Went to another cruise night this evening and wasn't feeling it.

[1969chargerrtse]

 Has that ever happend to you?  You pull the car out and head to a cruise or show and just aren't feeling it?  Does it pass?  Or are my Muscle car days coming to a slow end?  I'm not a kid anymore and I don't do car stuff like I used to. Times are busy in the family world and work world. Have you ever hit a car slump? Sometimes with all the new cars on the road I feel like I'm out of touch.  Just some old guy in a old car. Yes, No?

Let's have some thoughts. Have you, been there done that?

[Back N Black]

I will let you know when i get my car on the road.

[Magnumcharger]

I never get sick of doing car shows....
And I can tell you, if I had YOUR car, I'd be even HAPPIER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Steve P.]

Yeah, sort of. More like other things in life became more important. Kids for instance... Just DON'T sell it. The money would be nice to have for a while, but you can't drive cash and the banks won't give you the interest your car will.  


Now if it were a Chevette I would say otherwise..  

[ODZKing]

Funny, I was thinking that this year too. I sort of have to push myself to get out of the house and go to a show or cruise in.  Not feeling 100% helps the unwillingness, but once I'm out and going, I'm OK.
Yes, this is the first year I have ever felt that way.  

[tommymac]

Nope.. just went to a cruise tonite an had fun,getting there and then meeting some folks I havent seen in years,They just got a 64 T-Bird Convert off an inlaw from Fla it is mint .He's just getting into cars at 54 not knowing much but having fun. Made a meet for next week at a BBQ,cruise.Its still fun at 54.

[ODZKing]

Let me add this.  There is a cruise in every night of the week here.  In the past a typical evening would be get home from work, throw some food down my throat and head to a cruise in.  Repeat that every night except the weekends where there is at least one if not two car shows.  Sometimes gong weeks without a night away from it.  Knowing that come November it'll be tucked away safely for the winter months and I'll be wishing I could take The Charger out for a ride.
...............but that's why there is hockey!!!!   

[41husk]

I have weekends were I don't want to get any of them on the road. usually dictated by weather or work load.  I have rental property so if they need attention or they are vaccant, I need to take care of that first, (that is the source of my car money).  Many weekends if the weather is nice I may drive the 68, 70 and 73 the same day.  Being a teacher and off most of the good driving days, I don't have to count on good weather on only weekends.  I always know those seemingly endless winter month will be here before you know it, and being a wrestling coach in Illinois, even if there is a nice day, after the season starts I have little time to get the cars out even if the weather is great, but I seldom have a day I am not driving one, that I wish I were

[Silver R/T]

There's always haters but don't let that slow you down. All that matters is that you know you're driving one of most beautiful/powerful/classic cars and that goes away.

[The70RT]

We have cruises and shows around here all the time and I have probably only went to three cruise nights this year. The only car for me to take that is worthy is my 70 Cutlass I love driving it but I about tore the trans out a couple years ago at Good Guys when I took it through the slalom course about three times. Instead of rebuilding it and the engine which has 170K on it. I am trying to get the Charger done and not spend more money on it for now. When I get the Charger done I don't think I could ever get burnt out on it. So yeah maybe you are  getting burned out if your loosing the feeling. I mean come on you just got it how you like it now.   I guess there's always H.O. trains  

[Mike DC]

The car shows & cruises sometimes bore me.  The cars themselves don't.


The stoplight olympics can make you get sick of any car.  But the problem isn't the car. 
Just take the Charger out and blast around some rural 2-lane territory sometime.

     

[Sublime/Sixpack]

Car Shows pretty much bore me these days, I've "been there done that" a few too many times I guess. The thing I enjoy most about my cars is getting them out in the evenings for a little two lane cruise of my own. Just me, the car, and the highway.

[Blown70]

Car Shows pretty much bore me these days, I've "been there done that" a few too many times I guess. The thing I enjoy most about my cars is getting them out in the evenings for a little two lane cruise of my own. Just me, the car, and the highway.

