[70SSOBSESSION]

Car shows are just like anything in life, it’s what “YOU” make of it. If you go through life looking for negativity you surely will find it. If you find yourself jealous of others belongings avoid them and save yourself the sorrow.

 

[69SHEVL]

Why did they stop having poker runs at cruise ins? Only motorcycle clubs do it to bar hop. Why can't someone put together a 2 hour drive for people that can't drive in a 1000 mile power tour?

Cruisin' the Coast has put a great spin on the Poker Run idea.

Registrants are given a big stamping card to be stamped (if you like) at 8 locations

throughout the miles of events that occur continuously throughout the eight days event.

Each of the "stamping locations" all have day and night events, including live entertainment

all day long, food, shops, bench racing, celebrity meet-n-greets, and miles of parking.

This encourages all participants to cruise to all locations to experience all that the show

has to offer.

At the end of the week, those who have completed their card are entered into a drawing that

gives out forty $500 cash awards to random winners.

This show, by far, is one of the coolest and fun shows in the Country and should be on

everybody's bucket list.

We can't wait to go for our second visit this October.

Cruisin' The Coast | America's Largest Block Party

cruisinthecoast.com

Here is ToocoolZ28 and myself from last year:

 

[Derek69SS]

Why did they stop having poker runs at cruise ins?

The poker runs that I remember in the past, (20+ years ago) always had someone get carried away with the drinking and end up getting stupid and dangerous... never saw any incidents, but I think the organizers didn't want that liability anymore.

 

[mrpaticular]

In Michigan, Back to the Bricks has a poker run type event called a Road Rally. This year one in July and one in Sept. They have a Promo Tour in June which is where you drive from one town to another on different days. It is 6 days and all on back roads. The route changes every year.
Every town has its show and events. Sometimes they have a drag race day.
Rick

 

[O'Man]

Car shows are just like anything in life, it’s what “YOU” make of it. If you go through life looking for negativity you surely will find it. If you find yourself jealous of others belongings avoid them and save yourself the sorrow.

I agree and the following may sound like what you would call negativity but here goes anyway.

My experience has been that the nature of shows has indeed fundamentally changed in recent years. If you are all about cars that are "garage builds" it is just not the same scene it was back in the day. That doesn't make it bad necessarily but it does make different for certain. I am all for variety in the vehicles at shows but I find myself looking for the 60's / early 70's cars we grew up with and the old Ford and Chevy pre and post war coupes. They are fading away. I don't warm up to the new Corvettes / Mustangs / "Chrysler" stuff. I recognize that those cars deliver performance / handling and creature comfort but for me that is not the hobby I grew up in.

There are also motorcycles galore at "Cars and Coffee" shows around Atlanta. I still have an 1989 Kawasaki ZX-10 and I have a real appreciation for Sixties / Seventies / Eighties bikes like the Honda 750's and the 1000 cc Honda CBX's to name just one brand. Again those are the machines I grew up around / grew up with. As with the new Corvettes, Mustangs, Chrysler cars the new bikes don't evoke the nostalgia I attended shows to experience back in the 90's and early 2000's. I don't mind them being at the shows but they just don't "float my boat" as the old saying goes.

If there is one thing I find negative at todays shows it is the behavior of many of the owners. The bike guys are doing wheelies and "stunts" upon arrival and departure and then there are the car guys burning rubber upon departure. Some guys only drive by the show location and light 'em up just for the hell of it. Too much showing off in my book. It just gives the show scene a flavor that resembles the nonsense where people block off an intersection to drift cars around in circles. Call me old but that behavior at the shows and intersections is just plain stupid IMHO.

Nuff said!

 

[Mdgolf66]

Most of the car show/cruise nights in my area, there are the classics which I look at. and the new mustangs/camaros/challengers and the people with the imports and beemers that I don't pay attention to.

 

[427L88]

Car shows are just like anything in life, it’s what “YOU” make of it. If you go through life looking for negativity you surely will find it. If you find yourself jealous of others belongings avoid them and save yourself the sorrow.

I had to repost that reply, it is so spot on. Good life advice 70! WIsh I coulda said it.

I do very much try and keep an open mind on things. It usually works well. Also, covetness is agin my self-imposed religion. Too much bad comes from coveting too much.

