Behind Every Gearhead is a Strong Woman

[MWCC]

Hey guys. I wanted to start a thread that goes out as a thank you to all the women who put up with our sometimes insane obsession with cars, trucks, bikes, boats, and anything else we can stuff a big motor in.

We all have a better half who puts up with us and sometimes is the voice of reason when we go a little crazy. They put up with our late nights, weekends in the gargage, car shows, races, swap meets, bartering, and occasional too many beers Friday nights. They even sometimes forgive us when we stretch the checkbook a little too far :D . They accept us for who we are and stand by us when we screw up (maybe not all the time).

I figure this would be a fun thread for members to talk about the women in their lives and how they've helped or at least put up with us along the way and give thanks for allowing us to at times.......be complete idiots.

My wife fits this thread to a "T". After 15 years of insanity, she's still here. When I started my shop I was a nervous wreck. I had just lost my job, had a 2 year old son and no prospects for future employment. I figured since I had nowhere to turn, why not throw it all on the line and start the shop I talked about to myself for years. She stood behind my decision and became my rock in times of doubt. She started out helping with the books (I don't think she cooked them too bad) and now is right beside me in the sh***t getting dirt under her nails and and dust in her eyes. She's become quite the sander and next I'll be teaching her how to paint (not sure how well that will go, she has short arms). I can honestly say without her, I would not be where I am today (she's the cheapest labor I've ever found ;) ). So to her I say Thank You. :thumbsup:

Everyone should join in on this and write a little something about their better half because after all, without a woman we wouldn't be here.

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt38/MWCC_album/Shop%20Shots/IMG_0383.jpg

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt38/MWCC_album/Shop%20Shots/IMG_0382.jpg

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt38/MWCC_album/Shop%20Shots/IMG_0381.jpg

http://i595.photobucket.com/albums/tt38/MWCC_album/Shop%20Shots/IMG_0384.jpg

[Northeast Rod Run]

If you started this thread a few days ago, and showed the wifey, she might have given you a little "extra" on Valentine's day:unibrow:

[MWCC]

If you started this thread a few days ago, and showed the wifey, she might have given you a little "extra" on Valentine's day:unibrow:

That's the story of my life. A day late and a dollar short. Valentines day was very good though :yes: .

[Vegas69]

Great thread Nick. I really enjoyed meeting your wife and son briefly. You are a very lucky man. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Sti_Guy]

Yeah I agree my wife, GF at the time was with me when she watched my car wreck at the track 7.5 rolls@140mph. She kept her cool, I knew then she was wife material. Even now after long nights in the garage she never complains, and even pushes me to do more. Always keeps food and drinks ready, and it just wouldn't be possible to be as devoted to working on cars without her.

[Vegas69]

I used to break up with my ex everytime I needed to rebuild by car. We broke up a few times. :lol: She was always jealous of my car. I must admit, I can see that. When I get focused on anything, I don't quit until it's a done deal. Kelli has no jealousy and enjoys riding when I race. It gives us an avenue to enjoy together. We've had more fun in my car than anything else to date I'd guess. She may have a different opinion, but I don't.

[MWCC]

Great thread Nick. I really enjoyed meeting your wife and son briefly. You are a very lucky man. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Thanks Todd. It's always nice to meet other guys who share the same passion as me. Every time my wife and son and I go to the Red Pig Inn, my son still remembers the table we sat at when you came out and if that table is open, he wants to sit there. That's so cool that your girl likes to ride shotgun when you're running a course. I think it would scare the crap out of my wife.

I know what you mean about seeming like we're more into cars than our wives or girlfriends. I can't tell you all how many times I've been in the doghouse in the 15 years I've been with my wife. Most of the time it involved my lack of attentiveness to her and more towards a car I was working on. I've spent a few nights on the couch and can't tell you how many times I've heard "You're more in love with your car than me". We've all been there at some point.

Now that my wife is more involved in the business, she's a little more forgiving. I was very surprised when she said she wanted to help in the shop. She's not a big fan of sanding, but I can't think of anyone who is unless they love doing the same thing 5 times over. When people come in the shop and see her covered in dust, they're amazed. There are a lot more women now getting involved as builders so my hat goes off to all of them. It's not a glamorous job, but the end result makes it all worth while.

[srh3trinity]

My wife hasn't been through a car build yet, but she did help me re-do a boat interior a few years back. The kicker is, she doesn't even like going to the water, she helped me out because she knew that is what I enjoyed doing. Very selfless. Over and above that, she has put up with me through medical school and residency which is probably more taxing on her than me at times.

[mdprovee]

My wife is always supporting me and the car. We get to enjoy the car together, and with our two boys. She is the one who told me to finish it the way I wanted. I am sure we will all say the same but, I have the best one.

[ProTouring442]

Right before we got married, I asked Kristy "you're not going to be one of these gals that make the guy sell all of his cars and motorcycles, are you?"

Her reply?

"Every good woman knows that a man has to have his toys. If he doesn't he finds something else to play with, and she usually has breasts."

I married her!

She's been great too! She doesn't exactly understand the whole car hobby thing, but she knows I love it, and so as long as I don't break the bank, she's along for the ride.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[69MyWay]

I have been a gear head since I could hold a wrench - and don't think much of spending 18 hour days in the shop when I'm deep in the process of some automotive pursuit.

When I met my wife - many of our "dates" revolved around her coming over and watching me wrench on the car until midnight - only to take a short ride around the block. Of course, that was after I promised....Just 15 more minutes....(and that was at 8 p.m.).

I think you can compare those of us that are obsessed with our hobby and project like a junkie looking for another fix. We are in deep - so deep we don't even like to admit it or see it.

The ladies in our lives see it - and as supportive as they are, there are times they let it be known they are tied of taking a back seat to our time and talent.

These "wake" up moments - after sleeping on the couch that night...or other such issues - should cause us to take pause and consider out situation.

We all face it.

Having a wife that is supportive and encouraging is HUGE - but it can also be like an enabler of a junkie. We are junkies...God help our wifes!

Hello - my name is Chris McDonald...and I'm a car-0-holic.

[Muscle Car PWR]

Great thread. My wife has been by my side all along as I have pursued my passion. Makes a big difference

[GregWeld]

When Gwen (did that on purpose) found out my old '67 Vette was going to be auctioned at Barrett Jackson she asked if I was going to buy it back... when I said no... she asked "why not"? And she was genuinely puzzled why I had no interest in it.

That is a good car girl right there.

We've been together for 37 years - married for 30... It takes time to train them.

:rofl:

[chr2002ca]

I'm very lucky to have a wife that put up with my car build. She even helped me in the garage occasionally. We were just dating when I started it and she supported me throughout the build and now we're married and just enjoy driving it around and having fun with it. She has always been extremely supportive, and I've always done my best to work on it when she's busy with other things. I just tried to make sure that she came first and that she clearly understood that. Of course, there were a few days here and there when the car came first, but overall, I tried to be a good boy.

Now, if I start another project, that might test her limits! Especially since we're trying to start a family! I'd like to start building a track car, but I just don't think I'll have the time or money for it.