A different perspective from me. At 77, I imagine the '36 3w I'm building now, and wanted since I was 15, is probably my last build. For me the question is, will I ever get to drive it before I kick off ???
If you don't get off your ass and get busy, probably not. True story here. About 4 years ago, an 82-year-old fellow I met here in town had a fantastic collection of Mopars that he had restored back to original. He didn't like to drive them, so they just sat, and he wiped the dust off of them. He told me that he had always wanted a hot rod, and when he made up his mind to do it, it was elegant. Kind of Street Roddy, but well planned and finish detailed to the max. When he brought it back to his shop, I got to see this one of a kind 1933 Packard with leather interior dyed to match the paint job. It had chrome everything including the Hemi valve covers with the Chrysler Imperial script. There was a small problem with the power steering pump, and he was waiting for a different pulley. The part came and got installed. Two weeks after I saw it, Ron was going to take it out for its first trip. He pulled into the drive at his shop, got out of his pickup, and fell over dead. Moral of the story; We aren't guaranteed tomorrow.
@alanp561 , Being a transporter I hear many of these kind of stories as I am dealing with widows & children of our fellow car guys. That is actually the only part of my business I do not like, knowing that the gentleman put so much of himself into a build that he never got to enjoy. Now I have to take that same advice myself, because I have a whole bunch that need to be built yet!! God Bless & Happy New Year Bill https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...ar-transport-hauling-open-or-enclosed.614419/
You know, thinking back, I remember when I started building my 56 Chevy 30 years ago I said this is probably my last one since I was suffering burnout. Well, burnout sometimes flames back up so guys, don't sell your cars too quickly.
My dream car would be o/t here, but I do believe I have bought my last one, the 55 Chevy. I have been driving it every day since I got home, but tomorrow it will have a long nap until I see it again.
Just one?!? I don't have just one now, and never plan to At 37 I'm building my 28 RPU, which is the last car I "need" but I'm well aware will likely not be the last car I build. However since my collection has been growing since I was 15, I plan to switch gears a bit after the RPU and do more changes and improvements to the cars I have rather than a new build. I'd love a 35 Ford Roadster but don't think I'll ever be able to justify the cost of one, if I could find one.
Cord phaeton or 53 Buick Skylark - very fortunate to have owned Cords and 53 Skylarks and yes I'll be sticking out of these cars but will be looking good! HAHAHahahah!!!!
I've wanted something from this era, and I finally got this a few years ago. I'm about 85-90% done getting the 90's tweed interior and "bitchen" billet accessories out of it. Fortunately, it was all bolt-on stuff. I can't imagine getting rid of it, but I learned to never say never anymore.
I'll probably keep the deuce pickup I traded for last summer. it's just plain fun to drive. I've always told everyone they can buy the deuce 3 window I've had since 1980 on my estate sale but as I get older and am facing the realities that owning the other 4 really nice cars in my basement museum isn't nearly as important as it once was. It might be time to wave goodbye to them so another hot rodder can enjoy them?
Well I told my wife that my Sport Coupe was going to be my last car and that probably lasted about a year then I got bored and bought a 29 Roadster Pickup. Bought it off craigslist a couple of state's away and was a little worse than expected but not all bad. Now if I live long enough it'll be my last car, well maybe.
Never say never? But I think that I already have my final ride. I'm not seeing another Hot Rod in my futuer? Some say that I have too many cars already. But can you ever have too many cars??? I still have my Vette from high school in 1970. My coupe from 78. My 56 Nomad since 99 ect. ect. So I guess I have my final rides? But I still hope to be driving them until I'm 100 + Yeah right.
Yup, I have at least 2 too many cars right now, I can't figure out what to get rid of. I am pretty happy with what I have got. Heck my 61 Impala just had a 40th birthday at my place... no more new old cars for me, famous last words. I have these plus several off topic
That 61 bubble top would just fit in my garage in Nebraska. My dad bought one new with a 348 when I was 16. Never let me drive it?
That's close to what I would have. Except black for me and a 3 speed column chift with electric overdrive.
1957 Chevrolets have been the car for me as far back as I remember. I've owned mine since I was a teenager and all the others are second to my baby. Never done, but I built and enjoy my dream car.
For some reason my wife laughs when I tell her this is the last one I promise. View attachment 5934226 View attachment 5934226
My late buddy had his chosen last ride already planned out. No hearse for him. From the church to his grave on his beautiful farm it was his 33 pickup, now owned by his son. Rest in Peace, my friend. I think of you often, especially when I hear Vince sing “Go Rest High On That Mountain”.
I've been selling off cars/stuff/shop equipment, a lifetime accumulation preparing for my last ride. LOL My expiration date is not here yet, but being a realist on this subject so my wife does not have to deal with it. There are some things I'm keeping, her or the kids will have to deal with, I've been very fortunate and have Too Much Stuff. All is good, Happy and Thankful to be here, Everyone Have a Great Day !
I’ve been lying? to my wife for several years now, telling her “this is the last one, I promise”. She just laughs. She knows me too well. Funny thing is, this time I think I really mean it.
No offense intended Sir, but...... I think you are lying now! As a transporter I cannot tell you how many DOZENS of times I have showed up at a sellers place & have the gentleman (some up in their mid 80's) tell me that they have sold the last one, they are done. I just smile & say "You have my business card, feel free to call when you want a quote on bringing you the next one" & guess what? Most of the time they DO call I also do remind them (jokingly of course) about their previous declaration! This hobby is so addictive, it will NOT let you stop. God Bless Bill https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...ar-transport-hauling-open-or-enclosed.614419/
No, REALLY, this time I THINK? I really mean it! (Other than that 60 Ranchero lurking behind the 56). But it’s not a full build dear, just suspension, brakes, motor and transmission. Oh, and interior. I promise I won’t paint it.
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