IS THE AUTOMOTIVE HOBBY DYING?

Well, truck enthusiasts, here's the question, and I want an answer, from your point of view:

Is the automotive enthusiast hobby dying?

We all know about the "economy" and the state of car manufacturers and aftermarket manufacturers. How has this affected the hobby? Has it? Where do you see it all heading?  

I think the hobby is stronger than ever. The economy may slow down things and put our toys on hold but it really makes things stronger. You want it even more. It also makes us more resourceful, we might have just replaced that rusty piece, now we'll sandblast and paint it. It brings us back to where we should be - hot rodders are the original recyclers!!! How many of you have gone junkyard hoppin'? It sounds old school because it is! It's a blast as well...especially when your buddies are with you.

If things get cut back or cut out with the Big 3 it was really a long time coming, sorry to say. Too much excess for way too long. Leaner and meaner is where we all need to align ourselves...in all forms of life. Does a family with 2 kids need a 5000 sq. ft. house? No...it's nice but not necessary. The same family doesn't need a $60,000 SUV either...or cross-over...or whatever the next buzz expression will be. Once again, it's nice but not necessary...and the Big 3 need to realize this and stop building vehicles worth more than some people's houses!

Back to my point...this hobby can be expensive but some of the best times we share are spent enjoying the fruits of our labor. Car shows are family events now. The automotive hobby has really had a spotlight shined on it in recent years, just watch Speed Channel! So many shows, it's awesome. Go to a magazine "wall" in an airport and see how many automotive publications there are! Last week I saw them 8' high by 12' wide. Mechanics are now technicians, 40 something housewives know who Jesse James is...and love Monster Garage! This hobby has evolved, it is awesome.

The economy will drive down the price of just about everything...I hope the "classics" are included. The true hobbiests deserve to get there hands on the classics they love...and out of the hands of "investors".

I can rant on this subject all day...

 

agreed, agreed!!
Car guys are car guys, good economy or not. They'll just adjust, and perhaps THINK about a purchase first instead of impulsively buying. They'll still DO it, but maybe search for the best deal first. Tinkering on a car is a good, safe, fun way to "get away" from it all, while teaching little ones (like I'd know hahaha) how to work on cars, and promoting just BEING together.
Yesterday, during lunch, I came across 7 S2000's in the In N Out parking lot, on a Tuesday afternoon. They were meeting up to take some pictures. I don't care what it is you like, good for you!!  

I think this down economy will get the horse trading/bartering system back on. I would rather trade labor/talent/parts instead of spending money. This is how I got most of my projects painted. I would do the painters interior so he would shoot my truck. The only thing either of us had to pay for was our materials, but with each others discount, so it was even cheaper.  

All hale the bartering system!!!

It's the best. I'm like you Calin, I'd much rather trade than spend the cash...especially labor.

Recycled parts are also good, I think more rat rod inspired vehicles will start appearing. They are more functional than show vehicles and way cheaper to build!  

Do you guys think we'll see more and more cruise nights as the "big shows" become fewer and fewer? Do people really care about paying $30 to "show" their cars/trucks, or is it more about just being there and being part of it?  

I prefer the cruises...but you need to mix it up with a big show here and there as well.

The big shows are most people's vacations! You NEED a vacation once in a while!  

its not dead. shows are still packed. i think you're gonna see more guys huddled in their garage doing their own work now though and you're also gonna see more budget-minded projects. Not having money always forces people to be a bit more creative to build something cool, instead merely bolting on an expensive set of lambo doors.  

agree.  

I think that it is still very strong and people are still finding a way to get money to put into there rides. I know i am, sold off stuff $$. I think trucks in my area anyway have retained there value and even spike sometimes.... i always get my local adds to see prices. I dont think it will ever die ...might slow but keep on TRUCKIN...