Yesterday I had an open house to go to, so naturally I got the Olds out for a cruise. It was a sunny day in Mid-Michigan and I had just got done traveling for the last two days. So what better way to relax and enjoy my Sunday then driving around in the 442 with my beautiful wife.

Fast-forward to later in the afternoon. I stopped at a Meijer gas station to meet up with the guy that did my paint work, to talk with him about doing the finishing touches, final payment details etc.

Now, I'm used to people stopping to ask me about the car, or to just chat. But as I'm talking to my body guy, a gentleman starts walking around my car.

**Now just to paint a picture, my car is not 100%. It's like 70%ish complete. I still need a radio, chrome bumpers, rear-corner trim pieces, a new grill, the clear needs to wet sanded and some paint needs to be touched up where I dinged some areas putting it back together.

This is how it looks right now

The gentleman begins to go over the car like a judge in a show. Pointing at things he finds wrong (to himself mind you. He hasn't even spoken to me yet) and then finally asks, "who's car is this?"

I said it was my car. He keeps walking.

I yelled out to him: It's still a work in progress. I still have things I need to do to it.
"Yeah...it must be for you to have jumper cables in the back seat."
(I had jumper cables because of the starting issue I had and posted about here. I just haven't removed them from the car yet.)

Then he began his questions.

"Is the car originally red?"
No, the original color is Jade Gold. I really didn't like that color so I went with red.

"Mhmhm"
"Does it have the original 400 motor?"
Yes. I rebuilt it 3 years ago after I got the car.

"How many miles on the car?"
From the odometer, about 52k.

"Is that rolled over?"
I don't know, I really have no way of knowing that.

"Well you could tell from the timing chain. Did you know that? Have you had issues with the timing chain?"
No... I rebuilt the motor about 3 years ago when I got the car.

"Mhhm... keep the motor original?"
Pretty much. Nothing crazy. Intake..carb..headers.

"Internals?"
New internals. Stock specks though.

"Cam?"
The cam is stock.

"Any W30 Mods?"
No. I've looked into things like the under-the-bumper scoops before

(cuts me off)

"No, I meant the cam."
No... it's stock.

"Is this car from the bay area?"
No. The guy that had it before me was from Flint.

"Are you from the bay area?"
No, I live here in town. (Must have been wondering if it was car he's seen before?)

At this point he gives another smug humph and starts walking back towards the car. As he walks by he touches the spot on the fender where the antenna hole is/was and says, "you gonna put the antenna back on?" and doesn't even wait for my answer and keeps walking.
(We filled in the antenna spot for now, until I can afford to replace it. That way I don't have a gaping hole in my fender.)

His attitude was cold and off putting the whole time.

As a young (newly married) man, money and time are not something I have a lot of. This car is 100% a project of passion for me, not some trophy. I drive it because I love it, not because I can necessarily afford it. I have so much blood, sweat, and tears put into this car.

I just wanted to share this story because events like this really turn me off from the "classic car" scene. This attitude seems to be prevalent, at least around here, among classic car people. I know my car isn't perfect. I'm very self conscious about it, and know about every little imperfection.

When did groups like this start caring more about superficial things and forget about what's really important, the love and passion for cars.

I find more passion, encouragement, and general love for cars from the younger scene then I ever do from the older generations any more.

Events like this make me not even want to bring my car around shows or cruises.

Anyways, thank you for reading my rant.

Don't be like this. Encourage people. Make the car scene a pleasant place to be.

 

After the second question I'd have asked him how much .... not buying it? Then **** off.

 

Don't be discouraged by 1
or more A-holes. They are out
there and they can go 'butt a stump.'

Enjoy your car, sounds like a nice WIP.

 

Way back when, when I 1st got my Cutlass I was at a cruise and some dick comes up to me & 1st thing he says is "THIS CAR NEEDS A LOT OF WORK!" with this big stupid smile on his face for some reason. I told him I thought he was ugly. When he looked at me in shock I said I thought we were exchanged unsolicited opinions. Some people are just ********.

 

Some peoples kids... Don't sweat it.

 

Sometimes I say " I bought it this way because I can fix it and some people can't.