I would have to agree, I am sorry if I offend anyone, but the constant my brother, uncle, cousin, friend, had or has a car just like this, with a HEMI though or a hemi sixpack...  I know people mean well.  I just enjoy the driving, not the sitting around....

T

[68charger383]

Car Shows pretty much bore me these days, I've "been there done that" a few too many times I guess. The thing I enjoy most about my cars is getting them out in the evenings for a little two lane cruise of my own. Just me, the car, and the highway.

I was feeling the same way. I started to think about it and I loved driving to and from the cruise nights or car shows, but got bored when I got there. So I just started cruising in the car and stopped going to the shows. Plus the shows/drive ins also seem kind of clicky and driving in a mopar means your not in the click   But thats why I love Mopars.

I would have to agree, I am sorry if I offend anyone, but the constant my brother, uncle, cousin, friend, had or has a car just like this, with a HEMI though or a hemi sixpack...  I know people mean well.  I just enjoy the driving, not the sitting around....
T

You know there is such a thing as a 426 Hemi six pack, so these people might not be that far gone. Check out the Indy ad in September's Mopar Magazine (page 9)426 street Hemi, Options: add a six pack with holley carbs for $1,000.00.

[Blown70]

Car Shows pretty much bore me these days, I've "been there done that" a few too many times I guess. The thing I enjoy most about my cars is getting them out in the evenings for a little two lane cruise of my own. Just me, the car, and the highway.

The shows/drive ins also seem kind of clicky and driving in a mopar means your not in the click   But thats why I love Mopars.

I would have to agree, I am sorry if I offend anyone, but the constant my brother, uncle, cousin, friend, had or has a car just like this, with a HEMI though or a hemi sixpack...  I know people mean well.  I just enjoy the driving, not the sitting around....
T

You know there is such a thing as a 426 Hemi six pack, so these people might not be that far gone. Check out the Indy ad in September's Mopar Magazine (page 9)426 street Hemi, Options: add a six pack with holley carbs for $1,000.00.

Was meant at a joke and I could careless about the mopar mag. Thanks for effort though

[dads_69]

My two cents: I got my first mopar, '68 charger at age 14. Since that moment, I was hooked. Over 44 mopars later, 80% being chargers. A year or so ago I switched to Fords. Got pissed off one day and sold everything I had/owned for mopars. Now I have a Cobra, a pair of Ligthnings and two Explorers, wife drives one and other is my winter ride.
No, I don't own a charger anymore, I may never again, I still enjoy reading about everyone else's charger here, seeing them at car shows etc... But not my cup of tea anymore.
In high school I was known as chargermark. That nic name still sticks to this day when old friends see me, makes me laugh now. My bud's tell me I'll end up w/a mopar again. Who know's.....
The way I see your situation, its kind of like a woman having her monthly mood swing, even guys have off days sometimes, ha-ha.


Mark

[1969chargerrtse]

Yeah, sort of. More like other things in life became more important. Kids for instance... Just DON'T sell it. The money would be nice to have for a while, but you can't drive cash and the banks won't give you the interest your car will.  


Now if it were a Chevette I would say otherwise..  

Oh God I have no thoughts of selling it.  This is the last Muscle car I plan on owning until I die.  I've been there done that with the best and the 69 Charger R/T is my sign off for life car.  
I think this said it best " The way I see your situation, its kind of like a woman having her monthly mood swing, even guys have off days sometimes, ha-ha."
Part of the feeling was here I was cooking myself in the sun after a stop light to stop light run to this cruise and I had a sweet little 5 year old at home that I didn't even see after work getting ready for bed and here I was again at a cruise for the 20,000 time and I was a bit home sick and blamed the hobby.
My favorite cruise is a short run for a coffee, chat with a few people and head on back home.  I've been in this hobby for over 40 years, and that Charger ain't going no where, If I feel bored it can sit it out until I miss it again.  
Sometimes I do feel like an old fart in an old car, anyone else feel that way?

