Art & Inspiration FOUND AMBITION

Hopefully a short primer, I had a perfect 57 Chevy Bel Air but like all hot rodders I wanted to make it better. That turned into 35 years of it being off the road. My wife of 53 years passed away. I have been in the hospital in ICU twice, the last time for a cardiac arrest event. My friends girlfriend said I have 9 lives I think I'm using them up. In any case I want to drive my 57 at least one more time before I croak so I started working on it again. I got in touch with at least three people to do the final fab work on it, mind you it does not need much. Some responded and said no the one that said yes has not called back, it's been 6 weeks. So I started working on it myself and lo and behold I found the ambition to finish this thing and the more I work on it the more enthusiastic I get. I'm 75 now so it's a little tough to get going, but I want to take my grandkids for a ride in Grandpa's Hot Rod.

Pat

 

1. Thumbs up man. I can identify. I'm in my 70's too, and as soon as I can sell my '32 coupe I'll have the garage space to get back on my '48 Chevy panel I've had since the '70's... that's almost done. A little each day, or more...
2. Keep on keepin on.

 

Move it, soldier!
All the luck.

 

I'm 75, too, been working on my '29AA for nearly 50 years and hope to have the engine in the frame and running in by June 6, the 50th anniversary of my purchase. I beat esophageal cancer four years ago and also want to fulfill a longtime ambition. I have a close friend and my first cousin both entering hospice and just last month buried my 99-year-old mother-in-law, so stark reminders that my tomorrows are dwindling. Let's ride while we can!

 

First picture is when my son was born, those people are my parents. that was April 1981. I took them for a drive down Schenebly Hill rd. in Sedona AZ. 2nd. photo is about 10 years ago, motor is a 377" SBC a new Doug Nash super T-10 ( bought new in 81), Olds/Pont rear 3:90 gears.

Pat

 

Wish you were closer, we need a good old HAMB thrash…….I know I do.

 

That is a nice looking car, like the bronze paint and 5 spokes. see you at Rhinebeck! Bob

 

Very sorry to hear about your wife, but I am glad that you are getting this car back together. I don't know how many times I've watched this play out, where the car came apart decades earlier and never went back together again. Glad to hear that's not going to be you.

 

I was just talking to a friend this past Sunday at church that recently lost his wife as well. Strangely enough, he also has a 57 2 door sedan. Anyway, glad to hear you are working on it and hoping you can take those grandkids for a ride soon. So sorry to hear about your wife.

 

Y'all singin' my song.
Only I have not endured the the trip over the threshold of the garage,,, Yet
I go in there, start to pick up the pieces, and need to rest up.
I've survived nine Major Medical Maladies.
My my 6'1" 180lbs has become 5'7" 140lbs.
In less than ten years. My wife, Bless Her,, looks after my meds and Dr appts
Buutt Don't you worry. I'll be swinging this year.
Got a 10 speed Schwinn, a nice, smooth, half mile, stretch of asphalt, no outlet.

 

Good to hear you are back working on it. There is no other feeling quite like it IMHO, so, enjoy it, and please share updates as they happen, no matter how large or small.

 

Way to go man, it's like getting a little vigor back.
My 41 was down 23 yrs until I had a major cardiac medical event, laying in the hospital I figured I better get my ass in gear and get on it. I got it together, drove it 2 yrs then it came apart again for some improvements, hopefully be back out this summer.
Good luck with yours, it's a good looking car with the 5 spokes and copper.

 

Just keep moving; that's what I'm doing at 77.

 

Great to see you motivated to work on that cool '57! So sorry about your wife.
I'm almost 20 years younger than you, heart failure nearly took me out last year at 56 years old.
Still ''getting back into it''.
Live every day my friend.

 

I guess a lot of us " old guys " are finally finishing a car that they started a long time ago.
I'm 77 and mine took 41 years from the time I started on it in 1983 until I finally drove it for the first time a couple of days ago.
I have 51 miles on it now.

My biggest regret is that I didn't finish it sooner while my wife was still alive. Even so, it sure is nice to be able to zip down the road in it.

My next project to finish has been in storage since 1975.

 

The fact that you couldn't get someone to finish it for you is probably a good thing as think how much more satisfying it will be to be driving it and having done it yourself. Sometimes these things happen for a reason. Very sorry for your loss. Will look forward to seeing the progress. Good luck.

 

You have to keep moving, man. One foot in front of the other. Not only does the physical activity do a body good, but most importantly it keeps the mind active and gives you something to look else to look forward to everyday.

I don't think it's a coincidence that so many people involved in this hobby live to such advanced ages. Obvious examples are Isky, Winfield, Starbird, but that's far from a comprehensive list. It's something you can do and enjoy even into your older years. I enjoy playing playing men's league ice hockey but chances are I'm not going to be able to skate and play a contact sport like I do now in my 70s. But we often go to car shows, cruise nights, events, etc., and see guys well into the 70s and 80s, still active in the hobby, racing, building, fabricating and planning projects that will last well beyond their time on this side of the dirt. That's the way it should be.

I dig your 57. Get that thing out there and on the road. I look forward to seeing it out there.

 

Go get um Pat.

 

I wish I lived closer to you. I’d love to help out.

Jay

 

If I was closer, I'd take my show on the road for a thrash.

 

So sorry to hear about your wife Pat.

Sounds like you have a good plan. As we all get older and less healthy, it's a good idea to build/own that "one last car" to enjoy for the remainder of your life...

Jack

 

Thanks guys for the words of support, I really needed a kick in the ass to get motivated. Many of you I don't know, only from post here on Hamb but I feel like I know you all. Thanks again.

Pat

I really needed a kick in the ass to get motivated. Many of you I don't know, only from post here on Hamb but I feel like I know you all. Thanks again.

Pat

 

Little by little is all it takes. Enjoy.

Just rinsed a years worth of garage dust off this one just moments ago. It’s going out this early evening.

 

Pat you have to go 1 day at a time, i lost my wife 5 years ago and i am 89 years old and try to keep moving. I work on a 50 ford that is like my first car and this is going to be my last build. Keep going and you will be ok. Don

 

Good for you. I am glad you got your mojo back. I lost mine a couple of years ago and still waiting for it to reappear. I know it eventually will because I have been through this before. I get one 90% done then lose interest for a while.
Still waiting.

 

Hang in there, my friend, you'll get it done!

I'm in a similar situation. Been working on my '36 3W for 14-years, less time out for two back surgeries, prostate surgery, replaced hip, throat cancer, heart surgery, and a hang nail, as well as moving south 750 miles to a new house and building a new shop. No friends made yet, so I've been working alone for the last 5-years.

I'm 78 and getting close to finishing the car, so I just might make my drive in it before I croak, too.

 

Do something... anything... on your '57 every day and keep your eye on the prize... you'll get there!

 

I'm very sorry to hear about your wife. It's good to stay occupied, can't get much better than a 57. Looking forward to seeing the progress, any at all is good!