Not enough youth in h.e.t.
"Not enough youth in the H.E.T. club" is a statement I've read a few times on the forum. How many is enough and at what age is youth?
I only ask, not to make it an issue to argue over, but to get more younger people into the club that meet this age group.
My son is a new member at 36 will he fit in that group? My grandson is 3 I'm sure is he can be considered young. I'm 66 and a member for about 7 years, so I'm fairly young to the club but I would probably be excluded from the youth age.
Perhaps it's best to make everyone feel welcome.
Just thinking out loud. I really enjoy this club and this forum. Have a good day.
Lee
I only ask, not to make it an issue to argue over, but to get more younger people into the club that meet this age group.
My son is a new member at 36 will he fit in that group? My grandson is 3 I'm sure is he can be considered young. I'm 66 and a member for about 7 years, so I'm fairly young to the club but I would probably be excluded from the youth age.
Perhaps it's best to make everyone feel welcome.
Just thinking out loud. I really enjoy this club and this forum. Have a good day.
Lee
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Comments
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Demographically most people do not enter in to the "Classic Car" clubs until the late 38's at the earliest and more often not until the Mid 40's. We have taken surveys for 14 years and the trends have not moved enough in that period to show a decline or a graying of the clubs.
However, Orphan clubs have shown an older membership base due to the vehicle line not being in production. Most desire for a car line comes from cars that people drove in there youth 18 to 25. We have seen this trend move from the 50’s to the 60’s Muscle Cars and Street Rods.
The Internet has helped club growth over the survey period. The economy and available disposable income appears to lead OR decline overall growth. No real surprises here!!!
I like Lee's idea...make everyone feel welcome....that's the ticket. Even, I think about buying a Hudson every once in awhile.0 -
While at the recent National in Pontiac I attended a meeting of those of us who come here, to this Forum. I was presently surprised to see some very young faces. Each of us introduced ourselves & several said they'd never heard of a Hudson 'til they visited this site & they'd gotten interested in & purchased a Hudson because of it.
I immediately thought "this is the way for the HET Club to reach out to & to introduced ourselves" to the younger generations because THIS is their medium, not ours (HET member over 45 years, in my 70's).
Let's keep it up, a good meaningful dialogue!0 -
At this years meeting more than at any other I did notice "Younger Members" It was great! I spent time in conversation with these people to make sure I did all I could so they would feel welcome. I invited them to dinner or swapped business cards.
The members of the HET board has been proactive in seeking new younger members to serve as officers, board members and involved in club projects and registaries. Its been found to ask someone younger and they will work to achieve great results.
We are a better club for our newer , younger members and I wish to say thank you to them.0 -
As a younger member of HET Club Inc. (36) I would like to mention that getting your cars to car shows is very important. I have been to several car shows (10 in 3 years) in my area and only two have had Hudson’s. One was mine and the other was a modified 46-7 Pickup.
If you want to get younger people into the Hudson obsession then you have to get your car out and talk to everyone who stops by your car. While at my first car show with my car (54 Hornet Sedan 4dr) I asked everyone who stopped to look if they had any questions. Most wanted the opportunity to tell me all about my Hudson. Like how it borrowed a lot of parts from Packard (hehehe) and how they never see them anymore.
I did my best to educate the uninformed or underformed LOL, but was happy to talk with all. Kids go to these shows with their parents and good or bad will recognize a step down as Doc Hudson (although mine is blue, it does not talk). This is your opportunity to recruit.
Hudson’s will not appeal to everyone. However, there are those of all ages that like Orphan Cars and whenever given the chance you should tell the tale of the greatest Orphan Brand IMHO. If you talk to people who will listen why you are a fan of this brand they may not be able to help themselves and like it too.
My grandfather owned a 1952 Hornet 4dr Sedan since new and my father is currently restoring it. Since I can remember his car was the one that always stuck with me. When he passed away my parents and my Uncle worked out a deal so that his car would come to our family and eventually become mine. I have always liked things that others have forgotten or looked over. There seems to be more interest in the seldom told story than the one you hear all the time.
This Forum and the New Classiccar.com via Motorhood/Mygarage section will bring more interest from a younger crowd. I just hope that I am not too late in joining this Hudson Brain trust. There is much I need to learn yet, but I gain just a little each day via this forum and the HET Club Inc.
