Geez, sorry I started this firestorm. Let me throw some stuff out in answer to a few points made here.
I use the term "rat rod" probably too loosely. I call just about anything sporting flat black and/or rusty metal on purpose a "rat rod". My '36 pickup is well built, I think, but painted flat black so I term it as "rat rod". I think the term is many times used derogatorily and has become a very broad description.
I am 255 lbs, walk with a limp and have gray hair at 63. I don't think that I look threatening to anyone. I tried to introduce myself as a hot rodder and old car nut just to try and find out info about the local car scene.
The "frosty" response is what I have come to expect for this part of the world. One time in a hardware store there a guy asked me for some directions. I was standing in front of a display for maps and I pointed out to him the irony of his asking me for directions given that I was studying which map I should purchase. This guy thought it was also funny and he responded, "You're not from around here, are you?" I said, "No, why do you ask?" He told me that he knew that because I talked readily to him and struck up a conversation and he added, "People don't do that down here."
Another time before going to SW Fla. I e-mailed a guy on the HAMB from that area if I could come by to see him as I came to visit from Texas. His response was consistent with some on here, "I really don't care to have strangers at my garage."
I am a pretty cynical and suspicious type but I still let people prove to me first that they are non-trustworthy versus judging them at the outset when they come to my garage. But, as far as SW Fla, I'm done reaching out down there and from this discussion I damn sure will not try to talk to anyone in Oakdale on the other coast, either.
