Hot Rods Big decision today.

Ebbsspeed, hope you see this response here.

whe I first started in the Harley world in the late part of 1999 the parts manager took me around the shop and introduced me to the techs. These guys were all “old school”, no MMI grads (not that is a bad thing, just some background.)

One of the techs as most of them were either in a M/C or a R/C. One tech that I was introduced to was a 1%er, not a SOA wannabe the real deal., one of many that over the years I have been acquainted with and or have been true friends with. Not a brag, just a fact. I respect their commitment and loyalty, something that is lacking a lot in the world.

He didn’t look up when I was brought to his stalls. I spoke a bit, he didn’t say anything but “Do you ride?” I said “”Yes, I have a 76 Ironhead kicker and a 82 FLH” He then said “You ride a Shovelhead?” as I think he expected my response to be a new 883 or a EVO or maybe even a Honda.

He got off his work stool and while I don’t remember his exact words it was a positive response. I then said “Everyone here says you are the guy to ask about the old bikes.” He said “I’ll teach you anything you want to know but NEVER argue with me!” I said “I might question why but I sure the hell am not going to argue with you!”

He was a friend and teacher until C got him five years later. I’ve known some unique people over the years, he was one.

 

Shovelhead, you're the man. What a kind gesture.

 

Confirmed tonight, it has a new home!

 

I know you mentioned, "Its just Steal" but I get it....Our cars become part of our families --- especially when you build them. Its Man AND machine.

About 10 years ago I went through an awful divorce. I had to sell a hot rod boat and my RPU I stick built. When it went in the buyers trailer, I sobbed uncontrollably. I hate to admit that, but I did. Maybe it was THE action that really signified that my marriage was over, but it went on....it was very difficult for me.

But, "everything happens for a reason" and life really is great for me today.

I appreciate what you have written and shared with us. You are a good man Shovelhead.

 

Well, a bit of an update. My friend and his adult son are coming by tomorrow to pick up the first load of parts. Rechromed front and rear bumpers, done 20 years ago and stored since. Big box of parts including a new Rebel wire harness, various switches and relays. A couple Buick related books. A set of vintage Ansen Sprint wheels, the real deal US made ones. New P/S pressure hose from NAPA and 6 quarts of oil. They’re enthusiastic about the project ahead.

I’d be lying if I said there’s no regret on my part, there’s a lot. Even to the point I thought “what did I do?” But, it’s the right decision, the only decision. It’s better than seeing it hauled off to the crusher after being parted out.

Everything happens for a reason.

 

Maybe down the road, when the dust settles and I’m more on the mend I’ll look for another car. But no projects, a runner/driver that needs some minor tweaks. Another car of my youth, a 64 Mercury.
But thats down the road. See what each day brings.

 

Cool Thread. Most miss the point and that is:

"What are you afraid of losing, when nothing in the world actually belongs to you?" Marcus Aurelius

I believe in karma. good job @shovelheadrider

 

I am truly humbled by your at***ude and outlook. I hope to be like you when my time comes to get rid of stuff.

 

Good for you shovelhead!
Reading between the lines, and I could be wrong, you have had heart surgery.
Or a heart attack. Perhaps both.
In 2014, I had quadruple byp***. Did I come back to what I was in my younger years? Heavens no! But I did come back. I built [ HOPPED UP?] an engine , and swapped same, for my 1950. By myself.
Just saying "life ain't " over. You can, and betting you will, do a lot more in life. If I can, you surely can.
Coming up on 89 in Jan.

Ben

 

SS327, just doing what I’ve gotta do. I should have gotten rid of this failed project years ago but pride, nostalgia, “I told you so’s” all come into play here.

firstinsteel, good one. Here’s the details, X3 CABG 01/98. At the time I was told that the usual M.O. was to go back I for a touch up 8-10 years. Took almost 28 years for the SHTF and that got me two stents,this last episode all starting from a kidney stone. Supposed to get it lasered out once I’m more stable.
Starting last Saturday I would become lightheaded, a combination of two new and different BP meds and a diuretic, culminated with another ER trip over the weekend.
My Cardiologist (different hospital,system) pulled those three meds, started feeling a change a day later. I can actually walk without feeling lightheaded. I’ve been seeing my doc since the first episode in ‘98, trust him with my life obviously. See him today. Just weak, day two of rehab proved that well.

 

Update,
Leaving hibernation and on its way to a new home. Yes, emotions ran high, yes, I regret it leaving especially when it saw daylight.
But it’s done. Moving forward.

 

Hey, p***ing the torch to a new holder isn't all that bad, might inspire the kids friends to get involved too.
In the meantime enjoy the extra garage space, no telling what you'll stick in that spot, maybe a crazy early 70's C-cab trike build.

 

Wow, your saga sounds so familiar. I bought a stalled chopper project many years ago, a ‘37 knucklehead with 80 wheels in a ‘57 straight leg frame. I knew nothing about Harleys. I was referred to a dealer who might still have old parts. Charlie set me up with some NOS parts and introduced me to a scary looking mechanic out back, Bruce. When Bruce heard about my knuckle he offered to come over and show me what to do. Imagine this hard core biker showing up at my parents “Leave it to Beaver” house on his dirty panhead rat bike. He evaluated my pile of parts, told me what I needed to do and encouraged me. I did exactly what he told me to do and my knuckle was a fast and reliable bike. That bike, and Bruce were my ticket to quite a few adventures. I built quite a few basket cases and made some good side money. My last bike was a rigid frame Pan/Shovel in the mid ‘90s.
Your health issues are almost exactly what I have been going through since 2019. Same heart issues. Ups and downs, good days and bad, highs and lows, punctuated with ER visits. The latest being kidney stones, kidney infections and sepsis. Each time I bounce back but not quite all the way.
I retired 16 years ago with ten cars and tons of stuff. I finished a few and sent them down the road, others that I didn’t have a great vision for or lost interest in I just cashed out of, leaving me with more money to move the rest forward. But now I’m down to the ones I truly like and would like to finish - four of them. With each day, my confidence and energy is dictated by how I feel physically. Some days I feel like I should just bite the bullet and put everything up for sale, then other days I feel like my normal “I can do it - get ‘er done” self. Most days are somewhere in between. I’d like to speed things up by farming out some stuff but I too don’t trust very many people these days.
I’ve lost some friends. My closest friends; one had a debilitating stroke not long after I delivered his latest hot rod to him. One is declining with dementia and another has heart and kidney failure and is caring for his wife with dementia. It’s hard to be this age and see this happening. I count my blessings….
So I take it day by day, I go out to my shop, do what I can and give thanks to God that I’m still able to do things. If I can finish these cars, fortunately my wife and kids will keep and enjoy them. While they themselves are not builders, they love them and they do help and encourage me. I’ll keep on tinkering and let them fight over who gets what. LoL
You’ve done a good thing. Keep on ridin’ and I pray that they complete your vision for that cool ol’ Buick. God bless you and your wife.