 

[RChurch]

OK - getting on my soapbox just for a minute. We have a monthly "cruise night" locally. Supposed to cruise up and down a local street. Way back when we called it "making the drag" and considered it a date night. Lots of families come out in their SUV's and park along the street to see the cars and let their kids see the cars. The problem is no one cruises. The people with the classic cars all park in groups in parking lots and sit around shooting the bull, then go home. Same cars, same people, same groups every time. And they are very clannish - no room to park near them to walk around to see the cars, can't see the cars from the street. It's just about fizzled out from lack of interest. I'm not saying you should drive your car up and down and up and down the street, but get out every now and then to let people see the cars. It's great to see families showing their kids our cars.

 

[RAMBO]

We prefer the drag strip, truth be known. The staging lanes and pits make a great car “show”

I did the weekend car show thing for a couple seasons 25 years ago.. It was fun (because we would go as a group, honestly the drives to and from, and gathering outside the show were always the best part to me) But then the first time I went with my chevelle friends to a TNT night at the track... Holy moly, it was everything that a car show was x1000!

Seeing these cars Racing, Idling through the pits, or being tuned and wrenched on in the pits.. its an entirely different level. Its like a car show on steriods.
After going racing for a couple seasons I just could never get back into the car show thing. I wouldn't mind getting connected with a Rally group, but again those are more about the drive and stops then some big all day show.

 

[O'Man]

Something I want to add. For those within reasonable driving distance of Charlotte North Carolina consider the Charlotte Auto Fair. There are two dates...Spring and Fall. It is, well how do I say this...INCREDIBLE. If you are flush with cash and just want to tour the event but are located to far away for the drive the Charlotte Intl airport is maybe 5 miles from the event.

On a good turnout weekend nearly the ENTIRE FREAKIN INFIELD area of Charlotte Motor Speedway is devoted to, and also covered by cars and parts such as we are interested in. The paved areas of the track and pit road are devoted to "show cars" of the garage build class as well as some big bucks restos. Some are for sale. There is an auction area and the infield is devoted to swap meet vendors. There is also a Manufacturers Midway. On year therewas a paved infield section for the Lateral G / Pro Touring guys to race against the clock on a small road course.

There are also free tours of some of the NASCAR shops and shops like Detroit Speed. All sorts of hotels are within short driving distances to the track. You can find mini car shows at night where the patrons of the hotels sit around a shoot the breeze. You can walk from hotel parking lot to hotel parking lot and enjoy the evenings. If I recall correctly some of the hotels have off duty cops as security for the cars parked overnight. Did I mention the bars and places to eat that are a stones throw from the track and the hotels? Consider the number of folks who show up for Nascar or the Four Wide Drag Race events at the drag strip that is another stones throw away for every venue I mentioned above. Plenty of hotel rooms if ya book early.

It REALLY REALLY is a top notch 3 day weekend sort of event. In point of fact the swap meet portion is open on Friday / Sat / Sunday. Car show is mostly a Sat / Sunday event. Not sure about the auction.

If ya wan to lose yourself in the "good old days" of the car hobby this is the REAL DEAL for you. Check out the Charlotte Auto Fair website for more info.

 

[Jayhawk500]

The wife and I started the car show circuit back in Oregon when I bought my '10 Camaro. Seems all the kids and some adult kids too liked seeing a movie star even though its not. Then The Wife wanted her own Hot Rod Hence "The Wife's Hot Rod". So we found a 74 Nova that was half disassembled but all original. So we spent 5 years fixing that up. She did alot of the dirty work. The Wifes Hot Rod | Chevy Nova Forum (stevesnovasite.com) She started taking that to the car shows with my Camaro. This went on for about 5 years and then I got the itch to do a car. I wanted a '70 Chevelle. Wanted one since I was a twenty-something. And that is where we are today. The reason I tell this condensed story is, we are very proud of our cars. They show what two old farts with a limited income can do if you set your mind to it. We love to show off our hard work. Yes, I have a wall full of trophies. Yes, I love getting them. But it only means it was hard work and sacrifice that we were able to win those trophies. We've been to shows that were highly political towards another car club. Nevvvvvvvver went back to those.
Today here in Ohio, we dont get around to the shows much. 1. We just dont hear of any. Then if we do, they're hours away. Get there late, your in the nose bleed section. 2. Would like to go to the Chevelle Show near Celevland, But I have no drivable car. Driving 3 hours for the day and then home is out of the question. But Some day.

 

[Alwhite00]

Whatever show I attended I know one thing that I like is a minimum age of the cars, no late model stuff, I can look at that on a used car lot.

