My Wife had a thought…

[Chester Brzostowski]

She mentioned to me last night if you don’t agree with the Old School POC why don’t you start your own club.

What do you think of this:

The PDC - Plymouth Drivers Club.

Mission - To keep old Plymouths on the road.

Officers None – The majority of the membership rules.

Charter - Internet based like Wikipedia

Rules - Just one… Trailers are only allowed to transport broken cars.

Basically the P15D24 minus 15 & 24 . PDC Plymouth Drivers Club

Then I thought some more and said…, No Way.., to much work. I got broken cars to fix.

So much for commitment.

Chet…

[Normspeed]

Some folks just aren't into the club concept (meetings, dues, rules, organized events). Clubs are inclusive of their members but are then naturally exclusive of others. Other than that, it's a great idea for someone to try.

Example: There are teardrop trailer clubs all over the place. Nice folks, very organized, great vehicles. Trouble seems to be, they rarely if ever camp with the rigs, and then only in tightly controlled conditions, as a group, and they exclude non members from the organized events unless attendance is prearranged. In all my wanderings I have yet to camp someplace where there is another teardrop doing what it was built for... Just my humble opinion. Can you tell I'm not a joiner?

[1just4don]

I like BOTH Plymouths AND Dodges.(just like Desotos and Chryslers). So could the PDC club stand for Plymouth-Dodge Club??AND include the other two kids with these??? BUT I do agree with the 'Drivers' part So does that make it the P,D,D ,C,-DC???

[Brad Lustig]

When I started my cruise-in, I thought about starting a club up at the same time. Then I thought back about the clubs I've been a member of. Couldn't think of any (except maybe a "girls are stinky" club in 3rd grade). People ask me all the time if my cruise-in is a club event. I always tell them, no, it's open to all people, free, etc. Who knows, I may startup a club out of necessity in the future so that the cruise-in can continue without me calling all the shots.

[David Maxwell]

...without them, nothing would ever get organized into an event. Many of us really enjoy getting together with other "old car nuts". Sometimes you like to get together with people of the same make and/or model. Sometimes it's just the same era and other times any old car is a kick.

Locally, we used to have an informal club of stock old cars that would just meet at Hudson's Grill once a month. It was a great group with a great assortment of old cars. Most were either restored original or in survivor condition. A few had very mild mods. I really liked having this group around, but they disbanded shortly before my P15 was finished. I might try and bring it back to life this summer.

We have a couple of modified clubs in town. The most popular is the Bent Axles which does a really good job of organizing several big events each year. This group has some very nice cars, but they tend to be just the opposite of the POC. They openly express their distain for original style restorations. You are not allowed to join the club unless you make a "major modification" to the engine, subframe and/or body of the car. That's OK with me. A club is just that, "a club". It's supposed to be made up of like-minded people. So, more power to them. The POC serves it purpose well. I agree wholeheartedly with Chet. If a group feels strongly about having a more "open" Plymouth, Dodge, Desoto and Chrysler club, they should start it up and set the rules (or lack of them). I thought the PDC was a pretty clever idea. Chet, in this case, I say; Sit back in your lawn chair and make it happen. LOL!!

You guys are all GREAT!!!! I have no problem belonging to multiple clubs with a variety of motivations and objectives. The PDC sounds like a natural for most people here. Can I join Chet?

David

[BobT-47P15]

We used to have a group here called the Route 66 Cruising Association....a rather informal thing. Of course, a few someones who invented it had to be the leaders. Had monthly meetings; put on our local monthly cruise-in for a while. They paid for a band from time to time and conducted the 50/50 drawings. But, eventually, there seemed to develop some amount of disagreement between participants. I never did attend any meetings, only went to the cruise occasionally.....so don't know the details. Anyway, someone different is now in charge of the cruise-ins, but have not bothered to determine who. They have a 50/50 and hire a d j.

Otherwise, there is the Heartland Antique Automobile Club in the area, to which I belonged in the 70s. They would meet on a Saturday and sometimes take a small tour to a museum or someone's garage. Still going, but I don't have the inclination to belong these days. A nice group of folks with all kinds and ages of cars. They have traditionally held a Memorial Day show at the local mall.

[Norm's Coupe]

...without them, nothing would ever get organized into an event. Many of us really enjoy getting together with other "old car nuts". Sometimes you like to get together with people of the same make and/or model. Sometimes it's just the same era and other times any old car is a kick.

David

David,

Don't get me wrong, clubs are ok if one wants to join one. However I have to disagree on the statement, "without them, nothing would ever get organized into an event."

