working on thier cars of the 30's and 40's. I remember a friend of mine in school had a 1940 Chevy Coupe that he bought in running/driving condition for $400. That was 1976. Those days and cars are LONG gone.

Many of those cars were chopped up, beat up, scrapped and scavenged for parts so others could be built. I have built my own style of cars that I remember from being brought up in the 60's and 70's by a father who worked at the local Ford dealer. I always liked the 32 Roadster but my favorites were always the 64-65 Falcons and the 72 Gran Torino Sports.

I guess what I'm getting at is it's a generational type thing. Those guys in the 70's were interested in the 30's and 40's cars and thats what they chose to build. Times change and people die off. When a car owner dies off the new owner may not be interested in a club. I am sure the NSRA has noticed a decline in thier membership and funds in the account.

The NSRA needs to open it up to younger people who are interested in the newer models to ensure thier existense. Not many pre-49 vehicles left that people in thier 20's or 30's are interested in building even if they could afford them.
My son doesn't know what I see in the 32 but he loves the mid 60's Fords and the early Fox body Mustangs. Just another generation. He's 23.

Just my .02 cents. Not worth much. Ron

Ever since i was a little boy going to car shows in the back of my dads 71 mustang he was put into a street machine class and his friends were in a pro street class at shows.street rods were 1948 and older.50s cars were hot rods.60s cars were muscle cars. i don't feel like this "wording" of cars shold change but in todays world it's all about money.like how that guy had all kinds of really old parts no one wanted in the 80s and now it's high dollar "rat rod" parts! you want to get more youth envolved? make it to where they can afford to! i am 32,i am paying for my house and i have a 9 yr old son and i just now got my 29 model a (powered by a 302 not some chevy piece o crap)on the road. i feel everything should be like it was 10 yrs ago when it seem to me more guys built their own cars,drove them to the shows(not trailored) and had a great time with their families and friends. i feel if they are not carful it will all come to an end.and besides if your going to stop at 1980 you might as well open it up to all(at least the imports and the lowriders bring in the hot younger chicks to look at!!) it's gonna be a mess and i'm not gonna take my car next year but i will probably go to see the chaos.