Coupe, here's the deal with the HAMB, in my opinion. By it's own credo, it's a website for people who are into and own hot rods done in the traditional manor. An easy way to break that down is NO parts, engines or modifications that are post 1962. HOWEVER, if that were the only people who used that site, they'd have only about 50 REAL members who meet that very strict criterior. The HAMBers I have met in person are hot rodders, plain and simple. They like ALL hot rods of every make. Yes, they TRY to keep an older LOOK on their cars, but they don't use the HAMB guidelines like it's a bible. No one should or could. The HAMB website has over 40,000 members. Of that number, I'd venture to say that MAYBE 10% would be considered true HAMB cars.
It's so easy to be a hard a$$ on the internet and you can see that in some of the threads and posts there. In reality, these guys are not a bunch of 1950 B-movie juvenile delinquints, the vast majority are hot rodders who have no desire to drop tons of money into a glammed out, candy coated, chrome plated trailer queen. They like their hot rods plain, simple and driven. They still prefer a cut off date or time period of the fifties or sixties, but they appreciate a nice hot rod.
I didn't go to their meets in the beginning because I was taken in by the internet facade. Then one Sunday, I said the heck with it and drove over to check out the scene. I was surprised to not only be welcomed in, but that they were just like me. Guys who got tired of all the glitz and glam that can make this hobby seem unreachable for the regular guy.
It you look at the pics, you may notice a Model A roadster in the background of a few shots. It's got flat paint and a very basic look to it and it's done right. That guy works for one of the petroleum companies here in Houston. He could probably build an AMBR candidate if he wanted to, but he prefers a driver. Something he can hop into and not worry about rock chips or whatever. Yes, there are a few guys who have really sweet paint jobs and chrome, but they're attitude is all about owning a hot rod, not just flashing how much money they spent. They don't take the long way to avoid rough roads. What they do enjoy is driving their cars, no matter what!
I think the REAL HAMB attitude is about just owning and enjoying a well done, down to earth hot rod. Not once has anyone said or hinted that my car was a kit, or not cool because it was fiberglass. No one cares that I have an HEI instead of a points setup or that I have disc brakes up front. No one cared that my gauges weren't vintage 1950 S/W's. What they do care about is that I built it my way, the best way I could. And if you ask me, that's what a hot rod is all about.
The HAMB is a good site with a ton of guys who have skill and knowledge. If you like the vintage look and build style, it's a great site to visit, but don't let the hard edge comments or post keep you away. It's the internet for Gods sake. Treat it like a buffet. Take what you want and skip over the rest.
