This is a pretty telling and interesting thread. I think there are several real good reasons why participation has waned a bit, i.e., economy, time of year, and perhaps most important to some of us, time of life.

I like to read most all of the posts here – don’t comment on a lot, but throw my two cents in where I believe I can add value. I am voracious with documentation and have a lot of articles from bygone eras that from time-to-time I’ll resurrect when people are looking for help with a Carter AFB or Super T-10. If I can add a sketch or help to “pictorially” clarify, I’ll give it a go in hopes of being able to help someone get a bit further in their problem resolution. I know a fair bit about Edelbrock carburetors and will chime in on the setup and tuning when asked.

I’ll be the first one to admit my knowledge of paint, upholstery, EFI, etc., etc., is much less than most on this site and as such, I really enjoy seeing others projects come together. I’d love to be able to craft a frame or bend sheet metal the way some here can. And let’s not forget what a trooper Barb is with her thread on putting that nasty ol’ Caddie motor in her Monte Carlo! What an accomplishment. Her tenacity is admirable and she’s one sharp lady in my book for not only attempting the transplant – but for seeing it through to completion! I am impressed.

I have the utmost respect for those on this site who “do this for a living.” People like Pat McCarthy (and a host of others) are truly a wealth of information and I always learn something from reading their posts. Will I ever build a 500 plus horsepower big block? Not likely – but if I was going to attempt it, I’d listen carefully to Pat’s advice.

My wife often reminds me that, “this (your hot rods) is supposed to be a hobby and you’re supposed to have fun.” She also encourages me to take a break and look at things realistically as I’m not 29 years old anymore and cannot accomplish as much in a given period of time as I was once able to. As such, I tend to pick a project apart and try and accomplish it in stages now and it’s a lot more rewarding. The “Good Lord knows” how I’ve drug my feet with this little ’63 Nova and how much I’d like to get it finished so I can drive it! I’ll get there – maybe this year!

The biggest reason I continue to participate is for the encouragement I get and hopefully, pass some on to those on this site. The PM’s and nice comments received from people on this site really lift my spirits and while I’ve met very few of you face-to-face, I feel (as has been said above) that I have come to know many of you well as a part of this big “cyber family” called Club Hot Rod. And, Dave – you are one of the ones that says “right-things-on-a-regular-basis” and I for one appreciate your participation. (I too get a bit tired of those who ask, “is this a cool cam for my 350…”), but what the hey – we were all kids once and I’m glad there were some pretty patient adults around for me when I was cramming Duntov 30-30 cams into stock 265 motors and wondering why it ran like a pig..

If it’s a season of life we’re passing through – then let’s encourage one another to “keep on keepin’ on”. I still think this is one of the best forums and I’ll be hanging out here..

Regards All,
Glenn