Art & Inspiration Restoration/age concern

I'm quite a bit older than you but went through the same thing-except I kept at it, pouring money i didn't really have into two hot rods that I didn't enjoy that much but just couldn't part with them. Reality finally hit when the old body, mine, said you can't replace me like a fender. Sold 'em both, best thing I'd done in decades. Live (a great choice!) and learn.

 

Does it really need a full teardown? It is tough to tell in a frontend photo but other than the bent "tooth" in the grill it looks like a very solid car.

If time and money are your concern, why not do things a little at a time, and drive it.

Get it running. do the breaks and fuel lines, at a later date paint it.

 

That’s where I am.

I’ll be 73 in three more months, and have come to realize that I will likely never finish even one of my projects, but I am ok with that. I enjoy buying parts and tools, as well as working on things. I’m not as strong or flexible as I was even five years ago, and my eyesight isn’t what it was, but that’s how it goes.

I could pay someone to finish at least one project, but just having them and piddling along makes me happy and keeps me at least a little bit active.

 

I'm 77, sitting here typing this with a shoulder that is still healing from rotary cuff surgery and being dislocated Dec 30. Still I have two major ground up projects in the works plus finishing an ot truck.
I get it in that it gets a bit harder to get out and work on the project at times. I full and well get the lack of funds unless you save up for certain things. It is either save up, sell off excess items or both.

To me the question is, is there actually something else that you would rather spend the time and money on than that truck. Something that you would much rather be doing in the next few years or own and use?
I've never given a damn about the resale value of what I build for myself when I build it as that is of no concern to me. It doesn't matter what my 48 is worth as it will never be sold and my daughter will probably never sell it after I am gone. Thats if I ever do get it finished as life does get in the way and things move slowly at times.

 

Have you ever walked through a cemetery and taken note at the number of people that p***ed on or near their date of birth? I used to think that was mere coincidence but now I think they had a goal yet to be achieved, one more lap around the sun.

Having a project, and a goal, keeps us moving. It gives us another reason to get up every day and get something done. Make plans, accomplish tasks, finish projects, dream, create, live.

Like Dylan Thomas wrote "Rage, rage against the dying of the light!" For me, the dying of the light is the end of creativity, that is what makes us human. Keep your lights lit.

 

This is my 70'th trip around the sun. I look at my projects as activities that keep me engaged and active, rather than setting on the porch. I DO feel a bit overwhelmed, especially with my perpetual T'bird project, and having taken on yet another car, the '62 Impala, that looks like it's going to push the 'bird back to the end of the queue, but it's good to have something in the wings to keep planning for, and working on.

 

At 74, I feel your pains and your dilemma. But no matter what we say, the final decision is yours. I’m trying to sell off a car I thought I wanted but turned out not to be so, parts I’ve bought for past projects no longer needed to free up space and funds, so I can work on my own Ranchero project. But my chair only gets me for limited periods every day now that the weather is changing. Yard work and shop time are fighting a big battle these sunny days. Your Ranchero looks much closer to being a driver than mine. I would get it to drive an stop first, then reevaluate. If then it’s not what you want, at least it’ll be worth more than a non running project.

 

At 73 I enjoy doing the things I'm good at and enjoy. The goal is to enjoy the projects, I've blocked out the electrical things that I'll never understand. Looking at cars for 63 years, has been more fun than driving one. Bob

 

71 here, 2 health battles, and one good scare in the last 6 years, my back hurts, my eyes haven't liked getting flashed by welding for 50 years, and I still work too damn much. But I still worked in the garage until 2 AM last night, putting in "day off"hours at my business today, and planning on working down there tonight, trying to solve a ridiculous problem involving some stupid little custom trick tht nobody but me will like. I can't wait to get home and turn on the garage lights. I still look at Hemmings, HAMB cl***ifieds, BAT, Marketplace, and Craigslist for project cars. I have no where to put another car, but I might buy one anyway. When I can't sleep at night (usually cause something hurts), I solve car building problems in my head until I drift off.
A good looking, stock A sedan parked outside my business a while back. Nice car. Hadn't seen it before. Bone stock. The guy and his wife got out, went next door to eat. He was moving slow, on a cane, a big guy. If I had to guess, I'd say he was well into his 80s. Watching him get out, and then get back in later after their meal, I realized that when he was driving that A, he was a young buck, with a hot woman beside him.
Hell yea, these cars help keep us young. Even when it hurts like hell to work on them.