[tan top]

 yeah i get bored of cars shows    all the  same type of thing !!  only ever go to the drag strip now  , even just to watch    our cars are ment to run     

[BrianShaughnessy]

  I only go if I feel like it.   I don't feel like going to boring parking lot car shows with a lousy 50's DJ most of the time. 

   I could go to a pizza place cruise tonight,  a lounge cruise tomorrow,  an ice cream joint cruise on Friday, a Sonic cruise on Saturday, etc. etc.

    Mostly it's the same group of folks.    And the idea is still to buy food and drink at the host facility.    Fair enough. 

     If the host facility makes an honest effort to provide some kind of entertainment besides cars I've already seen then I'm more likely to go.

[resq302]

Ive been in that "rut" lately where the car does not bring me the enjoyment as much as it used to.  Now it could just be the state of mind that im in, depression, family issues, etc, I don't know what it is but once I am at the shows, I have a good time making new friends and comoradity.   Other days, I can't wait to take the charger out and just lay some rubber with it.

[73chgrSE]

There is a cruise-in here every thursday nite. mostly just a bunch of tuner kids though. There are usually only a few old cars. I try to drive by occasionally, they cant seem to resist turning to look when they hear me coming.

I've had my charger since the 80's and i still enjoy the hell out of it. Probly drive it more than i should but you only live once.

[69 OUR/TEA]

I hear ya Rob,try mixing it up a bit.On a sat night,stay home till the kids go to bed,go up to BK in newington,that cruise is lively till 12 or so.About a 20-25 minute ride for you,so you get in your drive pleasure,and a little cruise seen,which happens to be mostly mopars anyway up there.I did'nt go until 10:30 last sat.Don't worry the fender tag police are'nt at this cruise!!!!!LOL

[dodgecharger-fan]

Let me add this.  There is a cruise in every night of the week here.  In the past a typical evening would be get home from work, throw some food down my throat and head to a cruise in.  Repeat that every night except the weekends where there is at least one if not two car shows.  Sometimes gong weeks without a night away from it.  Knowing that come November it'll be tucked away safely for the winter months and I'll be wishing I could take The Charger out for a ride.
...............but that's why there is hockey!!!!   

So, you live somewhere in Southern Ontario, then?

Cruises here every night of the week here too. I finally got to my first one this year - just this past Friday. Lasted about an hour before the rain came. Now, I don't mind the rain, but I could see the storm coming and when I saw lightning, it was time to move out. We got caught in a downpour on the way home.
I'm going to try and get to two cruise-ins this week and see how things pan out. Those and MOPARfest are about the only things I'll bother with because I don't want my car judged, but there's still door prizes and raffles and stuff to add to the fun - and proceeds go to charity.

[ODZKing]

Syracuse actually.  But we love hockey.  Season ticket Crunch fans.
We'll be at Moparfest too.   

[dodgecharger-fan]

Syracuse actually.  But we love hockey.  Season ticket Crunch fans.
We'll be at Moparfest too.   

Almost the same place. 

Great! I'll look out for you. I'll have the New Yorker there.

[Ghoste]

I seldom go to cruise nights in my hometown.  Firstly, they don't cruise, they park. Secondly, it's the same guys with the same cars yapping about the same crap.  Lastly, as soon as there is a regular gathering of regular attendees there shortly will begin a "club" mentality with all the politics that come with it.
I still love cars and driving the hell out of my pos so give me a sunny summer afternoon or night and tank of gas to burn up and I'm happy.

[dodgecharger-fan]

Firstly, they don't cruise, they park. Secondly, it's the same guys with the same cars yapping about the same crap.  Lastly, as soon as there is a regular gathering of regular attendees there shortly will begin a "club" mentality with all the politics that come with it.
I still love cars and driving the hell out of my pos so give me a sunny summer afternoon or night and tank of gas to burn up and I'm happy.