Usually starting in April or May around here there are many cruise in's each week. Some are held every Wed., Thurs. and some on Tue. nights. I could go to a different cruise in twice a week for at least two months before I came close to hitting them all. None of these are put on by any particular club. They are all at ice cream stands or restaurants. There are also a few all day events put on my smaller community Fire Departments to raise money. Those events have music by DJ's and/or small bands, craft fairs for the women and also award trophies. For the community shows it usually cost about $5 or $10 to put your car in the show area. If you want it judged, they will, if you don't they won't. Of course the judging is usually done by looks, etc., not originality. Most of these cruise ins are packed every week, trophies or no trophies. The cruise ins at the various eating places are usually set up so you can come and go at will. Stay 5 minutes or 3 or 4 hours, it's up to you. The eating places usually always give coupons for a free drink, food discounts and some even give out door prizes each week.

As you can see these are all organized by the community Fire Departments or the restaurants. Not a car club. I like these set ups much better than the rigid rules of an event a car club puts on. More fun and much more relaxing. And, if you don't feel like going to one of them, it's ok because you didn't pay dues to be a member of a club to attend the event, plus the event fees. There's no need to pre register, just pay when you drive through the entrance. You also get to see a greater variety of cars (stock and original in all conditions) and meet lots of great people at the same time.

The restaurant cruise ins are all FREE, plus you get the food or drink.

[Chester Brzostowski]

...I have no problem belonging to multiple clubs with a variety of motivations and objectives. The PDC sounds like a natural for most people here. Can I join Chet?

David

No problem David... Remember my charter is no rules so I can't think of any reason why you couldn't join.

Seriously though.., the small local groups and shows seem to be the most fun, even the local chapters of the National clubs. The more organizational stuff the less fun it is and then your interest isn’t in cars anymore it is in event, project planning, club management, and the dreaded rule enforcement. Having a club whose main charter is no rules…, really sets the stage for an interesting experiment. It moves the chaotic Internet philosophy into our daily analog life. I think it could catch on.

There is a lot to be said for the Internet and it’s open chaotic way of working. I think the members of this forum feel more empowered and that their opinion has value. This adds to the overall personality of the forum itself. The main point is.., without them there is no forum. Through this site I have personally met Robin in London and went to a classic car event at the Ace Café. On the other side of the world I had dinner with James Douglas and Don Coatney in San Francisco. I met Jim Yergin who only works around the corner from my office and the list goes on.

It is really quite incredible how this thing works. The way it looks is that the Tulsa event may get a number of people together and that is right up my alley. No rules, no event planning, just stop by. I hope someone takes pictures. No… I know Don will….

Chet…

Drivers Club or Maybe it should be the MDSC “Maybe Driving Soon Club”….

See what I mean, way too much to think about….

[Don Coatney]

Car club rules picked up from the web. I need a bigger calculator to follow these rules.

All cars need to be built with quality in mind. Guess safety dont count

No Gangs activities or associations.

No Drugs. Booze must be OK!

And many other rules that are disclosed to members only.

If anyone is interested in joining our club, they must ask for an application. (No member is to approach anyone about joining.)

Any member should not and will not put themselves above another.What if a mamber wins the BIG RACE? No braging rights???

Members should not discuss club business with non-members at any time.

New members have six (6) months to do a minor modification to your vehicle.

A $ 10.00 (ten dollars) due is charged every month due a the time of the meeting! If you don't pay it, then it will be considered late and a $ 5.00 (five dollars) late fee is added. Example - if you don't pay on time you will owe $ 15.00 (fifteen dollars) for that month and if you don't pay by the followoing month you will owe $ 25.00 (twenty-five dollars). That's $ 15.00 (fifteen dollars) for the last month and $ 10.00 (ten dollars) for this month.

If you don't show up for a meeting and you don't call or let a member know you won't be there, it's a $ 10.00 (ten dollars) fine, and for that month you will owe $ 25.00 (twenty-five dollars), $ 10.00 (ten dollars) for your dues, $ 5.00 (five dollars) for the late fee and $ 10.00 (ten dollars) for no show. No Exceptions.

Every non-officer member will have a six (6) months evaluation on their participation, dues paid and their vehicle Wonder what the fine is for offending officers???

MINOR MODIFICATIONS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: partial engine, hydraulics/air, trunk/bed, partial undercarriage, bolt on disk brakes, striping/mild mural and wheels. Minor body modifications include individually: shaving, filling, frenching antenna or aftermarket grille alterations. Five (5) minor body modifications equal one (1) major modification.Gotta love this line. Ten =2, twenty =4???

MAJOR MODIFICATIONS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: custom engine compartment or engine swap; complete custom paint; custom interior (including alterations); major body changes (example: frenching lights; tilt; suicide; splitting; chopping; sectioning; molded body kit; complete undercarriage including filled or molded frame).

Vehicles under contruction are admitted with the understanding that vehicle must show inprovements over a three month period. Failure to show improvement over a 6 month period shall result in termination of membership. No vehicle shall be allowed to fly a plaque until it reaches the mild custom requirements.

[Chester Brzostowski]

This could be a picture of the first meet of the "Maybe Driving Soon Club"

Courtesy of STILLRUNS.COM

No rules, rule...