I am thankful for the Guru's like Bill Albright, Walt Mordenti, Al Saffrahn, Linden Welle, Alex Burr and all the others who impart their wisdom here. I will be ever thankful for those who have gone before me and hope I can keep your Hudson’s in good shape for my kids.
Todd Lentz0 -
Me and Jon B have kicked around this very topic from time to time on the chat. I totally agree with the demographic angle of it. A lot of future members will be family members of current members and those that knew Hudson's new followed by pure enthusiasts with no family connection. At 31 I know for a fact a lot of the 'younger set flat-out has not been exposed to the marque. There's steps individual hobbyists can take and also there's certain proactive steps a car club could take to address it. One of the biggies to my thinking is controlling costs. Something none of us can do individually but probably can achieve collectively through economies of scale a club might bring to bare. No secret it's not a cheap hobby but I think most younger folks are priced out of it before they start unless they're doing a father-son project. What used to be a few guys tinkering with old cars no one wanted and doing it cheap has become a luxury right under our noses.
I read in a book somewhere a past AACA president around 1975 said, "I fear one day we may find ourselves on the outside of this hobby looking in." We could prevent it from becoming a rich man's hobby.
Perhaps the club could offer a "scholarship" to attend a national meet or a member could sponsor/mentor a sincerely interested younger member. (thinking out loud here). But point is, steps could be taken to keep costs down. Repro / parts acquisition projects could be done by the club to keep costs down for everyone, not just younger folks. Project cars like entry-level Pacemakers could get sold at reasonable cost to younger folks. You have a group of senior members who seem to be only interested now in buying restored cars because they're not going to be climbing under them as much now, and a group of younger members who can do the work but don't have a car or the knowledge..... seems like the two groups could be brought together to rectify this situation.0 -
Aaron has a very good point. When I started with my "love affair" with old cars back in the late 70's the cost of cars was reasonable. My first car was a 1959 Thunderbird (and how I miss it!) and that cost me £1,000 (about $1,500).
My first Hudson (1939 Big Six) cost me £100 (about $150) and although I spent money on it it was still affordable. I got my '49 Hudson for around £300 I think.
Good cars back then were exchanging hands for hundreds of pounds but then there was this explosion when even average cars went up in price dramatically.
My 112 cost me more than I thought it was worth but because I knew the car I had to have it. Insurance for me is still relatively cheap but I dread to think what might happen if I wanted to put my son on it!
In order to start enjoying these cars you need to be able to own them and cost is very much a factor in that.0 -
I am a member of the Crosley Automobile club, (along with the HET club) Last year we started a "youth project" I was named the "mentor" We have a 16 year old youth that i am helping to restore a 47' Crosley sedan. Everything has been donated, and what hasn't the club pays for. So far it has went very well, There has been more young people taking an interest in the Crosley cars. Maybe us Hudnuts ought too look into this same kind of project.;)
Barry Smedley
53' Super Jet
and a bunch of Crosley's0 -
I couldn't agree more with hudsonsoul and Aaron. People need to see these cars, at shows and on the road. I've been in conversation with an Army Lt. who recently discovered Hudsons and just had to have one. Has started his journey with a "driver quality" '50 C6. It's time consuming but absolutely essential that we help folks such as this, as they're typically not at all familiar with the technical aspects of keeping these cars running well. The fuel and electrical systems are unfamiliar, and a mystery to most of them. The good news is that they're eager to learn. We just have to step up to the challenge of encouraging and educating them about these great automobiles.0
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Good comments. Along with getting out and showing the public our Hudson's is providing an introduction to all that Hudson has to offer. Our small chapter here in Utah has made a nobel effort this centenial year to provide a good collection of Hudson's at the local car shows. In years past it was not uncommon to be the only Hudson at a car show. This past year we have had half a dozen or more at each show. Some custom, some hot rods and a good selection of original cars from each of the various body styles. I do not hear the comment "Who built Hudson's" as much this year as before. Now the comment is more like: "I have never thought of a Hudson, are they hard to find? How about parts?" This is the way we grow our declining family. We have a parade in two weeks and it looks like we will have almost a dozen Hudson's there. It was last year that I said: "Three hudson's at a show makes it a national meet!" It is good to see the growth. I am helping a fellow younger than me (he is 61) find a project car. Life is great--it is good to own a Hudson...:)0
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As a younger (38) and third generation member I figured I would share my experience with the group. My personal experience has always been positive and other members have been very willing to pass on knowledge more so than other clubs. I have brought my kids to the National meets I have been able to attend and several vendors and other club members made it a point to stop and directly talk to the kids about which cars they like and if they are enjoying themselves, general small talk stuff, but this interaction with the kids has been positive and when I mention going to another show the kids look forward to it. Too many car shows exclude cars based on year of manufacture and that is a mistake. They are losing the next generation of car people.
