Matt, the Jalopy Journal (H.A.M.B) mission statement says they are catering to owners of the traditional hot rod. You fit on that forum
exactly as it was intended! A 'hot rod' back in 1939 was NOT a restored car with everything rebuilt back to factory specs using original fasteners. If you chose to go that route, it was not a 'hot rod' any longer but a custom. All of this has been discussed in great lengths there, --and I know for a fact there are knowledgable people at that site who can correctly guide you in all that you are seeking answers to.
Since I am a member of both forums, I am more open-minded with regard to your type of car so I am not offended however I think your timing has opened the box that might need to be addressed by the moderators. Like I mentioned to you privately, comparing Fordbarn and H.A.M.B. forums is very much like a restaurant with a smoking section and a non-smoking section. A non-smoker can get offended if a smoker chooses to smoke a cigarette in their presence when they are in an area reserved for non-smoking. I know I do. Now please don't misunderstand me and construe me as a "snob", --or someone who hates all people that smoke cigarettes. This analogy is shown for you and others to realize that many "restorers" do not dislike "hot rodders" but it does cause discomfort for them when they see a vehicle being modified in a manner such as a 'hot rod'. I believe Ryan has publicly stated that the Fordbarn Model A forum is about Restoration and the H.A.M.B. would be for hot rods & customs. Click
HERE and scroll down to post #14 to reference that. Some of us will have dual-membership of both sites where we can openly discuss both types of cars in their respective communities without offense to others, and I think many 'restorers' are on the edge about the new site since this offending issue is apparently becoming more
prevalent.

Have you ever noticed how most 'critters' can co-exist peacefully in the forest when they respect each other's territories!!
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