True. I haven't gotten to the point where I'm seeing that yet with the cruises around here. Although I think I may see it this week. One cruise-in has been switched to every other week and is being run by a different bunch of folks (as far as I can tell). Another cruise-in started up on the same night. We're going to check that one out this week if the weather is decent.

We always try to get out for a drive before or after hitting the cruise-in.

But your comment brings up a point that is all too true and raises a point about the "newer" car groups. I see them do more cruising than parking.
Someone will organize a route through an interesting locale with a few strategic stops along the way, and we drive. I've done a couple with the LX crowd. It's fun.
A friend of mine has a Honda S2000 and he does this all the time - and he autocrosses it as well.

[RECHRGD]

I'm 61, so I am definitely an "old fart in an old car"  I don't do as many shows as I used to for reasons already stated.  Driving the car is where I get the most pleasure.  I was driving to 'Fastback Jon's' Charger meet on Saturday in 100 degree heat and wondering what the hell I was doing, when I noticed a new little Audi sports car that was pacing me.  There was a 30 something blond driving it.  She yelled out "YOU LOOK GREAT IN THAT CAR".  Made my day!  Bob

[dodgecharger-fan]

I get thumbs up from all the old ladies when I'm out in my New Yorker.

I'm 43 (and I 'm always told that I look younger).
Am I doing something wrong?

[694spdRT]

Skipped my hometown car show and cruise night just this weekend if that tells you anything. There are only so many nice weekends here and I often have other priorities or things I would rather do.

I enjoy going to a few of the larger events each year where there may be racing, swap meets, etc. or just going for drives on my own more.

[moparstuart]

If i had unlimited funds I would hit a car show or a cruise every night .   Maybe someday I will burn out but hasnt happened yet .  Money and time are my only restrictions right now .

   

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Been there done that...dont have the drive much anymore since my car show buddy moved away....I like cruising with a bud rather than by myself....

[Old Moparz]

Maybe if a local stripper club will move the activities outside to the parking lot & let the girls dance around the cars for tips & give lap dances to the winners it would kick your car show interest up a few notches. You'd probably get cars to show up that haven't seen the road since Nixon resigned. 


Interest for car shows & cruises come & go in cycles like anything else. Do the same thing over & over & over & you're bound to need a break from it.

[Manfred318]

Maybe if a local stripper club will move the activities outside to the parking lot & let the girls dance around the cars for tips & give lap dances to the winners it would kick your car show interest up a few notches. You'd probably get cars to show up that haven't seen the road since Nixon resigned. 

Great Idea I would definately be there.

I myself kinda like the cruise in, but we only have one every month or so. Usually the 3rd Friday from Apr.-Oct. so it doesnt really get that old. You have all of the things you would expect like all the GM, Ford, VW etc. guys all park together and all these I'm better than you people, but I just try n' over look it. What gets me tho is it is supposed to be a classic car cruise/show, but they let any ass-hat in there that is driving a car. I wouldnt really call an '86 Caprice with 24'' rims a classic, but thats just me I guess. The last one I went to they also started letting the little crotch rockets in there as well. They all gather up and make so much noise you cant hardly hear your self think. I left when that happened as did quite afew others. 

[NHCharger]

I got burned out on the cruise night thing two years after buying my first Charger (1995). I'd rather be driving. By the time I get home from work, shower, eat, do the dishes and a couple of odd chores there's not much daylight left for cruising. I don't like cruising in the dark, too much bug splatter to scrape off the car.

I usually do a short cruise on the weekend 40-75 miles and a longer cruise (usually to the white mountains) once a month that's 250+ miles.

Besides working 50 hours a week I own some rental properties and as other have said, sometimes life cuts into my Charger time. I also spend too much time here.

