I'm 68 now but as a young man of Lucas' age I had scrapbooks full of cutouts from dealer brochures and magazines, models of cars all over my room, and hand sketches of what I would build. My Dad was an Auto Body specialist who wanted me nowhere near cars. I had 4 sisters and no brothers and I lived in a community where I was the only boy my age. But the dreams I put together in my mind back then drove me to do things that others would never attempt. From car and home projects to career choices and challenges. For Lucas and HIS dreams I wish nothing but the best. Aaron, great writing and an opportunity for all of us in the hobby to realize what we need to do for the dreamers coming behind us. ... View more

I'm a 68 year old motorhead and will agree that many old guys in the hobby have a need to either display what they know - or just display in general to the detriment of those "not as knowledgable". Many time at car shows or at a Cars and Coffee event there are cars there that show a lot of wrenching but not a lot of finesse. I'd hang out listening to the owner field questions and see their reactions to "the looks" that they would get from the experts. A lot of it was sad because I could remember being their age and being damn proud at what I was able to do with my meager resources. Here's what it boils down to for me: If a guy needs help - help him. If he asks for the help - respect him for it. If HE'S proud of what he's done give him a smile and help his pride. If your the guy who would tear down his OWN kid for an effort that they're proud of....well....move along. Car ownership and enthusiasm is the lifeblood of the hobby. Imagination and pride work hand-in-hand at inventing the next big thing or improving the quality of something else in that persons life. Work at doing that with guys who aren't at YOUR level and a lot of these "State of the Hobby" issues will go away. ... View more

I once checked my sanity at the door when restoring an 81 TransAm. I doubled the mayhem by removing a good dash from the donor car in order to install it into the "good"one....and changing the firewall to an AC car at the same time.  Slow and steady won the race even though I absolutely hate dealing with old, brittle electrics. Once I decided to take a lesson from the factory and build the whole dash off the car and install it it one piece my sanity was restored.  ... View more

I absolutely love the idea of this concept.  Long ago I used a CAD program to create my own 1980 Mid-engine Corvette.  It never got past the paper stage but the idea has been a shadow in my mind ever since.  I'd love to see your take on that effort. ... View more

I'm a car guy (52 owned at last count) and a three time cancer survivor.  I think I understand what a celebration of life and love this is for Larry and I congratulate him.  To hear what everyone did on behalf of him and his situation just confirms, to me, that there are still some really fine people out there.  Thanks ... View more