I just turned 42 last month, so I'm neither young nor am I old. I have been working on vintage cars and machinery since I was 16, professionally for the past 22 years. Even though I have built my fair share of customs and hotrods, I still prefer restorations. I like learning about the history of when you "old timers" (respectfully) were young. I enjoy seeing how things were built in that era, whether it is old metalworking machinery, motorcycles or automobiles. I always enjoyed having conversations with my late grandfather, born in 1916, who was a blacksmith by trade, and listening to stories of his work, his life experiences and his fond memories of all the cars he had owned. I would often accompany him on his trips to visit his many friends and especially enjoyed the shops we would visit, including old car dealerships or his friends radiator shop down the street. He loved his country music, or as he called it "good ol' cow poop" music, including George Jones. I like to think I am a lot like him.... That I inherited a lot of his traits... Maybe it's simply that he significantly influenced my life... or most likely both. I became a metalshaper, I love old country music, I love old cars and I love preserving the history on these old Fords. There are a lot of "younger" guys like me that sincerely wish to carry on what you folks are doing, what you started. Don't lose hope. There will always be enough of us like minded people around, regardless of age, to continue the traditions and respect them enough to preserve them, or at least do our level best to fill your shoes.
