What keeps you in this hobby?

[moparclown]

I saw this posted on another site and really enjoyed hearing the answers.So what is it about this hobby that you enjoy?
I'll start-I love cars and I have some awsome memories of people,cars and the crazy things I have done.I love the adrenaline rush when you start an engine for the first time and it comes to life.I love to rebuild stuff that most people think is junk(just look at some of the cars I have had)
And my little garage is my sanctuary,keeps me sane I guess?No one bothers me when I have my welding helmet on or a hammer and dolly in my hands.Plus I am real proud of what I have accomplished over the years,I might not be president or wealthy,but I am the riches guy in the world(very understanding family who stands behind me 100%)
I also love it when I pull in somewhere with my car just a thumping away and watch peoples reactions,especially kids.

                                                       The Clown

[67vertman]

I would have to say my love of cars and my tendency to tinker with things.  I grew up around cars, as my parents owned a service station, and my dad always fixed up his cars and I would help him.  Plus it keeps me out of the house, where they honey do list is.

[422STROKER]

I enjoy the satisfaction of doing most things myself.  There isn't much better satisfaction than tearing something totally apart and having people think you are crazy then a few months later take them for a ride in the same thing they called you crazy for.lol 

In the beginning(teens) I had to do it $$$$, now I truely enjoy my time in the garage.  Although stressful I enjoy having my 2 boys 3+5 help when possible and even my Wife on occasion pitches in.  I offered for Her to take my car to get Ice Cream last night She declined and then jumped in her 65 Barracuda to go.  That was great to see Her enjoy the Hobby as well.

 Tom

[Carlwalski]

Just the whole Mopar vibe itself. I think if I liked Hondas or Nissans it just wouldn't be the same. Mopar has a unique feel about it and the community itself is very together. Mopars just scream rebel to me. If you want to be normal, buy a Mustang or Camaro, if you want to stand out and have something special, buy a Mopar. Everyone talks about Ford vs. Chev but you hardly hear Mopar mentioned. In my opinion it's because Mopar is respected no matter what brand. Each side (Ford/Chev) will openly say they dislike the other but more often than not these same people when asked: "What about Mopars" will say that they don't mind Mopar and like "such and such" models.

Being a non American, the whole LHD V8 Muscle car scene is totally unique and a different vibe to what you feel. Put yourself in my shoes, you're driving an imported muscle car from the 60s/70s that's RHD and rare as hens teeth. LHD get's as much air time as the big block under the hood. So, we not only have the vibe of the car, but also the unique factor that the steering wheel is on the opposite side of the car, tying it all together nicely. At the end of the day, I love Mopar and what they offer both now and back in the day, w-i-d-e range of cars back in the era. I just love V8s for their performance and sound and these cars are just too much fun to drive and just the whole muscle car image that goes with these bad-arse cars. MoPar or NoCar!

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Other than having severe mental disorders...................? 


I've had the car bug as long as I can remember. Like 5 or 6 years old. I grew up across from a gas station... back in the days when gas was cheap... and they still actually worked on cars!  Still enjoy workin' on my rides but will admit... I'm to a point I rather be behind the wheel than behind the wrench. Arthritis and all, I still work tho... As for mopars... they we always a little different of a breed, and so am I! So it fits!   

[DAYTONA]

.....the never ending quest for the next MOPAR

[sleepychallenger]

sliding behind the wheel every day and feeling the steering wheel. bringing her to life every morning.the constant feeling knowing that you are keeping her alive.  i have to go hug my car.....

[troutstreamnm]

I just love having a big project, working with my hands, the satisfaction of doing it yourself and getting "Wows" from people on the finished product.  Also to just get away from it all by working in the garage with the classic rock on the radio and leaving the rest of the world behind...for a few hours anyway.  Very cool! 

[72hemi]

I was raised around classic cars. My Dad was always building hot rods, so it was natural for me to get into it. Today I love the response I get from people at shows and around town. I love working on these cars and am always looking for the next project. New cars are too much of a pain to tinker with and don't have the character that the old does. I believe that there is nothing I can't do, so I am always looking for a project to test that theory. This is a great hobby that keeps me busy and I wouldn't change it for the world.

[NoMope Greg]

I've always loved cars - heck, just about anything with an engine, especially if it has wheels.  I remember drawing race tracks and pushing Hot Wheels around a pretend track in my room when I was a kid.  What I really like is the opportunity to learn new things, the satisfaction of completing a task right (can't say project, 'cause this is my first one) and the great people you can meet in this hobby.   

[Chryco Psycho]

I am simply obsessed with cars , I have been since I was 1 year old , all self taught , I actually help build other peoples cars just to stay in the loop as I have no budget to build mine the way I want . The progression was endless , it started with Matchbox Tonka & Corgi toys then Hot wheels - Sizzlers - AFX slot cars - model kits , I would have bought a remote control but bought a 68 Javelin for approx what a remote would have cost & started working on that before I even had a licence , if I had more $$ I am sure I would have a plane , boat , motorbike , jet ski .............
 The People are great for the most part as well

[The Cuda Guy]

For me it starts with family tradition, both my Grandfathers retired from Chryslers and most of my Uncles work there as well.  Growing up there was always an old Mopar around.  My Dads first car was a 76 Valore Road Runner.  At family gatherings we would all talk about the car (Mopars) of the past and how they couldnt be beat on Gratiot Ave.  At that point I knew I was a Mopar guy.  I wanted to be like my family and share in the love of those awesome cars!  There is also somehting to be said about the Mopar culture, to truely love and understand them you have to let them consume you!  Its a very unique culture compared to the others.  I just hope that the hobby stays strong like it is and our community will always be here as it is a huge part of my life.

Don

[jims70cuda]

Hmm, kind of new to the old school Mopar hobby (5 years) but I have always liked the Mopar crowd ever since my Dad took me to the car shows after he bought his 72 Runner.

For me it is about having a fast, good looking car that is different. Anyone can have a Mustang/Camaro/Civic that is fast. If you can buy all the parts from JC Whitney or Wal-Mart, it's too mainstream. Also, Mopar people always seem more appreciative of other vehicles. I can bring my SRT-4 to Mopar shows and get a lot of praise; but if I take it to a "Tuner" show, they will find something bad to say about it. The same with corvette owners.

It is also fun to work on cars. I have learned so much by wrenching on my Fiero and SRT and will learn a whole lot more rebuilding the Cuda. And having people who are willing to talk you through a problem because they have been there before is a great help.

[nivvy]

the sound of mopar power......