I have not had any involvement at the regional level and I am sure I am missing out on this, but most seem to be more of a potluck type atmosphere which does appeal to me. I would be interested in seeing more gatherings at resteraunts, drive ins where it promotes the clubs exposure.
Rich0 -
From what I've seen, I think all the members have done a pretty good job of talking up the marque, and not talking down to younger folks who don't know anything about Hudsons. Of course they don't- I'm 61, and was only 6 when they quit making them! I usually hit the performance angle- Stock car champs in the early '50's, low center of gravity makes them corner well, etc. "Dual carbs" are always a good conversation starter- folks are blown away when they find out they came "stock"- "Wow, the first muscle car!"
It also helps that we take a much more lenient view of modifications than other clubs. Younger folks are more into hot rods and street customs, and the fact that they don't get yelled at for that preference helps keep them interested. Even the strict restoration guys seem to do a pretty good job of holding their tongues when somebody starts talking about mods.
All in all, I don't see too many things we're doing wrong in attracting and holding the younger set. Just "keep on keepin' on", getting our cars out there, and being positive when talking about them.0 -
DtroitSharpy,
That is a great site. Your work is fantastic and if you are creating paintings with Hudsons featured you should post here to let us know. You might even get a sale or two.
Todd0 -
I had a rough day today working on an old car and....On second thought, do we really wanna pass this old car disease on to younger people. What did they ever do to you ?! LOL LMAO0
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Younger yea thats just what we need my son has got the hudson bug as does his sons eric is 37 he has friends in the club that he has had from going to club meets when he was a boy now his boys and girls are going to hudson meets the 2 8 year olds have new hudson friends they (want to go see) i don't have to think twice where my cars are going when i pass on a way i always got them to come along was give them 10% of the total i made at the flea market it has worked 5 times now every one wants to go help pup pup lol i just love it0
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Like many of the other Older Orphan brands (STUDE, Nash, Packard etc.) our club and its membership is in a state of transition.
I was at a mixed meet this past weekend and I noticed that when we combine forces we seem to attract a larger turn out.. There were a number of younger people there who had never seen a real live Hudson and they were thrilled to see the two of ours parked side by side..
The young children loved seeing DOC in person and it got their parents talking about the cars.. I always point out that HUDSONS are probably the best kept secret and most affordable car for the average wanna B car collector.
A major transition that is taking over also is the INTERNET. Many of our OLDER members are not comfortable with computers cell phones digital cameras, but as new members come on board the word is spread via the net.
With the newer technology we can reach out to the younger enthusiasts and make them feel welcome even tho we may not see them face to face.
People like RAMBO and Sarah Young are the lifeblood of our club and I for one welcome their input and enthusiasm.0 -
what a great topic!0
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I'm 41.
Had it not been for the internet, I wouldn't have been able to indulge in Hudsondom.
The first search I ever conducted online was "Hudson Motor Car".
All of the Hudson people I've met in person, I met first online.
Alot of Hudson folks I wish to meet, I met online first.
Most of the parts I get, I get online.
I can't tell you how much an asset the internet has been to me in getting involved with Hudson cars and people. This is the way people from my generation onward will find the club/chapters, cars, and parts.
When I go to shows, I get alot of younger folks who have researched Hudson online and they usually spend a while in good conversation. There is an interest out there that will keep the name going. I try to follow the example of those ambassadors who encouraged me.
Mark0 -
hoosiercrosley wrote:I am a member of the Crosley Automobile club, (along with the HET club) Last year we started a "youth project" I was named the "mentor" We have a 16 year old youth that i am helping to restore a 47' Crosley sedan. Everything has been donated, and what hasn't the club pays for. So far it has went very well, There has been more young people taking an interest in the Crosley cars. Maybe us Hudnuts ought too look into this same kind of project.;)
It was mentioned at the National that the HET Historical Society is doing a Doc Hudson project, a car that will be a hands-on exhibit. I believe the local high school is involved? I don't remember specifics.
