How is your VW received and perceived?

[Merlin]

James,

I've experienced this issue with one-marque and multi-marque car clubs.

Those type of old car clubs will die off.. forums like this will replace them. It's already started.

I sincerely hope not. Forums are a great addition to the scene, but I thoroughly enjoy associating with like Minds in person.

I have grown up with one club in particular, non-VW. Most of those club members are essentially the same as my extended family and my cars are 'honourarily' welcomed there.

If you consider what an 'old' club offers, I do not think we can afford to lose that.

[brianj]

Maybe not entirely replace, but largely. People, especially younger people with families, can't afford the time. Your observations bear this out. These guys have few other options.

[beetlepower]

Those type of old car clubs will die off.. forums like this will replace them. It's already started.

I agree Car clubs are dead, just look at this forum. Why must I only associate myself with one club and their events when I can pick and choose events organised by various clubs and who advertise them on this forum. I think us VW guys are quite lucky though and I have been welcomed at most of these events across the various clubs..

[Tony Z]

I agree Car clubs are dead, just look at this forum.

Why must I only associate myself with one club and their events when I can pick and choose events organised by various clubs and who advertise them on this forum.

Sorry to say, but this seems like a slight contradiction in terms...

Clubs are dead and the internet club is the future because you can choose to go to events held by numerous clubs (which are dead according to your first sentence).

Sorry, doesnt quite make sense to me

[Stütz]

You know, without being overly philosophical, I think that worrying about what others think about your car (or anything else for that matter) is completely unimportant. If you are having a groovy time with your car then surely that's all that matters.

I think that people get too hung up about other peoples opinions and really, thats all they are ..... their opinions. Once they step out of your face they forget whats just been said and get on with their lives while you still walk around worrying about what they said. Hell no! Life's too short for that k@k.

The best advice I ever got with regards to what others say or think is as follows: In order for what you said to have any impact on me, I first need to value your opinion ....... and I don't.

[Merlin]

You know, without being overly philosophical, I think that worrying about what others think about your car (or anything else for that matter) is completely unimportant. If you are having a groovy time with your car then surely that's all that matters.

I think that people get too hung up about other peoples opinions and really, thats all they are ..... their opinions. Once they step out of your face they forget whats just been said and get on with their lives while you still walk around worrying about what they said. Hell no! Life's too short for that k@k.

The best advice I ever got with regards to what others say or think is as follows: In order for what you said to have any impact on me, I first need to value your opinion ....... and I don't.

It's not about worrying what others think of my cars, it's about bridging the gap between the youth and the elders in the car scene. I enjoy the full extent of the classic motoring world...thus I believe it is in my interest to contribute to and preserve it as our heritage. I got over personal opinions in this world a long, long time ago.

[Stütz]

It's not about worrying what others think of my cars, it's about bridging the gap between the youth and the elders in the car scene. I enjoy the full extent of the classic motoring world...thus I believe it is in my interest to contribute to and preserve it as our heritage. I got over personal opinions in this world a long, long time ago.

For as long as time itself grumpy old men have forgotten that they too were young, and youngsters forget that they too will get old. If you can bridge that gap my friend, you will have achieved something amazing. In the meanwhile, glad to see you are enjoying your cars.

[Drusky]

There is a greater variety of interests to capture the young minds today; television, wii, pc games, a wide variety of sports. Combine that with a modern automobile that is not designed to allow the owner to tinker or self service and you have a growing portion of the population who are either not interested in classic cars or do not have the skill to maintain one. A basic service routine may seem simple to you or me but to some it is as daunting and unconceivable as the dark side of the moon.

I have only experienced kindness, generosity and good humour from the older men involved with classic cars and bikes. Perhaps PE is just nicer than other places. My friends who are not really into classic cars like my kombi. They perceive it as cute but a bit noisy.

I don't believe that guys ever get old. My Dad says his body is old and slows him down but otherwise he feels as young inside as when he was 30. I suppose it sucks to be young in mind and experience pain every time you twist a screw driver or mosey across to the toilet. I recon I would be grumpy too. I say bear with the older guys; don't be so judgemental and sensitive. These guys often have a wealth of knowledge to share and are usually quite companionable, if they weren't they wouldn't go to these meetings. All that said it is entirely possible you might encounter an old guy with am arrogant young chop inside. If you are insecure he will chase you away. Rather grow some balls, stick around and find someone else to talk to. Life is what you make of it! You will encounter as many grumpy young guys on forums as grumpy old guys at classic car clubs.

btw I am looking for Chris van der Heerven's number, the one I have does not work oh8too four8seven four89eight can anyone help?

