Most people start when still working a day job, usually after the kids have left, since no time to do much when taking them to activities. But, usually drags until no longer working full time. Good to get other things done first, like prepare garage/carport space and clear your plate of other house and yard tasks. Then, try to find where you squirreled away all the parts 15 years ago, especially if working on multiple cars. Need to pick your battles. As example, would have been easier had I removed the windshields so I could take the dashes out for a bench restore. Instead, I was sand-blasting rust lying on my back with everything falling on me (face shield, mask, but still ...). Sand is still falling out of crevices. Working the body on a full rotisserie is even better, but a big bite. Some car shows send the naked body out for a bath which removes all paint and rust. That approach puts you on an auto assembly line.
No kidding. Quick story. About 20 years ago, I agreed to help a lifelong friend restore a 65 Impala SS 396. He had one when he was younger (before he went to Vietnam). He wanted another one for YEARS. He found a rather rusty project car and I agreed to help. Bob was a good mechanic, but he knew nothing about body work. I sat him and his wife, Nancy, down before we started and told them it would be at least a 2-3 year project and would probably cost at least $20 thousand. They agreed and work commenced. We did floor pans, quarters trunk floor, trunk drop downs, and a BUNCH of other rust patches. After about 1.5 years, his wife started bitching about how long it was taking and griping to me about how much longer. This is where I tell you that Bob was my dear friend who I loved like a brother, but his wife is not a nice person (I am being nice), and I barely tolerate her. I told Bob to tell his wife to shut up about it. She did for a while, but then she started up again. After 2 years, it was done. Her bitchy attitude tarnished our friendship. We used to go out to eat together and play cards all the time, but after that, I just did not want to be around her. Bob and I remained very close until his death about 2 years ago.
I've suggested that wifey change her name to "Karen", at least where my classic cars are concerned. She was nice when young, but then started watching "The View" and other women-fussing daytime shows and became empowered. The one thing I asked when first married was that she never watch the Phil Donahue Show, since watching that made my mom unhappy, crying and complaining that nobody appreciated her and if she was paid for labor as a homemaker ... But, shows today have become even more divisive. Wifey watches only MSNBC like Rachel Carson, then faults me for Trump (how my fault?), though she could have just as easily have gone with Fox and faulted me for Biden. Few people seem able to think for themselves. She hated me criticizing Elon Musk, until I pointed out he wasn't a liberal and even made a MAGA-pivot while dissing California which gave him billions in tax credits (better to market his silly CyberTruck?). Anyway, my cars stay as long as I'm breathing, and look at that, the fish are biting (song "I'm gonna miss her").
Common problem. Depends how fussy you are and what you are working on.
Then there is the tire kicker crowd at Show and Shines that want to purchase your restored car but only want to pay 10 year old price they see on used lots or in the paper, online now.
The car is stunning.
I had the same problem with witch 2. She was supposed to get a job if we got married. Watched the soaps with the laudy blaws in suits and evening gowns. Eventually bitched her way out of my life.
Years ago a friend rebuilt a 350 for his 67 Chevelle. When I arrived they were trying to get it started but were just pouring a bit of gas down the carb. I got them to get the fuel pump wired in sko the float bowls could be filled. I went through the initial timing and firing order. Open headers and 11:1 compression with the car facing in the garage. When it fired up at 0230, mom came flying out of the house and clipped all of us with a broom. The open garage acted like a concert hall. Woke people up 10 blocks away. This was just at the introduction of unleaded gas. He had to run 1/2 unleaded premium and half lead regular that was still available.
