People seem to come and go around here but there doesn't seem to be as many regulars as there used to be and it got me to wondering why. I wonder if Facebook groups and such have sucked some of the life out of websites like this one or if interest in these cars is waning some these days? Seems like the hot collector cars are still the muscle cars when you watch the auctions. A few years ago interest in the 30s and 40s cars went away. Not too long ago interest in the 50s cars went by the wayside. These days it seems like you can't give any of them away but the muscle cars still seem to be hot. Seems like a lot of people come here looking for help with restoring/rebuilding their latest acquire. Makes me wonder if the pool of cars that haven't been done already is getting smaller and smaller and so traffic on this one and sites like this is lessening. Opinions?
I think trucks are the hot ticket right now. 60's cars seem to have minimal interest, especially in the upper midwest. A bit of interest in 70's cars. Overall, I see a lack of enthusiasm. And prices never recovered from the later 2000's. Personally I have a lot of other irons in the fire, and would likley liquidate most of my 'birds with the right offer. Unfortunately this takes time and effort, neither of which I have right now. An early onset of winter this year did not help things. 20-30 degrees below normal temps can damper most anything. Was hovering around zero at our cabin this week. Might be different in your neck of the woods. Will be about five months before we start pulling cars out to enjoy them again. Always a sad time of year.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
Have noticed, not a lot of traffic as of late. Also thinking your right, that much of the traffic there is, may be folks picking up the few project cars that are left. Needing what they need without much interest in developing relationships with the folks that share a love for the days and memories that I call the 'glory days of of the automobile'. Those of us who do, can tell the story, share the experience and have faith that everything old becomes new again. If our cars and memories are nothing but monetary investments then I missed something! If so I don't care. I still hear about it when the kids on the school bus say 'your dads car is so cool'. And even without that, I remember who I am, and who I was, and feel blessed to have experienced 'the the glory days of the automobile!'
Just look at the Top Posters(All Time) on the side of the page. At least 4 of those haven't been here in two years. I know at least one has passed on but many of the old voices have moved on.
As far what might keep people interested is if there were many great mysteries left. But for the most part, they have been solved or have proved unsolvable. That is the great benefit of this site, much of the documentation on those mysteries can be found here(bird glass, etc.).
And yes, I do think Facebook groups has diluted the pool of visitors. Some of that may also be affected by many of those remaining tend to be purists. The traffic I see in most of those groups are mainly those with what I would call Camaro clones, restomods, Pro-Street cars, etc.
As for me, I'm not sure there is much more I can do. I have my coupe and convertible projects done. What would interest me at this point is a true Ram Air II or similar car. A GTO Ram Air II Auto car just got bought last week(yes I hadn't pulled the trigger after several months of staring at it), that was likely the last car pre-smog era car I would have considered. Perhaps if I were to come across a Ram Air IV GTO Judge or a Lucerne Blue '70 T/A or a... But price tags on those cars remain high with uncertain payouts and with 4 cars already and no space, something needs to get sold. But all those things are personal problems.
To get back on point, yes, the times they are a'changin'...
1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top 1968 400 Convertible, verdoro green, black top 1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto 1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver)
I'm fairly new to this forum. I have only been a member for a little over a year. theres a few firebird forums out there but I do believe this is the best one. this forum seems to be very informative. I have only had my car for 2 1/2 years and I love her. I always wanted a first gen Firebird. my uncle had a black 68 firebird when I was a kid (40 years ago) and he use to give me rides in it. it was the first car I remember wanting as a kid. I have always wanted a classic but never had the time or money. so when I decided to get one a firebird made sense to me. its what I always wanted and the price of firebirds seemed to be cheaper then most classic muscle cars. my 68 firebird is just a little 350 2bbl but she is a mostly original and a matching numbers car. i kinda like the survivor look. I drive my car 3 times a week year around. In my opinion the first gen firebirds are under appreciated. I have taken mine to car shows and even though its usually the only firebird there people tend to gravitate towards the dozens of camaro's and mustangs. but back to the subject of this forum. I have learned a lot from this forum. i'm more of a listener then a talker. I wish I had the knowledge to contribute more but I don't. but I think its awesome fgf folks can have a place to share their passion.
This is kind of parallel conversation the way I see it. The other one was over on PY about car show attendance. I personally don't do car shows anymore other than the out of the ordinary one. I just don't feel I have the time to sit in one place all day. I have so much other stuff to do. I actually haven't seen a football game in like 8 years because I can't sit in one place for 3 or 4 hours. Maybe people don't visit forums as much anymore because they're too busy? I should be out in the garage right now swapping out my charging system but I worked on the backyard all morning and am taking a much needed breather. It won't last long. This weekend was good guys locally. Doesn't even interest me these days. Not even as a spectator. I'm not sure what changed. I used to enjoy going to car shows. Used to be fun. Now it's just kind of boring.
