Does anyone have an interest for getting onto a site that has a heavy 54/55/56 Ford car forum? There are quite a few forums for other cars (that detail things like body, trim, upholstery, etc) so I thought why not something specific. I do tend to notice that a few of us ask/answer those questions pertaining to those year cars.

I have a buddy that can design a site...would anyone be interested?

Jim, our volunteer workaholic that brings us altogether, might appreciate it.

Im wondering if a whole separate sight is the best answer, or if maybe a sub forum here for different year groups of yblock cars?  Just a thought.

Either way a meeting place to help with those cars would be great!

BTW, how did you like the CVA convention?  We went to one a few years ago and I dont think id go to one again.......hope you had a better experience!

The CVA crowd is dwindling. They told me that they lost 400 more members this year alone. Some folks are getting older and passing on, and others I am sure have become frustrated over the years, my own father notwithstanding.

While I was very well received by many who were there for the show (some even frequent this site), there were a good number of critics of anything that I did or had with me. Now, it doesn't bother me much - those folks will probably drown anyway when they walk outside in the rain because their noses are held so high.

Seriously, for a newcomer like me - how does that help maintain my membership? What would I say to other fellas considering becoming a part of the CVA? "Come on out and join a club where you are sure to get torn down the first time someone meets you and sees what you have..."

They need new, young blood. Their historian, Bob Haas, recognizes that and was very, very supportive, even to the extent of helping me unload, passing out info, and telling guys to come see me/talk to me. He even took me around a bit. How far his influence will go to try to improve things, I don't know. We did discuss hosting the show down in Winchester, Virginia (where I would be the host member, put together a schedule and organize with the board, etc). Maybe that can happen in a few years, but I do not know if the CVA could take me and my suggestions.

The tech session had great possibility, but was a joke - dim lighting, no sound system, standing room only because it was a small room (a couple of us even had to get up to get chairs for people - where are the hotel employees?), not even a blackboard, and you could forget powerpoint or a projector. Sad part is, there were a lot of great minds in there that could give and help and see the 54-56 Ford legacy continue on to the next generation. Why not split 2 or 3 advisors up into one room a piece, give them what they need, and schedule simultaneous sessions for different parts/models of the cars?

It is my belief that many of them need to get back to this mantra...The reason for the club is because of the cars - win people to the cars and you will win them to the club. Right now there are too many that push away newcomers. There has got to be a reason why TeeBird products, Dennis Carpenter, Mac's, Concours, and host of others do not even send a representative, much less any parts to these annual conventions....

didn't mean to ramble on so much

Jessup

As for the CVA you have to remember that the members (young and old) are from all over the country and express themselves in ways that may be diffrent from us. I have had members send me parts and tell me if you like them send me a check if not send them back. When I told the first guy that I was from NY and never had anyone offer me that kind of deal before he told me "I get beat sometimes but want to help keep the cars on the road

Needless to say the parts were better then the car I was putting them on so the check was in the mail the same day I received them.

I am sure that some feel threatned by a new smart guy (not an insult) but keep in mind the younger generation (us) has grown up around the computer and can express ourselves using many less words then the older generation. Some of their stories may be long but in the end they get to what is wrong and will help solve your problem .

Yes the CVA does need new blood, We can be it.

Not many other clubs that host a convention and have 100 cars on display 99.8% still have Y blocks under the hoods

I just can't understand how their "experts" got it wrong. A lot of the guys I've met in the CVA are great guys and many are on this site from time to time. BUT there is a snooty crowd there too. They know everything your ever did or didn't want to know about a car! Even if they are completely wrong they will never admit it. I like learning from people who know about our cars but can't stand the know it all's. I don't care if my engine is not the right color or that heater boxes weren't chrome from the factory. It's my car, my ride and my way! Enough venting! It's time to have some more fun working on my incorrect Victoria! Chuck in NH