Tonight I hit the wall, help me please.

It's almost 6:30 am here and I've been in the garage since 2:00 pm yesterday. Yeah it was about 8 degrees and my little salamander was running all day. Things started going bad earlier this week when my transmission didn't fit after I finished my floor. My fault, I mocked it up with a different ******, but I spent most of yesterday going two steps backwards to get back to where I started. Tonight things just kept getting worse. Things weren't centered with the drive line. The rear clip is uneven and just tack welded in. I don't know how to get the rear end in place with no suspension. It's sitting on the uneven concrete floor behind two other non running cars so I can't stand back and get perspective. I think the floor is crooked side to side in the body (Most likely due to the slope of the concrete floor.) I'm looking at the heavy chanel and realizing the 44" radius rods I ordered are most likely going to bottom out against the floor. I got so frustrated I just said. **** it! and tore the whole thing appart. I'm not good at sticking to things. It would be so easy to sell everything, hit up the 401K and buy a "cool" hot rod. But I'm not going to and it's solely because of the HAMB. I've met so many cool people here and learned so much that I really want to be a part of this. I am just so ******* mad right now when I look at the mess in my garage, the $2,400 dent I just put in my savings buying parts this month, tripping over **** and having nothing to show for it. So what do I do? I am at rock bottom here and I need some help. Can anybody on here help me square up and weld this piece of **** ch***is so I at least have something to start with? I'm so sick of beating my head againt the wall and doing things two or three times and still winding up in the wrong. Sorry for the rant, I'm tired, hungry, broke, and no further ahead than I was months ago. I needed to get that off my chest.

 

I been watchin' your build and thought man, he's really movin' right along on that! Just take a few deep breaths, maybe a couple days away from it. I don't think there's anything there that can't be dealt with. This frickin' weather isn't helping anything either!

 

Sounds like you're in need of some HAMB-ergency help! Don't get too down... have you ever done this before? I haven't... I have found on my build that part of the process is learning to be patient, and think things through, and realize I'm not going to do everything right the first time... You'll be allright... just take a few deep breaths, and a day off.

Too bad you aren't in the UP, or I'd be there this Friday to help!

Ben

 

I thought I´m the only one having obstacles while building a hotrod... Everything seems to go so smooth on HAMB project threads...

But hey dude, you have good parts there, you have learned a lot. You have a vision. So why quit now, it´s easy to start all over when you have all mocked up once. Belive me, been there, done that. Couple times...

--mika

 

I was knee deep in a car project last Spring/Summer, I thought I would have the car on the road by May 06. Here it is February 07and I'm not done. I was so pissed off last year, seemed like everything was going wrong and taking way too much damn time. Felt like the car was fighting me, I used a bunch of vacation time so I could try to make it to Woodward in August, my back was aching (literally I pushed myself to the limit and could hardly walk). I decided to take some time away from it and clear my head, in spite of my buddies riding my *** that it wasn't done. Sometimes things take as long as they take, you can't rush it. Take a little breather. This is definately the nitty gritty of it so to speak, you'll learn lots. Cool looking project!!! And don't sell your stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Buckle

 

Lucky,
I know this might not help your current situation, but anybody who has ever lifted a wrench to do more than change the oil has felt the same way at some point, or they're lying. I'm going through the same thing right now where I'm batting about 1 for 5.
Mike

 

Here is something I did while building my 47. I picked a spot in my garage where i would be doing most of the work. I marked on the floor where the 4 tires would sit. I found which one of these spots was the higest and using a 4' level and straight 10' 2x4 I made all the spots the same level . I made 12x12 1/2 plywood pads and added to them till I had the right height. When i parked the truck on these pads the frame and every thing else was level. It mad checking things a lot more accurate.

 

If you can get a piece of clear hose from the Home Improvement ctr. a few feet longer than your wheelbase, you can fill it with water and lay it out with the ends turned up, to use it as a remote level - the water will be at the same height at both ends so long as both ends are open to the air.