[retrovan]

Let me try to assist to break this barrier between old and young.
When you get to a event where there are a lot of old ballies, do not pic a brand, do not voice your opinion on any model or brand, but keep your conversation on the topic of Classic Cars.
Then as time go's on, ask the old ballies why they piked that particulate car, and you have just made a friend.
Should you tell him that his brand is , or that parts are too expensive,or he should do something else, you will be sounding like his WIFE, and you will get the same treatment he dishes out at home....



I will tell you something, that if you have been "taken in" by them, you will be treated as a long lost son.
And their wealth of knowledge will be your service.
Never known a young guy shunned by an old boys club, if he has shown respect for their feelings.

Herman

[Junior]

I agree with Herman, I always ask what the people prefer before voicing my opinion (If I ever do) and Iv never had a problem... Well that excludes been having the odd person practically never stop talking, but it's normally very interesting stuff so I don't mind

[Hloni]

I read this a few days ago and have been thinking about what the "Old Ballie" said. Yes, I hear and respect the war generation and how they slept in their split windows not just on holiday or weekend away, but that these their "rides" were their Mon-Sun wheels. I do though wonder that during "their time", were there no boy racers cum rich boys in their bling wheels?  

How best do the ol' timers cut us young ones slack? Yes, we too need to be mindful of what we say and how we say what we say. We need their wisdom, and honestly speaking, they need us to continue the legacy post them hanging the spanners. Clubs will continue to exist (levels of commitment will surely evolve), and it is us the young ones who feel welcome at a young age that will ensure their survival.
Yes, give us a hardtime to assist us toughen up a bit, but please don't brake us or cause us to feel rejected (I'm not asking for a Dr Phil encounter). We not the army serving type, we use hand-cream and go to gym rather lay railway sleepers to build this wonderful country of ours.

[Hloni]

I read this a few days ago and have been thinking about what the "Old Ballie" said. Yes, I hear and respect the war generation and how they slept in their split windows not just on holiday or weekend away, but that these their "rides" were their Mon-Sun wheels. I do though wonder that during "their time", were there no boy racers cum rich boys in their bling wheels?  

How best do the ol' timers cut us young ones slack? Yes, we too need to be mindful of what we say and how we say what we say. We need their wisdom, and honestly speaking, they need us to continue the legacy post them hanging the spanners. Clubs will continue to exist (levels of commitment will surely evolve), and it is us the young ones who feel welcome at a young age that will ensure their survival.
Yes, give us a hardtime to assist us toughen up a bit, but please don't brake us or cause us to feel rejected (I'm not asking for a Dr Phil encounter). We not the army serving type, we use hand-cream and go to gym rather lay railway sleepers to build this wonderful country of ours.

[MarshallGTi]

I'll add my 2 cents into the mix. its a problem with many faces, i think a big issue is whats going to happen to all these old "proper" classics when the ballies start reaching their expiry dates. the older guys need to take some young bloods under their wing so we can learn how to repair and maintain the cars they put so much time and passion into, otherwise when they die the knowledge dies with them. being a bit of a car nutter runs in my family, and i have 2 uncles who retired rather well-off. one lives in Canada and restores old triumphs, the other in the Cape and used to be all about early 1900's austins but lately cruises around in a Bitter CD. its great to have a car conversation with them and to hear all the stories about the cars they've owned/fixed/crashed but when the time comes to lift a spanner its a case of look-dont-touch if you are not a similarly experienced ballie from their respective clubs.

another issue is that classic car ownership is expensive. youngsters with money would much rather throw it at a new GTi and pay other people to tinker with that than spend it on something made 30 years before they were born. i think thats where our old VW's have an advantage. relatively speaking they fairly cheap and easy, and maybe if they got a bit more respect at classic gatherings they could be a bridge into owning something more old and rare.

as for memories, i cant wait to see what is going to become of the humble Citi golf in 30 years time, cos loads of people of my generation had them as 1st cars and will have fond memories the same way the older guys now feel about their classics.