I think I'm done [Archive] - Lateral-g Forums

WSSix

05-05-2018, 08:41 AM

GregWeld

05-05-2018, 08:53 AM

Trey ----

Try as we might - we often loose sight of what part it is that we like about the car hobby... and that is what it is... a hobby. When it becomes a BURDEN - that's when you pull the plug and do whatever it is that's "next".

That burden can be financial - or time - or both - or maybe it's just been so dang long - that the world passed your build by.....

Bottom line --- if you're not in to it anymore --- move it down the road. Don't care about how much money you've "invested" - or time you have in to it.

BTW -- Dreamin' is just one part of the process.

Build-It-Break-it

05-05-2018, 09:27 AM

I agree with Greg. Once cars (or any hobby) become a headache or take to much time away from my family I'm not interested.

My aunt passed away last year, my mom passed away this January (cancer), my sister passed away this February right after my mom (cancer), and my wife grandmother passed away 2 weeks ago (cancer).

I've always new family and friends are important but things like people passing just make you realize it more.
Hobbies can wait.

I say sell the car if your not into it and maybe find one done close to what you want and enjoy it? Do what's right for you and your sanity. If anything take a break from it and make a new plan of approach? Get help?

Ahmad

glassman

05-05-2018, 10:30 AM

I hear you loud and clear. The term "choose your poison" huh?

Wat u thinking?

80's 90's or 00's

F body or ?????

Foreign or domestic?

We sure have alot of choices...first world problems hehehe

Personally, i chose a newer 911. Super reliable, very versatile. I've been camping in it, haul my mountain bikes, drive the piss out of it, I call it the scapel while my camaro is the hammer.
I can't pick which one i like better, the 911 does barely ever have the bonnet open though. While as the hot rod is always getting improved or trouble shot.

Anyways, good hunting.....

SSLance

05-05-2018, 12:13 PM

This is supposed to be fun right? :EmoteClueless:

I've had times when things weren't right with my car and it wasn't fun so I get it. Thankfully though, mainly because of a lot of help, I was able to work through the problems and made it fun again. You HAVE to keep them not only driveable but fun to drive or it gets tough fast.

The other day I took the "race" setup out of Barney, softened it all up, tied up the harnesses, put the floor mats back in and got it ready to just enjoy for a few months. First time I've done that in over a year even though I put about 1500 miles on it in the last 12 months. Now I just gotta get used to the fact that all I have to do is back it out of the driveway to drive it...

WILWAXU

05-05-2018, 12:14 PM

Exactly why I bought my 2017 Camaro SS 1LE. It's an absolute blast!

It has reinvigorate me to keep tinkering on the Nova.

JKnight

05-05-2018, 12:43 PM

I’d suggest taking a break from the car for a while. Hopefully it isn’t costing you anything to hang onto it for a bit. Focus your efforts on another aspect of your life and you may find the passion comes back. You may just be drained and you might find a little break is just what you need.

slimjim

05-05-2018, 04:44 PM

We see this thought pattern so often, and frankly I get it myself, a lot.
It's part of the sickness that comes with the obsession.

It comes in rounds with my friends, it seems there's always one of us down on his project and then the next month, he's picking the next guy up who's down on his.

Whatever you choose, don't regret it..

Flash68

05-05-2018, 04:54 PM

Yep, many know that struggle!

I'd also suggest taking a break on it if funds allow. Almost certain to be much harder/more expensive to buy it back in the future!

If you can pick up one of those used Bimmers or something and drive that awhile it should help you -- plus time -- ultimately decide what you want to do.

Good luck Trey.

dhutton

05-05-2018, 05:20 PM

Find a reliable shop to finish it and fix the vibration. You are going to take it in the shorts selling it in its current state so why not fix it and then decide whether to keep it or sell it.

Don

Vegas69

05-05-2018, 05:52 PM

We've all been there building these damn cars. As has been said, take a breather and let it soak in.

I got sick and tired of working on mine and that's part of the reason I sold it. These cars are really never done because they are high maintenance. Mine was worse than most. I like to work on stuff, but I crossed the line by a mile and I was toast when I sold it. That's why I always say these day, I'd build a real factory type car with modern GM stuff or a race car. In between leaves you with a bunch of bastard parts and maintenance.

