No, I'm not talking about vintage tin; I'm talking about young people, our sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, kids down the street, and the ones that gather at the end of the driveway while we're working on our rods or customs. These youngsters are the future of our hobby.
Though I know I'm not the only one to think this way, we can never stress enough that in this day and age there are way too many youngsters out there with no direction, no role models, and no beneficial interests. This can be and is dangerous. Though I don't have children of my own, I'd much prefer to see youngsters, anybody's youngsters, interested in how to fabricate a car part rather than a crack pipe, or how to use a hammer to form a piece of sheetmetal rather than to bash out a window. To this end, I've tried to do my fair share by introducing my two nephews (15-year-old Josh and 6-year-old Caleb) to the joys of fun with cars. I've taken them both to numerous local car shows and cruises and last year had Josh accompany me on Americruise East. And you know what? They both seem to love it, and I'm having a ball.
Recently I started on my Budget Beater project and I've had help from both my nephews since the beginning. Josh, after being indoctrinated by a 1,900-mile road trip in a Deuce roadster, was already chomping at the bit to get to work. Caleb, on the other hand, was gung ho more because of Josh's excitement than because of his own interest in hot rods, but hey-whatever works.
As I said earlier, I'm having great fun showing the boys what it takes to build a car from the ground up, and I have to admit, it's nice to have someone around to handle the (how should I put it) less desirable chores. Anyway, I'm also pleased that I'm able to do my small part, and if giving these two great kids an interest, a goal, and an introduction to a life-long hobby helps them build character in any way shape or form, then I'll give myself, as well as all of you out there who have done the same, a pat on the back and a gold star for the day.
Now, it's back to work... Hey Josh! You finished yet? -RIZ