 

Take a break man......toooo much of anything will drive ya nuts.......clean up, make some more space, wipe down your tools with a clean rag and spend some time just poking around and things will become clearer........step back and look at the goodies you have ....the journey is just as rewarding as the destination, break each challenge{not problem} down to each seperate issue......hahaha, ****, better read that myself, Ill be on here next week screaming the same song........Bert

 

Hey ! Don't sweat it . It has been too cold here to do anything except go out and look at the damn thing once in a while .Your comin along great . Just level out your space like lucky fast eddie said. Remake your list and do one thing at a time . You'll get there . DO NOT ! sell your stuff though. If you need to , take a small break from it , then , carry on .g'luck . swaZZie

 

Definitely take a break. You will be happier in the long run if you finish the project even if it takes years.

 

I don't have a hotrod (yet) but I have been in your situation. Take stock of what is going right. It may not seem like much in your eyes but hey you're farther along than me. You've got good parts, a body and a frame etc. Step back breathe and take it one piece at a time.

Hell, I have dents in the floorboard of my dd from frustration. Didn't help, almost broke my hand, bled all over my shirt and the damn fuel tank still wasn't in. I left it for the day, hitched a ride to work and when I came back the tank went right in without any problem.

 

Really It does sound like you need a break.
Back off and clean up and think about it a little and then maybe organize a HAMB thrash.
Get to meet some folks and learn a few things and hopefully come out the other end closer to done and with a better outlook.

 

What everybody else said. Just slow down and address one thing at a time. It's good that you're not afraid to tear it down and start from the beginning again- just don't tear it down and give up! Take a day to brainstorm about what the car is going to be like and how kick *** it is going to be when you fire it up. Then form a plan of attack!

You've spent the money on all the parts and that's the hard part, IMO

 

Hang in there. If it was easy, every one would drive a cool, owner-built car. You don't see a message board for all gold chain, trailer queen guys, do you? Like was said-back off, regroup, get a little help from some friends, and things will turn around. It isn't bad luck, it's just your turn. I would kill for a sedan like that.

 

LuckyFastEddie and Bert made some excellent suggestions. I'll go one step further. When I need to really concentrate and let creativity flow I need SPACE. You need to figure out a way to walk around that car and view from all angles. Besides getting it level, you need room to spread out. You know what that means - find some temporary digs for your other two non-running cars and concentrate on the only car in the garage that should matter. Patience is a virtue, Gr***hopper.

 

Don't give up man, when i feel like I've had enough with my project i pull up a chair to look at what what i've done already and gather my thoughts over a cold beer. Hang in there bro!

 

Hey Scott, Your post just about parallels me when I'm in a certain spot with a project. Things seem to go OK for a while then all of a sudden you find yourself worked into a corner and can't figure out how to make the next move. How about letting me know when you're going to be around and I'll come over and take a look. I've found two people can **** up things twice as fast as one can on their own. I've got an idea but I'm not going into details with this computer. Besides Fat Hack is probably sitting in on this and he's already light years ahead of me on this ch***is thing. He's too far away to help so I guess your stuck with me. Besides, Hack and I share so much mutual love I know if we reallly get stuck he'll be here in a flash to save you from my fumbling inefficiency.
So, lets make a date (Andrea doesn't need to know)

Frank

 

Well, by all the other posts, it you should be calmed down now. To get your rear end in without suspension, you could weld in some temp spacers from from frame to housing. Of course you would need to know what type of suspension you're going to use and the ride height will determine the length of the spacer. You also want to make sure the pinion angle is set right, before you weld the spacers in. You'll need to know what angle the engine is sitting at and match it. You are going to want to level the frame as best you can. If the concrete is not level, you could still shim the low side up by placing some spacer under the feet of your jack stands. Just run a level across your frame rails. To center from side to side, run a plumb bob off the frame rail and measure from the string to the end of the housing (dimensions should match, if the frame is straight and symmetrical). The thrid dimension is determined by the wheel base you are looking for. This will be determined by the body, typically.