And in overall response... when I got married, I was told I'd be Forever Young... course that was a few years before Hudson's entered into the grand scheme of things... LOL
Seriously, though, I truly feel embraced by the Hudson community. I've established life-long friendships and have no doubt that I'm a part of something great! In regards to getting our Hudsons out in the community, I'll be the one burning up the boulevard. My husband and I agree that we must have been born in the wrong era, but then again, someone has to carry on the torch.0 -
i think i joined the het when i was 27. after a year i didnt renew. there are some cool features of the club, it just didnt seem like my cup of tea. i do like a lot of the hudson products, i have the 1931 essex coupe, but i like pretty much any hudson product with 2 drs from 29 up to the early 50s. my problem is i think everything can be improved, if these cars were the absolute perfect example of a car they would still be in business and making them today. i know this is a hudson forum, not het, but i didnt exactly have a ton of support or fans when i was looking for tech to help me upgrade my car.0
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I'm 42. Would that be considered youthful. or youthless?0
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I've said it before and I'll say it again - How many Hudsons do you see at ANY event other than a local Chapter Meet, Regional or National meet??? Answer is nearly ZERO! Most HET members are loathe to take their cars to a mixed show or even a cruise. Ooooh, at a mixed show, they might be...shhhh...judged! Oh, no! Horrors! Someone other than a HET member might actually LOOK at their car! We can't have that!:rolleyes:
Most shows have an "opt-out" when it comes to judging. Generally, they offer a reduced entry fee for non-judged cars. But still, what's the big deal? Not every show is a HET meet without judging of some sort. If being judged really bothers you; then by all means, stay at home by yourself and gaze lovingly at your Hudson, Essex, or Terraplane. But if you REALLY want to spread the gospel of Hudson to a more diversified crowd and get people involved as fans and owners, get that car out and enjoy it at a cruise-in, show-n-shine, parade, whatever, whether it's a judged event or not! If all one does it take their car to a strictly Hudson meet where the average age of participants is between 55 and 80, then the cars will never BE exposed to a younger and (I'm certain) very appreciative group of people.0 -
Every year I get a publication called the Northwest Car CLUBS Event Calendar and I also check with a couple of Local Internet sites that list car events..
I go thru it looking for things to attend and I pay no attention to what kinds of cars they Invite unless they SPECIFY a SPECIFIC MAKE Like Mustangs or Corvetts ONLY.
From this list I can usually find at least a dozen or more events to attend thru out the Summer and Yes many times I am the ONLY HUDSON there, but thats half the fun..
Being the ONLY Hudson at a meet is great because you attract alot of attention and I spend most of the day talking to people about my car..
Usually men between say 20 - 40 are pretty much NOT interested BUT their wives or girlfriends always are.. I ALWAYS seem to be involved in a Hudson at the wrong time in my life..As a teenager when I didn't appreciate the finer roominess of the rear seat and now as an OLD FART who is married....
DRIVE IT OR LOSE IT is the new Hudson battle cry0 -
TOM-WA- wrote:
DRIVE IT OR LOSE IT is the new Hudson battle cry
:)Amen!!!:)0 -
Yeah, I'm in with the new battle cry.
I do much like Tom. I go to mixed meets with my car, and usually get talked to death to the point of not really getting to see the other cars.
My car is nothing to be judged, its battle scarred and unrestored. I just go ahead and pay the AACA show fee and enjoy myself without expectation. I've been judged before, didn't win anything, and really didn't care. I don't go to shows to win a trophy. I go to talk, socialize, and maybe swap some parts or tall tales.
Getting the cars out there to be seen is important.0 -
`Hudsonator wrote:
Yep - have to agree. My old '39 112 is by no means restored but whenever I take her to shows she always attracts people who want to talk about her.Yeah, I'm in with the new battle cry.
I do much like Tom. I go to mixed meets with my car, and usually get talked to death to the point of not really getting to see the other cars.
My car is nothing to be judged, its battle scarred and unrestored. I just go ahead and pay the AACA show fee and enjoy myself without expectation. I've been judged before, didn't win anything, and really didn't care. I don't go to shows to win a trophy. I go to talk, socialize, and maybe swap some parts or tall tales.
Getting the cars out there to be seen is important.
It will never be a concours car and neither would I want it to be.