WSSix

05-05-2018, 07:30 PM

Thanks everyone. All good points. I appreciate the responses.

For me, it's time not money. I'd rather be spending my time elsewhere really. I intend to hold on to the car for a bit even if or after I get something else. I enjoy working on the car when it's on my terms. It feels like a burden right now though.

I'm looking at E39 M5's, 02 or 03 preferably. I think that'll give me the driving enjoyment I want. I consider them quite affordable now, too. As Mike mentioned concerning his Camaro compared to the Porsche, it's a hammer. My TA is the same way. I chuckle when reading people talk about the M5 as a beast. I have no doubt it's a fun drive, I haven't driven one yet, but beast is not an apt description in my opinion. It's a modern car though. It'll do everything I want my TA to do better even if it's not as powerful. I imagine it'll be powerful enough and that's what matters. I guess I'm wanting to hit the easy button now is all.

Sorry to hear about your losses, Ahmad. I totally agree that cars/hobbies don't take priority over family and life.

Thanks everyone.

mfain

05-05-2018, 07:35 PM

What Todd said - just take a breather. I have been working on the same car for 43 years, and it's still not finished. I work on it hard for months at a time, then life gets in the way. So I just park it out of the way (storage building, far dark corner of the garage, wherever). I usually find a new toy or work on another project that is not so all-consuming, but when I get back to the old girl I am generally surprised how much I have accomplished and it is a pleasure to get back to work. It has evolved from a driver to modified street/track car to a full blown race car. It took a lot of years, but work finally slowed down some, kids are grown, and money is okay so I am back on the project full time with renewed energy to get-er-done.

Pappy

fleetus macmullitz

05-06-2018, 09:01 AM

Trey,

Let us know when ‘the dream’ reaches 20 years...Bruh.

:thankyou:

R0wTIKK5mA8

rustomatic

05-06-2018, 09:52 AM

Done in small amounts is a good way to go about the process. This way, the performance of the thing, in a mostly working state, can remind you why you like to do "jobs" now and then. It's like the BB King mode of music, what he called performing the "economy way:" play guitar, then sing. Don't do both at the same time. The rest of life (which includes riding mountain bikes and drinking beer) is the best antidote to the car obsession pissing you off.

My experience with the Falcon gets me a working car that I feel like ripping apart again after a few months of perfectly reasonable performance. This is what someone above called "the sickness." This is also why it's good to have an extra car that both clicks performance boxes and doesn't require full attention (or aggression) to drive. This has helped my limited sanity (in relation to the knucklebusting obsession).

You're on the right track with the BMW idea, but be watchful of the M5 concept. You might be happier with a more basic (reliable) engine package. Dynamically, the M5 is not necessary in terms of having a very nice handling, braking, and accelerating sports sedan. My 530i M-sport package hits the spot without excess technical weirdness (which is becoming yet another domain of my Falcon).

Che70velle

05-06-2018, 12:26 PM

Trey I’ve been there before with different hobbies, and it felt right to me to get out when I did, so I have no regrets. Only you know what’s best to do here.
I just finished a build for my brother that we started in 2000...18 years ago. He would throw a cover over it when he couldn’t do more, due to family obligations. As long as the cover was on it, it was out of site and he wouldn’t consider selling. If he stared at it uncovered in the shop, and he couldn’t do anything to it for a while, it would bring depression.
Throw a cover over it for a while, and do what feels right in other areas. It will be waiting for you when your ready. If getting rid of it now seems best, do it. If the bug comes back, find another one later.

Stuart Adams

05-06-2018, 07:40 PM

Common for all. Grab some balance, then answers will appear.

572Camaro

05-07-2018, 07:41 AM

WSSix,

Please don't sell your car.
Please don't sell your dream.
Please listen carefully.

I have been in your EXACT situation.
My Camaro build took 10.5 years.
I got really discouraged several times.

And then On top of that, I got cancer before my build was finished.
I had surgery, radiation therapy, and yes to chemo as well.
I honestly had a four month period where I couldn't even look at my car, much less make any progress.

Here's my point, hire a shop that you trust to finish your car.
I contacted Tony's Rod and Custom and then Tony actually drove across state lines and came to me where we actually finished my 68 Camaro together.
With a great trustworthy shop, you could make your TA dream come true.

