There was a time—not long ago—when real car guys didn’t turn to influencers or short-form videos for advice. They turned to each other. That meant firing up the desktop at 10 PM after the kids were in bed, logging into a car forum, and hoping that someone with a ‘69 GTO in their sig would answer your question about why your vacuum advance wasn’t advancing.

That’s how you learned. Not from a TikTok burnout in mom’s Camry. Not from a YouTube video promising “Top 5 Mods Under $500.” You got your knowledge the old-fashioned way—through threads, arguments, walkthroughs, and trial and error.

And while social media has taken over much of the car content landscape, classic car forums haven’t disappeared. They’ve just gotten better. Smarter. More useful. They’re still the best places online for DIY car restoration, garage setup tips, andreal-world advice from people who’ve done the work, not just talked about it.

Whether you’re into hot rods, Corvettes, Porsches, or just like spending a Saturday in the garage, these six forums are still worth your time.

1. The H.A.M.B. (The Jalopy Journal)

URL: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/

What It Is:

The Hokey A** Message Board is old-school internet gold. Built by and for traditional hot rodders—think flatheads, chopped tops, and whitewalls. It’s where you go when you’re building something like your grandfather did: with a torch, grit, and a cigarette hanging from your lip.

Why It’s Great:

It’s all about authenticity. LS swaps and digital dashboards won’t get much love here. This community is hardcore about preserving hot rod culture. It’s loud, blunt, and unfiltered, but packed with knowledge that no YouTube comment section can match.

Notable Threads:

  • “How to Chop a ’49 Merc Without Ruining It”
  • “Flathead vs. Small Block: The Eternal Debate”
  • “Post Pics of Your Garage—Let’s See What You’re Wrenching In”

If you’re serious about traditional builds, The H.A.M.B. is one of the best classic car forums you’ll ever find.

2. Garage Journal

URL: https://www.garagejournal.com/

What It Is:

This isn’t just a car forum, it’s the ultimate online community for garage lovers. Whether you’re planning a full shop build or just want to find the best socket organizer, this place is gold.

Why It’s Great:

The detail and depth are unmatched. You’ll find 30-page threads on things like epoxy vs. polyaspartic flooring, and walkthroughs on installing a 220V air compressor safely. It’s not just talk, it’s blueprints, schematics, and personal experience.

Notable Threads:

  • “Show Us Your Garage Builds”
  • “Best Tool Chest Under $1,000”
  • “The Ultimate Screwdriver Thread (Yes, Really)”

3. Pelican Parts Forums

URL: https://forums.pelicanparts.com

What It Is:

What started as a Porsche parts support forum has evolved into one of the most respected classic European car forums out there. You’ll find in-depth advice for Porsches, BMWs, and even older Audis and Benzes.

Why It’s Great:

You won’t find fluff here. Just step-by-step rebuild guides, archived shop manuals, and Porsche veterans who remember when a 911 was still affordable. These members know their torque specs—and they’re happy to share.

Notable Threads:

  • “Engine Drop Checklist for Air-Cooled 911s”
  • “Rebuilding My 1973 911T: A Four-Year Saga”
  • “The Ultimate MFI Tuning Thread”

If you’re restoring a 911 in the garage between soccer games and yard work, Pelican’s your pit crew.

4. FerrariChat

URL: https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/

What It Is:

FerrariChat can feel a little high-end at first—but dig deeper, and it’s one of the most detailed and passionate classic Ferrari forums you’ll find.

Why It’s Great:

You’ll get access to people who own these cars, and work on them. Expect threads with scanned service invoices, rare parts interchange info, and debates about whether the wrinkle-finish on your Dino’s valve cover is period correct.

Notable Threads:

  • “DIY: 308 Timing Belt Change with Pics”
  • “What Was the Real Factory Paint Process in the ’70s?”
  • “Ferrari Classiche—Real Value or Just Marketing?”

Whether you own a 308 or just admire them from afar, FerrariChat is where real knowledge lives.

5. Corvette Forum (C1 & C2 Sections)

URL: https://www.corvetteforum.com/

What it is:

While the C7 and C8 crowd gets the flash, the C1 and C2 forums are where real Corvette history lives. It’s the go-to spot for restoration tips, NCRS info, and factory-correct documentation.

Why It’s Great:

Ask about fiberglass repair and you’ll get diagrams, walkthroughs, and maybe even a FaceTime call from a retired engineer. The tone is friendly, and the knowledge is encyclopedic.

Notable Threads:

  • “How to Properly Rebuild a C2 Suspension”
  • “Correct Paint Marks for a ’62 Engine Bay”
  • “The Fuel Injection Tuning Thread (C1/C2 Only)”

If you’ve got a fuelie in the garage and a judging sheet on the wall, this place is your second home.

6. ClassicOldsmobile.com

URL: https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/

What it is:

A quieter but fiercely loyal classic car forum for Oldsmobile fans, especially Cutlass and 442 owners. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of heart.

Why It’s Great:

You won’t find influencers here. Just a group of wrench-turners who still believe in Rocket V8s and proper paint codes. The classifieds section alone is worth a visit. It has tons of honest sellers, rare parts, and fair prices.

Notable Threads:

  • “W31 Cam vs. W30 Cam: What You Need to Know”
  • “DIY: TH400 Rebuild With Pics”
  • “Let’s Talk Paint Codes for 1969 Only—All of Them”

If you’re keeping Oldsmobile history alive one bolt at a time, this is your community.

You don’t need to own a Ferrari, a ’32 Ford, or a perfectly restored C2 Corvette to enjoy these forums. What matters is the mindset: you’re a car guy or gal. You appreciate craftsmanship. You turn your own wrenches—or wish you had more time to.

These classic car forums are more than online communities, they’re digital garages. Full of respect, history, and real how-to advice that beats social media sound bites any day.

Quick List: Best Classic Car Forums by Category