[bearbqd]

We have shows every weekend and some of the same ones on Friday and Saturday nights. I haven't been to one recently but I still love my cars. The main reason I haven't been going to any lately is that my Saturdays were taken away and I have to work them again. Sure, I could go to the Friday night ones or the Saturday night ones but I usually don't. It may have something to do with the fact that my Charger is pretty much my daily driver and I get my fix just by driving to and from work every day. If I wasn't doing that, I think I would be going to a lot more shows.

The last time I lost interest for awhile has haunted me ever since. That's when I had a 73 Cuda in my driveway that wasn't running at the time and a 71 Cuda Grand Coupe, 383 all numbers car in need of resto in the garage. Lack of money to fix these and really wanting some hi end music synthesizer equipment at the time kind of made me have temporary insanity. Instead of selling just one of these cars, I ended up selling them both for rediculous prices right when e bodies were just starting to go up without me realizing it. I found out AFTER I sold it, that not only was the 71 a one of 1,200 made, but because it was a bigblock car, turns out it was one of 79!  DOH!!! I'll kick myself forever for that one. Especially since I originally bought that car in 2001 for $300 on what was for three years prior an abandoned property. Could have gotten it for free if I had played my cars right, but I was desperate to get it at the time.

Anyway, I think what I'm trying to say is that I am determined to never lose my zeal for these cars again as I hate the regret that comes with selling them. You're probably not even considering selling yours. You're just getting burnt out on car shows which happens to a lot of people. I just hope it doesn't lead to you getting tired of your awesome ride, selling it, and then end up regretting it the rest of your life.

[SFRT]

for me the car thing keeps getting better. the Scow is running awesome, drive it nearly every day, the Chiselers have 19 members now and we been hangin every weekend working on cars...just scored a free 65 barracuda that we are going to build into a drag car...life is good...

[The70RT]

for me the car thing keeps getting better. the Scow is running awesome, drive it nearly every day, the Chiselers have 19 members now and we been hangin every weekend working on cars...just scored a free 65 barracuda that we are going to build into a drag car...life is good...

Now were talking 

[bull]

Car shows don't do much for me. They were cool the first few times I went but after that it was the same ol' same ol'. Usually it's just a bunch of holier-than-thous looking down their noses at you. I have little to no desire to take my Charger to a show when I get it done. I know I will take it once or twice but I get the feeling that's about as much as it's going to happen. More than likely it will be entered in some small local shows for an hour or two rather than any nine-hour big events. And I really don't give a crap about the idea of awards.

[oldrock]

I think a fix for the same ole thing blues is always a new challenge. In your case, either a new car to restore or a new project for your existing car might be just the ticket.

[greenpigs]

The times I was out were great and i like sticking out in a sea of belly button cars. My car is kinda rough so shows are not done. It is runing again now after 5 years so I plan on driving it as much as possible.

[G-man]

i wish there were muscle car cruises down here in NSW of australia. Im not aware of any, just  going by the fact I see very rare few muscle cars and Dodge/Plymouth = 0% seen last 26 years on the road

[1969chargerrtse]

One thing I mentioned no one commented on.
Sometimes I feel like some old fart driving around in his past.  Out of touch with today's world.  No one ever felt that way?  99% of the time, I'm king of the hill and the luckiest guy to own this beautiful classic.  Then sometimes I feel like I couldn't let go of the past and I'm driving around trying to reclaim my youth.
Just me?

[Ghoste]

No, I sometimes feel that way too but I'm okay with it.  Micheal Jackson had Neverland and I have my Charger.
It doesn't bother me in the least.

[69 OUR/TEA]

One thing I mentioned no one commented on.
Sometimes I feel like some old fart driving around in his past.  Out of touch with today's world.  No one ever felt that way?  99% of the time, I'm king of the hill and the luckiest guy to own this beautiful classic.  Then sometimes I feel like I couldn't let go of the past and I'm driving around trying to reclaim my youth.
Just me?

