Car club questions?

Hey all, wanted to pick your collective brains on car clubs. Never been in a car club and frankly not remotely knowledgeable on how they work. Those who are in them, are you in Mopar exclusive club or is it a Pre year, say 1975 fun for all? How did you find your club? And lastly, what is your time commitment?

I assume there are dues, not just monetary but also with your time

Depends on what your after really. I'm looking to start a club around in my area. Basically just get together once a month and hang out checking out our cars. Going to any shows together as a group. Only dues needed is when we want something like decals or jackets or shirts And the likes. And that's more so we can get a better deal. Maybe doing some charity as a group. Paying a fee to be in a club is a bit rediculous unless you are renting something club specific or if your snotty and pay for a promo spot and get lots of grub for free. I'm more like fast and the furious family style clubs.

I've been in a couple. I'm not in one at the moment, but not for any particular reason. Just haven't had the time over the last few years to even find out and remember when and where the meetings are. Less motivation when I don't have a car on the road, too.

If you've never been in a club before, it is fun for awhile. Then after awhile, you sometimes start to see the chinks in the armor: politics, egos, apathy, etc. In the beginning you put up with it or just ignore it because all you want is to hang with like minded people but eventually it catches up. I've belonged to Mopar specific clubs and open marque muscle car/rod clubs, some much better than others when it comes to the issues mentioned above.

As far as dues go, I have always paid dues for every club (usually around $25/yr). Most of the clubs use the money for legit reasons: website hosting, promotions (club banners, flyers, biz cards, etc.), deposits for club clothing, charitable donations, club events/food, etc. There are real costs for active/involved clubs.

As for personal involvement/time, most clubs would love for all their members to be active not only with enjoying what they have to offer but also in the execution whether it be as an officer of the club or perhaps involved with the club shows, swap meets, fundraisers, etc. The truth is that clubs are run by a small nucleus of members while the majority slack off. That's where the apathy I mentioned above comes into play. Many feel that by paying their dues, that fulfills their obligation to the club. In the end, it's what you make of it. Good luck.

I had a good time in my club over here.
The apathy part is correct. However, expected. It never concerned me.

Dues. $25 yearly
Meets were every weeekend
(Because were nutz!)
No mandatory meetings to make or trips to take.
Extra monies requested were for club events. Trips that needed money over just going to a public park for a BBQ.

The club president and his right hand man were very much into the clubs going on and tried to do a lot as a group.

We would all run to the drive in and catch a flick, cruise down to the beach, BBQ @ the park, make a upstate run a few times a year. Spring and fall were very popular runs.

Things that costed extra money we're understandable like I mentioned before.
T shirts
Stickers
Fishing trips
Camping
Casino runs

Our club grew out from the snotty clan from the other club we tried to join but we're turned down because our cars were not good enough to get in. So the fellas started there own club with the notion of "Your car doesn't need to be done and we don't care if it is. Just come and hang out!"

It was a MoPar only club for any year make or model MoPar. Period. Though often we would have members brothers or sisters with other makes stop in and hang out because of the vibe of the club.

Work in progress? Great, pull in! Beater? A hunk of junk with lots-O-rust and dents and no care or concern about fixing it? Great, pull in.
Supreme resto, race junk, etc... pull in!

You were told outright...
Egos get checked at the door.
No one rips a members car for being under par. Nor do you pick it apart for not being correct. No badgering.

It was very much like but slightly better than FABO.

Money made by our club ,after expenses, goes to scholarships for graduating high school seniors.
Preference is given to those pursuing a career in the automotive field but not mandatory. This year we were able to give two small scholarships that were not at all automotive oriented. Our dues are $20. per year with meetings scheduled once a month. All cars/motorcycles are welcome. As to time it involves the meetings and our annual car show. We do plan a few short cruises or other outings.
Yote

Most clubs sponsor a show at least once a year. If you go to shows you probably benefit from their work to put them on. Joining a club that sponsors a show is my way of giving back to the hobby. I've also made some good friends and we travel to distant shows together. There's also the possibility of finding sources for parts, swapping for stuff you need etc. Yeah there's always some internal politics, and folks that talk big and then neve do much, but it's only a bother if you let it be. I always belonged to a Mopar only club for the shared knowledge, parts and help.

Go to a couple of meetings and check the club out.

I don't know where you are in OC, but www.southbaymopars.com may be the closest Mopar club.