 

I was 72 when I started the Studebaker (yeah that primed hulk in my avatar), I was a little worried that I'd meet my expiration date before I finished it and leave my wife with a pile of junk to sell. After four years and lots of challenging learning it was done. A few months later my wife asked me if I was going to do another car. Well I'd seen one on Craigslist....so a few days later I took cash and bought a unfinished roadster. Other than a pesky gear selector seal that I can get to stop weeping and seats that need the ugly taken away that car is done. I'm 79, do I start another car? I'm lucky and don't have any nagging issues (yet) but have yet to stumble on something I'd like to do.

The main reason for another project is to retain my sanity, I don't golf, visit the casinos, etc and TV offers nothing for the most part and I don't tolerate just "sitting around"....check back in six months??

 

Sure you do.
You have experience.
...and memories.

 

Is the Ranchero your dream ride???
If it is, find one that is already done, and see if you can trade yours with a cash difference [It'll be cheaper, and much less time]
If there is something you desire more than a Ranchero, try and buy one now! And sell your Ranchero.

You would spend less time "flipping burgers" and paying for one, than hours restoring one.

You never pay too much, only Too much too soon. [By the time your restoration project is finished, The overpriced car you purchased will be a bargain]

 

When the man who builds those 3/4 scale cars was asked why, he responded "There was nothing on TV."

 

I'm 69 and had my Ford out yesterday in spite of my lower back being OUT. I had a pain patch on and was otherwise medicated. I did a few things on it and will have to hump the battery out of it this week. 2 days ago, it was a milestone just to get out of a dining room chair. Other than that, I feel decent and my health is good.

I'm fairly frugal about most things, I have to make sure my nest egg lasts me another 20 years. I have a nasty model car habit too.

 

I've been around for 3/4's of a century, (where did those years go?)...got plenty old cars/trucks to maintain and keep me busy, and don't need any more; but I'm still working on another project just for somethin to do, and to keep active when I feel like it.
I've owned this lil 50 Plymouth for over 16 years and always wanted to do something with it.
I'm in no hurry to get it "done"., it's roughly 1/2 done now.,..(to my standards anyway)
the main thing is to just keep as active as you can and enjoy the hobby.

 

If it is an automatic, I am with Anthony, make it operable and drive it.

 

Start a build thread on the Ranchero. You will get plenty of free advice and virtual help along the way. Plus updating the thread regularly gives you something else to do to keep connected with the car community. Take regular breaks to take photos, post them up as we love pics and not wear yourself out. Anything you encounter that is a sticking point a simple post here will net dozens of answers. YouTube is your friend for visual how-to's. No need for $10k paint and $7k interiors to impress other folks. If it has a serviceable engine and trans you should be able to get a rolling restoration going for not much more money. Have you have priced old cars lately? 10-15K is the opener for a decent driver, any less and they are just another project. If you do it all yourself it will be cheaper to fix what you have than take on someone else's problems.

 

I just turned 89 and sold a 39 ford streetrod that i had to have most of the rebuild hired out. I bought a 5o ford that only needed miner work that i can do most of. Keepes me busy if i want work on it.

 

I’ll be 59 this year, so I guess a bit of a youngin compared to others here. I often feel the same way. My speedster project is going on 6 yrs, and in a best case scenario will be another 2 years, I often think about quitting and pursuing other interests. However, it is the only thing that really gives me that feeling you have when you’re a little kid. The build is always filled with setbacks and challenges including health related, but the creative aspect is unmatched. For me, and most on the HAMB (I ***ume), I always feel the need to create and build something with my own two hands. Without that aspect to my life, I wouldn’t know what to do. I’ve said to myself once my speedster build is complete, I’ll never take on such a task, but will look for something that I can “tinker” with to fulfill that need to create and work with my hands.