I agree about the car show thing. I got tired of the crowds gathered around the four or five crappy Camaro's with hardly a glance at the four or five really nice fgfs. Guess that won't change anytime soon. I just decided I had a lot more enjoyable things to do with my time. Haven't been to a show in a few year's now. Don't plan on any anytime soon.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
I've given some thought to this, and think people, including myself (in some regards) gravitate toward what is familiar to them. So many more Camaros were sold than first gen birds, although the birds often had more Hp, better track times etc. In their memories they remember their their dads or uncles Camaro. I've heard many younger guys say "I want to get a trans am like smokey and the bandit, they are so fast" when some of the first gens had nearly twice the horsepower. (I will never forgive Burt Reynolds for this!) I agree with calbird that first gen birds are under appreciated. But this may only be because most people are more familiar with what saturated the market. I like to think I'm more familiar with reality, first gen birds kick but!! I even read somewhere that GM referred to the Camaro as the sister car to the Firebird. Bigger diameter driveshaft, bigger u-joints etc. etc. etc. that's what I'm familiar with!!!!!
I've given some thought to this, and think people, including myself (in some regards) gravitate toward what is familiar to them.
Agreed. And notice the Mustang attention at shows. By the time the last 1st Gen Firebird rolled off the line there were 8 1/2 times more Mustangs already on the road. I remember driving my Dad's '66 Mustang so I too have good memories of them. That said, I always got multiple people at shows and cruises with the, "wish I still have my '6X Firebird". I would like to see a real comparison of how alike/different the 1st Gen Camaros and Firebirds are. Over the years I have seen many more differences than alikes. I really don't believe half the parts are shared. I do like Camaros also. But for only chance, I ended up with my '68 Firebird and not a Camaro. But, that's another story.
My favorite shows are the big Cruisin Tiger's 600+ all Pontiac show, any event with our Midwest Firebirds Club, any event my Grandsons go to with me, and our town's local 600+ monthly car cruise which becomes a neighborhood-like event. Oh, and I'll never forget the 2010 Estes Park, Colorado Cannonbird Run.
seems several other venues available...I still check this site a few times a week, but since I sold the bird and bought an ALFA, , am on that site quite a bit...I am still part of the HALF group, and we still have the same number of participants even though several members have bought /sold or added cars to collection(s)...I knw Vikki, (Yellowbird) is very busy w new job...and doesn't participace much , think she may have sold the yellow one, at least it was for sale...she inherited her dads blue convertible the one she restored for him...don't think shell ever get rid of it
I'm still around. I am just marking time waiting for the builder to finish my new house, so I am temporarily garage-less. In the meantime, I left my Firebird 1100 miles away back at the paint shop in Oklahoma for safe keeping.
As far as car shows go, you can bet I plan to attend Barrett - Jackson here this coming January now that I am back in Phoenix,
And while we are on the subject - I forgot to post here about the limited edition 50th anniversary Hallmark Keepsake ornament of a gold '67 Firebird. It was mentioned in the last edition of Smoke Signals and I got mine from Amazon a couple of days ago.
2012 Mustang Boss 302 #1918, Competition Orange. FGF replacement 2006 Mustang V6 Pony, Vista Blue. Factory ordered. 2019 BMW X3 (Titled to the wife, but I'm always driving it for her. So I'm claiming it) Old projects, gone but not forgotten: 1967 FB 400, original CA car. After 22 years of work, trashed by the guy who was supposed to paint it. I had to sell it. 1980 Turbo Trans Am 1970 Mustang fastback, 351C 4Bbl, auto 1988 Mustang GT, 5 speed 1983 F-150 4x4, built 302 1994 Chevy K2500 HD 4x4, 454 TBI
The wife and I too, are planning to attend the Barrett Jackson event during our winter trip to Pheonix. Hope the weather is as nice as it was last year. Lots of amazing machines!
And while we are on the subject - I forgot to post here about the limited edition 50th anniversary Hallmark Keepsake ornament of a gold '67 Firebird. It was mentioned in the last edition of Smoke Signals and I got mine from Amazon a couple of days ago.
Thanks, I ordered a '68 Firebird ornament that appears to be a few years old for half the price of the '67s.
1968 400 Coupe, verdoro green, black vinyl top 1968 400 Convertible, verdoro green, black top 1971 Trans Am, cameo white, auto 1970 Buick Skylark Custom Convertible 350-4(driver)
A lot of Car guys are probably migrating to Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. Trend is going away from forums (less tech savy anyway) and using Facebook. All there buddies are there so they post progress etc. there. People use Instagram for there pics because it better catalogs your pics. Better data mining as they use # (hash tag) to categorize your pics. Photo-bucket failed because it was supposed to be worth all this money for the library of images that people upload to it. But they could not find a way to properly mine the data to make use of it.
