After all these years of trying to finish my '54 health issues and expenses and our inflated economy won out and forced me to sell it, so yesterday my old Ford found a new home in Northern Arizona. I always had it on my bucket list to one day drive it to my High School reunion in Illinois ( this year would have been 60 years) but now I have outlived all the friends I once had and most of the places we once cruised are now history and fond memories.
Sorry to hear this Jeff. I guess if I had to, I would sell mine too. You're just five years ahead of me but I understand about loosing friends from high school. I'm glad to know you'll still hang around here.
Hate to hear that, Jeff. I feel your pain as I'm going through the same thing. Health issues and with this inflation, building a car is a whole new world! Lately, I've been tempted to just sell the '54 and buy something that's already done......but then I face reality and realize, with inflation, the price of a turn key hot rod is waaaay up! I'll keep you in prayer, brother. I hope you plan to stay on and run this board. Your contribution here will/has affected thousands!
As a p***ing note and word of advice keep a rear end swap in mind on these cars, what kind of brought things to a head was I had to move the car into the street when we had the roof replaced, put it into gear and heard a nasty noise, it snapped the drivers side axle.
Wow My Brother health comes first...I wish I was near you and had My stuff done...It would be an honor to let you drive mine to Your Reunion...
Sorry to hear that Jeff, it must have been a heartbreaker. As the guys have said, we hope you hang around. Health issues???......I hear ya. This summer I'm doing as many roadtrips as possible, because I'm not too sure how much longer I'll be able to do them. I put 1,050 miles on the '57 this past Friday/Saturday. Did a show in Canyon City, Colo, and took a 300-mile-longer route to get there!
I'm sorry to hear of your health issues and having to sell your car. I appreciate you establishing and maintaining this site. You seem to have a source for anything needed. I wish you the best of luck and pray for God's healing of your body.
Hey Jeff, sorry to hear that. My older brother is finishing up what he says will be his final project. At 78, he's hoping to have fun with his nearly-done '56 Fairlane 4 door hardtop for years to come. But like all of us (including me at age 71), health issues are taking their toll on just how much we can continue with our hobby. Take care and enjoy as much as possible.
I dont usually say much, but did'nt expect to read the above this wednsday afternoon. I keep returning here because this group is rich. And it is rich given all the member's experience, good-will and different knowledge (which has very well served me in the past). But it is also precious because it has you as a sort of curator (i don't think the word is wrongly used). This is important for the group not to go a-stray. You have kept it spot on. Keep around. Find another project, will you?
My health has been pretty good over the years, but 77 years on this old body can slow a guy down, the wife is a 3 X cancer survivor and had an injury from a fall in the yard that required surgery, Medicare pays 80% but the other 20% is out of pocket and that hurts on a fixed income, the inflation caused by the current resident in the White House isn't helping either.. Thanks for all the love you guys have shown me over the years.
Jeff, I am very sorry to hear you sold the 54 but I am more sorry to hear you are having health issues. If you don't have your health then very little else matters. I too am having issues but not bad enough for me to stop working on cars, I just needed to be realistic on what I can do. Sold my 46 last year and am looking to sell my F100 after 34 years of ownership. Still have my 55 and the Falcon wagon, my wife still has her Mustang too. Thanks for all you have done for the group over the many years! Mark
I deal with pain issues every day. I had another round of nerve blocks done last week, it has showed some promise so a RFA (radio frequency ablation) is likely next. I did work on the car over the weekend and made some progress, I even drove it around town. So I'm hanging in but am considering something that needs less work and is easier to handle.
Compared to later model cars these 50s are much easier to work on and usually provide more room to do it in, having one you can actually ride in is a plus too, have fun.
So Sorry to hear of your health issues,I have followed you for years! I'm 71 and my left hip just kills me !Hoping you get WELL!
Wow this post caught me by surprise. So sorry to hear that Jeff. Cant tell you how many screenshots I have on my phone from all your answers to people's questions over the years on here or Facebook. So thank you! Hope you're feeling better from the issues you're having...I know from experience letting go of that 54 must've been hard, but car or not you're still a gearhead! and we appreciate all your time with us on these forums.
Oh yeah... I get that too. Some days it hinders my walking around. Lately that and lower back pain keeps me down. The thoracic pain is not too bad for the most part. I have been shot with every ESI injection under the sun, frpm C4 to T11. I had an RFA for neck pain a few years ago that is still holding up.
My health is pretty good as I stated above, my wife has not been as lucky but she is now a 3X survivor of the Cancer Monster.
jeff sorry to hear about about all you have going on. thanks for your help.and all the post that i have read and the many pictures. i want to thank everyone for there posts as well. at 73 i dont roll down to the shop every morning like i use too. when i do the cars are waiting there smiling. ok with what ever i feel like doing.get another car and put it on the lift. take your time.tell all us your friends what you need.im sure all of us 3 or 4 of everything. our turn to help. thanks agian ken.
I don't know if there guy who bought your car knows how lucky he is to have bought your car! Your a wealth of information and your input is always appreciated. So happy to hear your wife is 3x survivor, she's a fighter for sure. I hope she recovers from her fall her surgery quickly!
Jeff, sorry to hear this news, but we certainly understand. Thank you for all that you have done, and continue to do, for us in the forum. I understand our forum is one of the best on the site - kudos!
Jeff, Sorry to hear the news, totally understand, wishing the best for you and yours. Thanks for this group and all you've done for us. Hope to still see you posting.
Jeff, man I am sorry to hear cir***stances forced you to let your dream car go and I understand that the family comes first, but that doesn't take the sting out of it. As I recall you were a valuable part of the '54 Ford Club of America & you have carried that forward to the Hamb and this site in particular, as long as you stay active, who knows what may happen in the future. God bless you and your wife. Danny
Jeff... As a '54 Ford Coupe owner, (my 11th, all coupes) it is with regret that I read this. Friends disappearing? Yep, "right here in rivercity" as well. Every time I get on the HAMB, I read your posts, and all the other fellows'. (I get the inkling you are all younger, like...50-60ish. Wrong, apparently.) I'm 80, young wife is 67. Just the past few days I've been organizing my shop, (lots of new things have happened, such as my 36" X 72" steel bench is now on casters, I built a tear down bench, and fixed my floor standing 1 H.P. drill press! It again occurred to me that I'm 80. ****!
Holy Cow Mike, It's no wonder I haven't been able to find a coupe, very few ended up here in South. HRP Carolina
Jeff I am sorry to read this. You have done so much for our community. I hope you stay active on the forum.
I'm keeping my car. I have a couple of things planned, like the power steering conversion coming up. I stumbled on a viable 5-speed swap too. While that is underway, I'd like to have the front seat done over and also the door cards.
Sorry to hear this Jeff. Prayers for you and your wife. Also, a big thanks for keeping this forum alive.
I too appreciate your immense input to this site. From a Geoff with a G. I say Cheers Jeff. My car would not be in the good shape it is now without this forum and your efforts.
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