No more basket cases for me....

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There is one redeeming quality about project cars, You can see all the sins before you start. A lot of so called Done cars have bondo, newspaper, fiberglass floors, band aided engine, etc. I like to know what I'm starting with. But i'm probably done with projects, due to all my bays are filled up.
 
There is one redeeming quality about project cars, You can see all the sins before you start. A lot of so called Done cars have bondo, newspaper, fiberglass floors, band aided engine, etc. I like to know what I'm starting with.

One great thing about project cars is anything you do to it is an improvement, even if it's just getting air in the tires and getting it rolling. And I think they do appreciate it.
 
My ancestors were I assume cave men with the hunter/gatherer genes!!! I love the chase and I admit financially not on my plate too buy anything but projects. But the cost of finding a decent and cheap running engine (except slants) for anything makes me look for something other than a roller anymore. I have enough slant cars to fill my thirst for them.
So I found a rusty but restorable running/driving 76 Runner, but just a 318 car. I lke the F bodies, and cheap. I love doing the metal work. This one needs plenty but solid frame rails.
Like said, the sense of accomplishment is great even for fixing the smallest issue!!
 
I inherently got a hold of a sickness early in my rebel days, and yes I am still infected. No matter what instant gratification I used I still have the need to buy a neglected auto and make it better. As I progressed in my age, I learn to work smarter, not harder, and a wiser accountability of money needed to get the project up and running at a bare minimal. While my feelings for these old relics will never fade, the money and the time involved usually oversees the cars worth in the end. Many will say it is the finished product that will bring you years of motoring enjoyment, this is true, and this is what keeps me going.
I am in it, because who else is going to do it. For me its the thrill of making a wreck of car, back into the glory days of its youth, a mightier, yet carefree days. Maybe in a way I am helping myself to retain my youth, in a long way about it.
 
May I add this. Our deal is a hobby for 99% of us 99% of the time. NO profit!! We simply love bringing these old Mopars back from the dead!! Maybe sometime were are truly selfish as the process makes us feel worthwhile, or we revisit our youth perhaps, gives s a chance to own something we either had before ( we sold it) or never could have at an earlier age.
I love finding them ( buying) but I hate selling!! lol
 
The sad part is that it seems the $500. Dollar shitbox is a thing of the past and the 1500. Dollar shitbox is pretty standard now because 500 bucks gets you parts now a days
Back in '79 I bought a 69 Cuda H vin for $100, total rust-pile w/no motor/tranny, but still kicking myself for parting it out. If only I knew then what I know now. sold the BB K-frame with special driver-side motor mount for $50
 
I grew up in the antique business and have had a passion for old stuff all my life. So it's now on to old mopars, can't say I'd appreciate a bought car near as much as one I put together, even if it was a shitbox driver.
 
What you say hits a cord with me. I love to work on cars. I am good with major body work, fabrication, welding, engines, painting, etc. I am also 68. I am fortunate to still have good health and mobility, so I can still do what I want. I am currently helping a friend restore a 56 Studebaker Powerhawk. I have often wondered how much longer I'll be able to do this. When I get to the point when I can't do the actual work myself, I think I'll find someone younger who needs help with their restoration and teach them what I know.

Did the power hawk have the Paxton supercharger on it ?
 
I have found that giving advise, info, direction about anything to kids under 19 can be a struggle. Example" neighbor lid , 17 brings up dads skid steer to spread some gravel for us. He knows how to drive it but not really how to move the gravel. He will not listen, and its not my machine to run. Ii give him $25 and say thanks and send him home. And get the shovel and rake!
 
I did the math on this Lancer I am finishing. I have had it for 9 plus years. 64 this year, so I was 55 when I started. At this rate I will be too old to really enjoy what I am finishing. If I just take 5 years to do the 71 Colt, I will be pushing 70 when I hit the track.
 
I hope this message resonates with everyone on the board. As with everything in life, it should be the journey you remember. The end product sometimes is realized, but sometimes not. So you have to embrace the blood sweat and tears poured into your project. That's mainly why I never wanted to completely disable my projects for too long. I always want to be able to enjoy them at least some along the way.
 
I hear ya.
I am loving the journey on my build, and the time I am spending with my son. A lot of satisfaction in bringing one back. But even at 56, when I get up in the morning and it takes me 30 minutes to straighten up, I have to wonder how many journeys do I have left in me? Don't know if I'll ever tackle something that needs this much work again. Right now I'm thinking I'll just keep this one and tinker with the fun stuff when I want to. Right now.......... Who knows?
 
I will update, unfortunately.
I had a kidney removed that was non functional at birth. As I found 10 years ago during back surgery. They said no need for surgery unless an issue arises.
Before the holidays started having pain, found out dead kidney filling up with fluid 3X the size of normal. Long story short had to drain kidney in bag for 4weeks
and 4 weeks ago had removed
Sucks lost 2 months working on car.
But Im alive.
Will be done painting and assembly
by Memorial Day.
..goal anyway. Few current pics

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Great work. Your health is most important thing, glad you are fixed.

I love white cars, something so pure and simple but so pretty!
 
I also agree, wonderful to have that desire to pass on your knowledge!!!!!!
I hit 70 last Feb, triple bypass this time bout last year. I do pretty well but it is hard to get up and down, but I am so thankful I can still do what I do.
Hardest part is keeping up with the young wife of 63! lol
you go harrisnm! I just hit 62 and took my ss, coffe and ibuprofen in the am and budwieser in the pm.
 
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