 

I built one money pit and I don't want nothing to do with another one. I have bought 5 drivable cars and enjoy driving them way more than working on them but there is plenty to do to keep me busy with them. One of the best things I spent money on since I retired is a lathe and a mill and I'm close to 81 and I'm busy all the time making things for cars when I'm not going for joy rides. Your choice for sure, good luck deciding.

 

If you factor in the time you spend on a any real project at current shop rates, you'll never break even on any car you work on. If you're wanting to know if you should build it to have a nest egg or something of value to leave behind, don't do it. If you want to do it, because you love cars and it makes you feel good to see what you have done. You can't afford not to. Just having something that makes you feel good to look forward to every day you wake up is worth more than you can imagine. Do you have a dream of what the car will look like? If so, then go for your dream. Building cars, boats, planes, or whatever your hobbies are is a lot like getting married. If you do it because it is the logical choice, you're logic is probably skewed and it won't last. If you do it because you can't imagine what it would be like if you didn't, you will have years of happiness and others will see the love you put into it and appreciate what you have.

 

I'd bet a dozen ears of corn you fit both descriptions...

 

Sounds pretty corny to me !

 

Just turned 65. Got yelled at twice today by my Dr.
In the morning for not taking some medicine like I'm supposed to.
In the afternoon because bloodwork showed 2 numbers that had her calling.454/13.3.
Those in the know will know what they refer to.
I am not a builder. Built a few but never had the p***ion it takes. Maybe I'm mildly ADD.
I enjoy junkyards/s****yards/collections of junk. Vehicles,tractors,washing machines,anything like that.
Not fond of car shows or cruise in's. Cars that are driveable don't do anything for me. Used to but now I'm jaded.
Have two favorite places. One is a a junkyard filled with mostly 50's-60's cars and the other is a 35 acre site filled with so much stuff that even after 4 years every time I go there I find things I didn't notice before.
Told the wife as well as the owners of the places that when I tip over I want it to be in their place.
Both have backhoes so a couple scoops and back fill

 

With a name like Bailon, I sure hope you keep building custom stuff.

 

When I was 59 [I'm 63 now] I had a re-evaluation of myself. and sorted my health out before I hit the downhill slide [60] so I pushed all my cars aside for a while.
Now I am in better shape than when I was in my 20's AND as a reminder I have been going to too many funerals lately.

So I've realized "time is running out" so I need to rationalized how I spend the rest of my life [either chasing the dream or living the life]

What I've learned is
1: "Never do the dismantle of death" [the automotive equivalent of an elderly person breaking a hip]
2: No matter what you buy / build, somebody else has a better car [The gr*** is always greener on the other side]
3: The more $$$ you sink into it , the less you enjoy it [look at the value not the price]
4: You are going to be remembered for what you did, not what you owned [funeral eulogies taught me this]

So if you're going down the rabbit hole of a build, DO NOT count the $$$$ you spent
And if you're going to "do things" , is it the actual build you enjoy doing? or doing activities with the car? [cruising, club activities etc]

@Richard Bailon what is the end result you are visualizing?
Is this goal achievable? or too far off in the horizon? [AND is this goal actually "yours" or just a trend to fit in with others eg: the G***er craze]

I personally think buying and selling is easiest because of most of us have short attention span with cars [buy the car and go out there do something with it]
And a finished car is easier for all the vultures to sell, when I fall off my perch

But my biggest fear is my wife selling all my tools, parts, cars, for what I told her I paid for them

 

I am also of your age. And I have all these similar struggles. What I enjoy (to a point!) is working and tinkering on these damn things. Bringing them back to life. Not so much driving but yes, sometimes.

Overall I find it works best for me to be realistic by setting a series of small goals. Break it down to small doable jobs. Not one big thing. I've accomplished more this way than I ever did in my younger days. I also have to add you have only yourself to please. Just one small piece at a time will get it done.
When we we were younger we could do a complete break job for example get it back on the road quick. Hell, we had to I had to drive it to work next morning.

