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 . 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.

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.

[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

[MWCC]

Originally Posted by 1969 SS

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

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

[Vegas69]

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

[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. 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]

Originally Posted by Vegas69

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

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