 

When I found my convertible 63-98 the hood had a big piece of bondo in the middle where it had been fixed after an accident from the previous owner. We are at a cruise in and we are enjoying the evening until some jerk decides to judge my car and broadcast to his friends what is wrong with my car. They all come over and start asking me questions about this and that, after a short while I have had enough and asked where their cars were at and when they said " OH we were just passing by and were checking out the cruise" my response was 'OH when you can afford a car let me know and I'll return the favor and tell you what's wrong with yours"
I also told one person that the mark on the hood was caused by a big sea gull at McDonalds.
I haven't heard back from those guys, wonder why?
Steve

 

I need to learn to be as quick on my feet as you guys are!

I'd also like to add that everyone here has been awesome. I've never had problems with you guys. I wish the car scene around here was more like you guys are.

 

Damn what a jerk. Probably jealous and wishes he had something that cool to work on.

 

I forgot to add that he drove away in a rusted out early 2000s Buick Park Avenue....

 

Most of us old guys are not azzholes.

 

lol

 

It just must be a thing out here. Don't get me wrong. I've met a lot of nice people in the car scene. But for some reason there is a very 'cliquey' trend that seems to be starting up around here. If you aren't apart of their clique, you're kind of an outsider. It makes it very hard to be apart of the shows and cruises around here without feeling un-wanted.

 

When I go to a car show I look around alot because Im always looking for tips and trick, I don't care if its as little as how they got their carb return spring hooked up, and I always look at name of tires to see if they are something I have never saw before.
I think there has been about two times that a car makes me think (to myself) just stop working on it, just stop!!!
You know the guy who made his own wind tunnel and has scoops on the top of the car and two piece spoilers right at the back base of the hood and right across the back window. Or has the factory shifter in backwards with no console for jetting 90 down the back streets and it just piles up after that, but then again he may have valve stem caps that say "GM" on them that you just have to ask where they came from!!

 

I wish any of the Olds I've had looked as good as that lol

 

Looks way better than mine. Check out my avatar. I drive mine all the time and take it to shows. I get alot of comments and mostly positive. I have had alot of people tell me they don't take there cars out because they are not prefect. I don't undestand that. With a daughter in college then getting married it's not getting done any time soon.

In the sea of afters mine is a before.

Take it out and enjoy it, that is what it is for.

Larry

 

Oh, it's everywhere. The only time you get any peace is if you're the only one of that brand there, sometimes, not even then.

But hell, my 442 is in such sad shape that the homeys try to buy it every time I fill up.

 

The guy sounds like a douche bag. I have walked up to guys with cars in progress and have always been complimentary. I've done a few restorations and know how much work and money is involved. I've found that when the owner knows that you know something about cars they will generally point out things they have not addressed. I always say you'll get to it in good time and tell them it looks good. After all we are into these cars because they're just great fun.


Cheers, Mike

 

If you show up for homecoming here in Lansing, you will be among friends!
Now the bad news, you will have to wait about another year!

Pat

 

I like talking to the ones with cars that are still in progress, what they are planning, etc. If I see something I don't like, I never comment on it, to each their own. I also would rather see a owner/driver that is doing his own work with all the flaws then a owner with a fat wallet that knows nothing about what he has. Went to one small show, saw a street rod that a friend built the frame and suspension for, installed and rebuilt the engine and mounted the body. The guy was talking about all the work HE did on it. Just shook my head and walked away. A-holes are everywhere, and are not worth the stress to deal with. I am way beyond dealing with certain types of people.

 

People like the one you encountered are exactly why I am not a member of OCA. They think everything has to be numbers matching, paint stripe or dab correct, and all part number stickers in place. At the NEO OCA show I've was once snubbed second place in modified to a non roadworthy pos because I race my car. They feel it is unworthy of awards because it has slicks on it or something. Total azzhats.

 

It's usually the non Olds guys that run their traps. All the Olds guys I know and meet out here try to help each other out. We know how hard it is to find parts at a decent price and wanna see more Olds on the road; no matter what the condition. Too bad ya didn't have time to do a walk around on his, "Show Car!"

 

Better man than me in replying to him.

I don't even know why you gave him the time of day to be honest.

Once he took it upon himself to conduct an unsolicited "spot" judging .....

You should have simply ignored him.

Or you could have returned the favor & started telling other people (or simply talked out loud to yourself) what a complete toolbag he was ... acting as tho' he wasn't there.