 

[DUKE 69]

The wife and I started the car show circuit back in Oregon when I bought my '10 Camaro. Seems all the kids and some adult kids too liked seeing a movie star even though its not. Then The Wife wanted her own Hot Rod Hence "The Wife's Hot Rod". So we found a 74 Nova that was half disassembled but all original. So we spent 5 years fixing that up. She did alot of the dirty work. The Wifes Hot Rod | Chevy Nova Forum (stevesnovasite.com) She started taking that to the car shows with my Camaro. This went on for about 5 years and then I got the itch to do a car. I wanted a '70 Chevelle. Wanted one since I was a twenty-something. And that where we are today. The reason I tell this condensed story is, we are very proud of our cars. They show what two old farts with a limited income can do if you set your mind to it. We love to show off our hard work. Yes, I have a wall full of trophies. Yes, I love getting them. But it only means it was hard work and sacrifice that we were able to win those trophies. We've been to shows that were highly political towards another car club. Nevvvvvvvver went back to those.
Today here in Ohio, we dont get around to the shows much. 1. We just dont hear of any. Then if we do, they're hours away. Get there late, your in the nose bleed section. 2. Would like to go to the Chevelle Show near Celevland, But I have no drivable car. Driving 3 hours for the day and then home is out of the question. But Some day.

Chris...come to the Ohio show and stay over (car or no car). The people make the show anyway...the cars are the excuse. It's a great show put on by great folks. You won't regret it!

 

[69SHEVL]

Chris...come to the Ohio show and stay over (car or no car). The people make the show anyway...the cars are the excuse. It's a great show put on by great folks. You won't regret it!

Duke's always ready for a cold beer and conversation:

 

[DUKE 69]

So true! You bring a chair, I've got the rest!

 

[mr 4 speed]

We took the Corvette to its first cruise night outing this season yesterday.
About 220 or so cars. 11 miles from home,and at a drive in movie theater. Had a blast! No cruise night/car show blues...

 

[DUKE 69]

We took the Corvette to its first cruise night outing this season yesterday.
About 220 or so cars. 11 miles from home,and at a drive in movie theater. Had a blast! No cruise night/car show blues...
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View attachment 799797

Hell yeah!!

 

[O'Man]

For those who read my description about the Charlotte Auto Fair I found something that dampened my enthusiasm for the Fall 2024 event. That a look at the link posted below:

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=872674

Rumor this, rumor that but my bottom line is that maybe we have seen the last C.A.F. as it has been presented in years past.

 

[B.young]

Went to my first car show in years on Friday...and gotta say the wind got knocked outta my sails a bit!

You guys have some amazing cars!!

I'm excited to get my car on the road but it's tough balancing my wants vs. needs.

Seems like the vibe was basically "look at all the cash I put into this car" with a few standout cars that show actual love/creativity/effort put into the build.

How do you guys do it?

Is car show culture just showing off your checkbook or should it be more about the build?

Don't over think it!
I have been going to car shows since I was a kid in the 60's and just like anything in life there is ups downs and shifts in styles and changes in the people involved in car culture. When it comes to the owners I gravitate toward the people like me that like to be hands on with the car whether I can afford to pay someone else or not. Most things I learned to repair or build came from necessity, I have dove in to many a projects not knowing what I was doing and would seek out folks just like those on this sight and pick their brains and use that knowledge to complete what I was working on. There are car people of all stripes out there some build them some have the knowledge and the money and pay someone else to build them and some don't know a spark plug from a lug nut but have enough money to buy a show quality car and parade it around the fairgrounds until it dies them and then guys like us will go over and offer a hand to troubleshoot the problem and get him rolling again, Why? cause that's what we do - were car guys and girls. Enjoy it and don't concern yourself with what other peoples motivations are.

 

[B.young]

Sheesh, a lot of judgmental opinions in here. Some of you guys are borderline bitter. Why can't you simply go look at these cars and enjoy them for what they are? As for the built vs bought peanut gallery how do you even know who did what? You can't tell me you ask every single car owner of every car you see who did all the work. Some work might be from the owner and some by a shop but who gives a.... None of you did "all" the work I don't care who you are! Did you build the frame from scratch, did you cast your own block? Get off your high horse and just enjoy the cars! There's a lot of friends to be made at a car events. These people have a lot in common with you! We're all brothers in this hobby even if we don't 100% agree on everything.

I challenge you to watch a minute or 2 of this video. This is what good people having fun looks like. Peace!

Been to that cruise in Riverside a few times with my Dad. Good times, used to love the Great Labor day cruise at the OC fairgrounds too, sad that that one is no more.