inding time to indulge in hobbies can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world. However, for car types, particularly lovers of hot rods, no matter what vintage you drive, there are countless ways to embrace this passion and make the most of every moment. Whether cruising down scenic routes, attending rod runs, or enjoying a quiet morning with your favorite car magazine, free time can transform into epic adventures filled with the joy of hot rods.

To truly relish your free time, start by integrating your love for hot rods into your lifestyle. Join a local car club to meet fellow enthusiasts who share your passion. These groups organize car shows, outings, and informal coffee cruises that allow you to connect with others, exchange ideas, and show off your prized ride. Car clubs are gatherings and vibrant communities filled with laughter, knowledge, and camaraderie. I’ve been a member of four different car clubs over the decades, and to this day I still have close friends from each of these groups, and the knowledge I’ve gained has stayed with me for a lifetime. Engaging with like-minded individuals can ignite new ideas. I don’t drive my hot rods nearly enough; drive yours as often as possible.

Saturday mornings often provide a perfect opportunity to enjoy a leisurely coffee cruise. What’s better than hot coffee, a fistful of doughnuts, and looking at other cool hot rods? Gather a group of fellow car aficionados and hit the road to your favorite café. Mine is Flo’s at a local regional airport. The bacon, eggs, and hot cakes are served chest-high with butter and Maple syrup. There’s something magical about driving your hot rod early on a Saturday: the sun is shining and the open road invites you to explore. Multi-day events are often filled with stunning hot rods and inspiring stories from their owners. They provide the perfect backdrop for sharing tips and tricks, “how-tos,” or the resurrection of old projects. And we all have at least two rat-holed in the garage or out back under a tarp.

Moreover, don’t forget to consider accessibility in your plans; many shows and runs are family friendly, encouraging you to bring along your wife and the grandkids. This way, you’re not merely indulging yourself but also sharing your love for hot rods with someone you care about or can pass on your passion. Somebody will inherit that roadster, coupe, bubbletop, or split-window hidden under the car cover in your garage. Consider planning a weekend trip around a hot rod event that allows you or the clan to enjoy scenic drives, explore new locations, and experience the thrill of driving a hot rod and the accompanying culture together. Teach the grandkids about the beauty of craftsmanship, engine mechanics, and the joy of caring for a hot rod, potentially planting the seeds for a future family passion.

Time for tinkering in the garage is sacred for many car guys. Whether rebuilding an engine or trans for the hard-core or dusting and polishing for the mild-mannered like myself, dedicating time to work on your car allows creativity and practical skill enhancement.

Another crucial aspect of enjoying your free time is finding moments to sit back and absorb inspiration from automotive literature. Reading your favorite car magazine, such as Modern Rodding, can provide fresh perspectives and insights that could be helpful for your builds.

Consider creating a reading nook in your garage or workshop—somewhere you can comfortably flip through the pages of your magazine collection while enjoying the company of your project. If you are like me, you have far too many magazines from decades past to store in the house. Keep a notepad handy to jot down ideas or inspirations that pop up while you read; these notes can become the foundation of innovative projects in the future.

Embrace your passion wholeheartedly, welcoming family, friends, and new faces into this world. After all, the journey of a car enthusiast, like that of a hot rod, is best enjoyed on the open road, filled with shared experiences and cherished memories. So, gear up, rev up, and let the adventures begin; this is your moment to enjoy the love of all things hot rodding. It has worked for me.