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View Full Version : Ever think a car hates you?


camcojb
03-20-2026, 10:05 AM
Just got back from PA, spent a couple weeks helping my best friend with his 69 Nova SS. The car was featured here earlier, but like most things continues to evolve.

https://lateral-g.net/forums/showpost.php?p=734098&postcount=1

https://lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=83989&stc=1&d=1744673706

https://lateral-g.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=83990&stc=1&d=1744673714

Ended up with engine issues from a prior builder, so he got the short block repaired and assembled and I flew out to finish the engine and get the car back together.

From day one everything fought us. I have a LOT more patience when working on other peoples car than on my own :innocent: so I tried to keep things on track and in a positive direction. But I will admit it was not easy at times... :lol: It was a one step forward, two steps back deal.

We pull the new Wilwood brake master off for a CPP hydroboost install, the master is leaking and needs a rebuild. The Hydraulic t/o bearing was fine when removed, and immediately springs a leak AFTER we fully install the trans and exhaust. Complicating things even more, my buddy lives in a small town so nearly everything aftermarket means a day or two to get it. Of course this happens two days before I have to fly home. Rocker arms that were clearanced for a couple valve cover issues and cleared before taking the engine apart, and one needs a lot more clearancing on reassembly. Nothing changed, same everything and we we even swapped sides on the rockers to see if that would work, but the altered rocker wouldn't clear on either side now. There were several things like this throughout the project. Got the car back together with no time to tune and it now has another ignition or related issue, but I had to go. Hopefully we can figure it out over the phone, the car will be a blast to drive.

I know we all have issues, bolt on parts that don't fit without being modified, gremlins, etc. Been playing with cars for over 50 years, but this is the most challenging project I've had, complicated by a two week limit to complete it. What is yours?

WSSix
03-21-2026, 10:35 AM
that's a beastly looking Nova. Sorry to hear of the troubles.

I've purged my mind of all the individual hardships I've faced. I don't want to remember them, lol.

Biggest issue I have faced recently car related was the tree falling on my garage a year ago. My done BMW was totaled. The C10 took some minor hits. The result though is I recently sold my project C10 to build up another BMW. I had started gathering parts and had recently finished the custom exhaust. I simply didn't have time for two projects. Maybe one day I'll build another square body.

camcojb
03-21-2026, 10:52 AM
Biggest issue I have faced recently car related was the tree falling on my garage a year ago. My done BMW was totaled. The C10 took some minor hits.

That sucks. :shakehead:

BonzoHansen
03-22-2026, 07:42 AM
Ever think a car hates you?

Yes. More succinctly they are unappreciative.

camcojb
03-22-2026, 08:17 AM
Yes. More succinctly they are unappreciative.

:lol::thankyou::D:thumbsup:

WSSix
03-23-2026, 05:28 PM
That's pretty good, Scott.

I'd like to think we all go through these types of issues as we modify these old cars. It can make life very unpleasant at times.

fleet
03-24-2026, 08:20 AM
Yes. More succinctly they are unappreciative.

Dat true…


:P

Ketzer
03-27-2026, 07:58 AM
I also find when it's someone else's project my patience reserve is a lot higher...

camcojb
03-27-2026, 08:31 AM
I also find when it's someone else's project my patience reserve is a lot higher...

Absolutely, that's what I told my buddy when he asked how I stayed so calm. :lol:

Spiffav8
04-01-2026, 07:53 AM
I'm sure we've all gotten a bit of a laugh over this, only because most of us have been there. Heck, I'm going through that right now with a C6 Z06. :censored:

I think we have to look way back to the early days of Lat-G and recognize how far things have come. What used to be absolutely stupid puzzle of a build has become fairly straight forward. I suppose the old saying that if it was easy, everyone would do it.

Hopefully you still managed to have fun working on a car with a buddy. While I greatly enjoy cars, they're just a means to spend time with like minded, good people. And at the end of the day, that's what's most important. Sounds like a second trip for a victory drive might be in order.

camcojb
04-01-2026, 09:13 AM
Definitely enjoyed the trip, though the car made it "challenging". Great to hear from you Curtis, hope life is treating you well.