Our site is geared more to the "original" 1st gens. Most guys are doing retro-mods now. Very little NOS parts left in the world to do restorations.
I remember 4-5 years ago we were really pumping out the posts. I was doing 200+ a month.
Need some real characters like "Johnny", "Dave", "Early Bird" and the Texas boys...for example
Gotta have some drama!!
Should we start some threads like "POTUS fan club", "2nd amendment chatter", "The rest of the world is 2nd", "Reported sightings of intelligent life beyond continental USA"
nuk, nuk, nuk
BTW, Road is open now to the arctic circle. You can drive to the beach direct now. Only other way was by ice road, plane or dog team.
I try to stay here, but its only a few times/week as my Bird is gone...but since Im still part of HALF, have several friends with them...hanging out a bit at the ALFA site, but also FB...see FGF site there, but don't participate , just look once in awhile... thinking that for technical stuff for the cars, forums still are the best....
I'll probably be here unless I've become room temperature or the site ends. I simply avoid social media.
Me too. ...oh wait, is that used somewhere...?
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
good for you if you can avoid it...I did up until 3 yrs ago...then had to join to find an old buddy....but beware ,its habit forming!
The problem with seeing an old buddy is it can be depressing seeing how much they aged while I know I haven't.
It's amazing how that happens... Just like the fact that my clothes keep shrinking, but my wife won't agree with that.
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
I don't post much because I don't know anything... Most of the questions I have are already answered. It just takes a quick search to find it.
There's not much more I enjoy than my Bird... I am *cough*only 43*cough*. I always marvel that it is sooooo old, turning 50 this year... Then it hit me the other day.. It's only 7 years older me... Hell.. I have 3 cars older than my wife! (She's 30).
I'd like to thing there is so much info here, we are just getting better at finding it.
1957 Thunderbird 289 1967 Firebird Base 461 1968 C-20 327
I know life for me has gotten much busier as I try to spread my time and interests in more and more directions especially as the boys get older and are more involved in school activities etc. But I too still check in a few times a week just to look things over and see what's new...
But even the Bird has taken a back seat to other more demanding projects. I've had an electrical issue that has kept it sidelined for most of the Summer. I hope to be able to get back at diagnosing that this next month. May do a 4-speed swap on the 72 Camaro, have some restoration work to do on my Dad's Caballero Diablo to get that back on the road. Interior on the Wife's 66 Mustang is also in store this winter etc... the fun never ends...
So yeah, I think it's a combination of things. People are busier, many more forms of information available, the prices on finding a decent car to start on is Ridiculous! and prices for parts aren't any better... not to mention that finding a car at all is getting harder and harder depending on the average skill set and what most require to bring back to life... I'm sure there are many more factors involved as well.
There's not much more I enjoy than my Bird... I am *cough*only 43*cough*. I always marvel that it is sooooo old, turning 50 this year... Then it hit me the other day.. It's only 7 years older me... Hell.. I have 3 cars older than my wife! (She's 30) .
God bless you brother!!!! lol you are doing OUT FREAKING STANDING!!!
Caregiving for elderly parents, an endless honey-do list and an employer who insists on doing more with less employees have turned my project into a 6+ year saga. All I have left is to finish the interior and she's done but somehow I can't find the time. I very much enjoy this site and try to help where I can.
X2 for no social media for me. Guess I'm old school.
I feel ya. I know a guy who does interior very very well priced. Draw back is he lives in MN. If you can commit to the trip, I imagine he can finish the car for something you can afford. PM me if you are interested.
Cant wait for summer... 68HO4004spvert Sleddog Iowa
God Bless the men and women past and present that have served this country. Thank you. Support D.A.V. - it helps gives a life back to those who gave so much for us.....
I been on this site for 11 years now, and at first I just sat back and read all the new posts before starting to post myself. Most of us were building cars, so questions about what was correct and hunting for parts was most of what was posted. But then the economy fall and I feel that's when this site activity started slowing down. The used parts market for me dried up and what parts were for sell the prices went throw the roof. I don't believe there are any less cars being built it's just time, money and a few other factors of this economy that has slowed us down. I see a few people have sold their birds and I'm sure a few more have put their builds on hold. As for me I'm only 11years into my 3 year build, having little time to finish my car and not being able to do the things I could do 11 years ago I have decided to have someone finish my car. On Dec. 11 my car goes into the shop to be finished. But with a finished car I'll have no more questions to post, but will post parts that are left over for sell. I'll be to the point of checking in once in a while, adding to the problem. SORRY
I been on this site for 11 years now, and at first I just sat back and read all the new posts before starting to post myself. Most of us were building cars, so questions about what was correct and hunting for parts was most of what was posted. But then the economy fall and I feel that's when this site activity started slowing down. The used parts market for me dried up and what parts were for sell the prices went throw the roof. I don't believe there are any less cars being built it's just time, money and a few other factors of this economy that has slowed us down. I see a few people have sold their birds and I'm sure a few more have put their builds on hold. As for me I'm only 11years into my 3 year build, having little time to finish my car and not being able to do the things I could do 11 years ago I have decided to have someone finish my car. On Dec. 11 my car goes into the shop to be finished. But with a finished car I'll have no more questions to post, but will post parts that are left over for sell. I'll be to the point of checking in once in a while, adding to the problem. SORRY
well, you're just NO FUN!!