 

Hi Loganmiller68, I once had a guy at a car show try to buy the power antenna right off my car and when I told him not for sale he started to argue with me about how my car wasn't good enough for a power antenna and I was being an *** because he needed one for his car!
How do you deal with someone like that!!!

 

Well, in some countries, they have a thing called "honor killing"...

- Eric

 

Generally, laying your hand near your piece and saying that you don't want any trouble, but he should move along now is a good way.

 

Usually the stupidest people are often the loudest. Don't worry about that idiot. The car looks great.

 

I tell em to F*** OFFFFF plain and simple. I have had olds guys give me the third degree about my car because its gutted and a "street racer car " usually at car shows. I then walk over and nit pick their cars about fit finish and body work. GUYS abosolutly hate that because its so expensive. Then I walk away and say im a body guy. It someone has the marbles to give me crap then they better be prepared to take what I can dish out. And yes sadly its mostly "purist" olds guys I have issues with.


Car looks great by the way., next time tell him to go pound sand.

 

Here is a good one. I was coming back from a show with my 70 and stopped at my local Advance Auto for something. A guy gets out of a 20 year old BMW and starts walking towards me and my car. He starts talking about his 72 Hurst Olds w-30 that he bought new! Only 17000 miles he tells me. It got even better when he said it runs low 11s in the quarter. So I say what did you do to the engine? Oh no it's completely stock and untouched! WTF I'm thinking now I'm trying to get away and all the while he's looking at my car like it's a rental and then tells me to undercoat my red w-30 inner fenders because they have the faded look. They been in the car for 17 years and I drive it! What a total dickbag!

 

Actually it's a Mercy Killing, you put them out of other peoples misery.

 

I hear you Logan......
Took my 442 to its first show on the weekend.
A local guy who owns many classic cars, and trailers every one of them walked up to mine and asked me "who did my windshield?", to which I replied that it was outsourced to a window guy at the body shop."Oh"...he replies, "you can tell" and he turns and walks away.
I was going to say something to him, like at least I drove my car to the show, but why bother. A guy like him knows little about SAVING cars and a lot about BUYING them.....
I had a lot of nice things said, but this guy really turned my stomach, esp since my car was in very bad shape when I bought it. And this twit had no interest in the cars' history at all.
The nicest compliment I received was after the show, at a local coffee shop from an average joe who just wished he had a car like mine, but could not afford it because he had a young family.....I talked with him about OLDSMOBILES for over an hour....and he said nothing about my windshield

 

I really don't understand people sometimes. After the numerous car shows I have been to, even if the car is not complete, I at least appreciate the effort involved by getting as far as they have. And sometimes at these same car shows, some of the most socially inept also make an appearance usually spouting off about the car they used to have. You know the type; they had a stock 1968 Olds with a 442 cubic inch motor and tri-power...

On the other side of the coin, I have also run into owners who are showing cars who are not really interested in answering questions and can be just as large of an ****. If you are not a Mopar fanatic for example, and have a question about their Plum Crazy '68 'Cuda, they sort of look at you like there is something wrong with your brain if you don't have every spec and production number memorized for a '68 'Cuda! If you DO have them memorized, then you are a good ole boy...sheesh......

When it comes to cars, for instance a low riders '64 Impala, I admit that even though it is not my personal taste, the amount of hours of painting the Virgin Mary on the hood must have been enormous! What passion and skill! Amazing! I still hold a little judgement for 22" and above wheels on a classic car, but I realized not too long ago when I was a teenager we did some very silly things to cars that we though was good looking, at least at the time. Meh, to each their own I suppose.

When presented with a car that in my own personal opinion is hideous, I fall back to what my mom always told me;
"If you don't have something nice to say about someone, at least make sure they are not in the same damned room."

 

Yeah! There are a lot of jerks out there. Sorry you had to encounter one of them. There's not really a lot you can do about them either. They know everything and they are just so much better than people like you and me. I run into them all the time. They seem more concerned with social status then the hobby.

But on the other end of the spectrum there are a lot of great guys out there as well. So don't let this one jerk get you down. He's just trying to make up for his own shortcomings by belittling people like you and me. Your the real thing! You're driving the car you're working on as you slowly restore it to your taste and your likes. And jumper cables are a must for guys like you and me. As are tools and the knowledge on how to use them.

