Cruise night - welcome or not ?

[GEN-IV]

Ever wonder if a 1970 Hemi 'Cuda would be unwelcome at a cruise-in in 1970?

The buy versus build issue may be part of it, but I've built enough street cars to appreciate that the factory is making some wicked cars right now, and if you are fortunate enough to afford one, then enjoy it!!!! Show up enough times and they will accept the late model performance, most gearheads appreciate all years.

[Coyotekiller]

Originally Posted by ZZZ

I get this alot I pull in with a loaded 5th Gen SS and everyone around my age group are in modded out dumpy ricers you see a few really cool ones here and there but they are just ugly old cars that have more in mods than the actual car is worth and cant hang with you at 100 plus on the highway.

Also they get turned off that its an Auto...

Oh well Ill have the ZL1 next year get it Stage 3 and than well see how much they hate American Muscle

Stage 3? What is this? Need for Speed?

[two_wheel_mayhem]

Originally Posted by Wicked 6

So...why are you going 100+ on the highway

Because he bought a damn Camaro , that's why.

Geez all you squares on here denying this stuff happens frequently, it's like keeping a retarded sibling locked in the basement.

"My little brother? What brother?"

[dolt45]

I've seen the same thing. I don't blame them for the same reasons stated above. Just park, and start ooh-ing and ahhh-ing at their cars and you'll be their buddy in about 5 minutes.

If I wanted to hang out and check out these guy's cars without being snubbed I'd just blast in on my bike. They wouldn't see me as trying to compete that way.

[LimaCharlie]

It really depends on what kind of cars are there and if you know the people. In general, most local car show organizers don't like new cars (especially stock cars with a warranty). The only exception is if there is a specific class for new cars.
Personally, I would never take my Camaro to a local show (at least for the next couple of years). There is nothing really special about it since it's basically stock. Nobody is really interested in looking at it unless there are other Camaro enthusiasts or modern muscle car fans in the crowd. Therefore, I'm basically a pig who is occupying a parking spot that could've been used for a rare, national award winning car instead.

[heRS]

I've only run into one old fart in a t-bucket who didn't think a new car belonged at a car show since "you bought it like that". No, I did not buy it "like that", I've done quite a bit on my own, thank you very much...
He then went on to talk about how since he bought his t-bucket, he's had people point cool things out to him that he never noticed because he's never lifted a finger to mod one flippin thing on it. He bought it all tricked out.
Other than that, I've found a nice reception and respect because that's what I offer

[GTUPONIT]

Originally Posted by ChrisBlair

Very seriously and please don't take this the wrong way-

As a guy who entered an old car in shows and did cruises, and who did almost all the work himself literally totaling thousands of hours of work on the same car, it was common to see somebody in a new car trying to 'join the group' because they thought all they needed was a cool car. Please don't take offense, but writing a check every month isn't the same as being a gearhead- and at first glance, the Old Car Guys can only see you have a New Car, not that you're an actual gearhead

They probably do actually like your new car that you only have to keep clean, but they may be resentful if they feel that you are assuming you're "one of them"- just like the blues, there's dues to pay if you want to play.

Some of these guys lose out on 'people's choice awards' to cars that essentially just drove off the showroom floor, and the guys with the old car literally spent all their time after work, on weekends and days off working on their project car, only to see their car lose out on a trophy. I've seen it, and it is a pretty big bum-out to see a '57 Fairlane with factory dual quads that looks like the day it was made or an all original 1970 Cutlass SX lose to a brand new Corvette with an aftermarket exhaust or a new Mustang with ghost flames. Now sure, it was a popularity thing with the crowd and fair is fair, but the event wasn't put together (9 times out of 10) by a group of guys with new cars. It was organized by old car guys with old cars, at least around here, and this sort of thing breeds some resentment.

Show them you're enthusiastic about the old cars they spent thousands of hours working on. Become active in their organization. Help them set up or distribute flyers or clean up. Ask if they have shows with classes your car will fit into. Become "one of them" instead of showing up and acting like you deserve to be one of them, and that will help smooth any ruffled feathers

For my part, I'll go to a show or a cruise but I'm not entering it. Talking to me for five minutes about Delahayes or Kaiser-Fraziers or Pinninfarina or Lincoln race cars, wedge heads, semi-hemis, 429s that don't displace 429 cubic inches, detroit lockers, sure-grip, crossrams, etc would show an old car nut (and many are nuts. You have to be) that I at least used to be one of them but I have no desire to display a brand new car

It might help to find another Camaro owner in your area that is willing to attend the events you go to. Kinda comfort in numbers. It's great being a part of a club where people get it. Take you car and enjoy. I attend an event every Thursday and it's mostly the old cars too. 50's, 60's, 70's, there were a few modern muscle cars as well but not too many in the mix. Now, our Camaro club has our own designated parking are and we were there last night with 11 Camaro's, 2 were ZL1's. We talk and joke with all the guys and it makes for a fun night. Especially when you get some of the older generation talking about the stuff they used to do, wow the stories can get pretty interesting! Get to know the people, that's what matters.

[ShowSStopper]

Originally Posted by two_wheel_mayhem

Because he bought a damn Camaro , that's why.

Geez all you squares on here denying this stuff happens frequently, it's like keeping a retarded sibling locked in the basement.

"My little brother? What brother?"

The funny thing about this is....I used to argue exactly what you are...and my comments would always get deleted by mods.

I guess different people have different privileges here when it comes to speaking your mind.

[meissen]

Depends on the area too. Here in the Metro Detroit area there's a crap ton of Camaros so chances are higher that if you go to a cruise-in there will be other 5th gens there. If you're rolling into the cruise-in in a bone stock 5th gen fresh off the show room floor, yeah you might get some funny looks. But if you've done some tasteful modifications to it - new rims, stripes, lowered, underhood mods, etc then they'll welcome you right in.

[DRKS1D3]

Originally Posted by Rock-It Man

Some cruise nights have plenty of new cars, others do not.

Just pick the right one for your car.

THIS +100. I wouldn't take my Camaro to a cruise with ONLY older cars, it doesn't make sense. With this being said, I've NEVER encountered a cruise where only cars from a certain era are allowed to enter. Cars, trucks, etc., from all eras, are enjoyed equally when I go to one.

[myold88]

I've been taking my '10 SS to car shows/cruises for 3 years now. At first it drew large crowds, not any more.
I've also been owning/restoring antique cars for many years.
Go to the shows/cruises with your new Camaro end enjoy but please, please don't expect a trophy
Unless your in an "all 5th gen Camaro" or "late model muscle car" class.
JMO of course.

[Coyotekiller]

Originally Posted by two_wheel_mayhem

Because he bought a damn Camaro , that's why.

Geez all you squares on here denying this stuff happens frequently, it's like keeping a retarded sibling locked in the basement.

"My little brother? What brother?"

Because you need to consult the rules. This site does not promote or advocate street racing. Ever. Its illegal.

[DRKS1D3]

Originally Posted by Coyotekiller

Because you need to consult the rules. This site does not promote or advocate street racing. Ever. Its illegal.

You obviously missed the memo: "Advocating street racing makes you an instant bad ass on the internet".

[2SS 2011]

I know the feeling.. You need to frequent the car shows/meets in your area and really get to know the groups that hang out and eventually you will fit in and feel comfortable.. It's happened to all of us at one time or another