Art & Inspiration On Building.

Always interesting to see what kind of shit your stirring up Brian! I also am one who enjoys putting my stamp on things automotive. Driving is fun as well.

 

The simple answer is what sounds better?

I built it.
I wrote a check for it.

 

In my previous life as a Boilermaker/Ironworker/sometime ( don't tell anybody ) Pipefitter on various large construction jobs, I also have used all the tools you described as well as chainfalls, comealongs, wedges, hydraulic jacks, and what ever tools I had to make in order to get pieces of the puzzle put together. When the project was complete and doing what it was supposed to do, I could look at it with pride and say "I did that!!". What you're doing is the same thing on a smaller scale and I'm glad you enjoy it. Don't ever let it become a chore.

 

I'm older than you and also have two complete builds going on. I told my wife these are my last two builds and she replied, " Yeah, riiight." I think I'll always have a project to work on as long as I'm able.
I'm a troll too - maybe our paths will cross sometime. Good luck with your projects.

 

I'll hit seventy next Wednesday and have always had two projects under construction. Never finished, just sold off to buy another that appealed to me at the time. I'm happy with what I have, smart enough to lower my goals and just get both bodies done and in finish ready to paint primer. If there is time left I'll think about the chassis. Bob

 

Dang Brian....sometimes listening to you I think I'm talking to myself...which I also do. I'm 77 and have 3 projects going: a '40 Ford Deluxe coupe, a '29 rpu on '32 rails and an off-topic 20 year old BMW modern hot rod. And maintaining the '40 convert. I can't find hardly anything I want to watch on TV so I entertain myself. I'm starting to like the fabricating and building more than the driving but I'm not giving that up yet. Keep at it....there's more to do!

 

Wait a minute alanp561! I am an Ironworker, and did work
with the boilermakers on many occasions! In reality our trades are quite similar as you well know. There was always a friendly bit ofribbing and rivalry between the two trades. In steel erection we would often use a multi hundred pound headache ball to
persuade a reluctant piece of steel to conform to our wishes.
I still tend to get heavy handed with my projects and have to
curb my enthusiasm to prevent total sheet metal annihilation.
I love the ring of a properly swung 8 pound beater banging
into steel!

 

And then there's the real world answer: I built it, and I wrote the checks for it....

 

Trust me, check writing, or the modern day equivalent, debit card number for payment, is staggering on both of these builds. I am indeed doing both...

 

Oh, I know that feeling well. I got my Easy Eagle it's own bank account....

 

I Started on the Studebaker when I was 72, I thought it would be a year or two build. Three and a half years later I raced at a local strip, it took three other Studes and a boat to give up parts to build it. I'm tweaking it right now with a Twin Traction rear end and the old Chevy could use some work too. If there was more money I'd build another car, a roadster??? but I just don't want to take a dirt nap and leave the wife with an unfinished project. As someone stated in an earlier post it's a long way up from a creeper on the floor

 

I didn't attend one car event this summer, save a Wednesday cruise night at the Gilmore Museum. I've gotten to not like them, and honestly, I didn't miss it. Well, we missed the Relix Riot this year because it wasn't held due to the health crisis. Our big summer activity the past 10 years or so has been vintage camping outings, and we missed that this year as well. And that we did miss. I think losing the Pontiac made me not interested.Next year with the new wagon and the roadster, maybe I'll feel more enthused. If so, great. If not, we'll just go for some rides, get coffee, and go camping. It's all good.

 

We need a reason to get up in the morning. Something to focus on. Something to think about, consider, design in our heads, even if we can't touch it that day. Following through at whatever skill level we have is the accomplishment that brings satisfaction. Often times we learn something new. Without that we're just sitting around waiting to die.

Devin

 

I firmly believe that having something to do in retirement is good for your health. I have seen too many
people with nothing keeping them motivated die as soon as they retire. Maybe we can lobby to get an alliance membership classified as a medical deduction.

 

Its a compulsion that keeps us old guys going. Most people don't understand and this might be the only place where like minded people do get it.

 

I am 85 will be 86 soon, I have 2 projects to keep me busy. Iam trying to sell one of the my cars, 46 ford 2 door complete except interior. The other one is 39 ford 2 door older street rod that is being rebuilt. Don

 

Sometimes when i got frustrated that the build takes time and seems to not go anywhere i thinking if it worth it?
Why dont just buy a car to drive.
But then the reality comes to my mind.
During this years since i started my build not one 27 coupe have ben for sale here in Sweden.
I guess i just have to go back out to the garage.
But to follow yours and others builds here give the inspiration to carry on.