I'd rather drink a beer with you and talk cars then sip wine with a jerk and listen to him talk about what the mechanic did to their car this week. Because I know they aren't going to let me talk.

 

Try not to sweat that schmuck. You proved to be the better person by fielding his moronic questions. "If" something like this should happen again, just remember....smile, "Thank you" and walk away. Not worth raising your blood pressure.
Two facts: Your car looks awesome and everyone's a critic.
Best of luck with it!


BTW...I got my '70 442 from a town just north of Flint (Montrose, MI) 2 years ago.

 

His judgement was on your car, not you. Do you think he undermined your integrity? Just ignore his insensitivity.

 

Logan, after everything is said and done you get to drive home and enjoy your car, he gets to go home to who know's what......I think you will be the winner here and live to drive your car every day!!
I run into people like this all the time, caught one guy on the ground checking the mouldings on my 63 and when I questioned him about what he was doing he showed me a list he made of what was wrong with my car. I looked at it and said " if you can find these parts I'll buy them", he then makes an offer on my car and follows me around like a puppy trying to get me to sell the car.
I've learned to just let this crap roll off and move forward, there everywhere and I think their only gratification in life is finding fault in all the things they can not do.
Steve

 

lol it's taken me a lot of work just to get to this point. (and a lot of scrimping and saving.) Plus I think I'm missing about half of my rear-end at this point from all the azz-chewings I've received from the wife

Thanks Larry! I always say I'd rather drive my car while I work on it then just let it sit around.

Driving around the Flint area I tend to get a lot of looks from the homies.

Thanks Mike!

Sorry I missed it this year, I'll have to try and come out next year!

I love guys that "did all the work"....with their wallet!

I can't stand the "trailer queen" mentality. Why even own a car if you aren't going to drive it/race it.

Ya, I could of talked all about his rusted out Buick!

I gotta say that your avatar picture is awesome.

Wow, that's like next level a-hole mentality!

Thank You!

I can't believe there are people like that, that think they have the right to tell other people what's right or wrong with a car that isn't even theirs!!

Never pick on a body guy lol you guys can always find some kind of 'imperfection' to retaliate about! I have a friend that does body work and he sees stuff all the time. But he keeps his trap shut instead of voicing it to everyone!

Ya, a stock 72, running 11s I love my 68' but unlike some guys I don't walk around acting like it's the fastest flippin thing on the road.

You're the second person I've heard about that someone pointed out their inner fenders. Who the heck is looking so hard to find something about your car that they can complain about???!!

WOW. Your windshield??? YOUR WINDSHIELD?!! LMAO!

The general public always gives the best compliments in my experience. It's always, "what a beast!" or "Whats it got in it?" Or "I wish I could have a car like that."

Mopar guys tend to be the worst with this kind of stuff. Generally I wont even talk to those guys. Even when I'm looking at someones 'Cuda I'm usually getting the death stare the whole time. There is a Mopar club around here (naturally) that only trailers their cars around. It's sad. Those cars deserve to be driven.

If you're ever up in Michigan, I have cold beer and love to talk about cars! My Uncle has a 67 Delmont 88 and also loves to talk about cars. We could all sit and chat about Oldsmobiles

Awesome! I recently moved and now live about 5 miles from Montrose! How did you find a car way over here? Was it an add online or something?

I should just let it roll right off my shoulder

Wow, that's ridiculous! Some people just feel so 'entitled'.

 

I also have a restored '65 Corvair convertible. You can just imagine the comments I have gotten over the years. My favorite is "Don't these cars roll over?" To my reply "Yeah, every morning I just roll it back over" It is fun to play with peoples ignorance. Have fun with them!

Craig

 

kVVb3OQ.jpgxx

If you would be so kind as to get that fugly POS of the public roads, please.

/sarcasm

Wow, I wish ANY of my cars looked that good.
You should have messed with him.
Same direction but further
Oh wait sir you missed few flaws. Look, the valve stem caps are not "DLL nippled" and the seams aren't oriented right! [remove one, let out a little air or pretend to, waft it towards your nose] Ha, smell that, it's 1975 air, not 1968 air!

etc.

 

Hahaha! I wish I could be this quick on my feat!