As long as I can do as I do now which is get in it , turn the key , hit the button and she fires up before a turn of the engine (no choke) is fine by me!
She rattles, rumbles,creaks and squeaks but I love every minute of driving her.
I owned my first Hudson when I was around 23 and waited nearly 20 years before getting my hands on another.0 -
AND the annual Hudson (HET) clubs meet at Pigeon Forge, TN October 22-24(Thur-Sat) with Hudson from all over the USA. Sometimes as many as 5 HET clubs are represented. Drive or trailer, bring them, flea market in rear of Vacation Lodge Motel. We rent the whole motel. Maybe someday it will be a regional meet. Everyone is invited, come. Thanks, Bob
I AM SORRY, wrong dates put in my calendar. I did recheck the dates, the WTN has the correct dates Oct 29-Nov 1. Sorry, Bob Please come, I need parts.0 -
New Jersey
October 4, North Brunswick
22nd Annual Meet
Sponsor: NY/NJ Slant-Six Club
Information: http://clubs.hemmings.com/frameset.cfm?club=nynjslant6 or 732/549-0188
i talked to that guy last year about bringing my essex, he got kind of funny. told me not to expect a trophy. and not to expect a catagory for my car. needless to say i didnt exactly feel welcome. funny thing is i have 2 mopars and i know the point of the car show, i just thouhgt it would be a little different to bring a 30s car to a show packed with a buch of slant six powered a bodies (which i do own one). i could really care less about a trophy. i havent gotten one yet, half the time i take m cars out i dont even bother detailing them, sometimes i wash them. its kind of more about just driving it to the show look around and leave for me. the funny thing is all id have to do is pop the emblem off the grill and i could tell them anything i want, no one would know.0 -
bobdriveshudson wrote:AND the annual Hudson (HET) clubs meet at Pigeon Forge, TN October 22-24(Thur-Sat) with Hudson from all over the USA. Sometimes as many as 5 HET clubs are represented. Drive or trailer, bring them, flea market in rear of Vacation Lodge Motel. We rent the whole motel. Maybe someday it will be a regional meet. Everyone is invited, come. Thanks, Bob
Information in the latest WTN states the "Hudson in the Heartland" meert in Pigeon Forge is the weekend of Oct 29 thru Nov. 1 2009! I hope this is true, as I have made arrangements to be there then.
Jerry
53jetman0 -
I'm 31 and bought my 47 Commodore 6 last year. It's true that most people my age couldn't care less about a flathead 6 or driving 55, I've found. Another big problem is money, especially in today's economy. My Hudson is 100% original and complete, weathered but runs great. The only reason I was able to buy it was because I got some inheritance money. A lot of younger people are struggling to make ends meet, with kids and all, which I don't have. I am a member of the Willys Overland Knight Registry because I bought a 1925 Overland and parts are impossible to find. I haven't joined HET because parts are relatively easy to find with the internet. Even if I joined the club I couldn't afford to travel to any meets etc. The parts issue is another reason people in general stay away from orphan marques. My friend at work told me he almost bought a stepdown once, but knew he could never get parts for it. All kind of reasons but money is a big one. The days of getting a factory job paying $25 an hour like my dad at the Goodyear plant, which shut down, are over. Everything is going out of business or overseas. I know there are a lot of young doctors and lawyers and they live in perfect neighborhoods where people don't ever go outside. A lot of younger people who like working on cars make $11 an hour like me, and now sometimes only 32 hrs a week. Not trying to sound down and out but that's why I'm just a Hudson loner. I enjoy driving it around and picking up something here and there. Maybe at income tax time I can paint it, or prime it and wait til income tax time next year to paint it. Or just quit making my house payment, paint it and move in it. lol0
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53jetman wrote:Information in the latest WTN states the "Hudson in the Heartland" meert in Pigeon Forge is the weekend of Oct 29 thru Nov. 1 2009! I hope this is true, as I have made arrangements to be there then.
Jerry
53jetman
Jerry, you have the correct dates. October 29 - November 1.
One change. Instead of the Low Country Boil on Friday, and a Banquet on Saturday, Friday is "on your own" and the Low Country Boil will serve as the Banquet on Saturday. There will be live music, door prize giveaway and 50/50 raffle.
Speaking of youth in H-E-T, I may no longer qualify. But, I have been a member since I was 17 (I'll be 39 on September 14).
Bill0
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