 

Do you have a drawing or a sketch of what you want this car to be?
This is essential to putting together a car with the least amount of headaches and fustration. A scratch build like your doing can take several hundred hours to complete. Also keep in mind, when doing a build of this type ,work from the inside out. Ch***is first , locate rear suspension next ,set up front suspension, locate engine trans. ect.
Following this progression should minimize redo's . How about getting a little more working space? With three cars in the garage the close quarters can also add to the problems.

If things arent goin right, back off for a 1/2 hour or so. Go do something thats fairly simple and easy and then go back to the task you need to complete. This always works well . We all have expierienced similar difficulties in building a rod or custom, how you respond when the problem occurs is key . If you get angry and fustrated things can become difficult.

Best Regards

 

Sometimes it gets like that. I know it did for me when I was thrashing last year to get to the HAMB Drags 06.

My suggestion is put the tools down and take a breath.

Make a list of all the major things you need to get done (I did mine in a spreadsheet). Now take those things and divide them up into sub-tasks.

Try to focus on one little task. It's hard to look at all you have to do and not get overwhelmed.

Print out the pics of your "goal cars" and put them in a booklet so you can go through them to fuel your p***ion.

Call your hotrod buddies that have cars that are "done", they can give you advice and get you pumped to work on it. Kerry, Kevin, and AV8Paul were detrimental for me.

heres my spreadsheet (still not done!):

To do on coupe:first drive7/22/2006body7/23/2006windshield header7/23/2006steel subframe for roof8/13/2006patch roof panels7/23/2006patch visor8/17/2006get windshield gl*** installed in frame40napa8/20/2006install windshield7/22/2006door hinges/mount doorscowl patches8/5/2006mount body2 DONE 8/1/064 MORE8/5/20068/13/2006install/fab floor8/12/2006fab seat mounts8/13/2006install/fab decklid latch8/13/2006finish t******* decklid for opening8/20/2006mirrorsmechanical7/16/2006rebuild mc8/1/20067/31/2006lengthen brake rod 5"8/1/2006run brake linessacnapa7/29/2006buy hoses19.95222.957/31/2006rebuild or new wheel cyls5.95213.957/31/2006shoes?11.451.873.87/16/2006drill/mount wishbone mountfab/install wishbone mount supports8/13/2006mount gas tank8/19/2006run fuel lineNAfab steering column support7/15/2006modify/install shift linkage7/31/2006repack front wheel bearings7/28/2006install kingpins(need relief cut for pin)7/26/2006sand/paint front axle and wishbone7/15/2006install bell gaskets on front torque tube7/15/2006install speedo gear and thrust washer7/17/2006drain and fill rearend7/15/2006grease bell and center bearing7/15/2006Install rear spring shacklesfab/install exhaust headers7/19/2006fab radiator support rods (the ss ones i have are too long)trimmed8/19/2006rear brakes?7/15/2006installed new brake lines8/15/2006electrical8/19/2006mount battery8/19/2006run bat cableswire enginefinish converting generator to 12 volts7/16/2006install 39 ford taillights8/19/2006run wiring for lights8/17/2006rebuild headlights (Mark BLC lamps?)other8/23/2006vin number108/23/2006insurance8/23/2006registration108to do8/9/20068/9/2006fasten wood header piece8/9/2006finish welding and metal finish filler piece and attach.8/9/2006attach windshield frame to wood header8/20/2006get gl*** cut & installed in frame, reattach8/17/06 gl***8/12/2006finish welding in large top filler8/13/2006make and weld in rest of roof pieces8/12/2006cut and weld in seat subframe8/15/2006weld up seat brackets8/19/2006install seat8/13/2006cut bend weld bolt in floor8/13/2006install gas tank8/19/2006install fuel line8/16/2006buy install fuse block8/19/2006run wiring/install lights8/19/2006finish making front turn signal lights8/20/2006mount battery8/11/2006make bat cablesmaybe:8/19/2006rebuild rear brakes8/15/2006need to bleed8/17/2006bledinstall front shocks8/15/2006install oil pressure gauge8/20/2006install mirrors8/23/2006install seat belt from impalabuy/install horninstall coolant catch can