Hang in there.
Get help like I got.
Trust me.
You shall be glad you did.

572Camaro.

TheJDMan

05-07-2018, 08:27 PM

Like everyone else, I have been there in your situation. My 68 Camaro sat in my mom's garage for nearly 30 years after I got tired of working on it. Nearly every car friend I ever knew from the 70's and 80's also got tired of their cars at some point and sold them for one reason or another.

True story!
Shortly after I started my build of "Dust Off", by chance I re-connected with one of my car buddies from my hometown high school on f***book. When he saw pics of "Dust Off" on-line he immediately started recalling car stories from the late 70's that he hadn't thought about in 40+ years. We communicated back and forth for about 4 years as I was building "Dust Off" and he told me stories about his 69 Vette and my 68 Camaro, some of which I had never heard before. But the one thing he talked about constantly was how many times over the years he regretted selling that car and how lucky I was that I had never sold mine. Recently, he stopped answering my messages and I was not sure why. Then one of his kids, now with a family of his own, came on-line and informed me that his dad had passed. I was stunned, he had never indicated he was even sick. His son told me that toward the end he had started telling his family stories of our cars and about some of the dumb car guy stuff we used to do when we were younger. Apparently, the family was confused why he had started reliving is car days until they read our emails. His son, who I have never met, thanked me for making his dad feel young again in spirit. Fact of the matter is, it was just a couple old car guys remembering good times.

The moral of the story is that once you sell your car it's gone and all you have are memories. Be sure you are OK with memories before you sell!

Flash68

05-08-2018, 01:15 PM

Great story Steve.

rickpaw

05-09-2018, 06:37 AM

Trey,

I'm sorry to hear that. Like other have said/posted, if you can hang on to it, do it. Especially if you don't have any debt on the car. Selling it means you'd be losing a lot $$, and you may regret it.

I've been in your situation. My car was running perfectly until I tore it apart last October for a 6spd swap. It's been on a pro-jack stand status since then. I've thought about giving up, since it's taking too long; plus me working out of town didn't help things.

I have thought about selling the Firebird, and get a 5th-gen Camaro SS/1LE, but nothing cooler than driving an older muscle car.

Good luck.

Try2paz

05-09-2018, 07:00 AM

I'm in the same boat. I've got three years into my Mustang build and now that it's 99% complete I'm ready to send it on its way. For me it's family time that I'm tired of taking away from to focus on the Mustang.

We all have different priorities and obligations in life. At the end of the day it's a car and it can be replaced down the road.

If you're looking for something you can hop in and drive it's hard to beat the new stuff, Porsche GT4, 1LE, GT350, Vette pick your poison.

The older M3's are definitely fun but could wind you back up in the same situation always changing / working on things as the car if 15 years old already.

OLDFLM

05-09-2018, 03:37 PM

Trey, I agree with everyone on here!

The BEST decision I've made about cars in a long time was to buy the 2015 Mustang GT with the Performance Pack! Independent rear suspension, magnaride shocks, electric assisted steering, 3.73 torsen diff with cooler, and it's a 6-speed daily driver that makes me smile every day! Especially when I catch that last stop light on my way into work! I wasn't at all upset that I had to replace the rear tires at 12,000 miles... dang Pirelli's must be defective or something! LOL :drive:

Get something fun you can enjoy and just jump in and drive but KEEP YOUR CAR so you can tinker when time allows... it takes some of the "emotion" out of it and you can prioritize what you want to do to the "project car" when time allows.

will69camaro

05-09-2018, 07:27 PM

I spent 9 years working on my camaro and it's not done yet, but it's drive-able so that has made it worth it.

Many times I got to a point where it was a burden and just tired of it, but i owed nothing on it, so i just put it to the side, took a breather (sometimes 6+ mo) and just got back to it when it was of interest again. The longer a project goes the easier it is to become discouraged. Put it to the side, re-align your priorities and what you feel you've been missing. Car wont be going anywhere. If you sell it, you'll likely end up regretting it!!!

jarhead

05-09-2018, 08:32 PM

Trey,
My .02
I've been working on two cars for several years, started both of them with my Daughter Kasey. We had hoped they would both be done long ago, she will soon be done with college, and is getting married in August.

