Took my Studebaker to first car show yesterday.

[Ken Stewart]

Friday I got the gas tank back on the 39 Commander so I wanted to drive her somewhere. There was a car show about 15 miles from home so my wife [not happy about going] and I drove the 39 to the car show. The car ran very nice and the cars behind had no problem keeping up with us. That what I always tell my wife when we are traveling with the old cars. Lots of people like the car. Car shows are not like the old days. More street rods then antique cars. We are being squeeze out it looks like. The old 39 got first place in the antique cars. I did felt out of place there. Wife wanted to leave but we stayed. To keep piece we went out for supper. Now don't bring up going to a car show at my house for a couple of weeks. Don't get her started. Now she like to go on drives, tours but to sit out in the sun for 3 or 4 hours not happy. Now I got to do what she wants to do today? Don't know yet but don't look good. She might make me go to her Mothers and sit all day to get even.

[Silverplate]

Congratulations on the First Place Ken.

[Chris Pile]

Leave her at home and go do what you want.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder...

[Flashback]

Congratulations on the first place. Sounds like YOU had fun. My wife is not a car nut either. Worked on the 53 yesterday. So, I will try and trim hedges today. Little compromise never hurts. Sides, I Love Her.

[mmagic]

Enjoy every minute of her bitch'n and whine'n about those cars. Mine is bed bound and and I can only get away from the house in maximum increments of 3 or 4 hours and her only travel is to the Docs! Smile and repeat after me... "I like to go to MOm's, I like to go to Mom's, I like to go to Mom's..... !!"

[raprice]

Congratulations Ken. It feels good to even participate in an antique car show. I am interested in the fact that your car is a '39 Commander. That's the first car I can remember my dad owning when I was a kid. It was maroon and rode beautifully and was very quiet while running. I still have wonderful memories of that car. I guess that's why I became a Studebaker nut down the road when I reached adulthood. Best of luck with your car. Don't worry, your wife will come around when she sees people admiring the car.
Rog

[Ken Stewart]

We been married for 54 years and still in love. I would be lost without her. She the love of my life. She always go with me and makes the best of it. Its she don't care for car shows. She likes our home. Maybe she will let me get a 32 Ford down the road this fall? This Studebaker sure is a nice driving car. I sure hate to say this that it drives nicer then a ford.Its better built for sure.

[Pat Dilling]

Congratulations on your award. My wife and I have been together 41 years and in that time we have learned we do not need to do everything together. She is not a big fan of day long car shows, she does like evening cruise nights especially if there is music or dining involved. She is fine with me going alone and I think she enjoys the alone time at home. We find other things to do together. Every couple finds what works for them.

[jclary]

Years ago ('bout 1975), my wife, daughter, and I traveled to a car show in my 1955 Studebaker truck. (the one pictured below) It was a hot southern sunny day. Back then, stores did not open on Sundays. We had our gathering at a strip mall. The temperature was climbing into the 90's. The newly paved black asphalt was brutally hot. All the men were out in the parking lot, hoods up, drooling over each others cars.

I happened to look over toward the closed stores. The store fronts had a walkway and roof overhang that provided a bit of shade. However, due to the angle of the sun, the shade was disappearing. There, stood my young wife, holding my little girl. My wife, who suffers with severe allergies, looked as if she was about to pass out. My daughter, still in diapers at that time, was breaking out in prickly heat rash. Suddenly, a rush of shame overwhelmed me as I realized how selfish it was to drag them into that environment.

Without hesitation, I gathered them back into the truck and headed home. On the way, I apologized to my wife. I made her a promise that never again, would I expect her to accompany me in my pursuits unless it was totally her choice. Sometimes you will see her at our gatherings, car shows, and cruise-in events. When you do, you can bet it was her decision. Even if, sometimes, she drives her own air conditioned car.

Through the years, my interests have included, horses, boating, fishing, bicycling, and motorcycles. Better to enjoy those activities apart, than being miserable "together." My wife is a devoted "spectator" sports fan. I think she could coach football. I've yet to meet the man who could talk sports better than her. On those cold winter days, you might find us huddled in front of the fireplace enjoying football on the big screen. I enjoy watching her reactions to the game as much as anything. So far, this has worked well for us.

[Ken Stewart]

You see we all got something in common like our love for our honey's. That good and I am glad.

[reichsrundfunk]

Friday I got the gas tank back on the 39 Commander so I wanted to drive her somewhere. There was a car show about 15 miles from home so my wife [not happy about going] and I drove the 39 to the car show. The car ran very nice and the cars behind had no problem keeping up with us. That what I always tell my wife when we are traveling with the old cars. Lots of people like the car. Car shows are not like the old days. More street rods then antique cars. We are being squeeze out it looks like. The old 39 got first place in the antique cars. I did felt out of place there. Wife wanted to leave but we stayed. To keep piece we went out for supper. Now don't bring up going to a car show at my house for a couple of weeks. Don't get her started. Now she like to go on drives, tours but to sit out in the sun for 3 or 4 hours not happy. Now I got to do what she wants to do today? Don't know yet but don't look good. She might make me go to her Mothers and sit all day to get even.

Umm. Yeah. Sounds like you may need a new wife.

Just reming her that God drives a Studebaker and don't go messin' with the almighty.

[rodnutrandy]

We went to a truck show Saturday. My wife went since it was across from Young's Dairy ( homemade ice cream + restaurant ) . She isn't a car nut either, but new what she was getting into before we were married . We have both made a lot of friends at the shows , and that helps the time past . ( plus a fold up awning and reclining chairs )

[Geigs]

We just got our first Stude a few weeks ago. I think my wife has co-opted my hobby. She's registered on this board now and has been actively involved in the acquisition and parts finding for this car. I believe this winter is going to be a family affair with Saturdays spent in the garage wrenching and Sundays watching the RedZone. Everyone is in on it; even my in-laws are excited.

[LeoH]

Randy's got the right idea, if you do choose to drag her along to future shows, make sure you have items to make it as comfortable for her. It is sometimes good to accept that your spouse isn't going to enjoy all the same things as you do and not try to bring her to every show. Personally, I'm not psyched about sitting in open air, sun fried car shows 100% either, but I go out of my my to make myself comfortable when I do and I don't blame my wife for not wanting to tag along.
It's a very rare classic car owner who has a spouse 100% in sync with their interests, if you haven't noticed yet by reading Forum comments over time. Appreciate what you have, very likely you'll read or know someone who has a spouse who's not as accepting even as your wife. Congratulations on your win and, I don't always do this, but try to appreciate your car for what it is and don't get yourself tied up by trying to compare it to the other cars you'll show against.

[reichsrundfunk]

LeoH's comments are spot-on. My other half mostly doesn't get it with our classic. Cars but I make certain that there are things both of us can enjoy when we take either our Studebaker or our Mercedes SL out cruisin' at events.