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
Well as for me I've owned this car 38 years now and I can honestly say I don't think it will ever be finished. I got to a point a year or so ago where I couldn't think of anything else that I needed to buy for it. Bought a few frivolous things but nothing major. Of course then the motor blows and its decision time on what the next major change will be and how it will change the attitude of the car. Then of course there's the couple of rust bubbles that have appeared that will require some surgery and fresh paint. Still after all this time Every once in a while I still learn something about these cars that I didn't know yesterday. That's why I still hang around. Any day is a good day if you learn something new.
Appreciate the heads up on an interior shop, Sleddog, but I gotta finish this one myself. The hard part is already done. Seats are recovered, dash is done, console restored, headliner and Dynamat installed. Only have Dynaliner, carpet, seats, console and quarter/door panels to install. The Chicagoland weather has been splendid. The free time I've had the last two weekends I've spent driving the tires off the car - single drivers seat in otherwise empty interior. Soon enough the snow will fly rendering her garage bound. Then I'll get after it. I think I have one more project left in me but must wait until I'm retired. Just no time now. I've always wanted to build a '37 Dodge pickup, something about the body style. That said, I'll always hang out here. Too many cool people to not stay in touch.
Since I am the one who started all this a long long time ago, I can comment that life at times just happens. I have not been active for many years for many different reasons. I do lurk from time to time and have seen the dramatic decline in activity over the years.
For me, I had to sell my bird several years ago as I saw on the horizon what was coming... divorse and all that goes with it. On top of that I had a lot hit me with health issues for last six years which will never go away. I even found myself homeless for awile.
I do hope to one day own a Firebird again as the person who bought mine said I can buy it back at any time. They have done a lot to it as it sat for a long time as I just could not afford to keep it going. The owner keeps me updated and sends me pictures of her. She just got a new shiny rebuilt engine which I finally found out it was original to the car.
I am lucky as a lot of good things have happened in the last year. Still will be awhile before I will own my car again as my family has grown with three more great daughters. I always wanted a big family and I got it with four daughters.
As aways, thank you as I am just the wizard behind the curtain.
Appreciate all of your work Geoff. Wishing all the best for you.
x5000 Geoff
Merry Christmas as well!
I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. I feel like I am diagonally parked in a parallel universe. 1968 400 convertible (Scarlet) 1976 T/A - 455 LE (No Burt) 1976 T/A New baby, starting full restoration. 1968 350 - 4 speed 'vert - 400 clone (the Beast!) 1968 350 convertible - Wife's car now- 400 clone (Aleutian Blue) (Blue Angel) 2008 Durango - DD 2008 GXP - New one from NH is AWESOME! 2017 Durango Citadel - Modern is nice! HEMI is amazing! 1998 Silverado Z71 - Father-daughter project 1968 400 coupe - R/A clone (Blue Pearl) (sold) 1967 326 convertible - Sold 1980 T/A SE Bandit - Sold
Have often thought to contact you Geoff, to thank you not only for the concept, but all the time/work and imagination you've put in to start and maintain this site. I have enjoyed it, and the folks I've met here greatly. Thank you. Never good to hear that things have gone wrong, but great to hear the past year has brought back many of those blessings. And four daughters, wow! Best wishes to you and your family. God bless, Ron
Definitely G. Really glad to hear that things have turned a corner for you. Family is everything. Amazing that you have been able to keep this site going through all that. I know it hasn't been easy and I appreciate everything that you've done for us all.
It says I've been here going on 16 years and it strikes me that I still haven't made as many posts as a Terry, a guy that left this world so many years ago. I just have to shake my head and smile.
Thank you Geoff, and so happy to hear things have come around for you!! Christmas blessings for you and your family- sounds like yo have a house full!
If you ever get time in your busy life- can you post a ppic of you and the bird that started all of this?
Cant wait for summer... 68HO4004spvert Sleddog Iowa
God Bless the men and women past and present that have served this country. Thank you. Support D.A.V. - it helps gives a life back to those who gave so much for us.....