I just turned 62 a few weeks ago and a think we started the 63 Fairlane when Kasey was 13. There are a lot of great memories invested in that car and I haven't touched it in 5 years. I am looking forward to starting it again and it may be 5 more.

These cars aren't meant to be a full time job, but a place to go, to relax, reflect on life, have fun with a loved one, a friend, go post a problem "or" success on a forum like Lat-G, and to get away from the stresses of everyday life.

I guess my point is most of us can go plunk down a down payment and get that second fun car, but we cant "buy-back" that car we sold we were frustrated with.

I've enjoyed your build posts, reply's to mine, and the forum banter. This sport is supposed to be a "get-away-from-the-BS that life throws at us" at least it is to me. Hopefully you keep your project and get something fun and "get back to the project" when you are ready.

signed from a guy that let a few too many go.
Joe

Gscherer78ta

05-10-2018, 06:31 AM

Trey, I love your car and the fabulous journey with it you have posted here. I realize how small me saying that is in comparison to the amount of work an endeavor like that is.

I don't have any words of advice for you, I wish I did. I can only say that this is a very pertinent thread/topic for me right now as well. I am so tired of working on cars right now! As several have said, when a hobby becomes a burden it's no longer fun, very apt saying.

My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer that had metastasized in her liver the beginning of January, just after my son and I had completely disassembled our Trans Am - it was a shell. We set into some winter changed to install the T56 in it and thought that wouldn't be difficult and are very guilty of the snowball effect. Well that was a happy thought but proved to not be so true. I'm a self taught mechanic and have a regular job to provide for my family and that doesn't leave a lot of discretionary fund left over. Since January and dealing with the cancer every friggin' car I have has broken down!!!!! My wife's daily, my daily, my son's daily twice! It seems every week there is something else broken in addition to keeping some kind of happiness in the family and my wife's spirits up- Those are my tales of woe, I tell them only to demonstrate that we all go through rough times and have to ask "what am I doing". I don't have my own answer but I know that my current pace and path are not what I want or going the direction I want to go.

I finally did get the TA put together and driving. I drove it for a week, went to an autocross and loved how it felt- for the 4 laps that we got from it before it overheated and puked a bunch of oil out and probably blew a head gasket. If I were on my own, or just me and my wife I would probably look to selling the TA. I've built the TA into part of our family though and my son and I get to spend a lot of time together in the garage working together, dreaming together, engaging with on another, he's 18 now and wants to spend time with me and that's why it's not up for sale. I still have to figure what to do with the other stuff because I need to spend more time with my wife and I need to more life than just the inside of a hood.

WSSix

05-12-2018, 04:01 AM

I appreciate the replies everyone. It means a lot to me. I'll keep y'all posted on what I do.

fleetus macmullitz

05-12-2018, 09:08 AM

I appreciate the replies everyone. It means a lot to me. I'll keep y'all posted on what I do.

Simple way to come out on top in this situation Trey...do not make a move without consulting this board first!

:trophy-1302:

WSSix

05-12-2018, 01:46 PM

lol, Thanks, Skip.

GregWeld

05-12-2018, 02:05 PM

Simple way to come out on top in this situation Trey...do not make a move without consulting this board first!

:trophy-1302:

FACT!! We are here for you! We would love to throw you in the pool and hold you underwater until you order more parts!! LOL

Or --- fly over here and I'll let you take the Porsche out in Launch Mode......

GregWeld

05-12-2018, 02:25 PM

I'm sitting here (lying actually) on the sofa and spending my days high as a kite treating my new cancer condition (minor hopefully). Reading various posts on here - because I come HERE (Lat G) to take comfort from my friends.... It's that word ------ Friends ------ that brought me back to your thread with a bit of my confused addled weeded out thoughts.

My first bout with cancer was May 2016...... and it was then that I discovered my good friend Bruce Leven was diagnosed with Lung Cancer (smoked about 5 packs a day - I swear). He is a car guy from head to toe.... and was most fortunate to have lived a great life. He would call when he was having a bad day..... it would be 10 PM and I'd have to get out of bed to take his call. We'd talk til midnight..... We were both terminal with cancer. We were both dealing with "estates".... and business dealings.... and we had hours of heart to heart like only two old dying guys could. Sadly Bruce finally succumbed....