So, now just do one wheel set at a time clean up and go drink a big gl*** of ice tea and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

 

I am 76 and have been doing this since I was 14. I am retired now and have lots of time on my hands. I can't do things as easy as I once did, but adapt myself to still accomplish what I want done. It has been my p***ion and living forever, and I can't imagine doing something else. I have my roadster (in my avatar), my off subject 68 El Camino that has been in the family since April 4th 1968, and a 30's rail job midget with a V860. I move from project to project as I see fit. After 62 delightful years, I don't plan on changing direction now. Can I do everything just as I used to? Of course not, but I still enjoy working on them, even if I have to modify the way I do things and move slower and more carefully. My body may have aged and slowed down, but my p***ion for it? Not one whit! I have no intention of sitting around watching TV and just wasting away. I have seen far too many people I know that retired, sat down and died 2-3 years later. I read constantly to keep up with the latest changes, not because I need to know forbavjob, but because learning is a lifetime adventure and should be that way. I am building a custom TUNED PORT set up for my El Camino and I am doing several modifications with parts and wiring. A friend stopped by as I sat behind my engine mockup with all the externals hooked up. I had a Corvette harness on my left and a Camaro harness on my right and was pulling wires from each harness to match the components from either car that I was using and then forming an intelligent looking and working custom harness. The friend that stopped by, saw two piles of wire, one pile to each side and asked what I was doing. I explained what I was doing, and he just shook his head. He then asked, how old I was and I told him. He then asked why I was still doing this stuff at my age. I looked him firmly in the eye and said, 'Because I ain't dead yet! That's why!". If you love doing something and you aren't completely disabled, keep doing it! Life is too short to not enjoy whatever you can and whatever level you can perform. If I died at 7 am tomorrow, I would still have things I wanted to do. But, on the other hand, I couldn't cry in my beer and complain that I got shortchanged in life. My wife, kids, and grandkids know how I feel and what I do. None have ever tried to stop or change me because of age. Most of them wish that their lives are as enjoyable as mine has been. I can't stop getting older, but I can control how much I grow up! Life is always too short, do your best to enjoy it while you can!

 

I'm sensing some pushback on this build on your part. You think you might want to do it, but you have deep questions about doing it.

Maybe you need to list the reasons you want to build this Ranchero, honestly.
Then list the reasons you don't think you should, honestly.
Then you need to consider if it really needs a full restoration and evaluate how much of that you can actually do yourself. Maybe the amount of work this particular Ranchero needs is a bit more then you want to take on at this point in your life, but maybe a smaller project would be more fitting. If you believe it is at the very end of abilities, either financially or physically, this one might not be the right vehicle at this point of time for you.
If a Ranchero is the desired vehicle, maybe finding one in better shape you can tinker with rather then having to do a full restore is a better option.

I'm 67, so I'm a bit younger then you are. I can tell you my last project was one I wanted to do very badly. It was a pretty big project, but I got it done. It turned into a huge struggle, and by the end, I was very happy to see it get it finished. Had it not been such a big project, it may not had been as big of a struggle as it was towards the end, and I may have enjoyed the process more as it bumped along. The last 1/2 of that build I was really wishing I'd not started it, it was no longer any fun, it really had turned into a lot of work. My demeanor was the only thing that pushed me to get it done. That project has ended my desire to do another project of any kind, it has even reduced my desire to keep things maintained.

Remember, this was something I really wanted to do, starting off. There was no question about being in a position of being able to finish it, when I started it. I don't know what changed, and I don't think it was a radical change, but it was a pretty obvious change as the finishing process seemed to drag on (the project took less then a year to be a driver, start to finish, and another 4 months of body work the next summer, after driving it through the winter). The body work (nothing major) just about didn't get done, but I think the need to finish what I started was the only thing that got that done.

I'm telling you this so you might consider just how big your Ranchero project really is, and how badly you really want to take on that much work. You are the guy that has to make those decisions, no one can make them for you.