It looks weird 'cause this site doesnt handle lists and columns well ( Just ask Bruce LOL). But I made the list then put the date on after I had finished that task. After a week or so it can really motivate you when you can really see what you have accomplished!

 

Too late Frankie! I've caught you - greasy-handed!

I know Scott would really appreciate your help. He actually called me this morning telling me what was going wrong. I felt so bad! He's been working SO hard at it and I know he feels like it just all fell apart.

Also, thanks guys for helping Scott keep his chin up and for all the advice! He's been hitting it hard the past couple of days (the car - not me) and I know that stepping back from something and taking a break, then coming back to it make a HUGE difference. So, thank you!

Frank, I'm going to miss you for the next 5 weeks! But I'll be back to the breakfasts in no time! See you soon!

 

I've been where you are. i was putting in new inner/outer rockers and floor in a 50 chevy I had. got it all done and the freakin door would shut.

here is a link
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91028

now i'm not saying I recommend thid approach but it worked for me.

I grabbed a 4lb sledge and beat the rocker to a ****** pulp. oerdered a new one ($35) and rebuilt it.

here is the after post.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100913

After taht I did the drivers side and both quarters without any hitches.
The rocker is now hanging on my wall with "body work 101" written on it as a reminder.

my main point is stick to it.

 

No Surf thats a great idea. I make lists but then you forget to looka t it and work through. I guess I need to make a nice checks and balances, and go back and mark things off with dates. Sweet, great idea. I haven't had to much trouble, but this may improve my mental well being.

 

I'm not a big list maker, in life, but when there is a million thing to do, on a car, a list really brings everything in focus, also checking things off, feels great.
My biggest frustration sometimes happens, when I get carried away and leave parts everywhere. It looks like a bomb hit the place. Cleaning your garage up, organizing everything, helps me get focused again.

 

The advice about the clear hose is real good. Visit your local pet store and get some aquarium hose, it's only about 1/4 in, cheep and easy to use, put cake coloring in a cup of water and then syphen it into the hose, this is the most accurate level you can make. This method is used to get the tile around swiming pools level with the water serface. Good luck

 

For every hot rod driven to a show,
there were a couple that were trailered,
there were a couple more that broke down on the way,
there were a couple more that weren't finished in time,
There were way more that are in garages to be finished,
there were even more that are in garages that will be sold as rollers,
there were even more that are in garages that will be sold as basketcases,
And there are even more that are in peoples heads never to be built!

which one are you?

TP

 

dont know if it would help but willing to give phone suport?
408 561 5744
some times the whole picture can be overwelming and on top off that to many things in a build innerelate to each other

call me may be i can help

 

Lucky- Steelrat's right about the weather thing- it makes EVERYTHING seem like a PIA. Take a break from it, stay in where it's warm. It'll start warming up in a few days, get back at it then. --Steelrat, how's the '36 coming along? I never thought I'd miss the damn thing but I gotta admit, it's looked kinda empty around here since that day we loaded it-

 

First thing to do is calm down and get your head clear. You're too close to all the problems to see thru them right now. Back away and go see how your buddies are doing and look over how they got things done. This post is a good start on that. Once your head clears the path opens up for you again.

A batter was once asked why he was grinning after losing to a Nolan Ryan no hitter and his wild 100mph fastball knockbacks. His answer...

It was a good game, I went 0 for 4 and nobody got hurt. (grin)
But seriously, I got a good look at him and I'll get him next time...

That's the at***ude adjustment you need right now.