    Even though I'm not as old as you Rob,not the fact of trying to relive my youth,I just simply like the way things looked and were from the 70's,cars,music,TV shows,way of life,etc.Every year that goes by, that era gets farther away,and to me,it's neat just to try and keep in touch with it.Even when I drive the new chally,I have the sat radio on the 70's station!!!!! When I'm drivin the 3x9,I have it on 102.9 with the single front speaker and single rear speaker just a cracklin away!!!!!

[oldrock]

nothing wrong with holding on to the things we enjoyed about our youth. I say go for it and enjoy it. Maybe back down a bit on the number you attend but life is short... enjoy! Oh and from another guy who grew up with the 60s and 70s muscle cars, I still think it was the greatest period in autos. Sure some new cars are faster and safer but they just didn't have the feel of the ole muscle cars. Long live the american muscle car!!!

[SFRT]

where I live 'today's world' is a bunch of unhappy squares riding the bus or tooling along in their lame-ass podmobiles between the tiny overpriced box they live in and the tiny cubicle they work in...so I am happily out of touch with it in my my own, schedule free fantasy bubble...

[myk]

Well, if you aren't feeling it anymore maybe it's time for you to move on with your life.  People tend to think that it's "wrong" for them to lose interest in something, but there's nothing wrong with that, it's just life.  Changing how often you go to car shows or talking to car people and forcing the car thing down your throat or even buying/restoring another car isn't going to help matters any.  Ask yourself and be honest about how you truly feel and then act accordingly, and unlike some of the people who've responded to you I won't hold it against you if you decided it's time to move on...

[1969chargerrtse]

I worked hard and long and have a lot in the Charger hobby, both with emotions and money.  It'll be a long time before I make a decision to move out of someting that has been a huge part of my life.  I could never afford to own a car like this again. Once it's over it's over and now is not that time.  Nothing wrong with not feeling it, but the last thing I would do is make a quick decision to end the hobby.  I love cars.

[Martian R/T]

From the time I was really little I can remember going to car shows and such with my Dad, he helped me build my first car, 65 Mustang Fastback, we worked on the cars together, and showed them together, I had my Charger about a year when he died, so for the first time I had to work on the car myself, after that I went to a couple of shows and it wasn't the same,the fun was gone so I don't even consider going to car shows anymore, I completely lost all interest in it, it is 19 years this month since he died, and I still cant bring myself to go to any shows, I hear of cruise nights but still have no interest in those either, I guess that part of me died when he did.

[myk]

Right, so maybe your thing with Chargers and cars in general might change into something else.  Cruise shows aren't for everyone and they certainly aren't mandatory for people who love cars and machines.  Personally, and this is just my opinion, the idea of walking around a bunch of cars while their owners just stand around talking all day isn't my idea of time well spent-life is way too short for that.

Just take a step back and think about it.  Take some time and then make a decision.  No matter what happens you can always get back in to it...

[myk]

Oops!

[1969chargerrtse]

From the time I was really little I can remember going to car shows and such with my Dad, he helped me build my first car, 65 Mustang Fastback, we worked on the cars together, and showed them together, I had my Charger about a year when he died, so for the first time I had to work on the car myself, after that I went to a couple of shows and it wasn't the same,the fun was gone so I don't even consider going to car shows anymore, I completely lost all interest in it, it is 19 years this month since he died, and I still cant bring myself to go to any shows, I hear of cruise nights but still have no interest in those either, I guess that part of me died when he did.

That's sad.  In your case let time heal the pain of his lost and I'll bet further down the road you will go and do those things in his memory of all those great times.  As for me, my dad hated cars and my wife and kids could care less.  I have one close friend that is in to it with me.  Right now family first, and when I'm bored I take the Charger for a short ride.  All is well.

[1969chargerrtse]

Oops!

Are those your 4 cars?  I love those last year Trans ams.The most I owned at one time was 3 Muscle cars.