[Dennis Hemingway]

I belong to a car club here in Barstow "Just Cruisin' 4 Fun" we put on 2 car shows a year. Our Spring show is this Sat. at the Tanger Outlet Mall here in Barstow, then we put on our Toys 4 Tots show in Nov.

We have a little of everything from an old police car to a new Mustang.

Dennis:cool:

http://www.angelfire.com/ca7/justcruisin4fun/

[littleman]

Heck, didn't you know, it's been here all the time, and doing good. We're even international. And we expanded during the past year when we got together with PH. Things seem to be running great,and that can be credited to GK, and all the ones that take the time to post info.

Keep them on the road, and for the ones that are still in progress, Hope you're there soon.

AL

[bob_amos]

I have to agree with David, Nothing would get organized and we would have no place or events to go to if it weren't for clubs. Also, I am a member of a number of clubs. My favourite is the Golden State Region of the POC. If it weren't for that club I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet and make such good friends as Tony C., David Maxwell, Tod Fitch, our host GT, and so many others that spend time here and with the group. THAT in itself makes being a member of a club worth it all... But I do understand those that do not like them. For me, I am so happy to have been in many clubs and made so many great friends.

[JIPJOBXX]

I belong to a club that probably has over 30,000 dollars in there safe. But this ok by me as when they put on an event, everything is paid for and that a good deal. The cost of our club is 15 dollars a year and this club was formed over 30years ago. How do they keep the cost so low? Once a year the club puts on a big swap meet and that alone pays for all the outing we go on. Of course some of the extra money is spent on donations and scholarships and this I think is great but the main thing it only cost 15 big ones a year.

[james curl]

JIPJOBXX, where are you located? I also belong to a club with money in the bank, we are one of the clubs that put on the Pate swap meet in Ft. Worth, Texas the last week end in April, we think it's the biggest swap meet in Texas and one of the bigger in the nation.

[Brad Lustig]

Even though I'm not a member of a club and run my own event, I'll have to agree with David, too. I believe my cruise-in and one show they call "The Winter Warm-up" are the only events NOT put together by clubs. Occasionally a business will try to put on a car show, but without the contacts, it's usually a flop.

[Tim Frank]

Someone sent me a similar pic with the caption "first meeting of the WDC....Women Drivers' Club"

[Norm's Coupe]

Here's just a sample of a cruise in event that is not organized by a car club. This one is just a few miles north of me. http://www.waynesdrive-in.com/ It has been going since 1985, two nights a week and is always packed. There is another one just as big held by a McDonald's on the far south side of Milwaukee that has been going for years. None of them are club organized. However, a lot of the car club people do get together and show up at these shows. Brad, maybe your's will be like these after a few years of holding it. Takes awhile for the word to spread sometimes.

[Merle Coggins]

Norm,

I just looked at their web site. I know right where they are,(at 5 Corners) but I've never been there. I'll have to get up there and check it out this summer.

Merle

[james curl]

Every time anyone in the Austin, Texas start a Saturday night cruise it grows so large that we are asked to leave. Usually start at a Whata Burger in a shopping center and become so large that the last time Home Depot told us to leave. Before that we had a cruise in to a Whata Burger in Round Rock, Texas which ran about 10 years. The owner of the shopping center hired two State Troupers to keep the "New cars" and the "Rice Rockets" their own part of the shopping center lot. Nothing but old cars, customs, and Hot rods in the main area. An "Aussie Stake House" took care of the cruise, they built in that area of the parking lot. These all were unoriganized events, just show up and visit. No judging, no prizes just good people.

[Norm's Coupe]

Norm,

I just looked at their web site. I know right where they are,(at 5 Corners) but I've never been there. I'll have to get up there and check it out this summer.

Merle

That's were it is Merle. Also close to the Covered Bridge up there. They've got great hamburgers and milk shakes too. If you eat in the car, the car hop rolls out on her old fashioned roller skates with your tray. Wife and I go up there on non cruise in days on the weekend sometime to grab a hamburger and shake. It's a lot quieter then, but still has a good crowd every time we go. I believe it's every Tuesday and Thursday for the cruise in. One of those nights is strictly for cars older than 1985. The other night is for all custom, orginal vintage and street rods regardless of year. When I looked earlier this morning at the site it still had the 2006 schedule up there. Should be updated soon because they start in May sometime. The other big cruise in I mentioned is at McDonald's on the south side is at Southridge Mall on S. 76th Street. I use to have a list of them all on my computer. I'll see if I can find it for you.

[Merle Coggins]

Yea, I've been to the one at the "Solid Gold" McDonalds on S. 76th St. It was several years ago now since I've been down to that one. I thought I heard that they disbanded it. Is it still active?

Merle

[Norm's Coupe]

Merle,

Not sure if they stopped the "Solid Gold" one or not. Last I heard it was still going. I'll have to check. To be honest, I don't go to that one because of all the mall traffic down there, plus it's the other side of the world from my house during rush hour to get there.