My point?? You know what we talked about mostly?? Friends. All the friends we'd made via our "stupid hobby". How much the "hobby" had consumed our waking hours.... would we do it again or would we waste our time on something more noble? We both belonged to the Seattle Yacht Club..... so our "stupid hobbies" crossed over to boating as well..... and it came back to the same conclusion ---- it was all about the friends. Screw the boat.... or the car.... BUT WITHOUT THEM your life would be different in many ways..... some of which are quite subtle. So even if you dump the car....... We'll all still be your friend.

Matt@BOS

05-12-2018, 03:17 PM

What Greg said.

I hate cars, Seriously, anything that is going to be a fun, cool, driver's car is going to be frustrating to work on. After my stupid (shall not be named) LS7 broke for the second time in 3000 miles, I pushed it into the corner of the shop. A year later, I still don't have it back together, although I'm working on. I don't think I could ever sell it, even though I hate it most of the time. When its working there isn't anything that is that much more fun to drive.

my two cents, keep the car. Throw a cover on it. Forget about it for a while. Go get a C5, but don't sell your Trans Am, because your car friends will never stop making fun of if you do. :lol:

Spiffav8

05-12-2018, 04:46 PM

I'm just not sure my heart is in building the TA any more. I just want something that I can drive instead of being in the garage working on the car. That was why I was asking about great driving cars a little while ago. The vibration issue that I can't get figured out isn't helping. I also feel like I'm running out of time that I can spare to work on the car. Truth be told, if everything went the way I wish it would I would probably sell the car anyway to get something more civil. As much as I dream about having the TA the way I want, I think it might be best to leave it as a dream instead of making it reality and being disappointed. Any one been in this position before? Suggestions?

Thanks for listening.

Trey...

Take if that's not a passing thing, then move to something you can go out and drive and enjoy. That's the goal after all. Stick around here, shoot the sh!t with us and add to the convo. Like Greg stated, it's all about the people. You can always jump in with one of us and tag along for a ride if nothing else. I'll have an open seat if you're ever in Vegas.

:captain:

Tinker

05-12-2018, 05:34 PM

Trey,
We pontiac guys need to stick together!
Just to add my two cents also. I have owned my car for 29 years now. I have torn it apart twice and working on the third time now. I get overwhelmed some times, but my car had been with me thru two marriages and four moves. I can't get the car together fast enough before things get outdated. That is the one most frustrating thing. Just come to terms it isnt going to be the prettiest, fastest or coolest thing on wheels. If you can't do that you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Many years ago i had my car out and was nearly scolded by a complete stranger for not bringing my car out more often and letting everyone else enjoy it too . Boy did that put things into perspective. It also gave me much pride in my car.
Just reassess your goals and wishes.. REAL ones before you make a move. In my case, where else can I buy a super solid first gen for $2700 now?
Good luck with your decision . I hope it gives you peace however it turns out.

WSSix

05-12-2018, 07:32 PM

I appreciate it guys. Fact is, I agree 100%. It's the friends and enjoyment of the hobby that I like the most. That's why I'm not concerned I'll regret it if I chose to sell it and move on. It's just not that important to me any more. I think that may have been the biggest/hardest thing to accept. Feels weird to admit that given how much we put into our projects but it's the truth.

I'll still be around no matter what I decide because I like this place, I like the people, and I like seeing the car builds. I'm definitely going to have to pick up something else though so I can enjoy driving through the mountains. My lifted Tahoe is no corner carver.

Thanks!

Vegas69

05-12-2018, 07:50 PM

It's just a bucket of bolts. I can't say I've ever been attached to any car or thing for that matter. It's just a bunch of junk that doesn't mean much at the end of the day.

I agree with my friend Greg wholeheartedly, but it's not the only vehicle to relationships. There are much healthier and less parasitic ways to find friends and have a good time.

Flash68

05-13-2018, 02:59 PM

Go get a C5

9n46CtDmKOg

fleetus macmullitz

05-13-2018, 04:18 PM

9n46CtDmKOg

:lol:

#easilywinningdainterwebz

GregWeld

05-13-2018, 08:16 PM

WSSix

05-14-2018, 09:07 AM

lol, I've seriously considered buying an E39 M5 to drive and building an E39 with an LS at the same time. Or, maybe get a CLK320/430 from the same era as the E39 and do an LS swap on it. I love those cars but they're so damn lame with the auto only.

slimjim

05-14-2018, 10:28 AM

5 years ago we moved to a ski town -- my favorite ski town...... I grew up skiing since I was about 7.

