Buying quality parts becoming impossible.
I am considering selling my third project ('65 Signet convertible) now as my second vehicle ('65 Formula S) is finally being painted. It seems the frustration of junk parts and their prices is becoming too much for me mentally. I want things to be right (perfect?) but I can't expect myself to do the impossible. My only chance now is to learn to weld, fabricate, and rebuild everything myself, but that is not going to happen on Social Security.
My first realization was back around 2000, when I rolled a 1990 Cummins-powered Dodge pick-up on the ranch (doing about 2 mph through a weed-hidden wash-out on a dirt road). I replaced the cab (junkyard piece) but saved the driver's side mirror. The replacement passenger side mirror looked exactly like the original, but a year later the "chrome" was half-rusted away. The original mirror still on the other side of the vehicle was in perfect shape. What did I buy? I have no idea. (photo not actual mirror)
I guess what I am trying to say (in a nutshell) is restoring an American classic vehicle with Chinese parts is a kind of sacrilege (violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred).
I am considering selling my third project ('65 Signet convertible) now as my second vehicle ('65 Formula S) is finally being painted. It seems the frustration of junk parts and their prices is becoming too much for me mentally. I want things to be right (perfect?) but I can't expect myself to do the impossible. My only chance now is to learn to weld, fabricate, and rebuild everything myself, but that is not going to happen on Social Security.
My first realization was back around 2000, when I rolled a 1990 Cummins-powered Dodge pick-up on the ranch (doing about 2 mph through a weed-hidden wash-out on a dirt road). I replaced the cab (junkyard piece) but saved the driver's side mirror. The replacement passenger side mirror looked exactly like the original, but a year later the "chrome" was half-rusted away. The original mirror still on the other side of the vehicle was in perfect shape. What did I buy? I have no idea. (photo not actual mirror)
I guess what I am trying to say (in a nutshell) is restoring an American classic vehicle with Chinese parts is a kind of sacrilege (violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred).
