How old were you when you started?

What age did you get into the hobby or aquire your A?

  • Under 25

    Votes: 166 62.4%
  • 26-35

    Votes: 26 9.8%
  • 36-45

    Votes: 23 8.6%
  • 46-55

    Votes: 24 9.0%
  • 56-60

    Votes: 8 3.0%
  • 61-65

    Votes: 7 2.6%
  • 66-70

    Votes: 8 3.0%
  • 71-75

    Votes: 3 1.1%
  • Over 75

    Votes: 1 0.4%

  • Total voters
    266
I joined MAFCA at age 12 but didn't buy my first A until I was 25. That was 39 years ago. I had to take out a bank loan because I couldn't afford the $600 price. I can't say as I really restored it but I got it painted in original colors and fixed it up (mostly) authentically, and drove it everywhere.
 
I started doing body shop work at my father's shop when I was 13. In 1976 I was 15 and doing all over paint jobs in Dulux and lacquer. A few years later, I was doing collision repair. That went on until 1993, when I got allergic to paint. My first car was a 1970 Chevelle. I was 17. I had that for two years, sold it, and got a 1972 Chevelle SS 454. I was making $4.00 an hour and it was paid for. I've had all kinds of hot rods through the years. 1955 Bel Air, 1967 Nova, 1955 F-100, 1962 Econoline. I bought a 1924 Model T Tudor in 2007. I spent all of 2008 fixing it up. Meant to keep it. After driving the car for 4 months, someone offered me stupid money for the car and I sold it. That was April 2009. I bought a Shay Roadster and had a good time with it through four summers. I had the Shay fixed up nice. 1928 fluted headlights, '32 chopped grille, '29 tail lights, lowered front and rear, with 15" Weld wheels. Someone else came along in December who wanted the Shay. I got all of my money back out of it. I bought a 1930 Model A Coupe from a guy in town, and had $6000 left over. The Model A is in the garage on jack stands. It drove to the house. I am going though everything to make it a good driver. Today was rear spring shackles. Tomorrow my rear hub and drum gets here so I can finish the rear wheel bearing job. I have already straightened my sagging frame and lined up the drive train. The car was a "daily driver" for the last owner, but lots of things were neglected and need attention to make the car righteous! That's what I enjoy doing.
 
The results of this poll make it very clear that the majority (61%) of us started out in the hobby as youngsters. That makes it very obvious that if this hobby is to survive well into the future we must never miss an oportunity to encourage the younger people, be they family, friends and or aquaintences who show any interest at all in old vehicles. Take the time to talk with them, take them for a drive, let them drive if licenced, for youger people let them have a seat in the car to experience the unique smells of an old car, let them blow the horn (they will love it) let them help with a restoration.
If we can foster their interest at a young age we will be in good hands well into the future.
 
Behold the future of this hobby.
 

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In 1960 I was 14 and bought my first Model A. Me and a buddy bought a 1931 Coupe from the original owners for $30.00. The car was garaged since the early 50's until we bought it from them. We towed the car to my buddy's parents garage behind his father's '58 Buick hardtop which his father drove and me behind the wheel of the Model A. I was 14 without a license but made it without getting caught by the police. Once we had the car home we started to take it apart to hot rod it. But like many other projects this one was never finished as my buddy moved and took the car with him as I had no place to put the car. Then in 1984 I bought a 1929 Phaeton which I fully restored and sold. Now in 2012 I bought a '29 Tudor to 'tinker' with. fun car and fun times!
 
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