3 years in to moving here I realize I'm really just "over" skiing.... saying that out loud in a ski town could get you killed. Saying it out loud was the hard part.

You've done your part - that hard part. The honesty of coming before your car buddies and falling on the sword.

Now.... Sell the POS and let us know what you're in to next!

I just looked up sun valley.... I'd certainly swap shoes(boots) with you come winter! snowboarding is one of the few things that gets put ahead of the car(and even the mrs) for a week or two each year. and I think it's necessary for the motivation to block the car out altogether for a period big or small.

WILWAXU

05-14-2018, 10:46 AM

Matt@BOS

05-14-2018, 11:22 AM

9n46CtDmKOg

I'm sorry. What I should have said was, "go buy a Fox Body with an LS in it."

WILWAXU

05-14-2018, 11:57 AM

I'm sorry. What I should have said was, "go buy a Fox Body with an LS in it."Hmm.. I just picked up a Fox coupe.. :D :underchair:

Flash68

05-14-2018, 12:00 PM

I'm sorry. What I should have said was, "go buy a Fox Body with an LS in it."

You're excused. And welcome back Matt. :)

Hmm.. I just picked up a Fox coupe.. :D :underchair:

Such bargains. :thumbsup:

preston

05-16-2018, 10:16 AM

Sadly I can relate all too well. I've owned my Mustang since 1995 and probably have a quarter million dollars into it by now if you include shipping fees ! I also have 20k hours into it, but those were supposed to be fun right ? I'm certainly proud of the skills I taught myself and maybe those will come in handy in the future.

But I've also burnt out hard. The car has never run or looked better, but living in a high traffic suburban environment it is still too rough, too hot, too impractical - the clutch bothers my deteriorating knee, bla bla bla. On a sunny day with low traffic, driving it around I feel like King Of the World, but after an hour even that starts getting old. And tracking it requires so much time and resources not to mention entropy and attrition of all my hard work (not to mention danger) that its not happening much anymore. I often feel pretty disappointed with myself because its never quite lived up to my expectations despite or probably because I was always reaching for the brass ring. I poured 100% of myself into this thing for 20 years and feel like I failed to reach my goals.

I'm very very discreet on the street but as I've gotten older I worry more and more about getting pinched by the cops, or something breaking and causing an accident and hurting/killing myself or someone else whether on the street or track (since it would never be a driving mistake LOL).

But the worst thing is after a life of loving hot cars, I find I have very little passion for them in general anymore. My heart no longer races when I see a Ferrari or Porsche or bitchin' Camaro. I just want to turn up the A/C and the 5000 watt stereo in my '92 Cadillac and be calm and anonymous. Whatever money comes from a sale will just buy me a newer truck.

It hurts, like breaking up with a long time lover as I caress my eyes over ever single inch of the car that I've worked and re-worked.

So its going to my body guy next week (been in the plans for months) and when it comes back I'm going to try and sell it. I suppose if I'm lucky it won't sell and I'll have it forever, but if so it will spend most of the time under the covers because it seems like everytime I take it out it ends up costing me money.

Sorry, not the encouragement you might be looking for but as people say, once it becomes a burden instead of fun its time to move on. As you can tell its a very emotional struggle for me as well.

USAZR1

05-16-2018, 03:29 PM

I can certainly relate to some of the responses, in this thread. Change is a given in our lives, you either move forward to go backward. Staying put is not an option. If you do the same thing long enough, burnout always seems to rear its ugly head. Since I've been building hotrod cars and bikes, for almost 50yrs, I've learned to deal with some of the issue, by having more than one passion/hobby. During the Winter months, I indulge my firearms passion by building custom weaponry and hitting the range, with my wife. During the warm months, either my Elco or my custom Harley get my attention. My wife and I are both Admins for a couple of Facebook groups and I'm also a Mod for the Team Chevelle site so both of us spend way too much time, online. :cool:
Being retired does have its advantages.

Bottom line, put your project on hold, for awhile, if need be. Selling it almost always causes remorse. Lord knows, I've sold a ton of vehicles I really wish I had,back.