Dear The HAMB, Hey guys, haven't posted in a while. Partially because I'm getting a little bored with my 55. I bought an old Jap bike and turned into a Cafe Racer, got a new daily driver to mess with, and have done everything BUT pay attention to my 55. No, I won't give it to you . It needs a little of this and that, but even after that, it's still the same car. I've had it for 8 years now. Done a shitpile of mechanical work on it, and it could still use some more. Changed some things around, but it still doesn't thrill me like it used to. I can drive it pretty much whenever and wherever I want, but I'm sure plenty of you know the feeling I'm having. It's not that I don't enjoy driving it, it's just that I don't enjoy it as much as I used to. Trouble is, I don't have the expendable income I used to. I know this isn't a cheap hobby. As it sits, I have a nice runner/driver quality car. It gets plenty of attention and positive comments, but I guess it's like be married to a supermodel. Give it enough time, and you'll be tired of her shit, too. In any event, it doesn't cost me anything other than gas and a couple hundred bucks a year in insurance. I had plans that I'd still like to fulfill some day. Big inch W motor (or a roots blown 454, or a turbocharged or roots blown small block) 5 speed trans (or OD auto, at least), Currie 9", big meats out back. Was also toying with a Gasser style. It's all just starting to feel unachievable, and I find myself looking at other cars for possible trades, a lot more than I used to. Yeah I know, boo-hoo, big problems I have. So what I'm getting at is, what do you guys do to keep your interest? I don't want to start pulling things apart, because if I can't drive it at all, then I know I'll sell it. Do I just need to suck it up? Park it for a while? Keep driving it and be grateful? Love, Guy that needs to get his head out of his ass
no problem with putting something on the back burner while you do other things, there is more to life than cars. keep it or you may regret it. save your money up until you want to work on it again
My car has been sitting off the road for almost 10 years now. I do what I can when I can and when I feel like it. I got burnt out doing things on it every night and now do it for fun. Don't ever think that you have to do something on them because it will more then likely be there in a few days, months, or even years when you are ready to work again. Enjoy the hobby more then the work for it.
I think that's my problem. I'm not enjoying it right now. It's not like I'm constantly fiddling to keep it running, I went through that phase and got all the bugs worked out. Like 36-3window said, maybe I just need to start squirreling away some cash, then start buying parts. I do still love getting presents from the UPS guy.
buy a bunch of other projects that you will not get too like me! then look for parts and build it in your head...till you get to it. 20yrs you will have 5 cars done at same time
That made me laugh!! I did buy a box of motorcycle and put it all together. I think I enjoyed building it more than riding it, though.
Maybe change the color, the wheels, etc to something more catchy, sometimes compliments from others keep the flame burning. On the other hand, maybe selling it and buying another project (or a driver of less value and a project) can help keep your motor running.
It's never failed to get lots of compliments, from the initiated and otherwise. I had said if I ever changed the paint, it would go all black with not trim, a-la 150. Also thought a Vette grille would look nice. I know it's not really unique, but it was always my favorite car as a kit, since I first put together a Badman II model. I would LOVE to clone that car.
I think you just might be hard to please,,if I owned a beautiful car like that,,, Holy Chit! HRP <iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Xth2oTXLk1Q?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Thanks brother. I'll quote myself: "It's like being married to a supermodel. Sooner or later, you'll get tired of her shit too." I think I just need a reason to fall in love with it again.
I get what you're saying. I'm not finished with my project, but little crap keeps me fighting small uphill, ridiculous battles. Constantly having the wrong parts sent to you, work taking all the time you'd put into the car, A-holes at big manufacturers treating you like trash when they're in the wrong, and diminishing bank accounts. Yeah, I'm bitching, but it's the truth. I've set my project aside, and now I'm trying to suck it up because there are a lot of people who have helped me get this far that deserve to see it finished. ### Kustom Falcon Build Thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=734282
I've been thinking of putting some whitewall cheater slicks on the rear, and wide white radials up front on the Torq Thrusts........
That's well said. I'm getting really mixed signals from my friends. Some say do it, other say no. There's been a handful of guys who helped me on this car, and I wouldn't want to let them down by letting it go. They may not care, but that's how I'd feel. Love your Falcon, BTW. I had a 64 Sprint Hardtop project some years ago that never got off the ground. Thieves suck.
What turns your crank? Do you like to beat on it, cruise it slowly, power park and polish the crap out of it? Personally, I like road trips, aimlessly wandering on backroads, drag racing, tasty breweries and camping. I take my old hoopties out and have done all of that. To me it's less about the CAR and more about what you DO with it. My Model A roadster is a primered jalopy but it's sure fun to take it on a cruise, go camping, and drive it on the beach. I love drag racing my old Challenger, it's rattley and fairly slow (13s@101MPH) but it's always fun to line up and drag race someone. The car is just part of the fun equation.
I can relate, my 36 ford pickup has been together a long time now, got some unique features I'm afraid to change, its been pinstriped by "Boots", anybody in the western side of canada knows of him, Von Dutch and he were buds, if I change my trucks appearance, I'd never get it back. I wonder if I'd be mad at myself for ruining a timeless "been on the road a long time" look, so, after much thought, I started a new car. I won't back burner my truck, but the new project gives me a new perspective. Keep the car, do something else, give yourself time to fall in love with it again, cause you will, be patient.
I had almost 300k miles on my old (not quite old enough for this forum) truck and I got a bit tired of it too. Then I replaced that aging 351 with a 460 and it has never once bored me again! And the 460 only cost $350 I recently installed a 950 thermoquad and that carb is a hoot, really takes off nicely. Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE smartphone
I've seen this car in person a few times, it runs as good as it looks. But i personally don't like the look of torque thrust with whitewalls. I think chrome reverse with wide whites would really make it look good.
Thanks for the input guys. I really like just cruising it anymore. It's not nice enough to be a show car, it's not fast enough to be a "fast car", it just is what it is. It looks pretty cool, and sounds really good. Gotta think on this some more.
Bill, I've parked the fastback and the Chevelle for the same reasons. I built the Nova for something different and to beat the snot out of and not care about it. I love driving the other ones but got burnt out on them (constantly fixing them, etc). The Nova actually made it fun again. I am sure I'll dust the others off soon enough. Stay strong brother and give it a rest for a little bit. Cover it up and forget about it. You'll know when its time again to get her out. -Matt
Mr. Sinister, For now press the "PAUSE" button about your nice 55. Do not sell it as you are very attached to it. After all, it doesn't consume vast amounts of $$ and is pretty much done -for now. You will regret selling it. 2 door posts are desirable cars. Besides, it's a real 55 Chevy. ( I went thru the same feelings with my 40, but glad I resisted the temptation to sell it after 50 years and counting.) So, hang in there.
I've had my eye on that new Kate Upton....... They're just like cars, they look great until you see a better looking one!!
I was thinking that too. If you like the woods, go putt around in them. If you like music, take it to a concert. If you like to paint or take photos, go there in the car. Etc. Then if you want to change it around later, you can do it then.
I think you like building more than driving. Sell it and start over. Good luck with whatever you choose.
Forget the Gasser crap !! That destroyed a bunch of nice cars the first go round and now its starting up again...You couldn't give one away 20 years ago !! Its just a fad and will take a bunch of casualties (cars) when its over. How about saving up a bunch of bucks and get a Morrison race chassis for road course handling ?? you seem to like café racing...do it in your chebby
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